Not long ago, American Christian culture was dominated by a particular artistic vision – the work of Thomas Kinkade. Both celebrated and disparaged for his kitschy signature settings, the “Painter of Light” rocketed to popularity in the ’90s by marketing himself to American evangelicals and pitting himself against the elite art establishment. Yet beneath the pristine public persona were demons that would drive him to alcoholism, scandal, and death from an overdose in 2012. After his passing, Kinkade’s daughters uncovered a trove of unseen, unexpectedly dark paintings, a discovery that launched an investigation into their father’s true personality. And now, a documentary has been created that tells a surprising story about Kinkade’s life and work, one that raises important questions about American Christian culture, the nature of Christian art, and the pressures at work in Christian commerce.
We’ll be screening the film and hosting a panel discussion about it on Thursday, June 19 at 6:30pm. The screening is free and open to the public, but registration is required, and a donation of $20 is suggested to offset the cost of licensing the film for screening, projection rental, and snacks.
To make a donation in support of this event, go to https://southbendcitychurch.churchcenter.com/giving/to/art-for-everybody.
REGISTER HERE if you’re planning on attending!
