LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville native who describes her paintings as a "love letter to Kentucky" is tasked with creating the 2025 Derby Festival Poster. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Kentucky Derby Festival has named its 2025 poster artist 

  • Louisville native Kim Perry will design the 2025 poster, which will be released in January 

  • Her work will be spotlighted on the festival's 2025 Official Merchandise Line, featuring clothing, accessories, glassware and mugs

  • Kentucky Derby 151 is Saturday, May 3, 2025 

Kim Perry was selected as the festival's official poster artist for 2025. Her work will be spotlighted on the festival's 2025 Official Merchandise Line, featuring clothing, accessories, glassware, mugs and more. 

"Kim's genuine love for Kentucky inspired us, and we know she'll be a great ambassador of the Kentucky Derby Festival as the official poster artist," said Matt Gibson, Derby Festival president and CEO. "The Festival's Official Poster Series is a tradition that has commemorated the fun and excitement of the Derby season for more than four decades. We look forward to sharing the 2025 collector's piece with fans soon."

It wasn't until 2018 the lifelong Kentuckian picked up her first paintbrush, the Derby Festival said. A visit to a gallery in Ireland featuring a painting by Irish artist Roisin O'Farrell caught her eye, sparking her passion for painting. She then spent two years taking online courses with O'Farrell and honing her technique, the festival said, and is now an impressionistic realism painter working primarily with oils.

"My paintings are a love letter to Kentucky — friendly, confident and inviting," Perry said. "It is an incredible honor to be named the poster artist for the 2025 Derby Festival. This opportunity allows me to contribute to such a cherished event in a meaningful and lasting way. I love every aspect of the Derby Festival, and getting to leave my lasting touch on it is so special to me."

Perry's Kentucky-inspired pieces showcase signature aspects of the commonwealth such as bourbon and horse racing. She has done live paintings at Buffalo Trace Distillery and is a member of the Oil Painters of America and the Louisville Artisans Guild. Visit her website for more on her work. 

The Derby Festival said the poster will be unveiled in Jan. 2025. 

The 2025 Derby Festival kicks off Saturday, April 12, with Thunder Over Louisville. Kentucky Derby 151 is Saturday, May 3, 2025. 

Related Stories

-