Artwork ‘Speed’ wins the ‘Art of Racing’ competition launched as a lead up to the Preakness

Art student and Baltimore resident Theresia Zhang, 22, has won a new statewide art competition called “The Art of Racing,” held as part of the lead-up to the 147th running of the Preakness Stakes next month at Pimlico Race Course.

Zhang’s entry, a digital painting entitled ‘Speed,” was selected out of 147 submissions in the competition and depicts a jockey on a horse in the midst of a race. The announcement was made today at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where Zhang is a junior.

“Preakness is such an important part of the spirit of Maryland,” said Zhang, in a statement. “I am thrilled that my piece was selected to represent what the event means to the community.”

The competition was launched in January by a Stronach Group affiliate called 1/ST and the Maryland Jockey Club, in partnership with MICA. The sponsors put out a call for entries to all artists in Maryland and set a deadline of March 2. The theme was art work about Thoroughbred racing and the Preakness.

After the entries were submitted, members of the general public were encouraged to vote for their favorite work at www.preakness.com/the-art-of-racing. The top 10 vote-getters were then judged by a panel that included elected officials, community leaders and art professionals to select the winner. Today’s announcement was attended by Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, representatives of MICA, 1/ST and the Park Heights Renaissance, and other community leaders.

As the winner of the competition, Zhang receives a $4,000 stipend and two tickets to Preakness 147, the series of events that includes the Preakness Stakes on May 21. In addition, her work will be reproduced on a curated collection of Preakness 147 merchandise that includes posters, journals and t-shirts that will be available for purchase online and onsite during Preakness weekend.

Proceeds from the sale of merchandise will be used to support the activities of the Park Heights Renaissance as it pursues affordable housing for families and provides employment opportunities for the people of Park Heights.

1/ST, pronounced First, is the “consumer-facing brand” for the Stronach Group, a technology, entertainment and real estate development firm that operates Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park. Affiliates include 1/ST Racing; 1/ST Content; 1/ST Technology; 1/ST Experience and 1/ST Properties.

“The Art of Racing focused on bringing the element of design to the Preakness while celebrating Maryland’s vibrant arts and culture scene by highlighting the talents of local artists,” said David Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer for 1/ST, in a statement. “All of the incredible pieces submitted reflect the rich heritage, diversity and optimism that connects the Preakness with the community.”

“MICA faculty and students have been honored to participate in the call for entries tied to the tradition of Preakness,” said Tiffany Holmes, MICA’s Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. “Many of our students embraced the challenge in the new The Art of Racing competition and created a diverse array of work that celebrates this Baltimore spring event.”