Banner Elk, North Carolina – Christopher John Clark, 62, of Banner Elk, NC passed away December 20, 2025, at his residence.

Born in Shelby, NC, he was the son of the late Bobby Blansford Clark, Sr. and Mary Jacquelyn "Jackie" Forehand Clark.

Chris was a graduate of Shelby High School, class of 1981. He earned his bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity and member of the Appalachian State cheerleading squad. He developed an interest in the art world and began studying and collecting "Outsider Art," while he was a student in Boone. He could talk about a quilt, a whirligig, a piece of pottery or a primitive piece of furniture for hours, entertaining anyone who would take the time to listen. Chris left Boone in 1994 for Aspen, Colorado to further pursue his interest in art. He worked at Zona gallery in Aspen, and it is in Aspen where he began painting. At first, he painted small still life genre pieces mostly of fruit, and later the monumental, oversized pears for which he was most well-known. Chris returned to the High country and opened the Clark Gallery in Banner Elk where he sold his paintings and represented other regional and nationally renowned artists. He loved encouraging young talent, working with artists, and talking to collectors.

Surviving Chris is his brother, Bobby Blansford Clark of Shelby.

Services are pending and will be announced.

Online condolences may be sent to the Clark Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral Service of Boone is in charge of the arrangements.