Inside the Santa Ynez Valley Magazine Winter 2002 Edition

Thomas Kinkade
By K. Reka Badger

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Despite the roar of traffic streaming by their front door, Ari and Noel Petersen have created an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Solvang. Friends, art lovers and curious tourists take one step inside their cozy Thomas Kinkade and Places in the Heart Galleries, located off the lobby of the Petersen Inn at 1576 Mission Drive, and the softly lit scenes of bucolic perfection draw eyes and imaginations into other, more peaceful places.

People come in and just sit on the sofa for 20 minutes staring at a painting, Ari says with wonder, and when they get up, they say thank you and look totally refreshed.

Noel adds, Some people will be in front of a painting, and they will cry and we ll think oh, my goodness, but it brings them happiness. They'll say things like I grew up in a house like that.

Thomas Kinkade, known to millions as the painter of light, inspires a range of responses in both his fans and detractors. Those who admire his style and collect his work, eagerly await each month s release of a new limited edition painting, while others disdain his efforts as idealized and too successful to be real art.

How do you define art? Ari asks. I think Kinkade has struck a chord, whether you want to call it Americana, serenity or peacefulness, these paintings make you want to be there, in that scene it takes you back to a simpler time.

Kinkade s paintings feature friendly cabins in lush woods, Victorian homes sparkling with snow and cottages perched above pristine lakes. Each home glows with welcoming lights and a cheerful fire blazes in every hearth, some say because, as the son of a single mother, Kinkade often came home to a dark, empty house.

With the gallery lights dimmed, Kinkade s work seems to glow from within: clouds reflect the setting sun, rays of light pierce cresting waves and snow glistens on sidewalks. Even his more traditional plein air pieces masterfully represent the shine of wet pavement and the clear light of a Mediterranean sky.

Several times each year, the gallery hosts special events where customers can chat with the artists, observe their techniques and have paintings personalized. On December 28 and 29, 2002, one of Thomas Kinkade s master highlighters will visit to demonstrate how the application of oil paint to the limited edition canvases enhances both texture and color.

The Petersen s take pride in being the only licensed dealer of Thomas Kinkade s art in the Valley. They stand behind every item they sell, offer extended service, should anything go wrong, and guarantee the authenticity of every piece.

Ari Petersen, who discovered the art world serendipitously, grew up in Solvang, then made his way to Arizona where he and an enterprising friend patented a misting device for cooling overheated golfers in their golf carts. On a trip to his hometown, he met Noel, who was visiting from her native Argentina, as she lunched in his brother s Solvang restaurant, the Greenhouse CafÈ. That meeting led to five years of long-distance phone calls, until love carried Noel to Arizona and in 2000, to the altar.

Upon their return to the Santa Ynez Valley, Noel, a talented painter in her own right, found work as an art consultant at the Thomas Kinkade Gallery, then owned by Rod and Helena Weckworth. When the Weckworth s approached the young couple about joining the business, Ari and Noel jumped at the opportunity to become managing partners of the busy gallery.

Since then, the two have expanded the space to include the Places in the Heart Studio, a forum for other artists, including Simon Bull, who creates colorful compositions with floral and musical themes, as well as a line of luminous glassware; and Howard Behrens, a respected artist who works exclusively with a palette knife, layering rich hues and deep texture onto his canvases.

With the recent birth of their baby son, Kanan, Noel and Ari Petersen have dabbed a little more color onto their own canvas. They ve created a happy life reminiscent of one of Thomas Kinkade s inviting scenes and every day they welcome visitors into their friendly oasis in the heart of Solvang.

Thomas Kinkade and Places in the Heart Galleries are open seven days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ari and Noel work with two great employees Marge Helling and Barbara Meeks. Call the gallery for information about art and scheduled events, 805.693-8337.