In 2023, the documentary Art for Everybody by Director/Writer Miranda Yousef (an accomplished editor) had the World Premiere at the SXSW Film & Television Festival in the Documentary Spotlight category. Artist and businessman Thomas Kinkade made a name for himself with the art he created and had a mass following of fans for many years, especially by the 1990s. His art did not appeal to everyone, but marketing effectively reached people. In this documentary, the audience will learn how he was selective of the art that was sold as part of his “brand.” It was not until after his death that his family discovered other art that he kept under “lock and key,” so not many people were aware of his life.
In public, Kinkade was a happy man with a wife and four beautiful daughters. They were often seen in videos for the public, in the press, and marketing, showing how he incorporated religion into his presentations. The discovery of the “dark” art led to the daughters’ seeking answers to what their father’s life was like to create such images. I won’t elaborate on the images, as it is best to view the film to learn about his upbringing shared in the film. I admit it is pretty eye-opening to see the pictures, but I am not entirely surprised that he was unwilling to reveal things about his life to everyone yet express them through art.
The documentary provides interviews and statements made by critics, fans, close friends, and family. I cannot imagine it was easy for his wife and daughters to talk so openly about the man for the film, but I admire them for sharing more about the reality instead of what was marketed when the four daughters were children.
Some of Kinkade’s long-time fans may not want to view the film to learn about the personality they were not aware of, especially if they did not follow his decline in the media stories. We have seen many stories of people who rise in fame and fortune and then fall right back down. His wife sought what she thought was best for her and their children, deciding to leave the marriage. Kinkade passed away in 2012.
Now that the film has appeared in film festivals, it will now be available in limited theaters starting in New York City on March 28, 2025. Check for local listings after this release date.
Producers: Morgan Neville and Tim Rummel
Running Time: 98 minutes
Source: SXSW, Tremolo Production