Gov. Beshear Unveils 2025 Governor’s Derby Celebration Poster
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 17, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear, First Lady Britainy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined artist Humberto Lahera and Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Matt Gibson during the Team Kentucky Update for the official unveiling of the 2025 Governor’s Derby Celebration poster.
“Our thriving horse racing industry not only attracts visitors from around the world, it also inspires our talented artists. Every year, Team Kentucky looks forward to unveiling amazing artwork that reflects the unique experience of the Kentucky Derby,” said Gov. Beshear. “As we celebrate the Kentucky Derby’s 151st running, I would like to thank Humberto Lahera for his exceptional work on this year’s poster. Lahera’s story encompasses what makes our New Kentucky Home so special, and his talent truly enriches our cultural landscape. His artistry beautifully captures the spirit of the Derby, inspiring us all to appreciate the traditions and stories that define this iconic event.”
Humberto Lahera González is an accomplished artist and advocate for cultural expression through art. By blending traditional Cuban artistry with Kentucky’s rich heritage, he highlights the power of storytelling in visual mediums. Lahera is a beloved figure in both the Cuban and American art scenes, engaging diverse audiences through workshops and public art projects to inspire the next generation of artists. This year’s Derby poster, titled “Unleashed at the Finish,” captures the dynamic energy and challenges of the Kentucky Derby, symbolizing the obstacles faced in pursuit of victory. Lahera was also the selected artist for the Woodford Reserve bottle for the 151st Kentucky Derby.
“Being selected as the artist for the Governor’s Derby Celebration poster is one of the greatest honors I have ever received. This project represents my contribution to Kentucky, combining artistic techniques I learned in the land where I was born with new techniques I’ve developed in the United States,” said Lahera. “Leaving my artistic mark brings me great satisfaction, especially knowing that I’ve only been living in America for two years and yet I’m already becoming part of its legacy, history and tradition. I can only express my gratitude to everyone, especially Gov. Beshear, for believing in my art.”
The Kentucky Derby is the longest-continually held sporting event in United States and a vital part of Kentucky’s horse racing heritage. Since 1875, the commonwealth has produced “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”
“The unveiling of the Governor’s Derby Celebration poster is a time-honored tradition. Humberto’s work beautifully captures the energy and vibrancy of the Run for the Roses,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “The Kentucky Derby is a major draw for visitors to our New Kentucky Home, and this year’s poster is a wonderful example of how the arts enhance the tourism experience.”
The Kentucky Derby Festival orchestrates the commonwealth’s award-winning celebration of more than 70 events leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Louisville artist Kim Perry joined Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival president and CEO, in presenting the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival official poster to the Governor and First Lady. This year’s poster is the 45th in the Kentucky Derby Festival series and is available for purchase online.
“The Kentucky Derby Festival has turned a two-minute horse race into a month-long celebration and tourism attraction that draws attendees from around the world to the commonwealth every spring,” said Gibson. “This year’s official poster, created by Louisville artist Kim Perry, captures the vibrant energy and excitement of the festival through bold colors and unique artistry and showcases some of our favorite traditions.”
Gibson also presented the official 2025 Gold Pegasus Pin to the Governor and First Lady on behalf of the Kentucky Derby Festival.
The 151st Kentucky Derby will be held Saturday, May 3, at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
To watch the unveiling ceremony, visit Gov. Beshear’s YouTube page. Click here for photos from today’s Team Kentucky Update.
To purchase the 2025 Governor’s Derby Celebration Poster, visit the Historic Properties Online Store.
To learn more about artist Humberto Lahera, visit humbertolahera.com.
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Gov. Beshear Names Award-Winning Writer Kathleen Driskell as Kentucky Poet Laureate
The official poet laureate induction event will take place April 24 in the Capitol Rotunda
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 17, 2025) – Today, during the Team Kentucky Update, Gov. Andy Beshear joined Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House to announce the upcoming appointment of award-winning poet, essayist and teacher Kathleen Driskell as the 2025-26 Kentucky Poet Laureate.
“Team Kentucky is proud to announce that Kathleen will serve as our next Poet Laureate. She has made a real impact on the commonwealth’s rich literary community through her poetry and passion for teaching,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky boasts a wealth of great literary talent, and we’re fortunate to have Kathleen as a guiding voice, encouraging future writers and supporting Kentuckians in pursuing their dreams right here in our new Kentucky home.”
Driskell, an Oldham County native, is the author of six poetry collections, most recently “Goat-Footed Gods,” published by Carnegie Mellon University Press. Her other collections include “Blue Etiquette: Poems,” a finalist for the Weatherford Award; “Next Door to the Dead,” a Kentucky Voices selection from the University Press of Kentucky and winner of the Judy Gaines Young Book Award; and “Seed Across Snow,” a Poetry Foundation national bestseller. With Katy Yocom, she edited the anthology “Creativity & Compassion: Spalding Writers Celebrate 20 Years.”
