Artwork Created by Populous Interior Designer Selected for the 2026 Art of the Kentucky Derby

Growing up in Glasgow, Kentucky, Populous interior designer, Grayson Reynolds, was immersed in the legend and lore of the Kentucky Derby. But she never imagined that the little girl who watched every race with her grandma would grow up to be an artist selected as the creator of the “Art of the Kentucky Derby” for the Derby and Oaks races, as well as the official Mint Julep and Oaks Lily glasses. This is a highly anticipated event that celebrates “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®,” and Grayson’s work will be featured on the 2026 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks official racing programs, as well as on additional commemorative merchandise.  

Grayson works in the Populous Dallas office as an interior designer who draws a deep connection between her work as a designer and her life as an artist. For this project, she was inspired by what makes Churchill Downs so iconic: the Twin Spires, the roses and lilies that drape the winning horses and the brightly colored, hat-adorned attendees. All come together in pen and watercolor for stunning and energy-infused visuals that truly represent the prestige and history of this singular event.  

This accomplishment adds another layer to the long and productive relationship between Populous and Churchill Downs. Our work over the past decade has added new energy to the world’s most legendary racetrack and to the Derby, which began in 1875 and is now the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States.