Kriss and Gary Miller are happy to be returning as the Friends in Residence team at Quaker House for the 2023 season.

Our Friends in Residence have roots in the Chautauqua community. Kriss spent part of nearly every childhood summer in a house owned by her grandparents. The family was introduced to the wonders of Chautauqua after their son (Kriss’ uncle) attended a boy’s choral ensemble. This sparked a family tradition; one that included Gary from their early days of dating in high school. Kriss and Gary have shared Chautauqua with all 3 of their children, and hope to include their grandchildren soon.

Kriss and Gary live on a small “art farm” in a wooded corner of Kansas City. Living in an inter-generational home with family and farm critters is a way of life that they value. There they also operate a recording studio and outdoor performance space. They also provide an abundance of space and opportunity for fellow artists to come to create, connect, and reflect. Gary and Kriss bring this practice of mindful hospitality to the Quaker House.

While Gary graduated from Purdue as a Mechanical Engineer, his first love is music. He has been both a professional and recreational percussionist for over 50 years. He’s played everything from Country to Jazz and loves to perform. He enjoys musical collaborations with all skill levels, always carrying extra instruments to encourage others to join in. He can often be found playing at Bestor Plaza in a spontaneous gathering of musicians. Please come join in the fun!