It has been announced that Susan Sommer-Luarca has been invited by the Meadowlands Racetrack to paint live at the Hambletonian, which will take place Saturday, August 3 at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
Sommer-Luarca has been named the 'Official Artist of the 2013 Hambletonian,' and her commemorative painting will be donated to and auctioned off in support of the Standardbred Retirement Foundation.
“It is thrilling that such an accomplished artist as Susan Sommer-Luarca will be the official artist of the 2013 Hambletonian,” said Jason Settlemoir, GM of the Meadowlands Racetrack.
“We are excited that artist Susan Sommer-Luarca will paint live at the 2013 Hambletonian – and capture the final Hambletonian at the racetrack as we have known it since it was opened in September 1976," said Jeff Gural, chairman of New Meadowlands, LLC. "We are equally looking forward to Susan capturing on her canvas the new Meadowlands Racetrack’s state-of-the-art racing and entertainment venue scheduled to have its grand opening on Saturday, November 23, 2013."
“I can’t wait to paint live at 2013 Hambletonian at the Meadowlands Racetrack," Sommer-Luarca stated from her studio in Springfield, MO. "I am confident that I will capture the magic and energy of such a classic race.
"I understand it's an historic racing day because it's the final day of racing of the Hambletonian at this 36-year-old racetrack. But I am excited and looking forward to painting at the new Meadowlands Racetrack that's opening in a few months - it's going to be the most amazing racetracks in the U.S. at which to paint live!"
The 88th Hambletonian will be telecast live on CBS Sports Network.
(With files from the Meadowlands)