Mohawk licenses Kinkade
By Cecile B. Corral -- Home Textiles Today, 6/25/2001
SUGAR VALLEY, GA — Mohawk Home recently became the exclusive licensee and manufacturer of area rugs for the works of artist Thomas Kinkade, known as "the painter of light" for of his signature use of sunlight in his scenic pictures.
Media Arts Group Inc., the designer, manufacturer, marketer and branded retailer of art reproductions for a wide assortment of goods for Thomas Kinkade and other artists, signed the agreement with Mohawk Home.
"We are very excited about working with Media Arts Group and extending the brand to include floor coverings," said Patrick Moyer, vp, marketing, Mohawk Home, which is already a licensee of Thomas Kinkade for other home textile categories — throws, decorative pillows and other decorative accessories.
Added Anthony Thomopoulos, chairman and ceo of Media Arts Group: "Mohawk continues to be a great partner, and we are excited about this innovative new line of area rugs. As the Kinkade look grows within the home, we see decorative flooring as a logical extension of the brand."
Mohawk's initial launch of area rugs will include more than 10 different patterns that coordinate with Kinkade's new furniture and upholstery lines offered through LA-Z-BOY Furniture. The rugs will be offered in a broad range of sizes.
"The colors have been carefully selected to coordinate with the LA-Z-BOY Furniture program," Moyer said. "We are very pleased with the results and have already begun manufacturing the line in anticipation of orders being placed."
Plans are already in the works to broaden the line to include designs that capture elements within some of Kinkade's most famous paintings.
Mohawk will market the new Kinkade area rug program through its Goodwin Weavers sales force and will target furniture retailers as well as gift and specialty stores.
