Voting has opened for artworks inspired by the Preakness Stakes and thoroughbred horse racing.
The inaugural The Art of Racing gallery will feature 129 artworks by local artists. People can view the artworks online, read the artists’ descriptions and inspirations behind each piece, and vote for their favorite works now through March 20.
After March 20, the top 10 artworks that receive the most votes will advance to the finalist stage. A panel of judges will select the winning piece, which will be reproduced on Preakness merchandise.
The proceeds of that merchandise will support the Park Heights Renaissance, a non-profit organization that aims to expand affordable housing, quality employment and other opportunities in northwest Baltimore’s Park Heights neighborhood. The neighborhood borders the Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness.
1/ST, an entertainment arm of The Stronach Group focused on modernizing horse racing, and the Maryland Jockey Club partnered with the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) to put on the gallery.
Students in eight of MICA’s art and design classes created many of the submissions, with media ranging from photography to collage to painting and more.
People can view and vote for the artworks at www.preakness.com/the-art-of-racing.
