LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Pleasure Ridge Park student received the surprise of the year Monday when the Kentucky Derby Museum announced she won the 39th annual Horsing Around with Art competition.
Sophomore Kayci Shacklette’s winning piece, “The Final Furlong,” will be displayed at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Shacklette was presented with a dozen roses and will also receive a Spring Race Day Experience prize package and PRP’s art department will receive $500 to buy art supplies.
“Horsing Around With Art is our way of supporting and funding the arts in local schools while encouraging students to explore their creativity through the lens of the Kentucky Derby. We are honored to celebrate the incredible talent of these young artists and provide a platform to showcase their work for our community,” said President and CEO of the museum, Patrick Armstrong.
Each year, a student whose artwork best embodies the essence of the Kentucky Derby is presented with the Grand Prize.
Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, heaped praise on Shacklette’s piece. He said, “‘The Final Furlong’ truly captures the spirit of the Kentucky Derby as thousands of fans cheer during the final stretch of the most exciting two minutes in sports.”
There were 255 submissions for this year’s competition from students in first through 12 grade. All the entries are on display on the museum’s second floor through April 18. Visitors can see all of them with general admission to the museum.
The Kentucky Derby Museum will award $6,000 in prizes to art departments of winning schools. All winners and students will be honored during a special ceremony at the Kentucky Derby Museum on March 4.
The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby takes place on May 3. Learn more about the Derby, Oaks and Derby Festival at Spectrum’s special section.
Deborah Harbsmeier - Executive Producer, Digital
Deborah Harbsmeier is the executive producer of digital content for Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. The award-winning producer has been in television news for more than 30 years.