Thomas Kinkade was selected by Elvis Presley Enterprises, (EPE) to create a commemorative painting of Graceland in celebration of Elvis Presley’s^® purchase of the historic home 50 years ago and to celebrate the 25 years that Graceland has been open to the public.  Thomas Kinkade is thrilled to be a part of the 50^th Anniversary Celebration, stating: “It is the personal connection that people feel to Elvis^® and the joy his music brings that keep people coming to Graceland.  My painting will capture that spirit and provide the people who love Elvis with a visual reminder of how he used his God-given talent to bring joy to millions.”

     During the event, a Limited Edition canvas with a hand-drawn detailed sketch by Mr. Kinkade will be auctioned and the proceeds will be given to Presley Place^®, a part of the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, which provides homeless families rent-free housing, child day care, career and financial counseling, family management guidance and other tools to help them break the cycle of poverty and regain self-esteem and independence.

     “Elvis is an American icon who has inspired millions of people.  It is only fitting that America’s most-collected artist commemorate his life and his legacy with this painting,” says Tommy Ashker, owner of Thomas Kinkade Gallery at Wolfchase Galleria. 

     Limited edition canvases of “Graceland^® 50^th Anniversary” as well as other Thomas Kinkade images will be available for purchase and will be signed by Thomas Kinkade   during the event.

     Thomas Kinkade’s partnership with the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation adds to a long list of charitable foundations he has supported throughout his career.  Mr. Kinkade has helped raise millions of dollars for charities around the world, including the Points of Light Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, World Vision, the Salvation Army, The San Francisco Giants Community Fund, and Art for Children Charities.  Thomas Kinkade’s ambition to spread light and joy into the homes of others has resulted in his success as the most collected living artist in U.S. history.  For more information about Thomas Kinkade, please visit www.thomaskinkade.com. 

     Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) is based in Memphis, with additional offices in Los Angeles. In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.Elvis.com. EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market® under the ticker symbol "CKXE." Also visit www.ckx.com.