About the Artist
About Chris Willey
ARTIST STATEMENT
I begin with direct observation, spending time looking, deciding on ideas, images, forms, and color. I try to distill the essence of what attracted me to the subject into my paintings, while allowing the paint and surface to have their own voice. I am attracted to complex patterning, lush colors, beautiful compositions, and solid draftsmanship. The paintings are from observation, but then the painting takes on a life of its own, so I take liberties with structure, design, pattern, color, and paint that are separate from the observation. I try to allow room for experimentation and discovery through the whole painting process. Ultimately, the painting has its own language and emotion that represents and feels like that moment in time and place.
Painting is my journal, my exploration, my meditation, my peace of mind. Painting outside is where it all comes to fruition.
BIO
Chris (Christina) Willey is a full-time painter, often traveling to juried plein air events throughout the country, including En Plein Air Texas, Telluride, Plein Air Southwest, Shadows-on-the-Teche, Mountain Maryland, Estes Park, and others. She has had artist residencies at I-Park, East Haddam, CT, Art Center Padula, Padula, Italy, and LaBaldi Artist Residency, Montegiovi, Italy. Chris has taught and conducted workshops in the United States, England, the Netherlands, France, and Croatia.
She has an MFA in Illustration from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, and a BFA in Drawing/Painting from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE. She is a Professor Emeritus of Art from the University of Central Missouri, where she taught for 22 years. For 13 years, before teaching full-time, she was an illustrator, painter, and graphic designer.
Chris has won over 77 awards in many international, national and regional juried shows, including several Best of Show and Gold. Her art is held in a number of private and corporate collections in the U.S., Netherlands, and France. She has acquired signature status in the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society, MidAmerica Pastel Society, and the International Society of Acrylic Painters, has exhibited in galleries and museums, and has had numerous solo exhibits.
For more info, visit her website at www.chriswilley.com or her instagram account willey_chris.
Chris Willey's Resume (Short version)
Chris Willey's Resume (Short version)
Full-time visual artist. Paints plein air and in the studio. MFA in Illustration from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, and a BFA in Drawing/Painting from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE. Professor Emeritus of Art from the University of Central Missouri (taught for 22 years). 13 years as an illustrator, painter, and graphic designer.
Plein Air Events:
Accepted into 21 Juried Plein Air Events
8 awards in Juried Plein Air Events: 1 Juror’s Choice Award, 1 LA. Bayou Teche Project Award, 2 Second Place, 1 Third Place, 2 Purchase Awards, and 1 Award of Merit
Accepted into 45 Open Plein Air Events
48 awards in Open Plein Air Event Awards: 2 Best of Shows, 5 First Places, 1 People’s Choice Award, 1 Strokes of Genius Award, 1 Museum Choice Award, 11 Second Places, 2 Third Place, 1 Fourth Place, 9 Purchase Awards, and 15 Honorable Mentions.
Juried Exhibitions:
Accepted into 9 International Juried Exhibitions
7 awards in International Juried Exhibitions: 1 Burridge Studio Award, 7 Merit Awards
Accepted into 37 National Juried Exhibitions
7 awards in National Juried Exhibitions: 1 Grumbacher Gold Medal Award, 1 Outstanding Cover Art Award, 1 Best of Show, 2 Award of Merit, 2 Honorable Mentions
Accepted into 59 Regional Juried Exhibitions
14 Awards in Regional Juried Exhibitions: 2 First Places, 2 Second Place, 1 Third Place, 1 Award of Excellence, 1 Purchase Award, 1 Bronze Award, 4 Awards of Merit, 2 Honorable Mentions
Invitational/Group Exhibitions
1 international, 5 national, 13 regional invitational exhibits.
Workshops: Led 12 international summer classes in England, Netherlands, and France, 4 international workshops in France, and Croatia, and 6 regional workshops
Galleries: Strecker-Nelson-West Gallery, Manhattan (2006-present), KS. Previously represented by Signs of Life Gallery, Lawrence, KS, Cathy Kline Gallery, Parkville, MO, Sherry Leedy Gallery, Kansas City, MO, Source Gallery, Kansas City, Legacy Gallery, Columbia, MO, Adam Whitney Gallery, Omaha, NE
Artist Residencies: June 2025, La Baldi Artist Residency, Montegiovi, Italy (juried), May 2023: Art Center Padula Artist Residency, Padula, Italy (juried), Sept. 2005: The Artists Enclave at I-Park Juried Residency, East Haddam, CT (juried)
Publications: March 2014 issue of“Artists’ Magazine,” Honorable Mention for "Last Painting Class," for Over 60 juried competition; “AcrylicWorks2,” juried submission of "Russell Reading”; “American Illustration Showcase 11,” “American Illustration Showcase 12,” and “1987 Communication Arts Illustration Annual” juried submission.
For a more comprehensive resume that includes more specific information go to: https://www.chriswilley.com/about
Chris Willey's Resume (Long version)
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Education:
• Master of Fine Arts in Illustration
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art (Drawing & Painting emphasis)
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE
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Work:
• Full-time painter
2011-present
Kansas City, MO
Teaching Experience:
• Professor of Art
1989-2011
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO (NASAD accredited)
Full Professor from 1997-2011. Associate Professor from 1993-1997. Assistant Professor from 1989-1993. Taught illustration, figure, painting, and graphic design.
• Adjunct Instructor
1983-1989
Maple Woods Community College
Kansas City, MO
Courses taught: Commercial Art I, II III & IV, Illustration, Drawing and Art History Survey I & II.
International Teaching Experience:
• 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995: Paris, France (University of Central Missouri). Taught plein air painting and art history.
• 2004, 2000: Maastricht, Netherlands (University of Central Missouri). Taught art history in 2004 and plein air painting in 2000 at the Teikyo Holland campus.
• 1994, 1993: London, England (University of Central Missouri). Taught British Graphic Design.
