Krystal Place passed away March 4, 2007. She was born Kristine Place on Oct. 6, 1947, in southern Utah. Her heritage was diverse and unusual; Nez Perce and Pauite Indian on her maternal side, and on her paternal side, her great-great-aunt was Etta Place, who rode with Butch Cassidy and his gang. Krystal always thought this was really cool.

The earth’s energy, creativity, art and magic were what mattered to her most. She was a self-taught artist, creating jewelry for the first 25 years. She then moved on to fabric arts and collage. Her most recent work was spirit keepers, fairy dolls and collage shadow boxes. Spirit, magic, nature, color and vibration were weaved in to all of her work. She embraced and expressed both the dark and the whimsical aspects of life.

As a resident of Whidbey Island for more than 25 years, Krystal was very active in the art community and her work was shown in many local galleries and fairs. She was a strong supporter of all artists and her inspiration, wisdom, materials, and connections helped other artists along their path of creativity. Her most recent pieces will be available soon at the Bayview Arts at Bayview Corner and the Rockhopper Gallery in Clinton.

She learned, she taught, she spoke her mind and fought for what she believed. Her spirit will live on through her children Heather Conrad, Matthew Coleman and Jordan Griffith. She was overjoyed with helping to bring her precious granddaughter Ruby Eaton in to the world and experience being a “Lama.”

Krystal loved deeply and quietly. Artist. Mother. Friend. Dark Beauty. She touched all that have known her, and will be deeply missed by many more. May your spirit be at peace and your soul dance with the faeries for eternity.