For Immediate Release
April 2, 2003
Contact: Rusty Cheuvront or Chris Kellogg, (502) 564-2611

Governor’s Derby Poster Puts Focus on Historic Downtown Frankfort


Frankfort, Ky. – For the second year the Governor’s Derby morning festivities are being held in downtown Frankfort and in 2003 the Governor’s Commemorative Derby Poster depicts a scene of the fun and Kentucky fellowship anticipated at the event.  The poster and a smaller print will be for sale during the Governor’s Derby Day Celebration on Saturday, May 3rd.

The image looks southwest from beside Kentucky’s Old Capitol towards Frankfort’s Broadway business district.  The scene is populated with entertainers in period-clothing, musicians and craftspeople interacting with Kentuckians and their out-of-town guests on a glorious Derby Day.  Hot air balloons dot the skies; old-fashioned bunting drapes the front of downtown buildings and a train bound for Churchill Downs moves in from the east.

Governor Paul Patton and First Lady Judi Patton selected the theme--the seventh poster commissioned during the Patton administration.  Jim Hoffmann, an artist with the Creative Services division of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, created the work and six others during the Patton administration.  Hoffmann has designed graphics and other creative pieces for 12 years with the agency.  He has a degree in art from Western Kentucky University and resides in Versailles.  

Hoffmann said he relishes this assignment.  “I typically produce brochures and reports using computer graphics,” Hoffman said.  “This project allows me to work freehand and really show my creativity.”  The poster series also satisfies Hoffmann’s lifelong interest in Kentucky history.  Earlier images for Derby posters created by Hoffmann include the Capitol, the Executive Mansion and Daniel Boone’s Memorial that overlooks the Kentucky River valley.

This year’s picture is a companion piece to a popular work that Hoffmann created for the invitation to last year’s Derby morning event.  That scene, a different view of downtown Frankfort, depicts the Old Capitol during Derby festivities.  A limited number of 8 x 10 versions of that scene will also be available during the celebration. 

 Hoffmann will be available to autograph the 2003 posters during the celebration, which has extended hours this year beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m.   He said the opportunity to sign his work adds to the fun.  “I imagine people unrolling the poster and picking out where they are that day in Frankfort in relation to the poster.” 

The poster costs $12 at the celebration and may be ordered for mailing for $15, which includes postage and shipping.   The 8 x 10 prints are $5 on site and $7 if mailed.   Checks should be made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer and sent to the attention of Vicki Brown, 700 Capitol Ave., Room 106, Frankfort, KY  40601.

As in previous years, proceeds from poster and print sales go to support the Kentucky Association of Children’s Advocacy Centers, as designated by First Lady Judi Patton. 

The celebration features music, fine Kentucky crafts, exhibits, and tourism attractions and displays will be open and free to the public in addition to local merchants and restaurants being open throughout the celebration.  The Frankfort Franklin County Tourist & Convention Commission will provide a continental-style breakfast.   The Kentucky Tourism Development Cabinet will feature exhibits of three music trails that highlight different areas of the state at the Kentucky History Center.  The annual Derby art exhibition of work by Kentucky artists will be on display at the Governor’s Executive Mansion. The mansion will also be open for tours with shuttle buses available to transport visitors from downtown to the mansion and back during event hours.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:  For an electronic image of this year’s poster please see this website: http://gov.state.ky.us/derby/2003/derby2003.htm .  Also please note that the information in the 4/1 release regarding the selection process used for Visions 2003, the fine art exhibit that will be on display at the Executive Mansion, was incorrect.  Independent jurors selected the submissions for the exhibition.