Exhibits
2026 Governor’s Derby Exhibit
LONG SHOT
Part of the Governor’s Derby Celebration activities, “Long Shot” will be on display at Paul Sawyier Public Library through July 5 and features work from 41 artists representing communities across the commonwealth.
From painting, mixed media and conceptual work, the exhibit reflects the energy, history, and cultural significance of the Kentucky Derby while highlighting the creativity of artists statewide. Participating artists hail from 24 counties, demonstrating the depth and diversity of Kentucky’s artistic community.
Past Exhibits
Governor’s Derby Exhibit 2026: Long Shot
May 2 – July 5, 2026
Inspired by the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, the exhibit invited Kentucky artists to explore risk, resilience, and the dreamers who remind us that anything can happen between the gate and the finish line. Artists were encouraged to interpret the theme broadly — from unlikely victories and bold leaps of faith to quiet perseverance and moments of transformation.
Celebrating the Black Experience 2025
July 3 – Nov. 22, 2025
This exhibit celebrates the contributions of people of African descent through the visual arts, celebrates the rich legacy of Black artists, and highlights the transformative impact of Black art in our struggle against oppression and racism. Artists were invited to submit works that reflect the diverse environments and traditions contributing to the fabric of the Black experience. Underrepresented imagery expressing joy, sorrow, love, creativity and truth-telling is examined within the Black aesthetic.
Governor’s Derby Exhibit 2025
April 30 – May 29, 2025
The 2025 Governor’s Derby Exhibit is now open in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort. The work of 44 artists from across Kentucky, curated by the Kentucky Arts Council, will be on display through May 29. The exhibit, which carries the theme “Spring is Here,” opened April 30. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Twenty Kentucky counties are represented in this showcase of Kentucky art.
Native Reflections: Visual Art by American Indians of Kentucky
Oct 2024 – May 2025
Team Kentucky, the Kentucky Arts Council, the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission and the Kentucky Heritage Council worked together to invite American Indians living in Kentucky to share their visual art. A panel of American Indians and experts on Native American heritage selected works to include and the result is this amazing collection.
Continent to Commonwealth: Asian/Asian American Kentucky Art
May 19, 2023 – Jul 22, 2024
Kentucky Arts Council, Asia Institute-Crane House, and the Kentucky Chinese American Association are partnering to present a touring exhibit that focuses on the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander (APP) Kentuckians in the commonwealth today and how Asian individuals, families and communities contribute to Kentucky’s cultural landscape.
Our Kentucky Home: Hispanic/Latin American Visual Art in the Commonwealth
Nov 2021 – Oct 2022
Kentucky Arts Council, Al Dia en America, and Casa de la Cultura Kentucky partnered to present a touring exhibit of creative works by Hispanic, Latinx and Latin American Kentuckians. A panel of Hispanic/Latinx Kentuckians and other cultural specialists selected works to include in this exhibit, which they named Nuestro Hogar Kentucky, Our Kentucky Home.