Professional Workshops Taught:
International:
• Oct. 2018: Croatia. Taught an oil painting workshop.
• May 2014 & June 2014: Taught 2 Pastel workshops in Paris/Giverny/Provence, France
• May 2010: Taught a Pastel workshop, Paris/Giverny/Provence, France
Regional:
• Oct. 2016: MVIS and Images Gallery sponsored Plein Air workshop for Images Gallery, Kansas City, MO
• Jun 2016: MVIS and Images Gallery sponsored Plein Air workshop for Images Gallery, Kansas City, MO
• Mar. 2013: Acrylics workshop for Images Gallery, Kansas City, MO
• Oct. 2004: Pastel workshop for MidMissouri Artists Association, Warrensburg, MO
• Oct. 2003: Pastel workshop for Sedalia Visual Arts Association, Sedalia, MO
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Other Work Experience:
• Painter/Illustrator/Graphic Designer
1982-1989
Chris Willey Illustrations
Kansas City, MO
Clients included “U.S. Kids” magazine, “Modern Handcraft” magazine, “Kansas City Star” magazine, Portal Publications Greeting Cards, Silver, Burdett & Ginn Publishing, Fasone Garrett Boehm Advertising, Minturn Advertising, Swicegood Art Studio, Pinnacle Creative Design Studio, Powell Gardens, The Humane Society and others.
• Art Director
1981-1982
Triad Art Studio
Prairie Village, KS
Art directed, designed and illustrated for ad agencies and companies. Particularly strong in ad comps, package design, and package comps.
• Art Director
1981
Fremerman, Malcy, Spivak & Rosenfield Advertising
Kansas City, MO
Clients included McCormick Distilling Company, Krigel’s Jewelers, Seitz Food and Winning Ways Sportswear.
• Art Director/Illustrator
1978-1981
Tennis Closets, Inc.
Kansas City, MO
One woman art department. Designed and illustrated all aspects of print retail advertising, including fashion illustration for 15 retail stores. Replaced ad agency as primary advertising source.
• Commercial Artist
1977-1978
Paul Norris & Associates
Mission, KS
Basic all around artist. Duties included paste-up, illustration and design for menus, point-of-purchase displays, labels, newspapers and other advertising.
• Technical Illustrator
1976-1977
Outboard Marine Corporation
Lincoln, Nebraska
Created technical illustration and produced owner’s’ manuals for Cushman, Lawnboy, and Ryan vehicles and turf equipment.
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Juried & Invitational Plein Air Events:
• September 2026: Heartland Plein Air Invitational, Omaha, Ne
Aug. 2026: Estes Valley Plein Air, Estes Park, CO
• June 2024: Boulder Juried Plein Air, Boulder County, CO
• April 2024: River Towns Juried Plein Air, Marietta, PA
• March 2024: Shadows-on-the-Teche, New Iberia, LA. Second Place Quick Paint Award
•Aug. 2023: Estes Valley Plein Air, Estes Park, CO. Aug. 2023. 30 juried artists.
• May 2022: Plein Air Southwest, Galveston, TX. Award of Merit for "Morning Garden." Juror: Mitch Baird
• Apr. 2022: Artists on Location, Knoxville, TN. Juror: Kathy Odem
• Jun./July 2021: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO
• May 2021: Plein Air Southwest, Galveston, TX
• Mar. 2021: Shadows-on-the-Teche, New Iberia, LA
• Oct. 2019: En Plein Air Texas, San Angelo, TX. Juror’s Choice Award for “Morning Clouds,” Mini Pearls Small Paintings.
• Mar. 2019: Shadows-on-the-Teche, New Iberia, LA. Bayou Teche Project Award
• Aug. 2018: Estes Valley Plein Air, Estes Park, CO
• Jun. 2018: Telluride Plein Air 2018, Telluride, CO
• May 2018: Plein Air Southwest, Rockport, TX
• Sept. 2017: Grand Marais Juried Plein Air, Grand Marais, MN. Purchase Award
• Jun. 2017: Mountain Maryland Juried Plein Air, Cumberland, MD. Third Place for “Locust Grove Stream.” Juror: Barbara Jaenicke
• Aug. 2016: Parkville Plein Air 2016 Invitational, Parkville, MO. Purchase Award and Second Place for “Riss Lake Morning” Juror: Cally Krallman
• Jun. 2016: Douglas County Land Conservancy Juried Plein Air 2016, Castle Rock, Colorado
• Jun. 2013: National Museum of Wildlife Art Invitational Plein Air Event 2013, Jackson, Wyoming. One painting auctioned and sold
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Plein Air Events (non-juried entry):
• July/August 2026: Art in the Open, Wexford, Ireland
• May 2026: STEMS Plein Air, Overland Park, KS
• Oct. 2025: Brush Creek ArtWalk, First Place for Zone 2.
• Oct. 2024: Paint Parkville, Parkville, MO
• Oct. 2024: Wornall House Plein Air, Museum Choice Award, Kansas City, MO
• Sept. 2024: Brush Creek ArtWalk, Kansas City, MO 64113
• Sept. 2023: Brush Creek ArtWalk, Kansas City, MO. Second Place for Zone 2.
• June 2023: STEMS Plein Air, Overland Park, KS. Honorable Mention
• Oct. 2022: Paint Parkville, Cathy Kline Art Gallery, Parkville, MO. Second Place for "English Landing Stream." Juror: John P. Lasater
• May 2022: STEMS Plein Air, Overland Park, KS
• Sept. 2021: Brush Creek ArtWalk 2021, Kansas City, MO. Won an Honorable Mention for "Morning Pond," and a First Place for Zone 3, "Evening Reflections."
• Aug. 2021: Paint Parkville, Parkville, MO. Won a Purchase Award for "Boat Ramp Sunset", an Honorable Mention for "Sanctuary Morning", and a Strokes of Genius Award, from Rosemary Brushes ($100 worth of brushes) for "7:30 Sunrise".
