S T O R Y T E L L E R T H R O U G H C O N T E M P O R A R Y A R T & D E S I G NKris Keys is an American visual artist and fashion designer whose art explores themes of memory, identity, lineage, and healing. She began painting as a child dealing with hereditary blood and used art as a form of relaxation and expression. She creates immersive moments where guests witness the slow unfolding of a painting while stories of fashion, travel, heritage, and nature emerge organically throughout the experience. Her work transforms painting into a contemplative performance, one that encourages presence, curiosity, and reflection. Drawing from her background in fashion illustration and textile design, Kris creates elegant, site-specific experiences for luxury brands, cultural institutions, hotels, gardens, and galleries, where art becomes a living expression of craftsmanship, beauty, and intentional living. She transforms personal and ancestral narratives, especially tied to her health and family memories into visually rich, emotionally resonant collections of art and tea.
PAINTING A MARATHON EXHIBITION
An exhibition about transformation, discipline and becoming.
Oct 13-31
Painting a Marathon is a 17 week journey documenting me preparing for my first marathon through art. Instead of documenting miles and pace, the series documents what endurance looks like through art, flowers, wellness rituals, transformation and dedication. I invite you to an evolving exhibition exploring transformation, discipline, and the beauty of becoming. Through watercolor paintings, I reflect on the journey of returning to childhood dreams, embracing growth, and discovering who we are along the way. Inspired by the meditative practices of running, painting, and daily ritual of tea, the collection celebrates the beauty of the process as much as the destination. Explore the exhibition and schedule a private appointment virtually to view the collection more closely and discover the stories behind the work.
Trust the Journey is a reminder that becoming takes time. Inspired by Painting a Marathon, this artwork celebrates the beauty of showing up, embracing the process, and allowing yourself to evolve with every step and trusting that it will happen.
Size: 16 × 20 inches (40.6 x 50.8 cm)
Medium: Digital print on watercolor paper
Please allow 1-2 weeks to process and ship prints within the United States. Allow 3-4 weeks for international orders.
Prints are signed, numbered and dated by the artist. If the print arrives damaged, please send an email to info@bykriskeys.com for an exchange. Prints are nonrefundable.
All rights to the artwork remain under the ownership of By Kris Keys. ©2026
Trust Yourself is an invitation to listen inward, honor your own pace, and believe in the path unfolding before you. Inspired by Painting a Marathon, this artwork celebrates the courage it takes to begin, the discipline to keep going, and the willingness to trust yourself even when the outcome is uncertain.
Size: 16 × 20 inches (40.6 x 50.8 cm)
Medium: Digital print on watercolor paper
Please allow 1-2 weeks to process and ship prints within the United States. Allow 3-4 weeks for international orders.
Prints are signed, numbered and dated by the artist. If the print arrives damaged, please send an email to info@bykriskeys.com for an exchange. Prints are nonrefundable.
All rights to the artwork remain under the ownership of By Kris Keys. ©2026
