The Hampton Classic turns 50 this year — but its poster, as always, is a brand-new baby.
This year’s collectible representation of the renowned East Coast equestrian competition, “Beneath the Painted Sky,” was created by artist Michael “Mickey” Paraskevas, who was commissioned to create the imagery for the event on four prior occasions: 1987, 1992, 1998 and 2008.
The image, a sunny, quiet moment depicting a solo rider, in full jumping costume, the grandeur of the area and tented areas in the backdrop, provides a glimpse of the core of Classic: a rider and a horse. It could be just before heading to compete, or the calm the comes afterward, but the serenity of the moment and its muted colors capture a particular, private moment in time.
“This year’s poster is one I’ve been thinking about for a long time. When I draw, I usually find myself in the back schooling rings or around the stable area — places where things slow down a bit and you can really take. the time to study a horse,” said Paraskevas in a statement. “The ope sky in Bridgehampton at the end of summer is breathtaking, and I wanted this painting to capture that. It’s as much about the quiet beauty of the horses as it is about the feeling of summer winding down.”
Paraskakevas, who lives in Southampton with his wife, Maria, has also illustrated 24 children’s books, and created the Nickelodeon series based on them, “Maggie and the Ferocious Beast.” His work has appeared in numerous national magazines as well as for other equestrian competitions. He’s also a loyal fan of the Bridgehampton-based jumping event, which he’s attend every years for over 40 years.
“My first Hampton Classic was in 1984, and I’ve been every one since,” he says. “Over the years I’ve had the great honor of being asked to create five posters for the event — something of which I’m incredibly proud.”
The 2025 Hampton Classic will be held from Sunday, August 24 to Sunday, August 31. For more information, click here.
