Much like the treatments themselves, art stimulates and energizes the senses
Kris, a published author, fitness expert and fine art
photographer, laments that his work has changed over the years. Art is now his
outlet for promoting whole body awareness. “It’s more subliminal than my books;
people will leave here definitely thinking about their bodies.”
Angela’s contemporary abstracts are inspired by water while
her sketch and figure paintings, monumental in scope and scale, integrate bold
and surreal messages woven within each piece. The couple’s artistic efforts and
passion for the human form will bring a BIG presence to The Spa at French Lick.
The rotating exhibit, reminiscent of their shows in Miami and New York, will run thru Labor Day 2014.
The duo, who were first charged with remodeling the century-old spa during a $560 million dollar restoration and development project, is in a unique position as both spa designers and now, the artists showing in the spa. So does the juxtaposition of modern art in an inherently formal hotel cause a moment for pause? Not at all, says Kris. “The oversized pieces with bold messages seem to marry the past with the present in the elegantly- appointed spa.”
About Kris & Angela Gebhardt
Dyan Duncan
 |
| Spa Managing Partner/ Artist Kris Gebhardt |
The Beaux Arts architecture of the early 1900s French Lick Springs Hotel is a thing of beauty— very classic in presentation. So imagine the surprise when Managing Partner, Kris Gebhardt, suggested that a gritty exhibit of large-scale contemporary pieces grace the walls at the Spa.
“The exhibit is not for everyone,” said artist KrisGebhardt, who created the collection with wife and business partner Angela
Gebhardt. “But when you think about it, it really does make sense. The spa is
about health obviously and we like to promote fitness. This show is very
physical in stature. All of our pieces feature strength and beauty, but it’s
not sugar-coated; it’s knocked around a bit just like life. We paint a lot of
reality on our canvases. Even in its roughest form, you can still see the
integration of strength and beauty.”
 |
| New exhibition on display in the Spa at French Lick |
 |
| Water inspired abstract by Angela Gebhardt |
The duo, who were first charged with remodeling the century-old spa during a $560 million dollar restoration and development project, is in a unique position as both spa designers and now, the artists showing in the spa. So does the juxtaposition of modern art in an inherently formal hotel cause a moment for pause? Not at all, says Kris. “The oversized pieces with bold messages seem to marry the past with the present in the elegantly- appointed spa.”
Kris began his artistic journey while touring galleries in
Europe with singer-songwriter (and accomplished painter) John Mellencamp in the
mid-90s. Angela began painting in her youth, but lost contact with her brush to
build a business. The brush continued to call her, and after selling her
business, she gave in fully to her artistic endeavors. Angela is also “the
muse” for hundreds of Kris’ photographs that have been published all over the
world. In fact, it was a figure photograph of Angela that caught the attention
and inspired the new iPhone App FOTOMUSE, now sold worldwide through iTunes.
About Kris & Angela Gebhardt
The author of five books, including “OVERHAUL: Reinvent, Remake, and Rebuild Yourself” (GCI PRESS ISBN1-891947-06-0), Kris has been officially recognized by Senator Richard Lugar, and named one of the “Top 40 Under 40” business performers for 2003 by IBJ magazine. He has coached many high-profile clients including rock stars, billionaires, supermodels and fortune 500 CEOs. He also trained the cast of the Tony and Emmy Award-winning Broadway Show, “Blast!”
Kris Gebhardt and his wife, Angela are the brains and the force behind the award-winning Spas at French Lick Resort and three fitness facilities.
Dyan Duncan