For our third interview of the 2025 Delaware Fun-A-Day, we speak with Kristofer Williamson about how community initiatives have shaped several art projects he has created, how creativity fuels a growing and enriched community, and hitting some new milestones, including his recent engagement! Thanks, Kristofer, for your time and answers!
We like to know how people are connected to Delaware - are you a resident, born and raised? What brought you to Delaware Fun-A-Day (DEFAD)?
I was born in Delaware and have lived here most of my life. Both my parents are from DE, and my mom grew up on Main Street in Newark, so the area has always been important to me.
My brother participated before me, and it seemed like a fun idea. It was a good excuse to make me work on art and work towards a final project. I continue because I don't always focus on just making and having fun with it, so it is a great motivator for that
You've immersed yourself in community initiatives and daily creative challenges—how has your definition of "artist" evolved alongside these commitments? Was there a moment that made that identity feel undeniably yours?
To be honest, I don't think of myself as an artist. I took a ton of classes when I was a kid and originally wanted to be a comic book artist. I was never as good as I wanted to be, and life took me in a different direction.
My first DEFAD entry was poetry, which is still a passion, though I haven't written much lately...but with my son studying art, I realized I missed drawing and have been working on that more.
So, I don't think of myself as an artist, but you don't have to be to have fun or to make art...you just do it.
Much of your creativity unfolds in public spaces, like parades and youth-focused projects. How do you view these civic moments as artistic canvases, and what stories do they allow you to tell differently than traditional gallery work?
I am a firm believer in giving back to the community. I have been a member of various groups doing service as well as individually, and continue to look for ways to do so. I don't get much chance to blend art with service other than being able to get musical instruments for kids that need them (when I can find them for a reasonable price).
I doubt my weird work would fit in a gallery, and not defining myself as an artist, I am not sure that would be a route I would go. I do like different ways of people expressing themselves outside the "traditional scene". Whether it's murals or performance pieces, all art is valuable and important. I hope that by helping people it gives them a chance to find their voice and express themselves.
From daily art-making to milestone celebrations, your life seems to fuel your creative practice. How do personal events—like your engagement (congratulations by the way!) or work with young performers—shape the emotional textures of your art?
Thanks! Wedding planning has taken over, lol. My Instagram was originally made so I had a place to put my random tiny pictures. I like macro-scale photography as I tend to notice small details randomly. It's evolved into capturing the small details of my life from board games to travel to art...and all the random bee butt pictures one can handle. I also started putting the actual drawings in too.
It's the only social media I share on. So it's a macro scale view into all the things that are me and many of the views into that (pictures, drawings, games, etc) all through a tiny lense, usually.
Fun thing to know...I only use my camera phone so any macro is literally me slapping my phone up to something to take the picture...bugs sometimes sit still for this.
Your involvement in initiatives like Delaware Fun-A-Day hints at a belief in democratizing creativity. What drives your commitment to inclusive and accessible art-making, especially for those who don't see themselves as traditional artists?
Art is for everyone. Access to art should be for everyone. Funding for art should never be cut. So, from going to school board meetings to try to ensure band and art is not cut from the school district, to having been a band booster, to anything else, I believe art is what makes us better people and that it should be open to everyone.
Even if it's just drawing or writing or goofing around on an instrument it is important and makes us better as a people. Make art for fun, even if you aren't good at it.
Your artistic output spans storytelling, visual design, and event curation. How do you choose the right medium for a message, and do you ever find one evolving into another unexpectedly?
I don't really choose a medium. Whatever happens, happens.
If an idea pops up to write something, or draw something, or whatever I go with it. I do like having different things together, like if you are having a poetry reading include some art or music so people can experience different things together.
When you think about what you want your work—creative and civic—to leave behind, is there a guiding emotion, question, or impact you hope continues to ripple through others?
I want to lead a life well lived. As Dylan Thomas says (and is tattooed as a reminder on my arm) "Do not go gentle into that good night."
I want people after me to have the same opportunities I did. To live freely and do weird stuff. And to have music and art to their hearts content.
Creating a community often means constant visibility. How do you protect your quiet creative spaces, and what role do private reflection or unseen works play in your growth?
I have an office space at home as I work from home some days. I make sure there is room for drawing and whatnot there. The macro pictures are wherever I find them.
There really is no reflection for my stuff, I just get an idea and give it a try. As far as unseen works, most of what I make ends up on my instagram so I don't really keep a lot unseen. I probably should make more stuff...
As you prepare for new personal milestones, how are you envisioning the next chapter of your creative journey? Are there themes, mediums, or collaborations calling to you that you haven’t yet explored?
I miss playing music but don't have time to really do much with that. I will pick back up on learning guitar eventually.
Other than that I will likely make myself get back into writing and see if I have enough to publish again...and if I can remember my login to do so.
Otherwise little pictures will continue whether you like it or not.
Anything else you’d like to share or enlighten us with? Where can people buy your artwork and how can they connect with you?
I try to hit up vendor fairs when I can. I have a book of poetry available on Amazon (Behold the Ass of the Gods), or a few copies floating around me. I sometimes have stuff for sale at Newark Arts Alliance. I might make an Etsy...or just message me if you really want to buy one of my things.