January 25, 2017. Louisville, KY. – A sign of spring! The Kentucky Derby Festival’s 2017 poster rolled off the presses this morning at Impressions Incorporated in Louisville. This year’s poster is designed by Louisville resident and self-taught artist, Ron Jasin. The image Jasin created for the Kentucky Derby Festival is a colorful montage of Louisville landmarks and Derby Festival events.
“This year’s poster creatively showcases icons that are both significant to the Festival and our community,” said Mike Berry, KDF President & CEO. “We believe Festival fans will also like how the image is used in the various pieces of our merchandise line this year.”
The public will be able to see all the pieces of this year’s poster and merchandise line at “Festival Unveiled,” on March 2, at the Tim Faulkner Gallery. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. featuring cocktails and dinner, as well as sweets from Kern’s Kitchen Derby-Pie® and wine from Old 502 Winery. Four Roses Bourbon will also hold their 14th Annual Rose Julep Recipe Contest in conjunction with Festival Unveiled. Attendees have a chance to sample the recipes made with Four Roses Bourbon and vote for the “People’s Choice” Rose Julep.
Jasin, well-known in the music scene for his album art work and gig posters, will be on hand at “Festival Unveiled,” to sign posters. The poster will be available in both an Official version which will sell for $30 and a Signed and Numbered Limited Edition priced at $75.
Tickets for “Festival Unveiled” are $30 in advance or $40 at the door and can be purchased online at KDF.org or by calling (502) 584-FEST. Citizens Union Bank and Four Roses Bourbon are Presenting Sponsors of Festival Unveiled, with Contributing Sponsor Ladyfingers Catering and Media Sponsors LEO Weekly and 106.9 PLAY.
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.
The Derby Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. It entertains more than 1.5 million people annually. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.
