LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A former professional baseball player from Louisville is creating the official Kentucky Derby Festival poster this year.
Kentucky Derby Festival announced the selection of Richard Sullivan as the artist for the official poster in 2024. Sullivan's artwork will be unveiled next week.
The image will be featured on the Kentucky Derby Festival's 2024 Official Merchandise line, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, glassware, mugs and more.
"For more than 40 years, the Derby Festival’s Official Poster has been an iconic symbol that celebrates our favorite time of year," Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival president and CEO, said in a news release. "Throughout the years, it has become a collector’s piece, and we look forward to sharing the 2024 design with our Festival fans."
Sullivan was raised in Louisville and went to Ballard High School. He attended the Savannah College of Art and Design and played baseball. In 2008, he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 11th round of the MLB Draft.
Sullivan played six seasons of minor league baseball before beginning his art career.
"Art has always been a way for me to transcend boundaries and merge with the creative spirit," Sullivan said in a news release. "I believe the Kentucky Derby Festival is a great example of how our own community transcends its boundaries and for a brief moment in the spring we all get to feel lighter and more connected to our amazing city."
Sullivan's artwork is featured on MiLB.com and Fox Sports. He created the 2020 and 2021 artwork for the commemorative Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby Bottle.
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