Evolution of a status symbol
A quick overview of the ‘weird horse art’ that took off, as we say goodbye — for now.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — The only house rule when someone buys a painting off the walls of the Phila Street hotspot Standard Fare: You can’t take it home until artist Daniel Fairley paints its replacement.
No one knew just how often this policy would be activated, and it’s time for me to stop writing about each sale. But before we say goodbye (for now), we ask, How did this happen?
When Standard Fare opened this past August 15, it was predicted that the buzz would be around “Duck, Duck, Goose,” a Where’s Waldo-esque hunt for the one goose amongst a sea of ducks.
Instead, while the ducks are popular, it was the deranged horse near the hostess stand — “a joke, a light jab at Thad, my father-in-law [owner Zac Denham’s dad], who arbitrarily picks racehorses that always seem to come in last place” — that flew off the wall.
It was a sign of things to come.
Thad’s Pick
Debut: Opening Night, Aug. 15
Display-to-sale time: two weeks
Who bought it: “a person from Brooklyn who was in town visiting friends”
Final thoughts: “It was a long shot — in concept and in real life. When it was the first piece to sell, it came as a complete surprise.”
Keep reading!
Artist’s unique take on horse art lands first major Saratoga sale
Thad’s Pick Again
Debut: Sept. 13
Display-to-sale time: 6 weeks
Who bought it: a downtown couple who took it home on foot
Final thoughts: “It is hubris manifested, which is probably why it took six weeks to sell. At this point, it wasn’t a question if the painting to replace it was going to be a horse or not.”
Keep reading!
Hostess stand’s ‘weird’ horse art fast becoming Downtown’s newest status symbol
Paint Me Like One of Thad’s Picks
Debut: Oct. 25
Display-to-sale time: 9 days
Who bought it: a Saratoga Springs local
Final thoughts: “It’s definitely one of my favorite pieces I’ve done so far, and I was slightly sad to see it sell so quickly.”
Keep reading!
Thad’s Pick on the Final Stretch
Debut: Nov. 16
Display-to-sale-time: 12 days
Who bought it: a local, as a Christmas present
Final thoughts: “I knew the piece fit in the series after my wife suggested the title. I just couldn’t pass up a good pun.”
For more of his work or to commission a piece, visit poemdexter.com. To stay on top of his Thad’s picks, follow him on Instagram at @poemdexter — or stop into Standard Fare at 21 Phila Street.
Saratoga Dispatch: now on Facebook. Support independent, local journalism (for FREE!) by giving us a “Like”! And be sure to share this story with all your friends who support Saratoga’s local art scene.
Saratoga in lights
Miss last night’s Victoria Street Walk, or care to relive it? This tearjerker video from the Chamber has all the feels — from the young ballerinas and Mr. Twisty, to deliriously happy dancing kids. Relax, and click on the embed above to soak in all of that yummy holiday cheer. Saratoga, festivity looks good on you.
IN PICTURES
Local business Jones & 50 Wine and Spirits in Wilton recently celebrated its grand reopening under new ownership during a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Congrats!
The Performance Sanctuary celebrated its grand opening at a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Located in Ballston Spa, the Performance Sanctuary was created to help individuals, couples, high-functioning professionals and organizations reclaim their sense of balance, power and purpose through integrative therapy, a cutting-edge performance spa, groups/classes and immersive workshops and retreats. So important — thank you!
For more info, please visit performancesanctuary.com.
Julie & Co. Realty recently celebrated its 10th anniversary during a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. More information is available at juliecorealty.com.
IN BRIEF
Irad returns to New York
Saratoga’s No. 1 jockey, Irad Ortiz, is back in New York to run tomorrow’s Grade II Cigar Mile Handicap at Aqueduct; he’ll be aboard the Gregory D. Sacco-trained Crazy Mason. The race is the fall meet’s signature — and tomorrow is the last time it will be run at the Big A. Starting next year, it should debut at the newly-renovated Belmont.
Party time!
TGIF, everybody!
We’re off to Bocage Champagne Bar to get ready for the Dispatch’s very first event with Good + Tasty, our sister Substack about wine and so much more. Thanks to everyone who bought a ticket — to sell out our first party is a dream come true.
And see you at La bohème after the event!!
ICYMI…
‘Stranger Things’ actor. And events calendar: activated.
SSHS’ Olivia Mancini kicks her way to football history — first girl to rep us at state?
Why I’m partnering with the Dispatch, by Seen in Saratoga
Inside scoop on a delicious Dispatch exclusive (involving Stewart’s ice cream and a DeCrescente)
My favorite is The Last Stretch. Hoping for some approved merch with the same image
You could rename many of the retail shops on Broadway to "Horses of All Sizes." What else does Impressions sell but horses of all sizes?