Guardians by Kris Neely | Kris Neely
The story of Guardians by Kris Neely began in 2000 after Kris’s family experienced the heartbreaking loss of his brother, Erik. In the midst of grief, Kris’s mother asked him to create a small painting that could bring comfort and hope to Erik’s childhood bedroom. Painted on a piece of found wood, the image was intentionally simple and placed where it could still be seen in the dark—tucked between the door frame and the light switch. What began as a quiet act of love and healing soon became something much larger.
Kris’s mother started sharing the small Guardian paintings with friends and family who were navigating their own seasons of loss, grief, and uncertainty. Over time, those simple images of hope spread throughout Spartanburg and beyond, eventually becoming a deeply recognized symbol of comfort and encouragement. In the years since, more than 20,000 classic wooden Guardians have found homes in communities around the world. Today, Kris works alongside his wife Patrice and their daughter Caroline to continue the ongoing work of the Guardian project.
Originally painted exclusively on found wood, the Guardians have since expanded into larger artworks, canvases, magnets, and public murals throughout Spartanburg. Yet the heart behind the work remains unchanged. Guardians have been placed in church sanctuaries, college campuses, parks, shelters, cemeteries, and spaces serving those who have experienced abuse, neglect, or hardship. They have also become meaningful gifts for life’s important transitions—welcoming new babies, celebrating graduates, encouraging new drivers, and honoring retirees.
In 2025, Kris and his daughter Allie established The Guardian Art Fund through the Spartanburg County Foundation. The fund supports projects that engage emerging artists and organizations providing arts opportunities for individuals who have experienced trauma. Through every Guardian created and shared, Kris hopes to offer a simple but lasting reminder that hope, comfort, and connection can still be found even in life’s hardest moments.
