WHAT DO LEROY Neiman, Peter Max, Tony Bennett and Misha Lenn have in common? Yes, all are renowned artists (including Bennett, who is better known as the ageless crooner), but VCO's friend Misha Lenn along with Neiman, Max and Bennett, in addition to other well known artists, have, in recent years been chosen as the "Official Artist of the Kentucky Derby." This honor was bestowed upon Misha this year for Derby 133. Misha, whom VCO publisher and founder Marleen met at the 2005 ARTV awards at the MGM (he was a winner there too, winning for "Best Watercolor Artist") now has the distinction of being the official artist for two of Americas most enduring sports shows. He was also official artist of "The Westminster Kennel Club" (twice) as well as the Derby.

The Russian born, Boston, Massachusetts resident has had many showings in Russia, Europe and the US, and has won many awards over the last nearly 20 years. His extraordinary watercolor works were known to us even before Marleen made his acquaintance at the MGM.

On this, the eve of the Preakness at Pimlico Maryland, the second leg of racings Triple Crown, Misha is on his way to his native Russia for a showing in St. Petersburg and then to Moscow before returning to the states in late June.


"I did not get to meet the Queen or Street Sense," Misha told this reporter, on Monday following the Derby. (Queen Elizabeth attended the races on Derby day and Street Sense was of course, the winner of America's most prestigious horse race.) "I never the less had fun and everyone at Churchill Downs was hospitable and friendly," he stated. "I did not have the winner, but a friend sent some money along with me to play number 7 in every race." (His friend had a good day, as number 7 won five races including the Derby…)

Congratulations to Misha on his well-deserved honor and good luck at his showings in his Father Land.

View Misha's Web site at www.mishalenn.com or view his Kentucky Derby artwork at the Kentucky Derby 133 store on line at derby.zouire.com/start.asp.
Read VCO's ArTV Awards Review.


Frank Marino