Helping Kristof Kosmowski, an artist who has always helped others February 01 2026, 0 Comments
By Kimberly Nicoletti
World-renowned artist Kristof Kosmowski has always dedicated his time, money and talents to benefit those around him. Now, he and his family need support.
A Polish immigrant who snuck out of communist-era Poland in 1984 with his wife, Noemi, and their two young children, Ewa and Maks, Kristof and his family have become essential and beloved community members of Glenwood Springs and, currently, Crestone, Colorado.
The Kosmowskis arrived in the U.S. in 1988 through an exceptionally talented Visa for artists that was given to Kristof by the U.S. government. Now, Kristof is facing the biggest challenge of his life: A few weeks ago, the 70-year-old was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive and devastating neurodegenerative disease that destroys motor neurons, eventually leading to paralysis and death.
He has been struggling with the disease for a couple of years, losing function of his lower right arm and his ability to walk. He’s currently hospitalized and unable to talk. Despite worsening symptoms, his strong work ethic led him to fight through it all and create art until recently.
“He lives and breathes painting,” said Brian Raitman. “He’s a Renaissance man. He builds his own panels, he makes his own paints and he blends abstraction and landscape painting so seamlessly. He’s literally known throughout the world. He’s collected on just about every single continent.”
Ancient Granite by Kristof Kosmowski
Kristof’s unique vision and passion for life emanates through his paintings, which emphasize colors over details of landscapes. His technique involves layering colors and texture using Venetian plaster. The result: a rich vibrancy and depth that sets his paintings apart.
“Everything he does comes down to exploring how we are impacted by beauty. There is a science in his approach to painting. He sets the mood with color, obscures the details and encourages your mind and your heart to slowly start discerning the stories embedded in his art,” Brian said. “There’s always been this passion and fervor in his eyes that he communicates through his art. He’s one of those people who puts his heart and soul into everything that he’s done. His work ethic is unrivaled.”
Destination by Kristof Kosmowski
Long before he moved to the U.S., European countries quickly recognized his talent. Poland commissioned him to create a series of paintings replicated on postal stamps. The National Museum in Warsaw, the Finnish Parliament and plenty of corporations and prominent art collectors proudly display his works.
Raitman Art Galleries is currently the only gallery to exclusively sell his paintings. He’s often one of their top-three selling artists; they’ve sold hundreds of the prolific artist’s paintings.
“People who own his art are truly blessed,” Brian said. “They give you space to ponder, and they’re moving in an emotional way. Because so many of them are abstract, you can discern your own meaning and vibe from them.”
Lavender Days by Kristof Kosmowski
The Raitmans will continue to present new paintings the world hasn’t seen that reside in Kristof’s studio in Crestone. He built the studio himself and was in the process of completing a home for his wife and grown children — each with their separate wing — before ALS stopped him.
A good friend has set up a Go Fund Me page to help with costs ranging from physical therapy to everyday living.
“We really need to raise as much money for the family as we can,” Brian said. “There’s no one better to support on this planet, as far as I’m concerned. He has the heart of an angel. He’s always a giver. If you want something from him, he’s going to give it to you, and he’s not going to hesitate. And he’s a giver of his time, too. Truly, whatever you need, he’s there for people. That’s a rarity to see someone like that. His heart is just huge.”
In addition to being an artist who conveys his love for the Colorado landscape in all of its many varying light and weather patterns, he’s a passionate musician who regularly contributes to the Crestone community to celebrate music and life.
“(He) has quietly shaped the soul of this valley and so many of our lives,” wrote a friend, Don Kaufman, on Facebook. “Nothing prepares you for how fast the ground can shift beneath a family when (ALS) enters ... (He) is an artist, painter, sculptor, decorator, builder, musician, problem solver and creative force who seems incapable of seeing the world in anything but color, rhythm and possibility. Born in Warsaw, trained at the Academy of Fine Art and graduating in 1982, educated at St. Edmund’s School in Canterbury, he carried his talent and his courage across an ocean and built a life in Colorado defined not by self-promotion but by contribution. Together with his brilliant and deeply kind wife Noemi Kosmowski, he helped fill Glenwood Springs and Crestone with art, music, laughter, handmade beauty and a sense that creativity is not a luxury but a way of living. … They modeled what a life of generosity and curiosity looks like. Now Kristof is facing the hardest work of his life, and the weight of medical care, equipment, therapy, travel and daily support is enormous, especially when loved ones step away from their own work just to be present.”
Peak Colors by Kristof Kosmowski
A fundraiser will take place in Crestone at Cloud Station from 7-11 p.m. Feb. 15, filled with music and community.
While the Raitmans will work tirelessly to ensure Kristof’s legacy lives on by selling his work and endeavoring to place the paintings in museums, Don Kaufman reminds people:
“Kristof has spent more than 40 years making beauty for the rest of us, and this is one of those moments where showing up in any way at all (to support him) truly matters.”
Just as Kristof has lived a full life, from being an Olympic sailor representing Poland to being a relatively simple man who revolves his life around art, music and his family, his paintings remind us all of the wonder of nature and the awe of crafting an inspired and benevolent life.