LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville's Elizabeth Lepley, a senior at Christian Academy of Louisville, received a welcome surprise Friday when they Kentucky Derby Museum announced that she won the Grand Prize for the 35th Horsing Around with Art competition.

Lepley's artwork, hand-drawn with colored pencils, depicts all 146 Derby-winning race horses in an arrangement with Churchill Downs in the center. Lepley said it took over 70 hours to complete the piece, not counting the countless hours of research into each horse's unique colors and markings.

"The intricacy of this piece is spectacular, truly breathtaking," said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs. "I love the connection with the history of this great race and how it centers around the Twin Spires."

In addition to the Derby's signature garland of roses around each horse, Triple Crown winners are also drawn with yellow and white flowers to mark their Preakness and Belmont wins.

The high school senior was attending virtual learning in Alaska with a parent who is a pilot — 4,000 miles from home when she heard the news via Zoom.

Heather Hill, the Museum's Horsing Around with Art coordinator, Lepley's art teacher and parent were on the Zoom meeting to make the announcement.

"This year (I thought) I better go big or go home. I'm just going to cry now, I'm so happy!" Lepley said.

As the Grand Prize winner, Lepley receives tickets to Churchill Downs' Spring Meet, high-quality art supplies, a plaque, certificate, and ribbon. Christian Academy of Louisville's art department will also receive $500.

All entries — more than 85 total from over 20 schools — will be on display for two months at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The exhibit runs now through Mar. 14. Lepley’s winning artwork will be on display for one year at the Museum.

Guests can view the exhibit in the Museum's Carl F. Pollard Gallery or at home virtually.

All winners for eight Distinctive Awards will receive various prizes, including a private tour of historic Hermitage Farm, a workshop led by Master Milliner Jenny Pfanenstiel and high quality art supplies. This year, Kentucky Derby Museum is giving out 49 awards, from Grand Prize to Honorable Mention. A total of $6,300 will be donated to winning schools' art departments.

Each winner will be recognized in a virtual ceremony with the Kentucky Derby Museum on Feb. 23.