Art of the Derby 150 – Woven Blanket

The 150th Art of the Kentucky Derby was created by Wylie Caudill, an artist from Cynthiana, Kentucky. Approximately 4 hours from Louisville. Caudill’s artwork for the 150th Kentucky Derby is full of colorful Derby-themed staples, including the Kentucky Derby Trophy at the center of a circular frame of multi-colored cartoonish roses. The center of the artwork also shows the new paddock under the iconic Twin Spires. The piece’s 150 red roses represent the Derby Winner’s Circle surrounded by white, gold and cerulean roses to “symbolize the colorful fans of the Derby from around the world,” according to a press release.

“Wylie Caudill is renowned for his exceptional talent in murals and large-scale art,” the release states. “Caudill got his start doing chalk art on the streets of his college campus. After falling in love with public art, Wylie expanded his street art to murals that can be seen across Kentucky, many of which include his signature roses.” This is the seventh year in a row that Churchill Downs has picked a Kentucky-based artist for its official art.

“We were drawn to Wylie’s rose design as it resonates with one of our most beloved Kentucky Derby traditions, which is presenting the winning Thoroughbred with a garland of red roses,” Casey Ramage, vice president of marketing and partnerships with Churchill Downs, said in the release. “Wylie’s artwork captures Churchill Downs’ historic Twin Spires and our future by showcasing our newly-reimagined Paddock to enhance the fan experience. We are thrilled to be working with him.”

Caudill will also be the official artist for the Woodford Reserve Commemorative Derby Bottle. As the official artist for both programs, Caudill will create original murals around Churchill Downs and surprise locations in the months leading up to the 150th Kentucky Derby.