Dearest fellow artists and friends,
This is B.J. Christofferson posting from my home and studio in Maiden Rock, WI. I am in the midst of an unexpected health challenge and I am asking for your help.

Last week I went to the Emergency Room at Mayo in Red Wing because I was so exhausted, dizzy and out-of-breath. It turned out that due to internal bleeding my hemoglobin was 6—meaning that I had lost half of my blood! The doctors and nurses couldn't fathom how I was still standing and made it clear throughout my hospital stay that I was very lucky to be alive (I am very grateful to my sturdy Norwegian and Saami ancestors and to the grace of God.) Needless to say I was admitted on the spot. Mayo administered 2 blood transfusions, diagnosed bleeding stomach ulcers and sent me home three days later to begin my recovery. They made it very clear; recovery means good diet, meds and REST, REST, REST! It will take me many weeks to regain my strength before I can function normally.

This situation impacts my life as an artist in two important ways: first, because I have to bow out of the upcoming Powderhorn Artfair, which has been a financial mainstay for many years; and second, because it is very important (to my livelihood) that I keep my business Secret Heart Gallery open during regular business hours Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I simply don’t have the strength to do either.

So I am asking for your support. I am hopeful that this online fundraiser will allow me to hire the help needed to keep my gallery open until I am healthy again AND help off-set the significant loss of Powderhorn earnings. Any amount of support is greatly appreciated….B.J