Bardstown native selected as official artist for Derby 148
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Regardless of what you call it, it’s no secret that the Kentucky Derby is a massively popular sporting event, watched by millions each year. So, imagine having your artwork in the hands of thousands of people in the grandstands that day, in addition to being seen by millions around the world on television. That’s the reality for Aimee Griffith, who was selected this year to be the official artist for Kentucky Derby 148.
You’d think that to receive such an honor, it’s taken Griffith decades to perfect her craft. The truth, however, is quite the opposite. She’s gone from her first painting workshop to official Derby artist in just six years!
A native of Bardstown and a 2002 graduate of Bardstown High School, Griffith says she’s always had an interest in art. That interest would follow her, first to the University of Kentucky when she took an art course as an elective, and eventually to Australia, where she would frequently take her kids to museums and art galleries for fun.
Those frequent gallery visits finally pushed her to attend a workshop in December 2016. “From there,” she recalled, “it was all I could think about.”
But it was just a hobby for Griffith at the time. Still a beginner and armed with watercolor paint, her earliest paintings drew inspiration from the things that were close to her, including her family, friends, and her hometown.
“My first painting was of my daughter as a baby. The lighting was amazing and I had to try it,” she recalled. “The second was actually of downtown Bardstown, from a photo I took with my brother. Some of my favorite paintings are the early ones, because I knew how much effort and focus I put into them.”
Paintings for friends and family were frequently done just for fun and practice, according to Griffith.
“I figured it was always worth a shot, and if it didn’t turn out good I could always just throw them away.”
So it came as a shock to Griffith when she received an email from officials working with the Derby in early 2021 seeking samples of her work. With the support of her family and “every babysitter I knew,” Griffith focused on creating the best samples she could, though she was doubtful of the outcome.
“I was convinced I wouldn’t get the opportunity, but was flattered they found me somehow.”
A few months later though, her doubts would be erased when Derby officials got back with her: they had chosen her to be the official artist for horseracing’s most widely known event.
“I looked at my husband, shared my phone with the official email and was speechless,” she explained. “My first thought was…this couldn’t be real. And the next feeling was the pressure of, ‘will I get this done, step back and be confident I did my best?’ That was always my goal.”
Griffith’s painting of bright, colorful, and energetic thoroughbreds thundering into the first turn with the iconic Twin Spires in the background proves she was up for the task. Griffith’s commission also extended to art for the Kentucky Oaks, which features Churchill Downs’ paddock area.
“I never thought it would be possible, never dreamed it!” she said of painting for Kentucky’s signature event. “I never dreamed I would have the same opportunity as Jim Cantrell, who was the official artist a few years ago. I’ve always admired his work and I have one of his signed posters in my home.”
Now, for the sixth year in a row, a Kentucky artist will have their artwork front and center on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs. Griffith was perfect for the task. Just like her artwork, she’s Kentucky, through and through.