of the
HAMPTON
CLASSIC
By: Frankie Wynnewood
50
YEARS
ere are few events that capture the spirit of the Hamptons quite
like the Hampton Classic Horse Show. A pinnacle of East End
summer tradition, the Classic isn't just a horse show—it's a scene,
a spectacle, and a celebration of elegance, athleticism, and timeless
tradition. is August, the prestigious event commemorates its
50th anniversary with grandeur, nostalgia, and a captivating new
commemorative poster by beloved Southampton artist, Michael
"Mickey" Paraskevas.
Titled "Beneath the Painted Sky," Paraskevas's artwork sets the tone
for a season of reflection and revelry. Known for his whimsical
storytelling and warm brushstrokes, Paraskevas returns to the Classic
as its official poster artist for the fih time—joining an elite roster
of creatives whose work has become as iconic as the show itself.
"ere's just something special about the Classic that keeps drawing
me back," says Paraskevas. "It's as much about the quiet beauty of the
horses as it is about the feeling of summer winding down."
A longtime fixture in the local art scene and co-creator of Maggie and
the Ferocious Beast, Paraskevas has been a devoted observer of the
Classic since 1984. His studio is filled with sketchbooks chronicling
decades of moments—intimate studies from the back schooling rings,
glimpses of equine grace, and the golden light that falls across the
Bridgehampton fields in late August. e 2025 poster, now available
for pre-sale, channels all that history into a single, evocative frame.
A
Legacy
of
Elegance:
VUE ON | THE HAMPTON CLASSIC
72 V U E LO N G I S L A N D.C O M
