Lipizzan Horses
This vibrant piece of artwork, featuring two dynamic equines known as Royal Lipizzan Horses, brings to life a significant chapter in Sarasota County's cultural history. The brightly colored depiction showcases the horses in mid-leap, capturing their grace and agility. Painted against a background of bold blue, purple, green, and yellow hues, the artwork suggests a sense of energy and movement. The Royal Lipizzan Horses hold a special place in Sarasota's heart, as they are closely linked to the region's storied connection with the internationally renowned Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions, which began performing in the area in the mid-20th century.
Sarasota County has long been a winter home for these magnificent equines, rooted in the tradition of classical dressage, brought to the region by the Herrmann family. The painting not only celebrates the aesthetic beauty of the horses but also pays homage to their historical significance and contribution to the area's cultural fabric. The Royal Lipizzan Horses performances became a symbol of Sarasota's rich artistic heritage, attracting visitors worldwide and fostering a deep appreciation for this unique aspect of equine artistry. Through its dynamic composition and vibrant colors, the artwork serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Royal Lipizzan Horses in Sarasota County's history.
Artist
Anita Wexler
Anita Wexler is a dynamic mixed-media artist whose work bridges personal history, cultural identity, and spiritual exploration. Born and raised in a small rural town in Illinois, she grew up with limited access to traditional art materials, often turning to drawing and doodling as a form of emotional and creative expression. Her Native American heritage—particularly her Cherokee roots—deeply influences her artistic themes and symbolic choices. After graduating high school, Wexler served in the United States Navy, an experience that broadened her perspective and later informed her global artistic vision. She eventually settled in New York City, where she pursued formal art education, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design and an Art Education certification from Bank Street College. She later obtained a Master of Education from National Louis University.
Wexler’s work is defined by her bold use of color, symbolic layering, and eclectic fusion of materials and styles. Often described as Primitive Pop Art, her art spans painting, illustration, assemblage, and sculpture. Her creative process is intensely personal and often spiritual, with recurring themes of transformation, identity, and inner discovery. World travel plays a key role in her inspiration, with artistic influences drawn from her journeys through India, Southeast Asia, Mexico, and Europe. Among her notable series is the “Totem Series,” a body of work that reinterprets traditional Native American totems through a modern, mixed-media lens.
Beyond her studio practice, Wexler is also an accomplished art educator, having taught high school art in Sarasota, Florida. She believes strongly in the power of art as a tool for personal growth and cultural dialogue. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is included in private collections, including those of notable figures like actress Jane Seymour and artist William Wegman. She has also made appearances on HGTV programs such as Isn’t That Clever and Crafters Coast to Coast. Through her art and teaching, Anita Wexler continues to explore the intersection of memory, culture, and creativity, inviting viewers into a richly layered and emotionally resonant world.
www.anitawexler.com & Instagram: @artbyanitawexler
Sponsored By
Child Protection Center
Child Protection Center
The Child Protection Center’s (CPC) mission is the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse, as the organization envisions a community where children are safe from abuse and free to thrive. For over 45 years, CPC has been serving Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in the State of Florida and is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. For more information on CPC or to inquire about ways to get involved, please visit them at www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277.