Official Kentucky Derby Festival poster rolls off the presses

Updated: Jan. 20, 2023 at 3:00 PM EST https://discover.kdf.org/officialposter/

How can you truly capture the energy, colors and excitement of the more than 70 events that make up the Kentucky Derby Festival and roll them all into one piece of art?

This is the challenge Louisville artist Liesl Long Chaintreuil took on when she created the 2023 official KDF poster which she named “Spirit of Kentucky.” The poster was unveiled Friday at an event held at Welch Printing, 350 Boxley Ave., a longtime print partner of the Kentucky Derby Festival.

The 2023 Kentucky Derby Festival poster is here — called “Spirit of Kentucky”.

The poster was designed by Louisville artist Liesl Long Chaintreuil with a colorful palette and layering of patterns. It’s the 43rd poster in the festival’s series, which launched in 1981, according to a press release.

This year’s poster shows a sky illustrated with layers of the Pegasus, the signature symbol of the festival. It also shows images synonymous with a celebration, including fireworks and hot air balloons.

“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.”

To pre-order a copy online, click here.