A local sculptor will help pay homage to 43 horses tragically killed in a barn fire.

Welding artist Jake Goertzen of Horndean will be lending a number of sculptures to the 43 Horses, Enduring Spirits exhibit, remembering the animals lost after a fire destroyed the Classy Lane Stables in Ontario last January.

While not a horse owner himself, Goertzen says the tragedy resonates with his love of animals.

"They're a beautiful elegant animal," he says, noting horses have played an important role in everything from agriculture, to sports and warfare.

He says the exhibit has inspired him to embark on an ambitious new vignette project, portraying humanity's relationship with horses throughout history.

Curator Leanne Baldwin notes the exhibit will include paintings, photography, mixed media and sculptures.

"A lot of people love horses, I just thought it would be a nice way to recognize and pay tribute to the horse," Baldwin says.

She notes the show will feature 43 pieces, one to match each animal lost.

Other Manitoba artists include Brian Davis, Ainslie Davis, and Julia Penny of Sandy Hook. Lynda Toews of La Broquerie, Bonnie Hamlin of Warren, Fraya Lamber of Tourond, Kyla Lamber of Ste. Agathe, Olivia Leader and Linus Woods of Portage La Prairie, and Mary Lowe of Kenton and Connie Wawruck-Hemmet of Narol.

The event will be also be accepting donations to Southwinds Horse Rescue, a charitable organization located in Oakville, MB.

The free show takes place at the Cre8ery Gallery and Studio at 125 Adelaide Street in Winnipeg, and runs February 9-21.