JCPS student wins annual Kentucky Derby Museum art competition

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A student from Pleasure Ridge Park High School won an annual art competition at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Kayci Shacklette, a sophomore, was selected as the winner of the 39th annual Horsing Around With Art competition, announced Monday. Shacklette started on the art project on her own.

"I didn't think I could do it," she said. "So even if you think you can't do it, you can still try to do it. I just started on it and I kept doing it."

The Louisville girl was surprised with a dozen red roses. Her winning artwork is named "The Final Furlong." According to a news release, it will be professionally framed and prominently displayed at the museum. She also received a Spring Race Day Experience prize package.

"Horsing Around With Art is our way of supporting and funding the arts in local schools while encouraging students to explore their creativity through the lens of the Kentucky Derby," Patrick Armstrong, president and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum, said in a news release. "We are honored to celebrate the incredible talent of these young artists and provide a platform to showcase their work for our community."

The school's art department was also awarded $500 to purchase art supplies.

Shacklette was awarded the grand prize because her artwork best embodies the essence of the Kentucky Derby, according to a news release. This year's competition had 255 submissions from students in first through 12th grade.

Shacklette's artwork shows a horse and jockey racing down the final stretch with the Twin Spires and fans in the background.

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JCPS student wins annual Kentucky Derby Museum art competition