Chris Krieg named Evergreen Arts Person of the Year

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Evergreen mural artist Chris Krieg has been named the Arts Person of the Year by Center for the Arts Evergreen.

Krieg, who has lived in Evergreen for 33 years, has painted everything from billboards and murals to a bright pink bus that advertised the “Word” exhibition at CAE in 2020.

“Chris walked in (just after the pandemic started) … and said we needed a big car for a big show,” said Lisa Nierenberg, executive director of CAE, who noted that Krieg helped rejuvenate the gallery during the height of the pandemic. “He is near and dear to our hearts.” anks to Krieg, CAE has started mural camps, and young artists have created murals at the Buchanan Park Recreation Center and at the gallery.

Krieg and his wife, Sue, owned Evergreen Signs for many years. Sue said Chris had given so much.

“He’s been giving and giving,” Sue said. “ ere’s no stopping him. He’s very proli c. He just loves to paint. He likes to make pretty.”

Chris was overwhelmed by the award, thanking Center for the Arts Evergreen’s sta . He said he’s been drawing since he was young, and he never went to art school. He decided he wanted to create big art, starting by creating billboards. In the 1970s, he began working for a muralist. He continues to make murals, an occasionally he collaborates with his son, Will.

“Art enriches our lives,” Chris said. “I have watched Evergreen grow and evolve. I like to make a di erence because the community has been so good to us.”