Bette Jean Krieger brings a lifelong appreciation for the arts and arts education to her role as an advisor for Cape Ann Plein Air. She earned her BFA in Dance from the Boston Conservatory of Music and later received a Master of Education in Visual Arts from Lesley University. A retired art educator, Bette Jean continues to stay connected to the creative community through her part-time work at a local Rockport art gallery.

After retiring to Cape Ann ten years ago, Bette Jean found a natural home within the area’s vibrant arts community. She especially enjoys meeting and supporting the artists who come to Cape Ann Plein Air and being part of an event that celebrates both artistic excellence and the extraordinary beauty of the region.

Bette Jean believes deeply in the importance of the arts and their ability to enrich people’s lives. As she puts it, “Art saves lives!” Whether someone is a practicing artist or simply loves experiencing and viewing art, she believes events like Cape Ann Plein Air create meaningful connections between artists, residents and visitors.

One of her favorite parts of CAPA week is seeing the exceptional talent of the juried artists firsthand. She believes first-time attendees are often surprised by the richness of the work and by the remarkable ways the artists capture the landscapes, light and character that make Cape Ann so special.