• Apr. 2021: Augusta Plein Air, Augusta, MO, 3 Honorable Mentions
• Sept. 2020: Brush Creek ArtWalk Plein Air 2020, Second Place for Zone 2
• May 2020: STEMS Plein Air, Overland Park, KS
• Sept. 2019: Brush Creek ArtWalk Plein Air 2019, Kansas City, MO. Awarded First Place for Zone 2, and First Place for Zone 4
• May 2019: STEMS Plein Air, Overland Park, KS. Won Second Place and Fourth Place in oils
• Oct. 2018: Brush Creek ArtWalk, Kansas City, MO. Purchase Award for "Orange Bridge," and Honorable Mention for "Long Shadows"
• Sept. 2018: Paint Parkville, Parkville, MO. Purchase Award for "Missouri River Sunset," and Honorable Mention for "Rusty Red Truck"
• Jul. 2018: Door County Plein Air, non juried participant.
• May 2018: Plein Air KC: Kansas City, MO. Best of Show for Liberty Memorial Nocturne, and Purchase Award for Union Hill Cemetery. Work exhibited at the Buttonwood Artspace, Kansas City, MO. Juror: Patrick Saunders
• Apr. 2018: Augusta Plein Air 2018, Augusta, MO. Second Place Quick Paint Award for "Augusta Shores Inlet," Honorable Mention Quick Paint Award for "New Melle Farm House"
• Oct. 2017: Fairfield Plein Air 2017, Fairfield, IL. Quick Paint Award Winner for "The Autumn of Life."
• Sept. 2017: Paint Parkville 2017, Parkville, MO. Best of Show for “Samsara Red Door,” Purchase Award for “By the Waterfall,” Purchase Award for “Doyle Porch Swing
• Jun. 2017: STEMS Plein Air Event, Overland Park, KS. Purchase Award for “Shelter from the Storm”
• May 2017: Penn Valley Plein Air, Kansas City, MO. Three works exhibited at Buttonwood Gallery, Kansas City, MO (Pink Accents, Sentinel, and Overcast Morning Bridge)
• Apr. 2017: Augusta Plein Air 2017, Augusta, MO. Purchase Award for “Montelle Overlook”
• Sept/Oct 2016: MVIS Thundering Oaks Plein Air Competition, Indendence, MO. Five works completed and exhibited at Vivelor Gallery, Independence, MO. Honorable Mention for “Curt’s Creek.”
• Sept. 2016: Brush Creek ArtWalk 2016, Kansas City, MO. Second Place for “Brush Creek Eastside Fall.” Honorable Mention for “Discovery Center Tree Grove”
• Aug. 2016, Marceline Paint Out, Marceline, MO. Honorable Mention for “Coal Schute.”
• May 2016: STEMS Plein Air Event, Overland Park, KS
• May 2016: Penn Valley Plein Air, Kansas City, MO. Three works exhibited at Buttonwood Gallery, Kansas City, MO
• Apr. 2016: Augusta Plein Air 2016, Augusta, MO. Purchase Award for “Washington Sunrise”
• Oct. 2015: Parkville Plein Air 2015, Parkville, MO.
• Oct. 2015: Chase County Plein Air 2015, Chase County, KS
• May 2015: STEMS Plein Air, Overland Park, KS
• May 2015: Penn Valley Plein Air, Kansas City, MO. Three works exhibited at Buttonwood Gallery, Kansas City, MO
• Oct. 2014: Parkville Plein Air Event, Parkville, MO. Purchase Award for Quick Paint Competition, and Honorable Mention.
• September 2014: Brush Creek Art Walk: 3 day plein air event in Kansas City, MO.
• May-Jun. 2014: STEMS Plein Air Event, Overland Park, KS
• May 2014: Penn Valley 3 day Plein air event, Kansas City, MO.Two works exhibited at Buttonwood Gallery, Kansas City, MO
• Apr. 2014: Augusta Plein Air Event. Augusta, MO. 10 days of intense painting in Augusta, MO
• Oct. 2013: Parkville Plein Air 2013. Submitted two works. Second Place, People’s Choice Award, and Third Place, oils category, “Parkville Downtown Afternoon”. Second Place, oils category, “Rush Creek Sunlight”.
• Sept. 2013: Brush Creek Art Walk 2013. Exhibition at the Bruce Watkins Cultural Center. Submitted two works. Second Place for “East Brush Creek Marsh”(sold) and “West Plaza Brush Creek, Zone 1”.
• Jun. 2013: STEMS Plein Air Event, Overland Park, KS. Second Place for “Giverny in Kansas”. “Overland Park Florist” also accepted.
• Jul. 2012: Brush Creek Art Walk Plein Air Competition, Kansas City, MO. Honorable Mention for Brush Creek Sanctuary (SOLD). Brush Creek Industrial View also accepted.
• Dec. 2001 – December 2002: “Artists Along the Katy Trail” plein air painting competition. One piece accepted: “St. Charles Katy Path”. 745 entrants, 74 works selected for traveling exhibition (9.8% acceptance rate).
• Nov. 2000: “Painting Along the Katy Trail” plein air painting competition. Two pieces accepted: Jeff City Fields and Rocheport River View. 545 entrants, 65 works selected, for traveling exhibition (12% acceptance rate).
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Juried Exhibitions:
International Juried Exhibitions:
• 2015: AcrylicWorks2 book. “Russell Reading” juried into the publication
• Jul. 2010: International Society of Acrylic Painters, Santa Cruz Art League, Santa Cruz, CA, Burridge Studio Award for “Russell Reading”. Juried Show. Juror: Gerald Brommer.
• Oct. 2002: 16th Annual “Pastels USA” International Open Juried Competition, Pastel Society of the West Coast Membership Show, Modesto Art Center and Gallery, Modesto, CA. Juried show. One painting accepted: “Maastricht Market”.
