Abundance of the Oregon Coast
Kris Buenger
October 11 – December 1, 2025
Upstairs Gallery
Newport Visual Arts Center
OPENING RECEPTION
Friday, October 11, 5-7pm
Light refreshments, music
Buenger’s “Fun Fine Art” paintings bring attention to the seriousness of protecting our oceans.
Depoe Bay artist Kris Buenger is noted for creating fun, colorful coastal scenes that immerse you in her fantastical world of underwater (and out-of-water) sea creatures and their surroundings. It is this abundance of life and the countless interactions that focused her attention on the food chain and how growing pollution in our oceans invades our lives and the lives of these creatures.
“Attention is given to every space of Kris Buenger’s paintings,” said Chasse Davidson, Director of Newport Visual Arts Center. “The abundance of life forms keeps the viewer searching to discover each detail. I’ve watched audiences of all ages engrossed in Kris’s work. We are thrilled to have her creations cover the walls of the Upstairs Gallery.”
From the artist…
Kris was born and raised in Central California and grew up doodling, painting, and spending time with her many pets. A life-long animal lover, she has spent most of her life studying animals and mastering artistic techniques used to express her love for all creatures. She earned her BA at California State University, Fresno, and began her professional art journey as a graphic designer. She moved to the San Diego Coast in 1998 to fulfill her dream of living near the ocean.
Kris worked for 33 years as a graphic designer, creating logos, posters, and maps. She is now retired, living in Depoe Bay, and spends most days perfecting her artistic techniques in acrylic, watercolor, and ink. She enjoys walks along the cliffs with her husband and dog. She is inspired by the beauty of the Oregon Coast and features its whales, fish, octopuses, and other coastal creatures in her paintings. Kris recently became a member of the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts and enjoys showing her work in Newport Visual Arts Center (VAC) shows. She was honored to win the People’s Choice award at the VAC 45×45 show in July 2023. She won the second prize ribbon at the 2024 Itty Bitty Art Show from the For Artsake Gallery in Newport and took top honors in the logo contest for the 2024 Astoria/Warrenton Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival. Kris is proud to display and sell her works in local businesses around the Depoe Bay Area.
Kris often donates her artwork to local charities and causes and leaves free artwork throughout her community. She also paints pet portraits for friends and family. Kris enjoys gardening, creative writing, pet photography and spending time with family, her dog, cat, and tortoise.
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