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Ken's latest work

Commissions

Winners is a historic painting by Kentucky Crafted artist Ken Burney, created as the official artwork for the 150th Governor’s Derby Celebration poster. The piece honors three trailblazing Black jockeys—Oliver Lewis, Isaac Murphy, and Isaac E. Lewis—who were champions of the early Kentucky Derby but whose legacies have too often gone unrecognized.

Through bold color and powerful movement, Burney captures their strength, determination, and rightful place in racing history. More than a celebration of sport, Winners is a tribute to perseverance and the overlooked contributions of African American horsemen who helped shape Kentucky’s heritage.

The painting holds a place of honor behind Governor Andy Beshear’s desk in the Kentucky Capitol and appeared in Vogue magazine during a profile on the Governor. Burney has expressed how thrilled and deeply honored he was to receive the opportunity to create this milestone poster, viewing it not only as a personal achievement but also as a way to shine a light on stories that deserve recognition.

With expressive brushwork and cultural storytelling, Burney ensures that Winners not only commemorates Derby 150 but also restores recognition to the Black jockeys who were, and remain, true champions. Burney is pictured here with Governor Andy Beshear and Lindy Casebier, Cabinet Secretary of Arts and Tourism, marking the historic unveiling of the work.

Public Art

In Mayfield, Kentucky, Ken Burney created a pair of striking public murals that pay tribute to two legendary African American artists: Helen LaFrance and Ellis Wilson. Painted on large exterior walls, these murals stand as vibrant community landmarks, honoring the creative legacy and cultural contributions of artists who rose from Western Kentucky to gain national recognition.

The mural of Ellis Wilson captures his likeness with bold color and expressive detail, surrounded by imagery that reflects his groundbreaking work and lasting influence in American art. The companion mural for Helen LaFrance celebrates her extraordinary vision as a self-taught memory painter, whose depictions of African American life and rural Kentucky are treasured across the country.

Through these murals, Burney not only beautifies the community but also restores recognition to LaFrance and Wilson, ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations. His work reflects his ongoing commitment to cultural storytelling, public art, and celebrating the achievements of African American creatives whose legacies shape both Kentucky’s identity and the wider history of American art.

Other fun stuff

During the excitement of Derby season, Ken Burney took the stage at 4th Street Live in Louisville for a special live painting performance. As an artist with Bourbon with Heart, a Louisville-based nonprofit that celebrates Kentucky’s culture through art, Burney shared the stage with hip hop performers while creating a large, vibrant painting of Muhammad Ali—capturing the spirit, strength, and cultural legacy of one of Kentucky’s greatest icons.

With music pulsing through the crowd, Burney’s brush moved in rhythm, layering bold colors, powerful imagery, and dynamic energy onto the canvas. The result was not only a striking portrait of Ali, but also a performance that fused art, music, and community into a single unforgettable Derby moment.

Through this collaboration, Burney highlighted his gift for live storytelling on canvas—transforming the stage into both a celebration of Kentucky heritage and a bridge between tradition and contemporary culture.