• Apr. 2001: 15th Annual “Pastels USA” International Open Juried Exhibition, sponsored by the Pastel Society of the West Coast. Exhibition Tower Theater Gallery, Roseville, CA one accepted entry: “July Still Life”.
• Apr. 2000: 14th Annual “Pastels USA” International Open Juried Exhibition, sponsored by the Pastel Society of the West Coast. Exhibition Tower Theater Gallery, Roseville, CA one accepted entry: “Missouri River (October)”.
• Jun. 1996: 10th Annual “Pastels USA” International Open Juried Exhibition, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Sacramento, CA, one accepted entry: “Paris Park”.
• Aug. 1992: Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles Show. Merit Award for “Swan Lake”,
• Sept. 1990: Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles Show. Four Merit Awards for “Volleyball”, “Valentine”, “Cat on Carpet” & “Christmas Cat”
• Jul. 1987: Communication Arts Illustration Annual, Palo Alto, CA. Certificate of Merit for “Two Christmas Cats”, 3 –5% acceptance rate.
National Juried Exhibitions:
• Feb. – Mar. 2018: Rice Gallery Plein Air Exhibition, Rice Gallery, Overland Park, KS. “Samsara Red Door” accepted. Mar. 2018:
• Mar. 2012: Heartland National Juried Show, Irene B. French Gallery, Merriam, KS. “Locust Grove Stream” accepted. Juror: Joseph Lorusso
• Nov. 2017: NOAPS (National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society) Small Painting Show, Cathy Kline Art Gallery, Parkville, MO
• Mar. 2017: Heartland National Juried Show. Two works accepted: “Fall Pond, Evening Light,” and “Final Days,” Tim Murphy Gallery, Merriam, KS. Juror: Michael Walsh.
Feb. 2017: Rice Gallery Plein Air Juried Show. “Autumn Hay” accepted. Rice Gallery of Fine Art, Leawood, KS
• Feb. 2016: Rice Gallery Plein Air Juried Show. “October Broom Weeds” accepted. Rice Gallery of Fine Art, Leawood, KS
• Mar. 2016: Heartland National Juried Show. Two works accepted: Honorable Mention for”Fall Sunset.” “October Loose Park Bridge” also accepted. Tim Murphy Gallery, Merriam, KS. Juror: Donna Yeager
• Mar. – May 2014: Pastel National 2014 Juried Exhibition. “Summer Storm” accepted . Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, KS
• Mar. 2014: Heartland National Juried Show, Tim Murphy Gallery, Merriam, KS. Juror: Larry DeGraff. Two works accepted: “Overland Park Giverny” and “Spring Bog”
• Mar. 2014: “Artists’ Magazine” Over Sixty Juried Competition. Honorable Mention for “Painting Class”. Published in the March “Artists’ Magazine”.
• Mar. 2013: Heartland National Juried Show, Tim Murphy Gallery, Merriam, KS. Juror: John Roush. Two works accepted: “Swope Park Winter” and “Kansas Giverny”
• Mar. 2012: Heartland National Juried Show, Irene B. French Gallery, Merriam, KS. Juror: Kim Casebeer. Two works accepted: “Russell Reading” and “Painting Class”
• Mar. 2012: Pastel National 2012 Juried Show, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, KS, two works accepted: “Pink, Yellow & Green”, and “Purple Ground & Sky”. Juror: Sally Strand
• Mar. 2011: Heartland National Juried Show, Irene B. French Gallery, Merriam, KS. Juror: Jim Hamil. One piece accepted: “Red on Purple”.
• Aug. 2010: MidAmerica Pastel Society’s National 2010 National Juried Show, Irene B. French Gallery, Merriam, KS. Juror: Lorenzo Chavez. One work accepted: “Market Street”
• Mar. 2010: Heartland National Juried Exhibition, Merriam, KS. Two works accepted: “February Marr Creek” and “Holmes Lake March”. Juror: Alexandra Robinson
• Mar. 2010: Pastel National 2010 Juried Exhibition, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, KS. One work accepted: “UCM Hay Bales”. Juror: Doug Dawson
• Mar. 2009: Heartland National Juried Exhibition, Merriam, KS. Two works accepted: “Paris Diners”, and “Nebraska Fields #1”. Juror: International artist, Kwan Wu
• May 2008: The Pastel National 2008 Juried Competition, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, KS. Two works accepted: “Marr Creek Orange (November)”, “Nashville Marsh (early spring)”. Juror: G. Daniel Massad.
• Mar 2008: Heartland National Juried Exhibition, Merriam, KS. Three works accepted: “Marr Creek”, “Dec. 16”, “Montserrat Road #5”, and “French Village Garden”. Juror: Stephanie “Portico” Bowman
• May 2006: The Pastel National 2006 Juried Competition, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, KS. Two works accepted: “Columbia Park in March”, and “December Fields”. Juror: Kitty Wallis.
• Mar. 2006: Heartland National Juried Exhibition, Merriam, KS. Three works accepted: “September Blue Pond”, “Clear Creek in November”, and “December 9th”. Juror: Kim Spradling.
• Mar. 2005: Heartland National Juried Exhibition, Merriam, KS. Award of Merit for Marr Creek, Early September, Two other works accepted: “December Nature Center”, & “Fall Administration Building”.
• Sept. 2004: Pastel Society of Colorado. One work accepted: Sam’s Fields. Juror: Doug Dawson.
• Mar. 2004: Pastel National 2004 Juried Competition, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, KS. Two works accepted: “Sam’s Fields” and “Boonville River View”. Juror: Ramon Kelly.
• Mar. 2003: Heartland National Juried Exhibition, Merriam, KS. Award of Merit for “August Water Garden”.
• Mar. 2002: Pastel National 2002 Juried Competition, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita, KS. Two works accepted: “York Garden” and “December Trees”.
