Thomas Allen Pauly - "Derby Day" Art Exhibit

Thomas Allen Pauly Art Gallery 2010 Kentucky Derby Video on Vimeo.
Thomas Allen Pauly Art Gallery 2010 Kentucky Derby Video on YouTube

What a great experience I had exhibiting at this year's Kentucky Derby. It is an extremely rare opportunity for an equine artist to be invited to have a one man art show at the historic Churchill Downs Racetrack during the Kentucky Derby and Oaks. Except for the huge storms that arrived on Derby day, I couldn't ask for anything better. The gallery spaces was absolutely perfect and the management/sales teams were incredible. It was great to see many of my longtime collectors as well as meeting new ones.

My exhibits were located at the 3 main gates, displaying 38 of my original oils, watercolors and graphites.  I had the wonderful opportunity to have my oil painting of "Derby Day" published as the "Official Commemorative Print of The Kentucky Derby 136" along with numerous licensed Derby products.

But, the highlight of the weekend was painting on location and discussing my portfolio and painting style with collectors, racing fans and aspiring artists. My portrait of "Zenyatta" was a crowd favorite, especially since her rival Rachel Alexandra came in second in the La Trioienne Stakes earlier on Oaks day.

Although I didn't get an opportunity to shoot many of the undercard races, I did get to photograph my 12th Derby/Oaks. This year, I had a team of 5 shooters capturing many of the pivotal scenes of the 2010 Derby. My photos will be published by GIA Marketing as licensed Derby/Oaks Winners Prints.

I would like to thank The Game, Gloria Irwin and the team of Gia Marketing for making this event an amazing success.  Also, a very special thanks to Shawn Toth for assisting me with my artwork displays.

I'm already making plans for my 2011 Derby art show....