Hispanics: The Heartbeat of Kentucky's Equine Industry

As part of 250LEX celebrations of Lexington, Kentucky’s 250th anniversary in 2025 and in support of the independent, local artist-driven project Hispanics: The Heartbeat of Kentucky’s Equine Industry, Keeneland Library provided the buildout and hosting of this virtual gallery, hosted a physical display featuring the project’s photography, and commissioned photography of the project’s paintings.

The artists’ project synopsis is below. Browse the virtual galleries using the menu to your left to explore the artists’ biographies, paintings, photographs, and poems. Click on the thumbnail images in each gallery for expanded images and more information. Access video footage of the locally based artists’ work.

Project Synopsis:
Hispanics: The Heartbeat of Kentucky's Equine Industry, a project created and sustained by Lexington-based Latino artists, aims to illuminate the vital, often unseen, contributions of the dedicated individuals who make horse racing possible.

Through a diverse collection of artistic expressions, including photography, videos, paintings, and poetry, we showcase the intricate work involved in preparing a horse for racing. Our goal is to celebrate the deep human connection that drives the prestigious equine industry, ensuring that the dedication and talent of this workforce are as admired, honored, and recognized as the horse races themselves, which have traditionally captured all the attention. In doing so, we aspire to foster a deep appreciation for their work and enhance their morale and satisfaction, as they feel fully valued.

By sharing their stories and experiences, we strive to educate the public about the diverse individuals behind the scenes, who contribute positively to the cultural landscape of the equine industry and make it more visible and accessible to all.