the Painting Activist

8″ x 10″ oil on canvas
SOLD for $650 at silent auction.
See all artwork available for sale.

The 2007 Kentucky Derby has long since come and gone, but I’m revisiting Louisville’s prized sporting event one more time. The race itself starts with a prelude of festivities beginning weeks prior to race day. One such event, which I had the good fortune of squeezing my way into, was the star-studded Mint Jubilee Gala.

This is a swank party of glittering gowns, flashing cameras, more dinning utensils than most know what to do with, and dancing that reveals a clear appreciation for the liquor sponsors. But who would admit that attending such a shindig is purely about feeding one’s ego? No, there must be a cause, and in this case the cause was raising awareness and funds for the James Brown Cancer Center, Gilda’s Club Louisville, and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund. I don’t know the final numbers, but I do remember a single live auction item, the saddle of 2006 derby winner, Barbaro, selling for $220,000!

This painting will soon be on its way to New York to the winner bidder. You might actually see a new piece that this painting’s new owner is interested in commissioning. I love a positive snowball effect.