Media Bio [ Andrew Lakey.com ]

Andrew Lakey – Media Bio

The story of “outsider” artist Andrew Lakey, recognized universally for his many powerful and provocative paintings is an inspiring chronicle of a man, who by overcoming a lifelong obsessive compulsive disorder, transformed his relentless internal drives and anxieties into a phenomenally prolific painting career. It is estimated that the artist has created over 100,000 original works of art most of which remain in his private collection and unseen.

Today, Andrew Lakey (Lakey) is an internationally celebrated artist whose paintings can be found in world-class private collections including the residence of the late Pope John Paul II. Among his 14,000 worldwide collectors of original paintings and sculptures are three U.S. Presidents, national politicians, European royalty, top entertainment

industry celebrities, prominent clergy, and leading art collectors.

His personal story and emerging career have been covered on nationally televised syndicated and broadcast network programs, including ABC’s “World News Tonight” and “Good Morning America”, NBC’s “The Today Show”, CNN, Fox News, “Larry King Weekend”, “Inside Edition”, “Hard Copy” and dozens of network affiliate shows across the country. His story has appeared in People Magazine and other leading publications, newspapers, syndicated radio and electronic media worldwide.

Lakey began his involvement with charities almost from the beginning of his unlikely transformation into an artist, when in 1990 ABC News Anchor Peter Jennings donated one of his first paintings to the Lighthouse For The Blind in New York City. Mr. Jennings, included Lakey’s story about his unique “heavy media” relief painting techniques and his art’s accessibility to the blind, on World News Tonight. Soon after, legendary R&B singer and Lakey art collector, Ray Charles recommended that he donate to blind children charities all over the world.

Since then, for over a period of more than 15 years, 225 non-profit charities have directly benefited from Lakey’s charitable works – in the form of auctioned paintings and/or his ongoing personal participation and involvement. Working with President Jimmy Carter, one of Lakey’s original paintings generated $25,000.00 for his Habitat For Humanity organization. (President Carter is also one of Lakey’s art collectors). Lakey original paintings have helped generate moneys for many Red Cross fund raising efforts.