Thomas Kinkade, painter of…cars?

I’m all for populist art. But I’ll readily admit to being a bit embarrassed for the city that Thomas Kinkade, the much-collected — and much-mocked — “painter of light,” has been named the featured artist for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway three-year Centennial Era celebration. The festivities kick off with a gala later this month.

Kinkade will create a new work that wil serve as the cover for the

Indianapolis 500 Program.

“Imagine an image that details the running of the Indy 500 – but incorporates the cars from the past through today!” Kinkade stated in a press release. “It will include the magnificence of the famous Pagoda, the historical significance of the Brickyard – and of course the city of Indianapolis in the distance.”

No word of whether or not there will be a cottage involved.

Brace yourself for the unveiling on Feb. 27.