Artist Thomas Kinkade Arrested on Suspicion of DUI
California law enforcement officials say well-known Christian artist Thomas Kinkade spent a night in jail last week after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
California Highway Patrol officials said Monday that Kinkade was pulled over outside Carmel and arrested by a CHP officer just after 10 p.m. Friday
Kinkade "displayed signs of impairment to the officer," California Highway Patrol spokesman Robert Lehman reported.
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The 52-year-old painter and father of four was released Saturday morning after posting bail.
Requests for a statement from the Thomas Kinkade Co. were not immediately responded to, though The Associated Press reported Monday that the company said it was reviewing the allegations.
Touted on his website as the "Painter of Light" and "America's most collected living artist," Kinkade is described as a "devout Christian" who "uses his gift as a vehicle to communicate and spread inherent life-affirming values."
In April, Kinkade attended the reopening of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., for which he created a special 32-foot mural titled "The Cross."
In addition to the mural, Kinkade's company has also been reportedly working very closely with the Billy Graham Foundation on promotion and marketing for the library.
In the past, Kinkade has worked extensively with World Vision Charities and The Salvation Army, and has been the national spokesperson for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
He began publishing his work in 1984.
