"Kindred Spirits" by Chris Anderson & Ben Strawn
“Making art is my way of understanding the world around me.”
“Orange Envelope” (stoneware) by Chris Anderson
Carbondale Arts presents “Kindred Spirits”, a 2-person exhibition by ceramic artist Christine Anderson and abstract painter Benjamin Strawn at the Carbondale Arts Gallery, on display April 17 - May 21, 2026. The opening reception will take place Friday, April 17, from 5-7pm at The Launchpad, with an artist talk at 5:30pm.
Note that there is another solo exhibition running concurrently (April 17 - May 21, 2026) in the gallery space:
“Material Haiku MMXXVI” by Gaby Oshiro
Chris and Ben share a forty-plus year friendship centered on the exploration and interplay of artistic ideas. Their work embodies their shared creative vision, their love and care for each other, and their emotive depth. This 2-person exhibition will explode with expressive dynamic paintings and sculptures, embellished charcoal drawings, and whimsical amorphous ceramics explores rich possibilities in abstracted form, color, and line, informed by their long-lived conversation.
Thank you to our generous exhibition sponsor!
DHM Design is a Colorado based landscape architecture and planning firm with a long-standing presence in downtown Carbondale. As designers, we value the role of art in shaping meaningful places and experiences. We are proud to support the Carbondale Arts Gallery and the local artists whose creative energy help make Carbondale a vibrant place to live and work.
Chris Anderson, Aspen, CO
A proud "Jersey girl" from New Jersey, often citing "Exit 7" on the Jersey Turnpike, Christine was raised by her mother, a talented graphic designer and muralist who worked as a single mom to support her and her younger brother, Roger. Growing up surrounded by art, she pursued her passion and holds a BFA in painting and drawing with a concentration in art therapy, an MA in painting, and certification K-12 in art education.
Her diverse career spans Philadelphia, Denver, and Aspen, Colorado. In Philadelphia, Christine served as an administrator and directing artist, teaching printmaking to youth in a low-income Puerto Rican neighborhood. Moving to Denver, she worked as an elementary art teacher, designed costumes and sets for the Paul Taylor Ballet, and launched her own fabric and clothing design business.
Aspen became her home for over three decades. There, she taught painting, drawing, and printmaking as adjunct faculty at Colorado Mountain College for 35 years. She also worked as an education coordinator at the Aspen Art Museum for six years and served as an artist and teacher at Anderson Ranch, leading the children's section for five years. Her unique talents extended to seasonal work as the Easter Bunny for the Aspen Historical Society, as well as stints as a clown and balloon artist, and in wardrobe for the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.
An active volunteer, she led Girl Scout Troop 254, fostering creativity and community among young girls. Now retired, Chris is happily focused on her own art while raising her two daughters, Katie and Lily, with the same love for creativity and resilience that has guided her career.
Ben Strawn, Salida, CO
Ben Strawn has lived in Salida Colorado for the past 35 years. He moved to the small mountain town on the Arkansas river after completing a BFA in painting at the University of Denver. Escaping the city he took to the river and small creeks with flyrod in hand but never stopped pursuing artistic explorations. His work includes painting, printmaking,drawing,sculpture,furniture and musical instrument design as well as playing drums and guitar. He has been represented in Denver by Walker Fine Art gallery since 2003 and was included in the book "Colorado Abstract" (Paglia/Chandler 2009). He has a daughter Frances and grandson Oliver.
Learn more about Ben at walkerfineart.com/benstrawn.