Growing up near village of Nelson, WI, spends time there and in University Park, MD (greater Washington, DC).  In addition to creating sculpture, wrote the science fiction novel -- black box, and the children's book -- Angel, Creator of Artful Things.  He also wrote a book about creating and sustaining large, positive change and building a better, thriving future -- Thrive! - Building a Thriving Future.  Throughout his policy career, has worked on national and local policy issues and on health and human service systems, models and reform.  His major priority is and has been creating and sustaining large, positive, and timely change and helping build a thriving future.

Background on Sculpture

Creates sculpture (including mobiles and stabiles) under the signature GChris.  His primary artistic influence is Alexander Calder. 

Abstract sculpture by GChris is mission-driven.  GChris sculpture supports our creating and sustaining large, positive change and achieving a thriving world. 

GChris mobiles and stabiles utilize natural materials -- copper and wood.  Woods are primarily American hardwoods -- mostly black walnut -- with contrasts provided by exotic African and South American woods.   Copper is used in many forms and takes each work through a living process.   

GChris sculptures are to be interacted with and "gently touched".  Some are copper or wood or both.  Sizes range from a foot to dozen feet or larger.  Some make sounds when moved by wind or people; some remain silent.  Some move physically; some move conceptually.  All generate shadows, a second image.

Existing GChris sculpture (e.g., mobiles and stabiles) may be purchased and number over 100 pieces with dimensions ranging from a few inches to 12 feet and larger.  Works of all sizes, even larger works, can be commissioned.

Sculptures can be purchased via email or phone.

Background on Policy & Management

His major priority is and has been creating and sustaining large, positive, and timely change and helping build a thriving future.  His career includes:

• Founder, "Thrive!", "viaFuture", "HealhePeople - Building a Healthy and Thriving Future", "Vulnerable"

• Acting Assistant Secretary, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, and Senior Advisor for Health Affairs, DoD

• Senior Advisor to Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

• Senior Advisor to Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health Administration.

• Associate Director, Office of Presidential Personnel, White House.

• Senior Fellow / Scholar-in-Residence, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences 

• Fellow, National Academy of Public Administration

• Deputy Director, Quality Improvement Group, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

• Chief Information Officer, Veterans Health Administration

• Senior Advisor for Force Health Protection, Assistant Secretary for Reserve Affairs, DoD

• Director of Health Legislation, U.S. House Select Committee on Aging.

Bachelor's in Political Science and Master's in Urban and Regional Planning from University of Wisconsin - Madison. Doctoral work at John Hopkins University School of Public Health.

About The Artist - Gary (Chris) Christopherson