Artist Thomas Kinkade and Baywatch Actress Melissa Biggs to Attend the Kentucky Derby to Promote Upcoming "The Light of Africa" Series

Artist Thomas Kinkade and Baywatch Actress Melissa Biggs to Attend the Kentucky Derby to Promote Upcoming "The Light of Africa" Series

LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomas Kinkade, America's most collected and celebrated artist, and Melissa Biggs, Baywatch star and Sports Illustrated Spokesmodel, will attend the Kentucky Derby from May 6th-8th as "Official Celebrities of the 2011 Julep Ball," to support the James Graham Brown Cancer Center and promote their new TV series "The Light of Africa," a new lifestyle program being filmed in Africa later this spring.

The Julep Ball is the signature Kentucky Derby event and is important for the development of the James Graham Brown Cancer Center at the University of Louisville. Two of the cancer center researchers have discovered the virus causing cervical cancer and a vaccine to help prevent it is currently being marketed.

Dedicated to the cause, Kinkade will paint at the Derby and donate the work to be auctioned off at the Julep Ball. "I'm honored to be a part of such a special event that will raise money for this most important benefactor, the James Graham Brown Cancer Center," said Kinkade.

"We're definitely looking forward to being able to make a difference through the visibility of our presence at the Derby as well as our work tying in through the new TV series," said Biggs.

Biggs and Kinkade's appearance at the will not only raise awareness and funds for the Cancer Center, it will give them an opportunity to promote their new upcoming series titled "The Light of Africa." Hosted by Biggs, this multi-part series will take viewers on an incredible expedition, not only into the land of Africa and the culture of its people, but also into the mind of the brilliant and passionate master artist.

Each episode will reveal a masterpiece created by Kinkade and as such will begin like all great works of art, with a blank canvas. Upon completion of the final episode, all paintings will be showcased as part of a live art installation in Africa.

"The Light of Africa" is the first in a multi-series development deal that focuses on the lifestyle and sports cultures in countries around the world, with Kinkade and Biggs. "The Light of the World" is the umbrella name for the overall series with future seasons focusing on "The Light of Asia," "India" and "Brazil," to be produced after Africa.

Media Contact:
Ed DeMask / DeMask Marketing
630-768-1404
ed@demaskmarketing.com

SOURCE The Light of Africa Series

The Light of Africa Series

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