Featured Collection - KW Gallery

Klaus Winter 1/30/1949 - 10/26/2006

Klaus Winter was born in Bischofsheim, Germany, into a family steeped in artistic and musical heritage. His father, Horst Winter, was a renowned bassoonist with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, while his mother, Anita Cohen, was an artist known for her intricate needlepoint and sewing creations. Klaus's grandfather was a skilled violinist, adding to the family's rich tapestry of artistic talent.

In 1955, Klaus and his family moved to America, where he attended Hall High School and furthered his education at the Hartford Conservatory. He completed his degree at The Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford. An accomplished musician, Klaus excelled at both the violin and piano, working with and being beloved by many renowned musicians. I still remember how excited my choir teacher at South Catholic High School in Hartford, Leslie Childs, was when he learned that my father was Klaus Winter. In addition to his musical talents, Klaus was a well-known piano technician. In 1970, he married Donna Mae Winter, and they had a son in 1971—me.

Klaus was an incredible father, and his dedication to both his music and his artwork was truly inspiring. His life was entirely dedicated to his passions, creating countless masterpieces over four decades. In 2002, Café Verde in downtown Hartford honored him by dedicating an entire room to his art, aptly named the “KW Gallery.” The accompanying website shared the same name, marking a truly joyful and exciting time for our family as Klaus got to showcase his work and gain the resources to create even more.

However, Klaus's life was not without its challenges. In his early 20s, he faced a serious mental illness and survived a near-fatal accident—an outcome we consider nothing short of a miracle. This experience profoundly shaped his life and work. While his disability ultimately prevented him from continuing his professional music career, he continued to perform violin and piano for himself, our family, and his friends. He then turned his focus entirely on his art, producing an impressive collection over the next 30 years.

Our primary mission with Winter Sunshine Marketplace is to share Klaus's masterpieces with the world. We also aim to establish a scholarship fund in his honor, supporting students who face their own challenges. You can learn more about this initiative in our mission statement.

If you have any more information or stories about Klaus Winter, please let us know on our Facebook fan page. We would love to share them on this page.