FERRARI GALLERY

Darkhorse

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Ferrari Gallery in the heart of the Dallas Design District as we proudly present the Darkhorse Legacy Gala. This exclusive event will take place on January 11, 2025. The highlight of the evening will be a silent auction of the final eight paintings from the renowned Darkhorse Collection by celebrated artist, Debra Ferrari.

These powerful and poignant original artworks were inspired by the brave Marines of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, a unit that faced immeasurable challenges, loss, and sacrifices in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2011. The collection began with “The 3rd 5th Battalion #1,” an oil painting that Debra Ferrari created after being deeply moved by a story featured on NPR by Tom Bowman titled, “An Afghan Hell on Earth for the Darkhorse Marines.” The nickname “Darkhorse” originated from the radio call sign of Colonel Robert Taplett during the Korean War and continues to be a tribute to the Marines of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.

Ferrari’s journey continued as she connected with the families of veterans including Gold Star Marine Parents Gretchen and Kirk Catherwood, whose 19-year-old son, LCpl Alec Catherwood, was among the fallen. Inspired by these encounters and her close friendship with Maura Chippendale, a Blue Star mother, Ferrari committed to creating 25 original Darkhorse paintings in memory of the fallen and wounded Marines.

A portion of the proceeds from each painting, along with the rights to the artworks, is donated to the Darkhorse Lodge, founded by the Catherwoods. Nestled in the heart of the Tennessee Countryside, Darkhorse Lodge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring our nation’s heroes by providing a peaceful atmosphere for combat veterans to enjoy rest, relaxation, recreation, and camaraderie. With five guest cabins, Darkhorse Lodge offers 25 rooms (each named in honor of the Marines of the 3/5) where veterans of all branches can book their retreat or coordinate reunions. Darkhorse Lodge officially opened its doors in September of 2023.

Debra Ferrari began the Darkhorse series in 2013 to honor combat veterans. This event provides a unique opportunity for the public to come together to meet veterans, Gold Star parents, Blue Star parents and support the Darkhorse Lodge. In addition to the original paintings, prints will also be available for purchase. A portion of painting sales, as well as proceeds from table sponsorships and ticket sales, will be donated to the Darkhorse Lodge.

We invite you to join us for this extraordinary event, celebrate the bravery of our Marines and contribute to a worthy cause that supports all combat veterans. It is also your final opportunity to acquire an original Darkhorse painting by Debra Ferrari.

You are invited to the opening VIP Collectors & Friends reception at Ferrari Gallery with California artist, Jeff Overlie on Thursday, October 24th from 6-9 pm! Your night will feature a VIP Check-in, Sips & Bites, a tour of the gallery, a sit-down artist talk with Jeff Overlie and MC Charlie White, enjoy an opportunity to meet fellow art collectors and acquire a new piece of art for your home.

Jeff Overlie, born in Fort Collins, Colorado in 1968 has established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary art, drawing inspiration from the realms of science, geometry, and mathematics. Influenced profoundly by his grandfather, a scientist, Overlie’s artistic evolution began against the backdrop of his early studies in marine biology, later transitioning into a dedicated exploration of visual arts. Overlie’s creative process is deeply rooted in his predominant work in sculpture, where spatial form, meticulous precision and technical proficiency are paramount.

Overlie’s work represents a convergence of scientific inquiry and artistic expression. His ability to fuse mathematical rigor with artistic intuition results in compositions that resonate with both intellectual depth and visual allure, utilizing scale and proportion in nuanced dialogue with his prismatic blocks of color. Each piece serves as a testament to his ongoing dialogue between art and science, capturing the essence of geometric purity while inviting interpretations that are both contemplative and visually stimulating. Jeff Overlie’s artworks have garnered acclaim for their unique blend of technical sophistication and aesthetic elegance, making significant contributions to the discourse on contemporary abstraction and the intersections between art and science.