• Mar. 2000: Heartland Artist Exhibition 2000, Merriam, KS. Three paintings accepted: “September Yellow Daisies”, “August Zinnias”, and “Missouri River (September)”. 159 entries. 56 accepted.
• Mar. 2000:17th Annual Women in the Arts National Exhibition, Fayetteville, AR. One painting accepted: “Mr. Monago’s Garden”.
• Mar. 2000: Northern Colorado Artist Association National Competition, Fort Collins, CO. One entry (“May Orchids”) accepted.
• Mar. 1999: Heartland Artist Exhibition 1999, Merriam, KS. Award of Merit for “Montserrat”. “Valentine” also accepted. Juror: Roger Shimomura.
• Apr. 1998: Women in the Visual Arts, Fayetteville, AK. One entry accepted titled “View from the Window”.
• Mar. 1998: Heartland Pastel Exhibition ‘98, Merriam, Kansas. Best of Show for “October Powell Gardens #1”. Also accepted: “View from the Window”. Juror: Dean Mitchell.
• Jun. 1997: The Salmagundi Club 20th Annual Non-Members Open Exhibition, New York, NY. One entry (“Carmel”) accepted.
• Mar. 1997: National Art Education Association Electronic Gallery Juried Competition, New Orleans, LA. Honorable Mention for “Paris Flowers”, and two other entries accepted, “Giverny”, and “Red Breakfast”.
• Nov. 1993: Pastel Society of the Southwest Competition, Dallas, TX. Grumbacher Gold Medal Award for “Veggies on Blue”, Pastel Society of the Southwest Competition, Dallas, TX.
• May 1992: National Association of Women’s Yellow Pages, Mobile, AL. Outstanding Cover Art Award, Kansas City Women’s Yellow Pages Cover.
• Jun. 1990: WomanSource Competition, Leedy Voulkos Gallery, Kansas City, MO. Two pieces accepted: “Cat on Carpet” & “Valentine”.
Regional Juried Exhibitions:
• July 2025: STEMS Plein Air Juried Show, Rice Art Gallery, Overland Park, KS. Two works accepted: "Gwen and Patrick's Sidewalk Garden," and "Evening Backyard Iris."
• May 2025: Earth, Buttonwood ArtSpace, Kansas City, MO. Two works accepted.
• Sept. 2024: Visions of the Flint Hills, Second Place, painting, "Winter Sunset." Judge: Susan Rose
• June 2024: Everything Under the Sun, Buttonwood ArtSpace, Kansas City, MO. "Pink Morning Reach" accepted.
• April 2024: Kansas City, Buttonwood ArtSpace, Kansas City, MO. 3 works accepted
• Oct. 2022: Visions of the Flint Hills, Buttonwood Gallery, Kansas City, MO. First Place in oils for "Prairie Sky." Juror: Diana Werts.
• Aug. 2022: MVIS Membership Juried Exhibition, Cathy Kline Gallery, Parkville, MO. Award of Merit for "Beauty Bursting."
• Dec. 2020: Nature’s Bounty Juried Exhibition, 2 works accepted, Buttonwood ArtSpace, Kansas City, MO.
• Oct. 2020: Visions of the Flint Hills Juried Exhibition, Buttonwood ArtSpace, Kansas City, MO
• Jun. 2019 MVIS Membership Juried Exhibition, Albrecht Kemper Museum, St. Joseph, MO
• Jun. 2018: Invitational Kansas City Painting show, Got Art Gallery, Lee’s Summit, MO. Exhibited “Twelfth Floor Fall Brookside View,” “Golden Light on the Plaza,” and “CVS Fall Crossing.”
• Jun. 2018: Invited to exhibit in Landscape Show, Vanessa Lacy Gallery, Kansas City, MO. Exhibited “November Path,” “Fall Sunset,” “Final Days,” and “March Hay Bales.”
• Jun. 2018: MVIS Membership Juried Show, Gallery 1516, Omaha, NE. “West Plaza Brush Creek” accepted.
• Mar. 2018: “Soul of the City” juried exhibition at the Hilliard Gallery, Kansas City, MO. “Twelfth Floor Fall Brookside View” accepted.
• Feb. 2018: Flora Exhibition, Vanessa Lacy Gallery, Kansas City, MO. “July Roses,” “Peonies’ Last Stand,” “Front Yard Garden,” and “Allium’s First Bloom.”
• Jan. 2018: Kansas City People, Places, and Things Exhibition, Vanessa Lacy Gallery, “Twelfth Floor Brookside Fall View,” “Brookside CVS,” and “Plaza Banners” accepted.
• Oct.-Nov. 2017: MAPS (MidAmerica Pastel Society) Regional Show. Three works accepted: “Pink Accents,” “Autumn Waterfall,” and “Fall Hay Bales.” Juror: Sally Strand
• Oct.-Nov. 2017: Visions of the Flint Hills, Buttonwood ArtSpace, Kansas City, MO. Two works accepted: “Orange Grasses,” and “Autumn Swale.”
• July 2017: MVIS (Missouri Valley Impressionist Society) Annual Juried Show. “Fall Pond Evening Light” Accepted.
• Oct. – Nov. 2016: Visions of the Flint Hills, Buttonwood Art Gallery, Kansas City, MO. “October Broom Weed,” “Fall Sunset,” “Osage Point Sky,” and “Spillway” accepted. Juror: Jean Cook
• Sept. -Nov. 2016: Embracing the Figure, Cathy Kline Art Gallery, Parkville, MO. “Olivia’s Kimono,” “Sixty,” and “Chris at the Flower Market” accepted. Juror: Stephen Johnson
• Jun. 2016: Symphony in the Flint Hills Juried Competition. “Osage Point Morning” juried in.
