If you thrill to the spectacular sporting pageant of fox hounds, horses, and breathtaking views, now's the time to make plans to join the celebration of "The Year of the Hound": Museum of Hounds and Hunting North America's 2018 Art Exhibition and Sale showcasing all 25 recognized Virginia Hunts.

The grand opening for Museum members takes place on Saturday, May 26, 4 p.m. at the Morven Park Mansion, Leesburg. On Sunday, May 27, during the annual Virginia Foxhound Show, the exhibition and sale will be open for everyone to enjoy (no admission charge). After that, MHHNA's art show welcomes visitors every Saturday and Sunday through June 26 from noon to 5 p.m.

"The Year of the Hound" features well-established artists, who are Signature members of the American Academy of Equine Art: Christine M. Cancelli, Kathleen S. Freidenberg (sculptor), Morgen Kilborn (sculptor), Booth Malone, Joanne Mehl, Sally Moren, Rev. Michael Tang, Linda Volrath, and Larry Dodd Wheeler.

The focus on Virginia hunts is the brainchild of sporting artist, Rev. Michael Tang. His watercolors and oil paintings hang in many private and permanent collections throughout the U.S. and have graced covers of the Chronicle of the Horse, to name just one publication.

"I wanted to do something special to help rejuvenate the mission of the AAEA," Tang said. "Although it's not an official Academy exhibition, it has been greatly helped by the support of Nina Bonnie, who wrote a letter encouraging all the Virginia masters to get involved. We're all very excited about this exhibition."

Booth Malone, president of AAEA's Board of Directors, said: "The idea was to take nine seasoned equestrian artists from all over the country, put them in Virginia for one year, and see what happens. Our goal was to include every recognized Virginia hunt and despite wind, rain, blizzards and a few canceled meets, I think we accomplished our goal.

"I wish to thank the officers and members of the Virginia Fox Hound Club, along with numerous masters and huntsmen, for their help and cooperation," continued Malone. "The artwork is spectacular, and I'm proud to be a part of it. I wager this show will be long remembered."

The Museum of Hounds and Hunting has a solid reputation for excellent exhibitions, and this latest entry is a winner. "The Year of the Hound" pays tribute in oil, watercolor, sketch, and sculpture to quintessential scenes, including hounds flowing like a multicolored wave over a coop, crossing streams, the field checked motionless against backdrops of gorgeous open country, hounds in repose in kennels, puppies, huntsman with hounds, to name a few.

Best of all, these timeless and universal scenes will appeal to anyone from any part of the sporting cosmos. Enthusiasts can check out several previews on the Facebook event page, "Grand Opening! The Year of the Hound: Art Exhibition and Sale."

The purpose of the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America, Inc. is to preserve the rich North American heritage of hunting with hounds, for today and for the future; acquire important artifacts before they are lost; provide a repository for precious objects; and, by developing educational exhibits through research projects, present hunting with hounds through the sport's historical, sociological, and cultural heritage. Everyone who values the sport of mounted hunting is encouraged to join in that effort. Memberships are available at a variety of levels, starting for as little as $50.00.

For more information, visit: www.MHHNA.org

For MHHNA memberships & tickets for the Members Reception: www.eventbrite.com/e/reception-featuring-the-year-of-the-hound-art-exhibition-and-sale-tickets-44776459596