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Painted boats to benefit SMILES

DARIEN TOWNSHIP — In the last two summers, artists have horsed and pranced around Walworth County.

This summer they’ll set sail and raise money for therapeutic horseback riding.

SMILES, a therapeutic riding center for children and adults with disabilities, will host Anchors Away, a public art event that features small, creatively decorated boats on display and for sale around the county.

The event is similar to the 2008 Horsin’ Around and 2009 Prancing Carousels events.

Planners estimate that tens of thousands of people will visit the county to see the project, according to a news release from SMILES.

Artists interested in participating must complete proposals, which are due Friday, February 25. Those who are chosen will work with one of two styles of fiberglass boat sculptures. The first is a 3-foot 1957 Chris Craft Capri, and the second is a 3-foot-long, 4-foot-tall sailboat.

Local and national artists will paint 100 boats. Artists will have about three months to work with the sculptures. Businesses or individuals can sponsor the boats.

A “boat launch” event will take place June 5 at The Abbey Resort in Fontana. From there, the boats will be displayed around the county until the end of September, when they will be auctioned in a special event at the resort.

All proceeds benefit SMILES, located southeast of the village of Darien. SMILES is a 35-acre therapeutic riding center serving more than 400 children and adults who live mostly in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.