11/20/2025
As many of you know, my father Kris Neely has successfully operated a small business for more than 15 years.
Wet Paint Syndrome, LLC and the Guardians by Kristofer M. Neely brand have been beloved adventures for our family for longer than I have been alive. I have never known a community that was not covered with the wings of my father's angels. His writing has also been a part of his legacy.
My parents are both teachers with a passion for serving students. That has spilled over into a massive art project that has spread its wings around the world. Dad says the Guardians are about spreading hope, and the heart of that business has never been about revenue. It has been successful, but my father has never formally drawn a salary. He gives away more Guardian paintings than he sells. He refused to increase prices while inflation impacted every cost. Dad wanted people to be able to afford his work when times were hardest.
2.5 years ago, Dad was injured in a truck wreck. With time we learned more and more issues that emerged from the devastating impact. What was first seen as a prolonged concussion, Dad suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury that was life changing. He continues to work hard to try to recover as much as possible. While that day changed many things for dad, he has tried to prioritize our family and his role at Spartanburg Methodist College as his two main focuses. He always tells us how grateful he is that he survived and that we were not in the car with him. This massive impact limited his ability to successfully maintain many of his key leadership roles. He has resigned from every role that could place organizations he loves at risk. He still tries to make art, but his speed, accuracy, and stamina have changed dramatically.
Currently his recovery is primarily focused on vision issues, physical therapies, and hand eye coordination. Please keep dad in your prayers in the days and months ahead.
Dad met with our family and discussed a difficult decision we faced. He was preparing to close the business and let that meaningful story end. My mother and I insisted that this was a project that gave him great joy and purpose. We agreed to work together to take it over. We are working with legal counsel to implement those changes this fall.
My mother will serve as CEO for Wet Paint Syndrome until I am legally old enough to run it. I have assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer. We invited dad to remain the creative director, and we hope his beautiful images will continue to spread hope for many more years. Dad insisted that Wet Paint Syndrome should also include my own artwork, and he has given me the ability to manage the Guardians brand in existing product inventory and reproduction rights. I intend to be a faithful steward of his legacy. There will be some things that need to change. I want to ask your patience with me as I figure out how to make this a sustainable venture again.
Dad hopes to create a Guardians by Kristofer M. Neely fund at the Spartanburg County Foundation in time that will allow him to work with my sister Allie to continue the legacy of generosity in the community. They are working on ideas about raising the initial gift of $2,500 for that portion of the dream to become a reality.
On his birthday, dad wanted to announce this to you. However, with his ongoing litigation, he felt it important to allow me to send this message to you.
You can tell by its length that our artistic director is still involved!
Please know that our family greatly appreciates all your love and concern. You have returned our hope in so many ways.
Go by Reinvintage Warehouse and pick up a Guardian for the holidays. Look for dad and me at a few events as the season of gratitude and giving proceeds.
May there always be an angel by your side.
Sincerely,
Caroline Neely
COO, Wet Paint Syndrome, LLC
