Student Art History

The Derby Festival Student Art Contest originally began in 1977 as the "Festival Children's Art Contest". This event encourages children in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade to produce drawings based on the events of the Derby Festival. Each participating school is asked to prejudge and select a maximum of five entries for each Division and the finalists are sent to the Derby Festival for final judging.

The event is facilitated with the support of coordinators in each school system participating: Jefferson County Public Schools, Independent School System, Private and Parochial Schools, the Catholic Archdiocese and the Oldham County School System. In 2004, for the first time, schools in Floyd and Clark counties in Southern Indiana were also invited to participate. The Student Art Contest is directed by a committee, which is comprised of Festival Staff and Directors, School System Coordinators, volunteers, and Sponsors.

Students are invited to produce drawings, paintings, collage, mixed media compositions and prints, to be considered for placement in the contest. Tempera, watercolor, acrylics, inks, crayon, oil pastels, felt markers, collage materials, or a combination of these items are allowed. The criteria require that all work be the original product of the student and completed at the school under the supervision of the class teacher.

In 1999, Computer Art was added as a Division for students in grades 9-12. In 2003, the computer division was opened to all grades K-12. In 2004, a new category, "Best In Show," was added to the competition. For "Best In Show," one overall winner was chosen and awarded a $500 check sponsored by Sylvan Learning Center.

Originally, the Award Ceremony was held at the Speed Art Museum Auditorium in March. However, beginning in 2007, the Student Art Awards was held in conjuncture with the official Kentucky Derby Festival Poster Premiere in January. At this time, the finalists are honored and presented with their awards. First, Second, Third and Five Honorable Mention recognitions are available in each Division. All winners receive a medal, a ribbon, an "event winner's pin", and a certificate of appreciation. First place winners also receive an autographed, framed Derby Festival Poster and are invited to appear with the Festival Winners in the Pegasus Parade. Each teacher who had a student winner also receives a framed Derby Festival Postcard and a certificate of Appreciation.

The Artwork is displayed at the Mellwood Art Center February 1 - April 27.