• Apr.-Jun. 2016: MVIS Members Juried Show, Albrecht Kemper Museum, St. Joseph, MO. “French Waiter” accepted
• Apr. 2016: April Abundance Juried Show, Cathy Kline Art Gallery, Parkville, MO. Second Place for “Summer Beets”
• Jul. 2015: MAPS Members Only Juried Show, Southwinds Gallery. Three works accepted: “Giverny Bridge”, “June Provence Vineyard”(sold), “Early Giverny Corn”
• Jun. 2015: Symphony in the Flint Hills Juried Competition. Two works juried in: “Cumulus” and “Summer Light Patch”
• June 2014: Symphony in the Flint Hills Juried Competition. “Evening Grace” accepted
• Jan. – Apr 2014: MVIS (Missouri Valley Impressionists Society) Juried Members Show, Honorable Mention for “Russell Reading”. Also accepted: “Urban Table”, and “Summer Market”. Albrecht Kemper Museum, St. Joseph, MO
• Sept. – Oct. 2013: MVIS (Missouri Valley Impressionists Society) Juried Show titled: American Vistas, Buttonwood Gallery, Kansas City, MO
• May-Jun. 2013: MVIS (Missouri Valley Impressionists Society) Juried Show, Southwinds Gallery, Topeka, KS. “Summer Storm” accepted. Juror: Stephen T. Johnson.
• Oct. – Nov. 2012: Visions of the Flint Hills, Buttonwood Art Space, Kansas City, MO. One work accepted: “August Flint Hills”
• Aug. – Sept. 2012: Kansas City Seen, Buttonwood Art Space, Kansas City, MO. Three works accepted: “Swope Park Winter”, “Kansas Giverny”, and “Loose Park (March)”.
• Sept. 2012: MVIS (Missouri Valley Impressionists Society) Juried Show, Kansas City Club, Kansas City, MO. Third Place for “February Creek”. “January Creek” also accepted. Juror: Michael Albrechtson.
• Jun.2012: First Place for “Fall Evening Vista” awarded , and sold. Art Prints are made and sold of the first place work, Symphony in the Flint Hills. Two works juried into the auction.
• Oct. 2011: Buttonwood Gallery “Visions of the Flint Hills” Juried Show. Three Works accepted (280 entries). Juror: Jamie Lavin
• Aug. 2009: Missouri Top 50, Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, MO. One work accepted: “Russell Reading”
• Aug. 2008: Missouri Top 50, Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, MO. One work accepted: “April Fields”.
• Aug. 2007: Misssouri Top 50, Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, MO. One work accepted: “March Purple Field”
• Sept. 2006: MidAmerica Pastel Society Members Juried Competition, SouthWind Gallery, Topeka, KS. Three works accepted: “Missouri Storm Clouds”, “September Marr Park” and “Booneville River View”.
• Sept. 2005: The Annual Natalie Acker Memorial Exhibition, featuring the MidAmerica Pastel Society Juried Competition, Cox Gallery, William Woods University, Fulton, MO. Three works accepted: “Columbia Park”, “September Marr Park” and “My Hayfield”.
• Jun. 2004: Mid America Pastel Society Members Only Juried Competition. Work shown at the Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS. Two works accepted: “November Nature Center” and “Central Park”.
• May 2003: Mid America Pastel Society Members Only Juried Competition. Work shown at the Plaza Sheraton Hotel, Kansas City, MO. Two works accepted: “York Gardens” and “Ottawa House”.
• Mar. –Apr. 2003: Art at the Center Juried Landscape Show, Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS. One entry accepted: “October Mums”
• Aug. 2002: Missouri State Fair Top 50, Sedalia, MO. “St. Louis View from Amtrak” accepted.
• Apr. 2002: MidAmerica Pastel Society Members Only Albrecht-Kemper Museum Juried Competition. Work exhibited from April through June at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum in St. Joseph, MO. One piece accepted: “Fall Hayfield”.
• Dec. 2001 – December 2002: “Artists Along the Katy Trail” plein air painting competition. One piece accepted: “St. Charles Katy Path”. 745 entrants, 74 works selected for traveling exhibition (9.8% acceptance rate).
• Nov. 2000: “Painting Along the Katy Trail” plein air painting competition. Two pieces accepted: “Jeff City Fields” and “Rocheport River View”. 545 entrants, 65 works selected, for traveling exhibition (12% acceptance rate).
• Oct. 2000: Mid America Pastel Society Juried Plein Air Show. Two pieces accepted and shown, “December Fields”, and “October Mums”, at The Source Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri.
• Mar. 2000: Women in the Arts Exhibit, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. One painting, “Pink House”, accepted.
• May 1999: Art in the Woods Competition, Overland Park, KS. One entry, “May Orchids”, accepted. 7.4% acceptance rate.
• Mar. 1999: Women in the Arts Exhibit, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. One entry, “Fall’s End”, accepted.
• Mar. 1998: Women in the Arts Exhibit, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. One entry accepted – “October Diptych”.
• Mar. 1997: Award of Excellence for “Red Breakfast”, Women in the Arts Exhibit, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.
• Jan. 1996: Purchase Award for “Blue Sidewalk”. One other entry, “Pigeons”, also accepted. Central States Exhibition ‘96, Pratt Community College, Pratt, KS.
• Mar. 1995: Honorable Mention for collaborative piece titled: “Gourds and Pots” produced by Neva Wood and myself, Women in the Arts Regional Competition, Columbia, MO.
• Apr. 1994: Kansas City Artists Coalition Re: Members Competition. One entry accepted: “Swan Lake”.
• May 1992: Art in the Woods Competition, one entry, “Valentine”, accepted. 7.4% acceptance rate. Overland Park, KS.
• Jan. 1991: Kansas City Artists Coalition Members Only Exhibition, Kansas City, MO, one entry, “Salad”, accepted.
• May 1990: Two Merit Awards for “Fall 89” and “Valentine”. Kansas City Art Directors Exhibition, Kansas City, MO. Regional refereed show, national clients.
• Feb. 1990: Kansas City Artists Coalition Members Only Exhibition, Kansas City, MO, one accepted entry titled “Lunch”.
