LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby Museum has selected this year’s grand prize winning artist of the 28th annual Horsing Around With Art (HAWA) competition. Atherton junior, Nadine Seckman, was chosen from 258 entries.

Representatives from the Kentucky Derby Museum and Atherton surprised Seckman at school with a dozen roses and news that she was the 2024 Grand Prize winner. For her efforts and to celebrate her talent, Seckman’s picture will be professionally framed and hung in the Kentucky Derby Museum for a year. She is also receiving a Spring Race Day Experience from Churchill Downs and Atherton’s art department will receive $500 for art supplies.

“For 149 years, it’s been about the horse. And for Derby 150, this portrait of the horse in front of the Twin Spires captures the very spirit of the Kentucky Derby,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President, Mike Anderson. He added Seckman’s work embodied the emotion of Derby. 

Atherton junior, Nadine Seckman's winning entry in the Horsing Around with Art competition. Her picture, which was chosen because it captured the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, will be on display in the Kentucky Derby Museum for the next year. (Kentucky Derby Museum)

This year’s contest drew students in grades 1-12 from 37 different public, private and parochial schools. HAWA showcases the students’ view of the Kentucky Derby in various artistic styles and mediums. There were a record 258 entries for the annual student art contest. Every entry will be displayed on the second floor of the museum from Jan. 24 through May 8. The public can see all the works with a general admission ticket to the museum.

“Supporting the arts through the Horsing Around With Art competition is a tradition we look forward to every year at Kentucky Derby Museum,” said Pat Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO. “The creativity of all the students is exceptional, and we’re very proud to show off their incredible talent in such a historic year with Derby 150.”

The Kentucky Derby Museum will present 62 total awards, from the Grand Prize to Distinctive Awards, Divisional Awards and Honorable Mentions. The museum is also giving $6,700 to the winning schools’ art departments. All the winners and exhibiting students will be honored at a special ceremony at the Kentucky Derby Museum on Feb. 27.