1/ST and the Maryland Jockey Club are pleased to continue their partnership with the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) as presenters of The Art of Racing, a nationwide-wide call for entries of original, two-dimensional visual art that depicts the unique elements of Thoroughbred racing and the Preakness Stakes. Last year’s inaugural program drew nearly 150 entries vying for the $4,000 stipend. The original artwork of Theresia Zhang, a MICA student, was selected and her winning piece was reproduced and available for sale during last year’s Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. This year’s The Art of Racing opens to artists nationwide on January 9th with a closing date for all submissions by March 10th.

The Preakness and MICA have an illustrious history dating back to the 1970s, when then-MICA professor Raoul Middleman led his classes in painting murals of Pimlico Race Course. The seven murals Middleman created with his students, which live in perpetuity behind the course’s grandstand, provide an intimate look at a tradition defined by history and character.

The Art of Racing encourages artists across the country to submit their own awe-inspiring portrayals of Thoroughbred racing, the Preakness and/or Pimlico Race Course. Using the submission portal below, professional and amateur artists may submit their renderings and earn a chance at receiving a $4,000 stipend and two VIP passes to Preakness 148 on May 20, 2023.