Art Studio Fire Recovery - Cary Reeder

Hi, I'm Cary Reeder and at the urging of my friends I am asking for help. Recently Winter Street Studios, where I have my art studio, was attacked by an arsonist and the resulting fire and explosion destroyed three studios and damaged studios throughout the entire building with smoke and soot. My studio, where I work as a full-time artist and store all of my artwork, sketchbooks, books, supplies, and equipment suffered extensive smoke and soot damage throughout the space. Almost all of the tools of my trade are damaged, including items stored in sealed storage containers. Three of my artworks valued at $3,000 were destroyed and every crevice of everything in my studio has a layer of soot on it including my artwork. I believe that most of my artwork can be saved through a long process of meticulous cleaning. Because the cost of hiring professional conservators would be prohibitive, I am taking on this task myself. However, most of my supplies and furniture are not worth saving so I will need to replace them.

Adding to this, because of the fire/explosion, 1/3 of the building now has structural damage and I am one of the tenants being forced to vacate my studio for 6-12 months while the building is repaired. This need to pack up and vacate the building has ground my daily work schedule to a halt; I have not touched a paintbrush since December 19, 2022, because of all the work involved with recovering from this disaster. I have located a new studio space however the rent is more expensive than my current ruined space but I am grateful to have a new space lined up.

As I go through receipts and toss ruined supplies and furniture, I am realizing the high cost of this disaster and am asking for your help to get myself reestablished in a new art studio. I will use the funds to replace my art supplies, furniture, reference books, and equipment, and to provide a financial buffer to pay studio rent and incidental expenses while I get my studio back up and running. Any excess funds after my expenses are covered will be paid forward to other artists in need. Thank you so much for helping me. The love and support of my friends and art supporters has made this horrible experience bearable. I look forward to getting back to creating soon with your help.