January 15, 2021, Louisville, KY. – The work of a local artist will help celebrate the 2021 Kentucky Derby Festival. Andy Perez, known for his collage and mixed media artwork, has been selected as the Festival’s Official Poster Artist for the 2021 season.
“In a time when so much has changed, we wanted to continue this annual tradition,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “Past Festival posters can be found all around the community and we know this piece will be just as popular.”
Perez is a visual artist, illustrator and graphic designer. Originally from Kentuckiana, he received his BFA from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and now lives back in Louisville with his family. Andy’s artwork is mostly executed with collage and acrylic paint along with other mixed media. His work has been featured in publications, galleries and commercials across the US and internationally. Recently his portrait of Colonel Sanders was featured in a French KFC commercial.
“To be selected as the Derby Festival’s Official Poster Artist is a full circle moment for me,” said Perez. “I’ve admired the Festival’s poster series since I was in elementary school. It’s an honor and pleasure to create this year’s image.”
Perez’ unique collage style and desire to use recycled material led to a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the 2021 poster. Perez cut, painted and incorporated nine previous year posters to create the 2021 design.
The 2021 Official Poster and merchandise line will be released by the Derby Festival in the coming weeks. Citizens Union Bank is a sponsor of the 2021 Official Derby Festival Poster.
Over the years, the Derby Festival’s Official Poster Series has become a unique symbol of the community. Peter Max’s expressionistic “Bluegrass Pegasus” launched the series in 1981, and a stylistic and geographical mix of artists have been showcased over the years. Fans can still purchase most of the previous artwork through the Festival’s website at KDF.org.
More about Perez can be found online at andyperezart.com, as well as @andyperezart on Facebook and Instagram, as well as @andyperez on Twitter.