• May 1989: Bronze Award for “Birthday Flowers”, Kansas City Art Directors Exhibition, Kansas City, MO, national clients.
• May 1988: Certificate of Merit for “Two Christmas Cats”, Kansas City Art Directors Exhibition, Kansas City, MO, national clients.
• Jun. 1988: Sixth Annual Kansas City Artists Coalition Exhibition, Kansas City, MO, one entry titled “Chris & Caryn” accepted.
• Jan. 1985: Fourth Annual Kansas City Artists Coalition Exhibition, Kansas City, MO. Exhibited “Flea Market”.
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Solo Exhibitions:
• Jul. – Oct. 2015: Truman Medical Center, Kansas City, MO
• May –Jul. 2015: Lakeside Hospital Lee’s Summit, MO
• Jan. – Apr. 2015: Truman Healing Arts, Kansas City, MO
• Oct. 2014 – Jan. 2015: Honeywell Corporation, Grandview, MO
• Sept. – Oct. 2014: ArtsKC Gallery, Crossroads district, Kansas City, MO
• Jul. – Sept 2014: ESO Gallery, Omaha, NE
• Oct. 2013 – Feb. 2014: Primary Colors Gallery, Independence, MO
• Dec.- Feb. 2012.: KC Metro Bar Association, Kansas City, MO
• Jan. – Apr. 2011: Exhibited 8 artworks at Seyferth Blumethal & Harris Law Offices, Kansas City, MO
• Oct. 2010: Lyric Opera, Kansas City, MO
• Dec. 2009: exhibited 11 artworks at Cafe Blackadder, Warrensburg, MO
• Apr. – Jun 2009: exhibited 12 artworks at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, MO
• Jul. – Sep 2008: exhibited 25 pieces at the Professional Office Suites, Overland Park, KS
• Jan. 2007: Art Center Gallery, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO
• Jun. 2006: Irene B. French Gallery, Merriam, KS. Exhibited 42 paintings.
• Dec. 1998 – January 1999: Powell Gardens, Kingsville, MO. Invited to exhibit paintings in conjunction with the release of posters and greeting cards of my Powell Gardens pastel titled November Color Hit.
• Oct. – Nov. 1998: Art Center Gallery, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO. One woman exhibition of 32 paintings. Show titled “A Visual Journal.” Included a gallery talk and slide presentation.
• Dec. 1996 – January 1997: Campanella Gallery, Park College, Parkville, MO. One woman exhibition titled “A Travel Journal.” Seventeen paintings exhibited.
• Oct. 1992: One woman exhibition, University of Central Missouri y Art Gallery, Warrensburg, MO. Thirty-four pieces exhibited.
• Aug. – Sept. 1990: One Woman exhibition, Ande-Leis Restaurant and Gallery, Kansas City, MO. Seventeen pieces exhibited.
• Jun. 1989: One woman exhibition, Commerce Plaza Bank, Kansas City, MO.
• Aug. 1989: One woman exhibition, Kansas City Gas Company, Kansas City, MO.
• Feb. 1986: One woman exhibition at Maple Woods Community College, Kansas City, MO.
• Mar. – Apr. 1985: One woman exhibit at Fasone Garrett Advertising Agency, Kansas City, MO.
Two Person Exhibitions:
• February 2016: Exhibited 19 works at the Church of the Nativity, Overland Park, KS, with Louanne Heinn
• January – March 2008: Exhibited 23 works at the Mutual Fund Store Corporate Headquarters through the BCA arts program. Artist was selected by the corporation, through the Kansas City Business Committee for the Arts. Other artist was a photographer.
Group Exhibitions:
International Exhibitions:
• Apr. 1995: Glamorgan, Wales, University of Glamorgan. Exhibited two paintings.
National Exhibitions:
• Feb. – Mar. 2001: “Whatever It Takes” Invitational Illustration Exhibition, Pennsylvania School of Art, Philadelphia, PA. One illustration, “Two Christmas Cats”, exhibited.
• Oct. – Nov. 2000: “Illustrators Who Teach” invitational exhibition, Museum of American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, New York, New York. One poster exhibited: “November Color Hit”.
• Oct. – Nov. 1998: “Illustrators Who Teach” invitational exhibition, Museum of American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, New York, New York. One painting exhibited: “Christmas Cat”.
• Mar. 1997: National Art Education Association Women’s Caucus Presentation, New Orleans, LA. Four paintings shown.
• Feb.1980: Master Eagle Gallery, New York, NY. Exhibited two pieces titled “McDonalds” and “The Park Stand” with the Illustrators Workshop participants.
Regional Exhibitions:
• July/August 2026: Group Show with Louanne Hein, Elizabeth Shattuck, Carol Zastoupol, Maureen Kenny, Second Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, MO
• Jan–Feb.:2015: Group Exhibition of France Workshop Paintings (Chris Willey and Jeanean Martin were workshop leaders). Images Gallery, Overland Park, KS
• Feb. – Mar. 2015: Group Exhibition of France Workshop Paintings, Cathy Kline Gallery, Parkville, MO
Jan. – Feb. 2011: “Falling in Love with Art” group show, through Buttonwood Gallery, shown at the Kansas City Club, Kansas City, MO. Two paintings exhibited.
• Dec. 2010: MidAmerica Pastel Society Small Paintings Show, Kansas City Club, Kansas City, MO. Two paintings exhibited
• Jun. – Nov. 2010: 16 works exhibited (with 3 other artists) at American Century Investments, Kansas City, MO
• Jan. – Mar. 2009: exhibited 8 works in the Perlow-Stevens Gallery Winter Group Show, Columbia, MO
• Mar. 2006: Exhibited 4 figure paintings, with other CMSU women in Union Station, Kansas City, MO
• Aug. 2006: Strecker-Nelson Gallery Group Show, Manhattan, KS
• Jun. 2005: MidAmerica Pastel Society Group Show, Commerce Bank, Plaza, Kansas City, MO. Exhibited Columbia Park and September Marr Park
• Sept. 2002: The Katy Trail: en Plein Air Invitational Exhibition, sponsored by the Columbia Art League, Columbia, MO. Three paintings exhibited: Missouri River (September), Jeff City Fields and Rocheport River View.
