KEY Magazine Fort Worth

Thomas Kinkade
Painter of Light

Thomas Kinkade, America’s most collected living artist, will be in Fort Worth Nov. 27. Hosting the artist’s visit will be the Thomas Kinkade Gallery in Sundance Square. Those wishing to hear Kinkade’s message of inspiration may reserve tickets by calling the gallery at 817-335-1140.

Coming from a modest background, Kinkade emphasizes simple pleasures and inspirational messages through his paintings. As a Christian, Kinkade uses his work to communicate and spread life-affirming values.

These important values were nurtured while he was growing up in the small town of Placerville, California. Later, he spent a summer on a sketching tour with a college friend, which resulted in the best-selling instructional book, The Artist’s Guide to Sketching.The success of the book landed the two young men at Ralph Bakshi Studios where they created background art for the animated feature film Fire and Ice.Also during this time,Kinkade began to explore the use of light in imaginative worlds.

After finishing work on the film, Kinkade earned his living as a painter, selling his work in galleries throughout California. In 1982,he married his child-hood sweetheart, Nanette, and two years later they began to publish his art.

Kinkade fills his paintings with “love notes” by hiding the letter “N” in his paintings as a tribute to his wife, Nanette. His four daughters also find their own messages of love in many of his paintings.

Kinkade’s goal as an artist is totouch people of all faiths, to bring peace, and joy into their lives through the images he creates. He receives letters daily indicating that he is achieving his goal.

Kinkade is involved in several collaborations, including a partnership with The Salvation Army. Two special charity prints were created for that organization, The Season of Giving and The Light of Freedom. Proceeds were donated to The Salvation Army’s General Fund and to aid those in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. More than $1.5 million has been donated as a result of this affiliation.

The Thomas Kinkade Foundation supports non-profit organizations focusing on children, humanitarian relief, and the arts. Kinkade’s involvement in such organizations, along with his appearances on the television shows, “60 Minutes,” and “Good Morning America,” is testimony that his artwork touches the hearts of millions of people.

Kinkade has received many awards for his work, including multiple National Association of Limited Edition Dealers (NALED) awards for Artist of the Year and Graphic Artist of the Year. His art has been named Lithograph of the Year nine times. In 2004, Kinkade received a special award from NALED naming him the Most Award Winning Artist in the Past 25 Years.

Kinkade has been recognized not only for his art, but also for his philanthropic efforts. In 2004, NALED honored him with the Eugene Freedman Humanitarian Award. In 2003, he was chosen as a national spokesperson for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® and has raised over $350,000 for the organization while on his 20 Years of Light Tour. He was honored with the 2002 World Children’s Center Humanitarian Award for his work with the Kolorful Kids and Art for Children programs.

In 2002, Kinkade was inducted into the California Tourism Hall of Fame for his influence on the public’s perception of tourism in California through his images of California.

Kinkade has met with the Pope, U.S. Presidents, celebrities, and other well-known dignitaries to share his life-affirming message. His influence, truly, is world wide.

Thomas Kinkade Gallery
Sundance Square
302 Main Street
817-335-1140
800-336-0344
E-mail: tkg11305@kinkade.com

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