LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby Festival has unveiled the official 2024 festival poster design and launched its new merchandise line for this year’s Run for the Roses.
The poster is called “Liberated,” and was designed by Louisville artist and former baseball player Richard Sullivan.
“Growing up in Louisville, spring was my favorite time of year because of the magic of the Kentucky Derby Festival and the Kentucky Derby,” said Richard Sullivan. “There’s so much celebration, the city feels like it’s flying. I wanted to capture that spirit of flight in my artwork by merging the competitive spirit of the thoroughbred with the magic and beauty of the Pegasus.”
Sullivan’s watercolor take for the 2024 design captures the spirit of the Derby Festival with the mighty pegasus front and center, highlighted with flowering, bright colors. The pegasus is the signature symbol of the festival, chosen in 1965 to represent the “magic, energy and excitement,” of the yearly celebration, the KDF said in a news release.
“Richard’s use of color in this year’s Poster screams spring and his watercolor style adds whimsy to the Festival’s Pegasus mascot,” said Jennifer Morgan, Kentucky Derby Festival merchandising manager.
The poster is being printed by Louisville’s Welch Printing, a longtime partner of the KDF. 2024 marks the third year that Welch has printed the official poster image. This is the 44th festival poster which began in 1981.
The festival’s official merchandise line features over 100 products, including colorful t-shirts, caps and mugs. All items are being made by 12/13 Apparel by Synergism. Posters and merchandise are available for purchase at the Derby Festival’s website beginning Feb. 2. Items purchase online (excluding all pins) will get a 20% discount through Friday, Feb. 9. Merchandise will also be available at select Kroger stores and A taste of Kentucky beginning in March.
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