The energetic 17-year-old Sussex County artist Shya Beth is broadening the exposure of her creations. Her work has often been seen at jumper competitions, such as April’s Global Champions Tour stop in Miami Beach. But she reached out to the eventing community by displaying the latest iteration of her Blue Jean Jumper creation at the Essex Horse Trials in Far Hills.
Shya Beth and her newest Blue Jean Jumper at the Mars Essex Horse Trials. (Photo©2018 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
Shya has been invited to exhibit at the September FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, N.C. She’ll be showing her five life-size sculptures representing show jumping, dressage, driving and eventing. The interesting twist is that they get signed by athletes and others prominent in the sports they represent.
She’s looking for sponsors to help her Blue Jean Horse Project get to WEG and other shows. Shya also needs blue jeans for her project, and has donation drop-offs at Coach Stop Saddlery, Bedminster; the Centenary University Equestrian Center, Long Valley; Horsemen’s Outlet, Lebanon and Tractor Supply in Sussex, Blairstown and Flanders.
In addition, Shya requires all kinds of tack and a cart of the type used for driving, none of which has to be in usable condition.
Her inclination toward horses and art was inspired by her mother, Mary Beth, a stained glass artist and horsewoman who home-schools her.
It was three years ago that Shya came up with the idea of making life-size horse sculptures, assembled on wooden frames, covered in denim from those donated used blue jeans.
“I think using denim to create these sculptures is not only a unique medium, but also a way that everyone–equestrians or not– can feel connected to this project,” she said.
“Nearly everyone wears jeans, whether they are a pair of NYC designer jeans or a farmer’s old Levi’s. Everyone can feel a connection to this project, which will ultimately help more horses.”
Eventually, the sculptures will be auctioned off after an exhibition. The money will go to equine charities—mustangs are a particular interest of Shya’s, as well as the working donkeys in Third World countries
Citing the abuse of horses around the world, she said, “I want to do as much as I can to help our equines.”
For more information, contact Shya Beth at thebluejeanhorseproject@gmail.com.