otomac Artists in Touch's year-long charity fundraising event — Ponymania — has shifted into high gear.
Ponymania is modeled after urban public art programs such as Washington, D.C.'s "Pandamania." Businesses and individuals sponsor the ponies, covering the costs of materials, and the artists design and paint them to go on public display.
The ponies will be auctioned off at Potomac Day 2005 on Oct. 29, 2005, and the funds raised go to local charities including Cure for Autism Now, Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department, Community Ministries of Montgomery County, So Others Might Eat, and to Potomac Artists in Touch itself, which will use the funds to support arts grants and local projects.
Three ponies are currently on display and seven more will be rolled out in the next few weeks.
One special pony will be decorated with a collage of designs by local students. A gallery of the student artwork can be found online at www.potomacartistsintouch.com.