LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby Festival's official 2023 poster came hot off the presses Friday morning. Derby Festival organizers unveiled the poster, called “Spirit of Kentucky,” which was designed by Louisville artist Liesl Long Chaintreuil.
What You Need To Know
- Derby Festival organizers unveiled the official 2023 poster, titled “Spirit of Kentucky"
- It was designed by Louisville artist Liesl Long Chaintreuil
- This year’s poster captures the spirit of the Derby Festival through bright colors and iconic imagery, including a sky illustrated with layers of the Pegasus
- Chaintreuil specializes in creating Kentucky-themed art and has her own line of artwork released annually, and her designs are sold at T.J. Maxx and Home Goods' stores nationwide
The first prints were made at Louisville's Welch Printing. Chaintreuil, known for her colorful palatte and unique layering technique, is a Louisville native and duPont Manual High School grad who's honed her craft for over 20 years. Many of her designs can be found in T.J. Maxx and Home Goods’ stores throughout the country.
This year’s poster captures the spirit of the Derby Festival through bright colors and iconic imagery, including a sky illustrated with layers of the Pegasus, the signature symbol of the Festival. The poster also showcases images synonymous with the spring celebration and its favored traditions, including fireworks and hot air balloons.
“Each poster image is unique in how it represents the Derby Festival and that’s always part of the excitement as it’s created and then unveiled each year,” said Jennifer Morgan, Derby Festival Merchandising Manager. “Liesl really re-imagined the Pegasus for this year’s poster and incorporated it in an entirely new way."
It marks the 43rd poster in the Festival’s iconic poster series, which was launched in 1981.
Chaintreuil specializes in creating Kentucky-themed art and has her own line of artwork released annually, which is available at several local art galleries and boutiques, and on her website, ArtByLiesl.com.
“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.”
Welch Printing is a longtime print partner of the Kentucky Derby Festival. While the Louisville based company has worked with the Festival on other print projects, 2023 marks the second year that Welch has printed the official poster image.