Thomas Kinkade Named Centennial Era Artist for Indianapolis Motor Speedway 100th Anniversary Celebration
New Studio Masterwork, Indy Excitement, 100 Years of Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Unveiled at Centennial Era Gala
INDIANAPOLIS, March 2 -- Thomas Kinkade, renowned artist known as The Painter of Light(TM), has been named the featured artist for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Centennial Era, a three-year celebration that kicked off with the Centennial Era Gala this past Friday. To capture the excitement, color and thrill of the Speedway on canvas, the artist has created a new Studio Masterwork, Indy Excitement, 100 Years of Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, that has become the cover for the collectible 2009 Indianapolis 500 Program.
"We're thrilled that Thomas Kinkade is capturing the moments of our Centennial Era through his beautiful art," said Joie Chitwood, IMS president and chief operating officer. "As The Painter of Light, Thomas' work is known and loved worldwide. The themes that inspire his work -- family, tradition and community -- are a perfect match for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as we celebrate this important time in our history."
Indy Excitement, 100 Years of Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is as a celebration on canvas that spans the 100 years of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's history.
"Imagine an image that details the running of the Indy 500 - but incorporates the cars from the past through today!" says Kinkade. "It includes the magnificence of the famous Pagoda, the historical significance of the Brickyard - and of course the city of Indianapolis in the distance. What the Hulman-George family envisioned when it purchased the Speedway in 1945 through all of the changes - right up to today - will be commemorated in this special piece of artwork. It is a historical encapsulation - celebrating the icons of America's first and still its most prestigious raceway."
Established in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has long prevailed as an icon of motorsports excellence. Beginning in 2009, the Speedway celebrates its Centennial Era, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the facility in 2009 and the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 2011.
Celebrating his 25th anniversary as a published artist in 2009, Thomas Kinkade is today's most widely collected living artist. He is known around the world for his tranquil, light-infused paintings that affirm the basic values of family, faith, and the beauty of nature. Kinkade has received numerous accolades for his works on and off the canvas, including multiple National Association of Limited Edition Dealers (NALED) awards for Artist of the Year, Graphic Artist of the Year, and nine awards for Lithograph of the Year. He has commemorated a number of important milestones in American heritage, including the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Disneyland's 50th Anniversary, the 85th Farewell Season of Yankee Stadium, Graceland's 50th Anniversary, and others. He is also involved in a number of nonprofit organizations focusing on children, humanitarian relief, and the arts.
About the Thomas Kinkade Company
The Thomas Kinkade Company publishes the work of Thomas Kinkade and distributes his art and related collectibles through independently owned galleries worldwide, an extensive network of branded and licensed dealers, and strategic marketing relationships with more than 70 licensees. The company's primary products are canvas and paper reproductions that feature Mr. Kinkade's artistic unique use of light and his peaceful and inspiring themes. Mr. Kinkade, known as the "Painter of Light(TM)," is the most successful and most collected living artist in U.S. history. For more information, please visit the Company's web site at www.thomaskinkade.com.
About the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the world's most famous racetrack and the largest spectator sporting facility in the world, with more than 250,000 permanent seats.
Built in 1909, IMS has played host to the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race annually on Memorial Day weekend since 1911 except for America's involvement in world wars in 1917-18 and 1942-45. The Allstate 400 at the Brickyard stock car race also has been contested at IMS every year since 1994, and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP motorcycle race was a new addition to the schedule in 2008, taking place on the Speedway's 2.621-mile road course.
IMS is the only facility in the world to stage events from the IndyCar Series, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and MotoGP.
The 1,025-acre IMS facility also includes the 18-hole championship Brickyard Crossing Golf Course and the IMS Hall of Fame Museum, one of the premier automotive and racing museums in the world.
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