Chris Cooper Thompson Art Exhibit

May 1 through August 31, 2026
Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm,

Artist Reception: Saturday, May 30, 9 am – Noon
See the Native Plant Sale event to register for the artist reception

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is pleased to present an exhibition of watercolor works by Michigan artist Chris Cooper Thompson. Guests are invited to meet the artist at a reception on Saturday, May 30, from 9 am to noon at the Institute’s Visitor Center. Beautifully framed, signed giclée prints and a very limited number of her original paintings will be available for purchase. 

Chris grew up on Pine Lake in Michigan, where her love of drawing began at an early age. Although her professional career took her to Colorado for four decades, where she worked at Coors Brewing Company and raised her family, Michigan’s landscapes and quiet rural beauty always remained close to her heart. Upon retiring and returning home, she rediscovered the natural inspiration she had missed: trees, water, country roads, and the abundant life surrounding Michigan lakes.

That return home also rekindled her passion for art. After many years working in oil paints, Chris discovered watercolor about twelve years ago and quickly fell in love with the medium. Drawing from her background in both oil and watercolor painting, her work blends traditional watercolor techniques with approaches shaped by years of experience in oil.

Her subjects are wide-ranging and often inspired by local photographers, with a special fondness for Michigan’s native birds. Viewers will also find lighthouses, flowers, fish, Florida wildlife, and even playful, whimsical baby dragons—painted simply for the joy of creative exploration.

In addition to her studio practice, Chris has been teaching watercolor for the past three years. She believes strongly that anyone can create beautiful art with encouragement, guidance, and practice. One of her greatest joys is helping beginners discover confidence and pride in their creative abilities.

Watercolor has become a meaningful and joyful focus of Chris’s retirement, and the Institute is delighted to share her work and her passion with our community.

25% of sales will be donated to the Institute to further our mission:
To inspire appreciation and stewardship of our environment.