LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville artist Liesl Long Chaintreuil will create this year’s Kentucky Derby Festival poster. Chaintreuil relies on colorful hues in patterned layers of paint and paper in her work. 

What You Need To Know

  • Louisville artist Liesl Long Chaintreuil will be the Derby Festival’s official poster artist for 2023

  • Chaintreuil uses vibrant paints and layered paper in her work

  • She also creates children’s art for Colleen Karis Designs, available in T.J. Maxx and Home Goods’ stores

Chaintreuil has been honing her craft for over 20 years, and her art boasts vibrant portrayals of the world-renowned events and people that define Kentucky’s culture.

“Liesl’s vision and passion to use her art as a medium to connect and unite people mirrors the work we do at the Kentucky Derby Festival to bring the community together in celebration every spring,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “Her unique piece captures the spirit of the Festival, and we’re excited to share it with both our fans and hers.” 

Chaintreuil’s love for art began as a child and led her to duPont Manual High School’s nationally recognized Visual Arts Magnet. After graduation, she earned the “Fashion Designer of Tomorrow” national scholarship from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). From there, she studied at FIDM in Los Angeles, earning a degree in Textile Design and a minor in Fashion Illustration.

“Art for me is a way to tell a story that speaks to both me and to others about the beauty that exists in people, style, events and nature,” Chaintreuil said. “I love to capture people and their unique style at various Kentucky world-renowned events. The Kentucky Derby Festival scene gave me the opportunity to illustrate my love for the history of Kentucky, fashion, and the colorful vibrancy within a scene.” 

After graduation, Chaintreuil worked for a textile company in Los Angeles designing textile prints for fashion companies, including Lucky Brand, Brighton and David Meister. She also began creating children’s art for Colleen Karis Designs, available in T.J. Maxx and Home Goods’ stores throughout the U.S.

KDF will reveal her poster and other Festival merchandise at Festival Unveiled Presented by Four Roses Bourbon on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at the Mellwood Art Center. Tickets are on sale now and available for purchased online.

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