First Sign of Spring in Louisville

February 5, 2021, Louisville, KY. – A sign of spring and Kentucky Derby Festival this morning, as the Festival’s 2021 poster rolled off the presses at Derby City Litho in Downtown Louisville. This year’s poster called “Going Up” was designed by Louisville artist Andy Perez, who is known for his collage and mixed media artwork. His unique style led to an even more unique image. Though many of the Derby Festival’s annual slate of events have moved to a virtual or hybrid model this year, there are still several ways to celebrate this perennial favorite, including running in the mini or full Marathon through legendary Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.

“The Derby Festival poster project provided the opportunity to combine painting and collage, and recycled materials into the art,” said Andy Perez. “Sprinkled throughout the 2021 design are pieces from previous Derby Festival posters, to honor and celebrate traditions of the past in this year’s image.”

Perez is a visual artist, illustrator and graphic designer. Originally from Kentuckiana, he received his BFA from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and now lives back in Louisville with his family. His artwork is mostly executed with collage and acrylic paint along with other mixed media. Perez’s work has been featured in publications, galleries and commercials across the US and internationally. Recently his portrait of Colonel Sanders was featured in a French KFC commercial.

“The Festival’s Pegasus icon has always symbolized magic, energy and excitement. This year’s poster captures that spirit,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “We hope it will help brighten the walls of homes and offices around the community.”

Having fond memories of the Festival artwork over the years, Perez recalls desperately wanting and finally getting the 1991 KDF poster t-shirt as a third grader and proudly wearing it to the Pegasus Parade that year. “It is definitely a full circle moment to be selected as the artist this year,” said Perez.

Citizens Union Bank and Four Roses are sponsors of the 2021 Official Derby Festival Poster. The Derby Festival’s poster series launched in 1981 and has showcased a stylistic and geographical mix of artists over the years. Fans can still purchase most of the previous artwork through the Festival’s website at KDF.org.

The poster officially goes on sale March 5. However, beginning today through the end of the month, Festival Fans can pre-order the 2021 Limited Edition or Official Poster and receive FREE shipping on their poster order. The Limited Edition Signed and Numbered posters retails for $75 and the Official poster retails for $30. They can be pre-ordered online here: https://1213apparel.com/collections/kdf-posters/products/2021-kentucky-derby-festival-official-poster

More about Perez can be found online at andyperezart.com, as well as @andyperezart on Facebook and Instagram, as well as @andyperez on Twitter.