• Nov. 2005, 2001: MidAmerica Pastel Society Small Painting Exhibitions, R.G. Endres Gallery, 7700 Mission Road, Overland Park, KS.
• 1989 – present: University of Central Missouri Faculty Show, Warrensburg, MO. Exhibit new works annually.
• 1994 – 1998: International Tour Exhibit, University of Central Missouri. Taught a painting/illustration class in Europe for six summers. Exhibited work produced in Europe for the Art Department Museum Tours.
• Nov. 1990: “Wish We Were Hungarian” Exhibition, Art Center Gallery, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO. Seven pieces exhibited.
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Other Awards:
• 2017: Signature Member of the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society
• 2010: Signature Member of the International Society of Acrylic Painters
• 2006: Signature Member into the MidAmerica Pastel Society
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Artist Residencies:
• June 2025, La Baldi Artist Residency, Montegiovi, Italy. Juried.
• May 2023: Art Center Padula Artist Residency, Padula, Italy Juried.
• Sept. 2005: The Artists Enclave at I-Park Juried Residency, East Haddam, CT. Awarded studio and living space. Sept. 2005: The Artists Enclave at I-Park, East Haddam, CT. Juried.
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Collections:
• Corporate Collections: Radek & Associates, East Haddam, CT, Bread and Butter Concepts, Kansas City, MO
• University Collections: Teikyo University, Maastricht, Netherlands; Pratt Community College, Pratt, KS; University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO
• Private Collections: Dr. Robert and Sarah Schwartz (Boulder, CO), Dr. Ed and Sandra Elliott, Allen and Teresa Harms (Nebraska), Art and Kathryn Loepp (Kansas City, MO), Russell and Neva Wood, Dr. Alex and Amy Thiltges (France), Jacques and Violette Gourdel (France), Nancy Fallon (Boston), Mr. Scott Umphreys and Dr. Kathleen Leight (Warrensburg, MO), Mr. Kevin Prufer and Dr. Mary Hallab (Houston, TX), Dr. Ken and Dr. Kathryn Govaerts (Lincoln, NE), Arthur Tolley (Green River, WY) and many others.
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Gallery Representation:
• 2006 – Present: Strecker-Nelson-West Gallery, Manhattan, KS
• 2008 – 2020: Signs of Life Gallery, Lawrence, KS
• 2014 – 2018: Cathy Kline Art Gallery, Parkville, MO
• 2006-2011: Sherry Leedy Gallery, Kansas City, MO
• 2000-2005: Source Gallery, Kansas City, MO
• 2002-2004: Legacy Gallery, Columbia, MO
• 1998: Adam Whitney Gallery, Omaha, NE
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Lectures/Presentations Given:
Regional lectures:
• Sept. 2013: Lecturer for MidAmerica Pastel Society showcasing local plein air pastelists and their philosophies
• Nov. 2006: Guest speaker for the MidMissouri Artists Association
• Oct. 2006: Guest lecturer for the Greater Kansas City Area Association
• Sept. 2006: Guest lecturer for MidAmerica Pastel Society
• Jun 2006: Invited by the MidAmerica Pastel Society to show and discuss the pastel works that were accepted into the Wichita Pastel 2006 National Juried Exhibition
• Nov. 2005: Demonstrated figure pastel painting techniques with 5 other artists. Model was dressed as Father Christmas
• May 2005: Invited to demonstrate landscape painting techniques with five other artists at the MidAmerica Pastel Society May meeting.
• Jun 2004: Guest speaker at the Bingham Academy, Blue Springs Community College, Blue Springs, MO. Honorarium.
• Sept. 2004: Slide lecture/demonstration given to the Mid Missouri Artists Association
• Feb. 2003: MidAmerica Pastel Society meeting. Artwork shown in conjunction with other artists for a meeting titled: What Makes An Award Winning Painting?
• Sept. 2003: Slide lecture/demonstration given to the Sedalia Visual Arts Association
• Oct., 2002: Invited to give a lecture/slide show to the Mid Missouri Artists Group
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Professional Memberships:
International:
• 2010 – 2014: International Society of Acrylic Painters (Signature Member)
• 1994-2011: Phi Beta Delta Honor Society of International Scholars
National:
• 2014-present: American Impressionist Society
• 2010-2014: International Society of Acrylic Painters, Signature Member
• 2009-2014: National Association of Oil & Acrylic Painters
• 2009-2012: Alliance of Professional Artists
• 2000 – 2010: Pastel Society of the West Coast
• 2004 – 2005: Pastel Society of Colorado
• 1994 – 1998: Knickerbocker Professional Artists Club, New York, NY
• 1996 – 1998: Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Women’s Art Club, New York, NY
• 1996 – 1997: National Art Education Association
Regional:
• 2010- 2022: Missouri Valley Impressionist Society, Charter Member, Signature Member.
• 2000 – present: Mid America Pastel Society, Signature Member
• 2008 – 2011: MidMissouri Artists, Warrensburg, MO
• 1984 – 2000, 2023: Kansas City Artists Coalition
• 1996 – 1997: Missouri Art Education Association
• 1988 – 1991: Art Directors Club, Kansas City. 1988-89: Program Chair; 1989-1991: Recording Secretary. Attended monthly meetings with nationally known guest speakers as well as board meetings.
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To View More:
• See March 2014 issue of“Artists’ Magazine,”“AcrylicWorks2,” “American Illustration Showcase 11,” “American Illustration Showcase 12,” and “1987 Communication Arts Illustration Annual.” Visit www.chriswilley.com. or @willey_chris
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