Local artist donates original piece to Kentucky Derby Museum

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – Internationally-recognized artist Kacy Jackson will have some of his original artwork featured in the Kentucky Derby Museum. The piece, titled ‘Legacy,’ features jockeys of some of the earliest Kentucky Derbys. The artwork will be a part of the Museum’s permanent Black Heritage in Racing exhibit that reopened in March following a complete redesign.

Jackson was recently in the news regarding his eye-catching mural showing two horses in Louisville’s Nulu neighborhood.

“Kacy Jackson’s artwork is a wonderful addition to the Museum’s permanent collection,” said Chris Goodlett, Director of Curatorial & Educational Affairs. “Art, and how it has been used to document Black heritage in racing, is a key component of the Museum’s newest exhibit. Placing some of the greatest jockeys in history against the backdrop of the iconic Twin Spires and the noted Garland of Roses illustrates how African American riders laid the foundation for the Kentucky Derby.”

Kacy Jackson with his artwork ‘Legacy’
Source: Kentucky Derby Museum

The local artist felt strongly that the Kentucky Derby Museum would be the perfect place to commemorate the jockeys portrayed in the artwork now, and for years to come. Jackson said, “I wanted to commemorate and highlight three of the greatest horsemen in the history of horse racing and allow everyone who sees the painting to learn their stories.”

The addition of this piece also helps celebrate Juneteenth. Museum guests can get free posters of ‘Legacy’ when they visit during the holiday. Isaac Murphy, one of the jockeys included in the painting, was one of some of the early jockeys who were born enslaved. The Kentucky Derby Museum said it is honored to mark this day of reflection by celebrating a local Black artist, sharing his artwork, and commemorating the impacts Black horsemen had and continue to have on the sport of Thoroughbred racing.