Governor’s Derby Exhibit 2025

All Kentucky visual artists 18 and older are welcome to submit up to two entries for consideration. The work must be original; two-dimensional; include hanging hardware and with a depth of no more than 6 inches. The overall dimensions, including frame, may not exceed 36 inches in height or width, nor be heavier than 25 pounds. 

The flowers are finally here, and the trees are in full bloom. The arts council invites artists to submit work that captures the sights, sounds, smells and textures of springtime in Kentucky.   

• There is no submission fee. 

• To apply, artists must fill out the online application form and submit digital images of their work. 

• Digital images should be JPEGs at 300 dpi, with the longest side of the image approximately 10 inches.  

• The artist may decide whether or not to offer their work for sale. The Kentucky Arts Council takes no commission on sales. Potential buyers will be given the artist’s contact information, so the buyer can deal directly with the artist. 

• Titles or prices of artwork may not be changed after the work is accepted for the exhibit. 

• Dimensions, including frame, may not exceed 36 inches in height or width and shall not exceed 25 pounds. 

• If works are accepted, it is the responsibility of the artist to deliver or ship the artwork to the arts council office in Frankfort.  Hand-delivery of artwork is April 22 and 23, 2025. 

• The arts council will transport the artwork to and from the arts council offices and the Capitol. In order to protect the artwork during transport, all work MUST be enclosed in bubble wrap, or other protective wrapping, and packed in a BOX by the artist. Do not use Styrofoam peanuts or shredded paper as packing material.   

• An exhibit loan agreement form will be sent to artists whose works are selected for this exhibit. This must be returned to the arts council with the work. 

• All works will be insured while in the possession of the arts council. 

• Artwork must remain in the exhibit for the entire duration, even if sold.   

April 3: Deadline to submit application and images 

April 11: Artists notified of selection via email  

April 22 & 23: Works delivered or shipped to the Kentucky Arts Council office in Frankfort 

April 30 – May 29: Exhibit on display in the Capitol Rotunda, Frankfort   

June 3 & 4: Works picked up from the Kentucky Arts Council office in Frankfort 

For all submissions 

• Complete the online application form. Save or print a copy of the confirmation page for your records. You will not receive an email confirmation. 

• Title the image files using your last name, followed by the title of the piece. For example, for a piece by John Smith titled Spring Meadow, the file name would be: Smith_SpringMeadow.  

Artists will be notified of acceptance to the exhibit via email by April 11.  

Remember to securely wrap and package your work in a BOX for transport. Click here for tips on how to pack and prepare for exhibit. 

You may deliver accepted artwork to the arts council office April 22 & 23, between 9 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern. Shipped artwork must be insured and include return postage. The address for shipped artwork is: 

Kentucky Arts Council
500 Mero St., 5^th floor
Frankfort, KY 40601