Valley Veteran Conquers PTSD Through Art, Unveils Gallery in Old Town Scottsdale

Christian Klingeler’s journey from the military to art is both inspiring and transformative. Having started painting as a way to manage his anxiety and depression, he has now launched a gallery in Old Town Scottsdale.

The new space represents a significant milestone for Klingeler, who expressed disbelief at seeing his dream become reality. “To have a gallery now here is just unreal,” he reflected.

Before becoming an artist, Klingeler served in the Marine Corps during the Gulf War and then as a Federal Air Marshal following 9/11. His career in law enforcement exposed him to high-stress situations, leading to struggles with depression and PTSD.

“People don’t realize how tough it is,” Klingeler noted, emphasizing the challenges of being on call in high-pressure environments.

A breakthrough moment came when his therapist encouraged him to engage in calming activities. He turned to painting, an intuitive choice for him. “Once the paint hit the canvas, it was like a calming wave washed over me,” he stated.

Through the therapeutic power of art, Klingeler discovered a profound passion that provided an outlet for his stress. With encouragement from his wife, he committed to his craft, leading to his work being published and ultimately to the opening of his gallery.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Klingeler’s mission extends beyond personal healing. He donates a portion of profits from every artwork sold to PTSD and anxiety research, aiming to help others navigate similar challenges.