By Meg Peters
Review Co-Editor
When American Pharaoh crossed the finish line winning the 141st Kentucky Derby in 2:03:02 minutes, Lake Orion artist Kim Santini was watching from box seats at the finish line.
Her artwork was at Churchill Downs too, on pamphlets, programs and prints available to the record-breaking crowd in attendance of the famed horse race, the first Derby she has ever attended.
‘The absolute best part of it all was hands down, watching the race, feeling the horses? feet hit the ground and seeing American Pharaoh surge across that finish line. Getting caught up in the swell of the crowd celebrating his win, and crying on my girlfriend’s shoulder because we had just witnessed the glorious Derby in person,? Santini said.
But it was her artwork, her brilliant use of acrylic paint that took her and her family as the official Kentucky Derby Artist.
After the race Santini signed myriads of her colorful prints attributing the American Thoroughbred racing in front of the iconic twin spires.
‘The celebrity aspect was fun to experience,? she said. ‘I was asked to sign merchandise left and right, and kept looking over my shoulder expecting them to be talking to someone behind me.?
In honor of the Lake Orion artist being named the 2015 Kentucky Derby Artist of the Year, the Orion Art Center is throwing her a little shebang.
Santini will describe her Kentucky Derby adventure and art process during the Kim Santini’s Kentucky Derby Experience & Wrap Up Party Sunday, May 17 from 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. at the historic White Horse Inn, at 1 East High Street in Metamora.
Not only will participants relive the Derby in the eyes and ears of Santini, they will learn how her childhood experiences at a New York race track, and her persistence to create a painting every day, helped win this coveted title. Derby attire is not only welcome but encouraged.
Tickets are available thru the Orion Art Center and include: social hour from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. with delicious appetizers and your choice of a mint julep or a beer; the artist presentation from 3:15 to 4 p.m.; and poster signings from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The $90 ticket includes your own official copy of the 2015 Kentucky Derby poster signed onsite by Santini. $60 tickets are available but do not include a signed poster. Additional posters can be purchased onsite for $20 each.
Tickets can be purchased online at orionartcenter.org, or by calling 248.693.4986 during the Orion Art Center hours: Wednesday through Friday from noon until 6:00 p.m., or Saturdays from noon to 3:00 p.m.