FANS CAN PRE-ORDER ONLINE THROUGH FEBRUARY 5
January 29, 2020. Louisville, KY. – A sign of spring this morning as the Kentucky Derby Festival’s 2020 poster rolled off the presses at Derby City Litho. This year’s poster was designed by Louisville artist Casey McKinney. His artwork, “Pegasus in Bloom,” features a Pegasus racing through a field of colorful flowers and shapes, with fireworks and hot air balloons floating in the sky.
“The inspiration for Pegasus in Bloom comes from the energy and the vibrancy of our city during the Derby Festival,” said McKinney. “There is a buzz throughout the city and level of excitement that can’t be found any other time of the year. That’s what makes our city special, unlike any other place in the world.”
McKinney is a Louisville artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Kentucky. He is known for his urban style murals found throughout Kentucky. Some of his notable pieces include his Henry Clay mural in Lexington, along with murals he painted for Forecastle Festival. When he isn’t painting murals, McKinney can be found painting skateboard decks. He was formerly a studio resident at the Mellwood Art and Entertainment Center, and now works from his home studio.
“Casey’s painting style has a contemporary feel and broad appeal, which we love and think Festival fans will too,” said Jennifer Morgan, Kentucky Derby Festival Merchandising Manager. “His unique use of bold colors and shapes also captures the spirit of the Derby Festival every spring.”
“I’m proud to call it [Louisville] home and humbled to be named the poster artist for 2020,” said McKinney. Fans can follow McKinney @DerbyPaints on Facebook and Instagram. For more information and to see some of McKinney’s other works check out DerbyPaints.com.
The poster officially goes on sale March 5. However, for one week only, from January 29 – February 5, Festival Fans can pre-order the 2020 Limited Edition or Official Poster at a 25% discount and $5 shipping. The Limited Edition Signed and Numbered posters normally retail for $75 and the Official poster normally retails for $30. They can be pre-ordered online here: 1213apparel.com/.
The public will be able to see all the pieces of this year’s poster and merchandise line at “Festival Unveiled” Presented by Citizens Union Bank and Four Roses Bourbon on March 5, at the Mellwood Art and Entertainment Center. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online beginning January 31st at KDF.org.
Over the years, the Derby Festival’s Official Poster Series has become a unique symbol of the community. Past designs decorate offices and homes throughout the city. 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. The signed collector editions continue to significantly increase in value, and the quality of the Poster Series has been recognized worldwide.
