Tom Everhart
The Only Artist Authorized by Charles Schulz to Create Peanuts Fine Art
🏢 The MetLife Masterpiece
When MetLife designed their new Charlotte headquarters, they committed to creating an uplifting workspace across two 10-story buildings. At the heart of this vision? Tom Everhart's Peanuts artwork.
285,000 square feet of Everhart's vibrant Peanuts interpretations became the unifying design theme, greeting employees around every corner.
Honored as guests at the ribbon-cutting, Everhart and his wife Jennifer joined MetLife executives and even Governor Pat McCrory, who personally praised the art's impact. The celebration culminated with Everhart creating an impromptu wall-sized drawing on a conference room marker board—leaving MetLife with both a treasure and the delightful challenge of preserving it.
📜 Artistic Journey
Born in Washington, D.C.
Tom Everhart began his life journey that would eventually intersect with one of America's most beloved comic strips.
Yale University & Beyond
Studied at Yale School of Art and Architecture, with independent study under Earl Hoffman at St. Mary's College. Completed graduate work at Yale and post-graduate studies at Paris's Musée de l'Orangerie.
Fateful Meeting with Charles Schulz
Despite no formal cartooning training, Everhart's freelance project led him to Schulz's Santa Rosa studio. His unique approach—blowing up Peanuts strips to reveal Schulz's painterly pen strokes—impressed Schulz and began a lifelong artistic partnership.
Transformation Through Adversity
While battling stage 4 cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital, surrounded by Peanuts strips from Schulz, Everhart had an epiphany. The light streaming through his window seemed to project new Peanuts-inspired images on the wall—marking the birth of his signature style.
Global Recognition
Exhibited at the Louvre, L.A. County Museum, and museums worldwide. Published lithographs and featured in CBS specials. Signed historic agreement with Schulz to use Peanuts characters in his fine art.
Schulz's Passing & New Inspiration
After Schulz's death, Everhart discovered French Polynesia, whose luminous colors influenced his palette. Continued honoring Schulz's legacy through global lectures and exhibitions.
Enduring Legacy
As the only artist authorized by both Charles Schulz and Iconix to create Peanuts fine art, Everhart maintains studios in Venice, California, continuing his life's work of reinterpreting Schulz's iconic characters.
🔑 Artistic Distinctions
Official Authorization
The only fine artist legally authorized by Charles Schulz to use Peanuts characters
Museum Exhibitions
Shown at Louvre, Suntory Museum, Charles M. Schulz Museum, and more
Historic Agreement
1991 contract with Schulz allows Everhart to use Peanuts in his art for life
Global Influence
Artwork featured in major collections worldwide and corporate installations