Thomas Kinkade

Thomas Kinkade was born in Placerville, California. He was an acclaimed illustrator when he decided to put his entire life savings into the printing of his first lithograph. He was painting from the heart, putting on canvas the natural wonders and images that moved him most.

Throughout his life Kinkade shared his joy and used his paints in support of hospitals, schools, and humanitarian relief. Though the recipient of countless awards and honors, it was Thom's profound sense of purpose that his art was not just an accessory, but also a ministry, that continues on as his legacy. From custom images that were sold for The Salvation Army, Hurricane Katrina relief, Rotary International, to donations that now grace the halls of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, the White House, The Vatican, and Britain’s Tate Museum, Thom raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over his lifetime for charity.

Kinkade emphasized simple pleasures and inspirational messages through his art and the branded products created from that art. From textiles, to collectibles, to music and books, Thom gave credit to a higher power for both the ability and the inspiration to create his paintings. His goal as a Christian artist was to touch people of all faiths, to bring peace and joy into their lives through the images he had created.

Kinkade's dearest wish had always been that his artwork would be a messenger of hope and inspiration to others. It was a message to slow down, appreciate the little details in life, and to look for beauty in the world around us.