Fulfill the Cynthiana artist behind the official art of the 150th Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BNN)-- The Kentucky Derby festivities have officially begun.

Churchill Downs revealed its official art for the 150th Kentucky Derby: "Run for the Roses".

Commissioned by Cynthiana artist Wylie Caudill, the piece features the signature derby prize in front of the newly remodelled paddock, under the iconic twin spires. Not to forget the 150 red roses, representing the Derby Winner's Circle, surrounded by white, gold, and cerulean roses to represent the fans of the Derby from around the globe.

• The official art for the 150th Kentucky Derby (Wylie Caudill)
• The official art for the 150th Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs)

" We were drawn to Wylie's rose design as it resonates with among our most precious Kentucky Derby customs, which is presenting the winning Thoroughbred with a garland of red roses", said Casey Ramage, Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships. "Wylie's art work captures Churchill Downs' historical Twin Spires and our future by showcasing our newly reimagined Paddock to enhance the fan experience. We are thrilled to be working with him."

Satisfy the artist behind the 2023 Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby bottle

Caudill got his start doing chalk art on the streets of his college campus. After falling for public art, Wylie expanded his street art to include murals that can be seen across Kentucky, a lot of that include his signature roses.

According to Mayor Linda Gorton, Caudill's work can be discovered all over Lexington. Here are a couple of you might acknowledge:

• Wylie Caudill painting Crank and Boom's essential distillery district mural (Wylie Caudill)
• Wylie Caudill's Greyline Station entryway mural (Wylie Caudill)
• " Big Lex" by Wylie Caudill. This mural can be taken pleasure in at the Summit at Fritz Farm (Wylie Caudill)
• Crank and Boom (Wylie Caudill)
• The Grove by Wylie Caudill downtown Lexington (Wylie Caudill)

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In addition to the "Official Art of the Kentucky Derby," Caudill will also be the official artist for
the Woodford Reserve Commemorative Derby Bottle. As the main artist for both programs, Caudill will also create initial murals around Churchill Downs and surprise areas next year leading up to the 150th Kentucky Derby.

" As a Kentucky local, it is an immense honor to be part of such a turning point year for the
Commonwealth's most significant occasion," Caudill said. "It's tough for me to fathom the scale of this chance and moment in history, however I am delighted I was chosen to be the main artist for the 150th Kentucky Derby."

Prints will be readily available for purchase, consisting of 150 scandal sheet prints, at the very first Road to the Kentucky Derby race at 11:30 a.m. EST on Saturday at The Churchill Downs Store and Kentucky Derby Museum. Prints will be available online starting Sept. 18. All other products will be readily available for purchase early in the spring.