Professor of Art at Spartanburg Methodist College & Owner and Creative Director of Wet Paint Syndrome, LLC
Education
Kris Neely earned his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interdisciplinary Art from Goddard College in 2009. Neely holds the B.A. degree from Wofford College (2002) with a major in religion, graduating summa cum laude, first in his class, Phi Beta Kappa, Presidential International Scholar, and recipient of the Walter E. Hudgins Award for Intellectual Courage, Creativity, and Vision.
Professional
Kris is represented by the Nest Artisan Markets in Tryon and Landrum, Vintage Warehouse of Spartanburg, and the Wild Oats and Billy Goats Galleries in Atlanta and Roswell, GA. His work is also available locally in his professional studio, Wet Paint Syndrome.
Kris Neely coordinates the Studio Art program at Spartanburg Methodist College. He has taught college courses in Painting, Drawing, 2D Design, 3D Design, Art Appreciation, Introduction to Studio Art, Environmental Art and Installation, Digital Photography, Painting, Self-Taught Art, The American Poetic Impulse, Performance Art, and Street Art.
Personal
A creative writer and a visual artist, Neely served as writer-in-residence and editor for Hidden Voices, a community-based art project sponsored by The Hub City Writers Project, the Spartanburg Arts Partnership, and Piedmont Care, Inc. Hidden Voices: Reflections from an Affected Community was published in October of 2005 by the Hub City Writers Project.
Kris is the owner and creative director of Wet Paint Syndrome, LLC. In his studio, Neely experiments with new media and uses found objects to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional art.
He and his wife, Patrice, live in Spartanburg. Mrs. Neely teaches children with special needs at Chesnee Elementary School. Patrice and Kris have 3 children: Michael, Allie, and Caroline.
Spiritual
In 2011, Kris became a member of the Order of St. Edward the Confessor, a religious order affiliated with the Episcopal Church. As a brother in the OSE, Kris has taken on an additional commitment to leading a life of prayer. His role in the OSE continues to inform his contemplative art practice and his deep commitment to teaching. Kris serves as chaplain for his son's Boy Scout Troop. Kris has been an active Scouter, serving as a Cub Master, Scoutmaster, and Committee Chair for units in the Spartanburg Area.
