The World 2010 Games Foundation, Inc., the organization responsible for planning, staging and conducting the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), announced it has commissioned internationally-renowned artist LeRoy Neiman as the Official Commemorative Artist of the 2010 Games.

As the Official Commemorative Artist, Neiman will create an original painting that will serve as the “Official Image of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” as well as a commemorative print that will incorporate each of the eight disciplines that will be featured at the 2010 WEG. The Official Commemorative Artwork will be produced and marketed by Cobalt Artworks of Louisville, KY.

“The horse has always been a favorite subject of mine, from the work horse to the race horse,” said Neiman. “Kentucky is horse country, where this noble animal is prominent and appreciated. Man loves the horse, its beauty, power and speed. It’s going to be fun to paint the eight different disciplines for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Count me in to be in attendance at the games with sketchbook in hand.”

Best known for his brilliantly colored, stunningly energetic images of sporting events and leisure activities, Neiman is considered one of the most popular living artists in the United States. He has been the official artist of five Olympics, four Super Bowls, as well as the Breeders’ Cup and the Kentucky Derby. He was recently commissioned to create the official commemorative image for the 37th Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, KY, in September 2008.

While on location at these championship events, Neiman has often been televised to an audience of millions, sketchbook in hand, producing split-second records of what he is witnessing.

Neiman’s work has been featured in exhibits at galleries and museums around the world. Foundation CEO Jack Kelly said it is an honor to have Neiman capturing the World Equestrian Games on his canvas.

“LeRoy Neiman’s unique and worldwide-recognized style will result in a very special commemorative piece for the Games official artwork,” said Kelly. “In addition, having an artist of such notoriety and recognition at the 2010 Games is a significant component to the cultural legacy of the event for Kentucky.”