The May 2024 Equiery cover features the watercolor painting “First Turn” by local artist Leo Kahl. Kahl’s original artwork was selected by a panel of judges from hundreds of submissions as the winning piece for this year’s Preakness: The Art of Racing contest. In its third year, Preakness: The Art of Racing was launched on January 8 by 1/ST RACING and the Maryland Jockey Club in partnership with MICA through a call for entries to artists nationwide.
The winning artwork was announced at an honorary ceremony in the Brown Center at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Senior Advisor of Arts & Culture for the City of Baltimore Tonya Miller Hall was in attendance representing Mayor Brandon Scott, a longtime advocate for Park Heights. MICA dignitaries, Park Heights’ City Council representatives and 1/ST RACING leadership attended the announcement alongside participating artists, bringing them the chance to meet and support each other as they celebrated a tradition that, much like the Preakness, unites communities across Baltimore.
“My objective was to capture the colors, excitement and festive mood of Pimlico Race Course and The Preakness Stakes,” said Kahl. “I chose the loose and romantic medium of watercolor to depict this scene as it best depicts the movement and drama of the day.”
As the winner of the third-annual competition, Kahl received a $4,000 prize and two VIP tickets to Preakness 149 on May 18. Kahl’s artwork has been reproduced for Preakness 149 merchandise with sales proceeds being donated to the Park Heights Renaissance program, which pursues affordable housing for families and provides employment opportunities to people 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, 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.”
For more information on Park Heights Renaissance, visit: https://boldnewheights.org/