Today, The Art of Racing, a nationwide art competition celebrating the unique elements of The Preakness Stakes and Thoroughbred horse racing, culminated in the announcement of Steve Luhn as the competition’s winner. Luhn’s original artwork, titled “Winning Colors,” was selected by a panel of judges from among the over 250 total submissions, the most submissions in the competition’s history.

The winning artwork was announced during an honorary ceremony at Baltimore City Hall. A longtime advocate and native of Park Heights, Mayor Scott joined Baltimore City Council members and leadership of the Park Heights Renaissance, 1/ST and The Maryland Jockey Club for the announcement. Participating artists also attended, offering a chance to meet, support one another, and celebrate a shared tradition and momentum leading up to the big event. Like the Preakness, the event highlighted how art unites communities across Baltimore.

In its fourth year, The Art of Racing was launched on January 30 by 1/ST and The Maryland Jockey Club through a call for entries to artists nationwide. The submission deadline was March 14, at which point the public was encouraged to visit www.preakness.com/the-art-of-racing to peruse the digital gallery and cast a vote for their favorite work of art. The top 10 vote-getters were then judged by a panel that included elected officials, community leaders and thoroughbred racing professionals to select the winner.

“My representation of horse racing captures the dynamic energy and excitement of the sport,” said Luhn. “Bold, vibrant colors and striking visual elements convey the intensity of the race, with the horse mid-gallop, jockey leaning forward, creating a sense of speed and competition.”

As the winner of the fourth-annual competition, Luhn receives a $4,000 prize and two VIP tickets to Preakness 150 on Saturday, May 17. Additionally, his work will be reproduced on a curated collection of Preakness 150 merchandise that will be available for purchase online and onsite during Preakness weekend. All proceeds from the sale of merchandise will be used to advance the activities of Park Heights Renaissance as it pursues affordable housing for families and provides employment opportunities to people of Park Heights.

“The platform given to artists, both amateur and professional, who have entered The Art of Racing competition over the past four years highlights the vibrance and legacy of The Preakness Stakes, especially as we celebrate the historic moment of Preakness 150. This year marks a significant milestone for submissions and voting, as we see greater engagement than ever before,” said Audra Madison, Director of Marketing, The Maryland Jockey Club. “It brings me joy to see the diverse array of artwork entered into the competition each year, and I hope the community feels the same sense of celebration and pride as we support and uplift our local talent during this remarkable year.”

The ongoing partnership between 1/ST, The Maryland Jockey Club and the Park Heights Renaissance also includes the George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and the George E. Mitchell Park Heights Community Fellowship Grant, both of which honor the extraordinary legacy of Mitchell himself and recognize individuals who share a similar commitment to their friends and neighbors.