FANS CAN PRE-ORDER ONLINE NOW PRIOR TO PUBLIC RELEASE IN MARCH
January 20, 2023, Louisville, KY. – Hot off the presses! A sign that spring and the Kentucky Derby Festival are on the horizon was front and center this morning as the Festival’s 2023 poster rolled off the presses at Louisville’s Welch Printing. This year’s poster, called “Spirit of Kentucky,” was designed by Louisville artist Liesl Long Chaintreuil, who is known for her colorful palette and unique technique of using layers of patterns and papers in her work. It’s the 43rd poster in the Festival’s iconic poster series, which was launched in 1981.
This year’s poster captures the spirit of the Derby Festival through bright colors and iconic imagery, including a sky illustrated with layers of the Pegasus, the signature symbol of the Festival. The poster also showcases images synonymous with the spring celebration and its favored traditions, including fireworks and hot air balloons. In a nod to the community and Festival fans, the piece also features people enjoying Festival activities and wearing an array of fashions.
“Each poster image is unique in how it represents the Derby Festival and that’s always part of the excitement as it’s created and then unveiled each year,” said Jennifer Morgan, Derby Festival Merchandising Manager. “Liesl really re-imagined the Pegasus for this year’s poster and incorporated it in an entirely new way. Instead of it being the focal point and a literal depiction, it’s part of the texture in the background, while still being a key element of the piece. We know it will be soon hanging on walls of both fans and collectors.”
Chaintreuil is a Louisville native who attended duPont Manual High School’s Visual Arts Magnet and has been honing her craft for more than 20 years. She’s also a nationally recognized artist who has created children’s art for Colleen Karis Designs, available in T.J. Maxx and Home Goods’ stores throughout the country. Chaintreuil specializes in creating Kentucky-themed art and has her own line of artwork released annually, which is available at several local art galleries and boutiques, and on her website, ArtByLiesl.com.
“This is the first time that I have incorporated a Pegasus into my art,” Chaintreuil said. “I enjoyed the challenge of bringing the many colors of people, places and events together in my own style. To me, it represents the colors and energy of the amazing Kentucky Derby Festival.”
Welch Printing is a longtime print partner of the Kentucky Derby Festival. While the Louisville based company has worked with the Festival on other print projects, 2023 marks the second year that Welch has printed the official poster image.
PRE-ORDER DETAILS: Festival Fans can pre-order the 2023 Limited Edition or Official Poster beginning today and receive FREE shipping on their order. The Limited Edition of 500 signed and numbered posters retails for $60 and the Official poster is $30. NEW THIS YEAR: An 8×10 version of the poster ($20) and a post card size ($5) are also available. All four options, created by the Derby Festival’s Official Merchandise Partner, 12/13 Apparel by Synergism, can be pre-ordered and will be shipped after the public release on March 16. Pre-order online at KDF.org.
The public can see the 2023 poster and full merchandise line at Festival Unveiled Presented by Four Roses Bourbon on Thursday, March 16 at the Mellwood Art Center. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at KDF.org. Contributing Sponsors of Festival Unveiled are Kentucky Beef Council, Ladyfingers Catering, joining Media Partner LEO Weekly.
