The East County Art Association will celebrate the lifetime achievements of Mary Jane Parkinson, a respected historian and author in the Arabian horse world, with a special Legacy Exhibition today, Dec. 12, at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum.
Parkinson, 99, has influenced generations of breeders, artists, and researchers. The exhibition features rare original artwork, historical prints, sculptures, and personal archives collected over her lifetime.
Linda Baltodano, president of the East County Art Association, explained why the exhibition is happening this week.
“It was both timely and profoundly important to honor Mary Jane Parkinson now, as she reaches her 100th year and faces significant health challenges. This moment called for something meaningful, something that reflects the depth of her life’s work and ensures that her legacy is preserved with dignity, accuracy, and cultural value. Creating this exhibition now was both a duty and a gift: a way to thank her, to protect her historical record, and to ensure that future generations understand the magnitude of her influence in preserving the story of the Arabian horse.”
All materials in the exhibition come directly from Parkinson’s personal collection, with support from her family.
“As Mary Jane enters a stage of legacy preservation, her family entrusted the East County Art Association with her extensive archive, which includes rare publications, international research materials, historical prints, sculptures, original artwork, and decades of documentation that have never been shown publicly. The museum did not purchase or borrow externally; every piece displayed comes from her own lifelong collection of research, writing, and historical preservation,” Baltodano said.
Parkinson’s greatest contribution, Baltodano said, was her lifelong commitment to recording, preserving, and giving voice to the authentic history of the Arabian horse.
“Through her editorial work, interviews, lineage research, and decades of publications, she became the connecting thread between historians and horsemen around the world. She did more than document bloodlines — she safeguarded stories, preserved original histories, and ensured accuracy at a time when much of that knowledge could have been lost. Her work brought structure, credibility, and cultural respect to the way Arabian horse history is recorded and understood internationally.”
The exhibition will include a live painting experience featuring six professional artists who will create original works inspired by Parkinson’s lifelong devotion to Arabian horses from the legendary Skowronek bloodline.
“The live painting takes place in the museum courtyard, offering visitors a chance to witness creativity in real time — an experience that connects Mary Jane’s written legacy with contemporary visual expression,” Baltodano said. “Each artist was selected for their dedication to equine art and historical storytelling, ensuring that their work reflects both accuracy and reverence for the horses Mary Jane spent her life documenting.”
Baltodano emphasized that the exhibition is intended to reveal the human story behind Parkinson’s work.
“For many attendees who may not yet be familiar with Mary Jane’s contributions, this exhibition is intended to do more than display rare materials. Our hope is that visitors leave understanding not just the breed’s beauty, but the historical responsibility she carried for nearly 100 years.”
This marks the first time her private archives — including rare books, personal writings, sculptures, prints, and historical records — have been shared publicly.
“As she reaches her 100th year and faces declining health, the community has a unique opportunity to honor her while she is still with us. It also reflects East County’s growing role as a cultural steward, capable of presenting exhibitions with national and international relevance. By hosting this legacy, our region demonstrates that history, scholarship, and fine art are not limited to major metropolitan museums — they can live vibrantly here, supported by a community that values preservation, storytelling, and cultural heritage.” Baltodano said.
Local foundations and cultural organizations are encouraged to support the exhibition by extending Parkinson’s legacy through educational programming, historical preservation, traveling exhibitions, and archival support. Baltodano said, “Sponsorships, collaborative grants, and cultural funding will also help maintain the care, cataloging, and protection of her rare archive as it transitions into formal preservation.”
The reception will include Parkinson’s family, lifelong friends, and colleagues who influenced and supported her work over the decades. Looking ahead, the East County Art Association plans to continue honoring Parkinson through additional curated presentations in San Diego and surrounding regions, focusing on supporting and educating the Arabian horse community. Future initiatives include rotating displays of her archive, collaborative events with equine organizations, and potential museum partnerships to expand public access to her rare materials.
“This first exhibition marks the beginning of a long-term honoring of her life’s work, ensuring that her influence continues to guide, educate, and inspire well beyond her 100th year,” Baltodano said.