“Writing has given me a life I never could have imagined for myself as a kid growing up in rural Kentucky, but I’m a writer and poet, I’m sure, because of my early first teachers, who include the women storytellers who sat around my grandma’s kitchen table,” Driskell said. “Many say we’re made of stardust, but I’ve always thought we’re really made of stories. I’m honored and grateful for this opportunity to serve our abundant and diverse literary arts community as Kentucky Poet Laureate and to connect with, to encourage, to share and to continue learning from other storytellers and poets across the Bluegrass.”
The poet laureate induction is a part of the Kentucky Arts Council’s annual Kentucky Writers’ Day event, which is celebrated on or around April 24, honoring the birthday of Kentucky writer Robert Penn Warren, the first U.S. Poet Laureate. This year’s ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 24, at 10 a.m. EDT in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort and will be followed by a public reception. Established in 1990, Writers’ Day includes the induction of poets laureate in odd-numbered years, showcasing the commonwealth’s rich literary heritage.
This year’s Writers’ Day ceremony will include readings by Driskell, 2023-2024 Poet Laureate Silas House, other former poets laureate, and the 2024 Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate, Maira Faisal, a junior at Northern Kentucky University.
Following the Writers’ Day event, the Paul Sawyier Public Library at 319 Wapping Street in Frankfort will host a Kentucky Poet Laureate reading at 2:30 p.m. The event will feature readings by Driskell, House and former Poets Laureate Crystal Wilkinson, Jeff Worley, George Ella Lyon, Frank X Walker, Maureen Morehead, Sena Jeter Naslund, Joe Survant and Richard Taylor. Both events are free and open to the public.
The Kentucky Arts Council administers Kentucky Writers’ Day and the Kentucky Poet Laureate nomination process.
For more information, visit artscouncil.ky.gov.
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Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 17, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development, severe weather recovery, funding for local bridges, the first medical cannabis business in the state, the next Kentucky Poet Laureate, the 2025 Governor’s Derby Celebration poster and the Team Kentucky Derby Week Kick-Off event. First Lady Britainy Beshear recognized April 2025 as Month of the Military Child and named Kentucky’s military children as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Economic Development
Monday, Gov. Beshear joined local officials and leaders from Bakery Express Midwest, a commercial bakery manufacturing company, to cut the ribbon on its new Boone County location, which includes a more-than-$20 million investment creating over 225 full-time jobs in the region.
Wednesday in Boone County, the Governor joined local officials and leaders from L2 Aviation – a comprehensive avionics design, consulting, manufacturing and engineering company – for the grand opening of the company’s first Kentucky location, a $12.2 million investment creating 250 Kentucky jobs.
Also on Wednesday, the Governor visited the L’Oréal Florence site to celebrate their accomplishment of being recertified as a KYSAFE Voluntary Protection Program Star Site, which recognizes exemplary workplace safety and health performance.
Today, the Governor congratulated LION First Responder PPE as the latest winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky contest, hosted by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, which recognizes Kentucky-made products.
Month of the Military Child and Team Kentucky All-Stars
The First Lady recognized April as Month of the Military Child and thanked military kids whose parents serve at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox and in the Kentucky National Guard for serving alongside their families.
Mrs. Beshear welcomed to the Team Kentucky Update: Carley Collins, Corban Collins, Kinslee Collins, Kyler Mattos and their father, Master Sgt. Christopher Collins of the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell; three students from Fort Knox, Fort Knox Youth of the Year Arianna Leon, Fort Knox Junior Youth of the Year Hailey Bagley and Fort Knox Emerging Youth of the Year Charlie Pegues; and four students whose parents serve in the Kentucky National Guard, Madison Wertzler, Ethan Stallard, Isaiah Thomas and Alexander Krauss.
The First Lady named Kentucky’s military children as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“To each of the kids here today, I want you to know that while you might not wear the uniform, you make sacrifices well beyond your years that help protect millions of people, including other kids like you,” said Mrs. Beshear. “It does not go unnoticed, and we are so proud of you.”
Severe Weather Update
Gov. Beshear provided an update on severe weather that’s brought historic flooding to many parts of the state. The Governor said that, unfortunately, the number of fatalities due to floodwaters has increased to seven Kentuckians. April 10, on social media, the Governor announced a flood-related death out of Pendleton County. Those who want to help can donate to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund here. The fund will first pay for the funerals of all those lost. Last week the donation total surpassed $1 million.
