Thomas Kinkade, known as the “Painter of Light,” has become one of the most avidly collected, financially successful and controversial painters in history. His paintings are embraced by thousands of faithful collectors and criticized by others for their idyllic scenes, which romanticize and illuminate a fantasy life on earth.

Jeffrey Vallance, author, performance artist and curator, joins CSUF Grand Central Art Center as guest curator. Vallance’s multifaceted examination of Thomas Kinkade and the cultural phenomenon that has grown up around his work encompasses aspects of Kinkade’s fine art, production and religious work. The GCAC gallery will feature original paintings, reproductions, limited edition collectables, furniture, tapestries, ceramics and much more. GCAC Project Room will feature examples of Kinkade’s celebrated Christian artwork, including originals, prints and objects such as a ceramic Kinkade Nativity Scene. A chapel will be built in the gallery to resemble a quaint little country church with church pews and stained-glass windows. For the exhibition opening, the distinguished Reverend Ethan Acres will present a sermon on Kinkade’s religious work. A series of recent paintings inspired by Thomas Kinkade's international travels will be exhibited in the CSUF Main Gallery along with limited editions, furnishings and examples of the distinctive Kinkade architecture designs shown in blueprints, photos and models.

A lecture series, collectors' roundtable discussion and other educational presentations have been scheduled throughout the run of this exhibition. Please visit our website at www.grandcentralartcenter.com for more information on these upcoming events and lectures.

A full-color 168-page catalog documenting the exhibition will be available for purchase. This publication includes 157 images along with essays by guest curator Jeffrey Vallance, art writer Ralph Rugoff, art writer Doug Harvey, artist Thomas Kinkade, CSUF Main Gallery Director, Mike McGee, Reverend Ethan Acres and CSUF Grand Central Art Center director Andrea Lee Harris.