Churchill unveils Kentucky Derby, Oaks artwork

Kentucky Derby 136 (Courtesy of Churchill Downs)

A bold and colorful painting by internationally acclaimed French

artist Linda Le Kinff was unveiled Friday at Churchill Downs as

the official artwork of the 2010 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks

(G1). The

focal point of the vibrant work, which showcases exquisite line quality,

is the world famous Kentucky Derby winner's circle.

Officials from Churchill Downs and JettStream Productions, which is

in its ninth year as the official licensee of the "Art of the Kentucky

Derby" series, joined Le Kinff at the historic racetrack to formally

unveil the work that will appear on posters, prints, tickets, racing

programs and officially licensed product for the 2010 Kentucky Derby and

Kentucky Oaks.

The 136th runnings of the Oaks and Derby are

scheduled for April 30 and May 1, respectively.

The commission of Le Kinff as "The 2010 Official Artist of the

Kentucky Derby" marks a significant apex in the collection of

prestigious artists who have lent their interpretations of America's

greatest race.

In Le Kinff's Kentucky Derby image, a sense of energy and graceful

line merge to commemorate the 2010 Kentucky Derby winner's circle. Her

fashion acumen bursts onto the canvas with ladies hats festooned with

jewel-toned feathers, rich fabrics and bright spring flowers. A

well-heeled gentleman sports a silk tie adorned with a festive Fleur de

Lis. The winning Thoroughbred stands posed to enter the winner's circle

as admiring fans wait to celebrate the crowning moment.

In conjunction with the unveiling, it was announced that the new "Art

of the Kentucky Derby" merchandise, including posters and prints, is

available for purchase on-track in The Churchill Downs Store and online

at TheDerbyStore.com. Those items will also be available for purchase at

select retailers throughout the region during the holiday shopping

season.

Kentucky Oaks 136 (Courtesy of Churchill Downs)

Le Kinff was born in Paris from French and Brazilian parents.

Her painting career began at age 20 and her artistic pursuits led to a

12-year stay in Italy to learn the ancient techniques of tempera, egg

painting and the gold leaf method taught by masters in Florence and Liverno. Both the Kentucky Derby and Oaks paintings are embellished with

these golden accents.

Le Kinff works without a model and her inspiration comes from

extensive travels, her dreams and imagination. Her subjects are diverse

and include musical scenes and couples elegantly dressed often for a

night on the town.

In 1998, Le Kniff was selected as "The Official Artist of the World

Cup" in which she created a painting for the international soccer

championship that was minted into a commemorative coin by the French

government -- an honor never before offered to a living French artist.

Le Kinff's exhibitions are vast and truly international. Over the

past two years, her works were exhibited in London, Hong Kong, Dubai,

Berlin and the Salon of The Louvre Carrousel as well as numerous shows

throughout France. Her serigraphs are represented in the United States

and Canada by Park West Gallery. In 2010, the city of Paris will acquire

a Le Kinff sculpture and her work will be exhibited at the 2010 World's

Fair in Shanghai, China.

Le Kinff's selection as "The 2010 Official Artist of the Kentucky

Derby" furthers a local French connection. The city of Louisville -- the

home of Churchill Downs since 1875 -- has a rich foundation of

French-related history, starting foremost with its name which comes from

King Louis XVI. The ubiquitous Fleur de Lis can be found all around

Louisville, from the city's flag to the opulent Victorian mansions of

Old Louisville to colorful jockey silks and beyond. Additionally,

Montpellier, France, is Louisville's "sister city."