The winner of “Preakness: The Art of Racing” art contest was revealed to be Leo Kahl, with his original artwork entitled “First Turn.”
The nationwide art competition celebrates the unique elements of The Preakness Stakes and Thoroughbred horse racing. The winner was chosen by a panel of judges, and the contest had hundreds of submissions to consider.
The announcement came at an honorary ceremony in the Brown Center at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Tonya Miller Hall, Senior Advisor of Arts and Culture for the City of Baltimore, attended to represent Mayor Brandon Scott. MICA’s dignitaries also appeared, as did Park Height’s City Council representatives and 1/ST RACING leadership.
This is the third year for “Preakness: The Art of Racing.” This year, the contest was launched on Jan. 8 with a submission deadline of March 12. 1/ST RACING, the Maryland Jockey Club, and MICA joined to issue a call for entries to artists nationwide. On March 12, the public was able to see the entries and vote for their favorite. The top 10 works of art with the most votes were then judged by a panel that included elected officials, community leaders, and art professionals to choose the winner.
“My objective was to capture the colors, excitement and festive mood of Pimlico Race Course and The Preakness Stakes,” Kahl said. “I chose the loose and romantic medium of watercolor to depict this scene as it best depicts the movement and drama of the day.”
Kahl will receive a $4,000 prize and two VIP tickets to Preakness 149, which takes place on Saturday, May 18. His artwork will be reproduced on a curated collection of Preakness 149 merchandise that will be available for sale online and onsite during Preakness weekend. Proceeds will be used to benefit Park Heights Renaissance, which pursues affordable housing for families and provides employment opportunities to the residents of Park Heights.
“The platform given to rising artists, both amateur and professional, who have entered ‘Preakness: The Art of Racing’ competition over the past three years underscores the vibrancy of The Preakness Stakes and its unique cultural footprint,” said Audra Madison, Director of Marketing for the Maryland Jockey Club. “It brings me joy to see the diverse array of artwork entered into the competition each year, and I hope community members share the same sense of celebration.”
In 2023, Justin Johnson won with his submission of “The Face of Victory,” depicting the face of a horse head-on with Maryland state colors. A white Preakness trophy adorns the face, and yellow Black-Eyed Susan flowers (Maryland’s state flower) frame the horse’s muzzle.
The Preakness Stakes is the second jewel of the Triple Crown, held after the Kentucky Derby and before the Belmont Stakes in New York. The Preakness was first run in 1873. It began two years before the Kentucky Derby was run for the first time.
For more information on “Preakness: The Art of Racing,” please click this link or follow @PreaknessStakes and #Preakness on social media.
