Fine Line and AfterImage Film Fest host showing of documentary on the ‘Painter of Light’

Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles is co-sponsoring one of the films at this year’s AfterImage Film Festival in St. Charles.

The film, “Art is for Everybody,” is an enthralling documentary about the artist Thomas Kinkade. Kinkade, a prolific painter, rocketed to popularity in the 1990s with his cozy cottages, idyllic gardens and welcoming village streets.

Both celebrated and disparaged for his kitschy signature settings the “Painter of Light” marketed himself to American evangelicals and pitted himself against the elite art establishment.

This film, which has garnered significant acclaim since its premiere at the prestigious South by Southwest festival in 2023, digs deep into Kinkade’s life and work to elucidate the real man behind the persona.

The screenings will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12, and 1:45 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at Classic Cinemas Charlestowne 18 Theatre, 3740 E. Main St. in St. Charles. Filmmaker Miranda Yousef is scheduled to be in attendance for Q&As following both screenings.

Lynn Caldwell, executive director of Fine Line Creative Arts Center, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with the AfterImage Film Festival.

“We collaborated with them last year for a successful outdoor film event. As an adult art center that offers many painting classes, we felt this film would resonate with our audience,” Caldwell said. “While opinions on Kinkade’s work may vary, art is subjective, and it's always fascinating to hear an artist's story.”

The AfterImage Film Festival is an annual celebration of independent film, taking place this year from April 10-13 at Classic Cinemas Charlestowne 18 Theatre.

More information about the festival and ticket purchases can be found at www.afterimagefilmfestival.com.

For more information about Fine Line visit www.fineline.org.