FRANKFORT — Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear Thursday welcomed all Kentucky children to participate in a poster contest that celebrates the 62nd gubernatorial inauguration theme: Forward, Together.
The theme is inspired by how Kentuckians came together and got through many hard times over the past four years – from the pandemic to devastating natural disasters and many challenges in between – and how we are now getting to the good times together.
“Over the past four years, Kentuckians have met each challenge with love, compassion and empathy for one another, and that is exactly how we must approach the next four years,” the Beshears said. “We cannot wait to see how our school-age children visualize this theme and what they think we can accomplish when we move forward by working together.”
With support from their parents, guardians and teachers, school-age children ages 6-17 are invited to submit artwork that honors the theme. A panel, including Mrs. Beshear, will judge entries anonymously and select one winner from each age category, ages 6-9, 10-13 and 14-17. Two additional overall winners will be selected for having the most colorful and most creative posters.
The five winners and their families, along with school representatives, will be invited to the Capitol on Dec. 12, 2023, where the Beshears will recognize them as part of the inaugural celebration. The winning artwork will also be framed and on display in the Capitol during this time.
Poster Contest Submission Directions
Posters should be submitted, unframed on paper no larger than 12 by 16 inches and include a completed entry form (Word or PDF) attached to the back of the poster. All entries must be postmarked by Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, and mailed to:
Kentucky State Capitol
ATTN: Poster Contest Panel
700 Capitol Ave., Suite 112
Frankfort, KY 40601
For a complete list of contest rules and additional information, visit governor.ky.gov/Inauguration2023/Team-Kentucky-Poster-Contest-2023.pdf.
As part of her contributions to the Office of the Governor, Mrs. Beshear created the Team Kentucky Art Gallery, which is located in the main hall of the state Capitol in Frankfort. The Beshears believe there is no better place than the Capitol to highlight Kentuckians’ voices as represented through art. Selected artworks are displayed for a six-month rotation in the Capitol and at the Team Kentucky Digital Art Gallery, where the artists can provide additional information.
Mrs. Beshear also introduced a coloring book of First Dog Winnie Beshear touring the state Capitol so Kentucky children could have fun coloring as they learn about the historic building.
In 2019, as part of the 61st Inauguration, the Beshears also included a poster contest for school-age children around the Team Kentucky theme.
Additional Inauguration Information
Thursday, the Beshears also launched the gubernatorial inauguration website Kentucky.ky.gov/inauguration, where Kentuckians can learn more about the poster contest and the inaugural day events. Media can also visit the site for instructions on obtaining an inauguration media credential. The Governor and First Lady will be making more announcements about the details surrounding the inauguration in the weeks to come.