On April 11, the Governor requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump. The state is waiting to hear if it has been approved. In the request, the Governor asked for Individual Assistance for 13 counties and Public Assistance and Direct Federal Assistance for 33 counties. The Governor stressed that these are just the initial counites, to make the best case for assistance – and more counties may be added.
As of 9 a.m. Thursday, a reported 3,035 customers were without power, 854 customers were under Boil Water Advisories, one water system was offline and one was under limited operations. Over the past few weeks, search and rescue teams have performed 142 rescues and 293 evacuations by boat. All teams have been de-mobilized at this time. There are 25 shelters across the commonwealth with 402 individuals being sheltered at this time.
As of 9 a.m. Thursday, under 200 state roadways were closed, 166 by high water and 9 by mudslides or rockslides. This is down from more than 550 roads closed at the peak of the flood. Bridge inspections and highway damage assessments are under way: 258 bridges have been inspected, 3 are closed – in Marshall, Graves and Trigg counties – and 50 have debris but remain open. For your safety, do not pass barricades, signs or cones. Do not drive through standing water. For a full list of state highway closures and detours, visit GoKy.ky.gov.
Kentucky State Parks is sheltering 73 people at General Butler and Pennyrile Forest state resort parks. Those who have been impacted by the floods can contact Emergency Management by completing the Commonwealth Disaster Needs Survey at 502-607-6665 or visit kyem.ky.gov.
Funding for Local Bridges
Gov. Beshear announced the second round of funding from the newly established County and City Bridge Improvement Program, awarding $8.2 million for 22 crucial bridge projects across 15 Kentucky counties and the cities of Erlanger, Georgetown and Mount Sterling. The funding will help maintain safe and efficient community connections that Kentuckians rely on across the state. Scott County Judge/Executive Joe Pat Covington and Georgetown Mayor Burney Jenkins attended the Team Kentucky Update to speak about the $1.3 million their communities will be receiving to replace and reopen two county bridges and repair a city bridge.
Medical Cannabis Business
The Governor announced that Team Kentucky broke ground on the first medical cannabis business in the commonwealth, Centaurus Farms in Monticello. Centaurus Farms is a Tier II, 10,000-square-foot cultivator. John Paolella joined the news conference to speak on behalf of the company.
The Governor also announced that since January, more than 12,000 Kentuckians have received a written certification, and more than 8,000 have successfully applied for and received a medical cannabis card. For more on Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Program, visit kymedcan.ky.gov.
“My administration believes health care is a basic human right,” said Gov. Beshear. “And we are excited to deliver on our promise that Kentuckians suffering will have access to safe and affordable medical cannabis.”
Kentucky Poet Laureate
Gov. Beshear joined former Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House to announce the appointment of award-winning poet, essayist and teacher Kathleen Driskell as the 2025-26 Kentucky Poet Laureate. Driskell’s official induction will take place during the annual Kentucky Writers’ Day event on Thursday, April 24, at 10 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda. See the full release for more information.
“Writing has given me a life I never could have imagined for myself as a kid growing up in rural Kentucky, but I’m a writer and poet, I’m sure, because of my early first teachers, who include the women storytellers who sat around my grandma’s kitchen table,” said Driskell. “Many say we’re made of stardust, but I’ve always thought we’re really made of stories. I’m honored and grateful for this opportunity to serve our abundant and diverse literary arts community as Kentucky Poet Laureate and to connect with, to encourage, to share and to continue learning from other storytellers and poets across the Bluegrass.”
Governor’s Derby Celebration Poster
Gov. Beshear, the First Lady and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined artist Humberto Lahera and Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Matt Gibson for the official unveiling of the 2025 Governor’s Derby Celebration poster. To purchase the 2025 Governor’s Derby Celebration Poster, visit the Historic Properties Online Store.
“Being selected as the artist for the Governor’s Derby Celebration poster is one of the greatest honors I have ever received. This project represents my contribution to Kentucky, combining artistic techniques I learned in the land where I was born with new techniques I’ve developed in the United States,” said Lahera. “Leaving my artistic mark brings me great satisfaction, especially knowing that I’ve only been living in America for two years and yet I’m already becoming part of its legacy, history and tradition. I can only express my gratitude to everyone, especially Gov. Beshear, for believing in my art.”
Team Kentucky Derby Week Kick-off Event
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians that this year’s Team Kentucky Derby Week Kick-off will be held Saturday, April 26, from noon to 5 p.m. on the South Lawn of the Capitol. The event will have live musical performances, food trucks, games, crafts and Commonfest for the adults, where attendees can purchase beer and spirits from dozens of Kentucky breweries, wineries and craft distillers.
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