Arizona Woman Paints Acrylic Horse to Raise Epilepsy Awareness

By Adam Modzelesky
between Us Staff
Posted: July 18, 2005

The Epilepsy Foundation and its most dedicated advocates try to increase epilepsy awareness in many ways, such as congressional visits, cross-country bike rides and news articles.

Are these routines effective? Yes.

Are these routines appreciated? Most definitely!

But are these routines especially new and inventive? Not really.

Enter who spent her summer fighting against epilepsy unawareness by doing something not only unique, but extraordinarily artistic.

Rather than spending her summer in the typical fashion, lying around on the beach all day or traveling for long periods of time, Conway instead spent her time indoors at Arrowhead Town Center . No, she wasn't shopping. She was painting a life-size acrylic horse.

Conway knows from personal experience what it's like to have epilepsy, and knowing that the condition still has the unfortunate ability to scare people, she is determined to do whatever she can to help educate those around her.

"We must reach out to the community and educate people about epilepsy," Conway said. "A little bit of information will help dispel the fear and misunderstanding."

But what does an acrylic horse have to do with it?

Conway's effort is part of a program called Kaleidoscope Horses, a venture that channels funds into certain participating Arizona public school art departments. Other non-profit organizations that benefit include the Horses Help Therapeutic Riding Organization and other equine rescue organizations.

Conway's horse, which weighs about 125 pounds, cost approximately $4,000 and was sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona. The connection to epilepsy exists in the way she painted her horse. Because Vincent Van Gogh reportedly had epilepsy, Conway used two of his paintings as the basis for her design. One was "Starry Night" and the other was an iris painting.

Conway's horse will be on display at local Arizona libraries after August 29, and it will also be featured in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl Parade in December.

For more information about the Kaleidoscope Horse program, and to vote for Conway's horse as your favorite, visit www.theablestable.com/index.htm.