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Known for his warm, comfy paintings of cottages, soothingly lighted, world-famous artist Thomas Kinkade will be showcased at Frederick art gallery The Museum Shop during a special month-long exhibit spotlighting his other, more dramatic work.
"This is a real honor for us. His organization has been such a joy to work with," said owner Vicky Kornemann.
Dramatic displays include a nighttime Parisian skyline or a lonely man fishing in a river against a backdrop of majestic mountains. The exhibit runs throughout July.
The show's centerpiece, however, is a series of works Kincade created in collaboration with Disney, depicting famous characters like Pinnochio, Snow White and Peter Pan. The series, a recent undertaking by the artist that has taken the country by storm, will eventually include 12 paintings.
During Friday's event, Pinnochio will take center stage.
"It's a lot of fun because he hides so many things in the painting. There are other characters and different letters that you find. It's a puzzle when you look at it," said Kornemann.
The exhibit came to the Museum Shop after Kinkade's representative came to Frederick in search of a venue to highlight the artist's new works. Choosing The Museum Shop, he worked with the Kornemanns to set up the exhibit with original paintings.
Although Kornemann said she and her husband have never shown Kinkade's artwork before, they are excited to highlight a living artist and a popular one that so many people seem to enjoy. The Museum Shop will continue to feature Kinkade's paintings once the exhibit closes.
"We, like many other people, always assumed that his work just included those cottages. We discovered he does so much more than that, though," she said. In fact, the artist and his organization are hoping that art lovers will appreciate Kinkade for his diversity.
Thomas KinKade
When: Opening reception from 5-9 p.m. July 3
Where: The Museum Shop, 20 N. Market St., Frederick
For information: 301-695-0424
