Zhang Wins the Art of Racing Preakness Art Contest

The Art of Racing culminated in the March 25 announcement of Theresia Zhang as the winner of the inaugural statewide art competition. Zhang's original illustration titled "Speed" was selected by a panel of judges from among the 147 total submissions, each of which depicted the extraordinary elements of Thoroughbred horse racing and the Preakness. 

The winning artwork was announced at a special ceremony in the Brown Center at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Mayor Brandon Scott, a lifelong advocate for Park Heights, was in attendance alongside MICA dignitaries, Park Heights Renaissance representatives and 1/ST leadership. Participating artists also attended, providing them the opportunity to meet and support one another as they celebrated a new tradition that, much like the Preakness, unites communities across Baltimore.

The Art of Racing was launched on January 10th by 1/ST and the Maryland Jockey Club in partnership with MICA through a call for entries to all artists in Maryland. The submission deadline was March 2nd, at which point the public was encouraged to visit at www.preakness.com/the-art-of-racing to 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 art professionals to select the winner. 

"Preakness is such an important part of the spirit of Maryland, and I am thrilled that my piece was selected to represent what the event means to the community," said Zhang. "By participating in this event, I get to know more about this city culturally."

As the winner of the inaugural competition, Zhang receives a $4,000 stipend and two tickets to Preakness 147. In addition, her work will be reproduced on a curated collection of Preakness 147 merchandise that includes posters, journals and t-shirts that will be available for purchase online and onsite during Preakness weekend. Proceeds from the sale of merchandise will be used to support the activities of the Park Heights Renaissance as it pursues affordable housing for families and provides employment opportunities for the people of Park Heights.

"The Art of Racing focused on bringing the element of design to the Preakness while celebrating Maryland's vibrant arts and culture scene by highlighting the talents of local artists," said David Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer, 1/ST. "All of the incredible pieces submitted reflect the rich heritage, diversity and optimism that connects the Preakness with the community."

"MICA faculty and students have been honored to participate in the call for entries tied to the tradition of Preakness," said Dr. Tiffany Holmes, MICA's Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. "Many of our students embraced the challenge in the new The Art of Racing competition and created a diverse array of work that celebrates this Baltimore spring event."

The ongoing partnership between 1/ST 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.