The Governor’s Derby Celebration

On the first Saturday of May, the Governor’s Derby Celebration offers a multitude of activities around Frankfort for Kentuckians celebrating one of our state’s signature events. Amid the food, entertainment and children’s activities, the Kentucky Arts Council makes certain that visitors to Frankfort on Derby morning have the opportunity to purchase some of Kentucky’s finest traditional and contemporary craft and art. Artists who have been accepted into the Kentucky Arts Council's Kentucky Crafted Program are invited to offer their artwork for sale in the Kentucky Crafted tent on the Old Capitol grounds.

The Kentucky Arts Council also coordinates the artwork found on the picnic tables where visitors enjoy their Derby festivities with friends and family members. School children from across Kentucky paint “horse blanket” canvases that are placed atop picnic tables that have been converted into horses. The designs of the tablecloths are as varied as the children’s imaginations.

In conjunction with the Governor’s Derby Celebration, the arts council also sponsors an exhibit in the Capitol Rotunda. Artists across the state respond to an open call for artwork; pieces selected for the exhibit can be viewed by the public during the Capitol’s regular visiting hours.