Chris Duke Needs Your Help to Create Again

Support for Local Artist Chris Duke: Stolen Van and Art Supplies

Hello, my name is Jazz, and I'm reaching out on behalf of my dear friend Chris Duke, ( you might know him as Duke or from his handle on Instagram “DukEarth” ) Duke is a beloved local artist in San Francisco. Many in our community know Duke for his one-of-a-kind artwork—he transforms vintage windows into captivating reverse paintings on glass using only Indian inks, oil paints, and a paintbrush. His work brings beauty and inspiration to the streets of SF, as he paints in public every weekend to many people’s delight who stop and watch him create. Duke creates these experiences one window at a time all of the time. And he does this all over San Francisco in pretty much every neighborhood - wherever he is at any given time - inspired to paint in. And has inspired artists to return to their art again or to consider their mediums in a new way, and the children from babies excited faces to toddlers asking Duke ‘how he does that ‘ with his paints he tutors young kids on how to paint when he can.. and it feels like the neighborhood comes out to watch him create. It’s a rare beautiful time when Duke finds his way into your neighborhood. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s … well… inspiring! How many people Duke touches as he is only Creating each of his reverse paintings. I can’t even begin to touch on how many lives he has changed and added to for those people who have Purchased his paintings. The stories I have heard people tell Duke about their experiencing his painting(s) in their homes tell of how his art is now the center piece of their lives in their spaces. They have inspired their kids to become artists. One painting in particular is The jackpot the winner gets for poker night for this group of friends who gets together every six months to play Texas hold ‘em. They have had his painting as their jackpot for the past 12 years. I love these stories. I am on here because I want these stories to continue….

Unfortunately, Duke recently suffered a devastating setback. On April 23rd, his cargo van was stolen—for the second time This month. Inside the van were all of his essential art supplies and tools that he relies on to make a living and share his gift with others. Also inside his van were ALL of his Paintings. And this time Duke’s vintage Martin acoustic guitar as well as his Les Paul Gibson guitar were both in the van when it was stolen. Yeah.

The 1St time his van was stolen just 2 weeks ago ALL of his paintings, oil paints and supplies had been in his van. But when his van was recovered for him by the police All of his paintings worth $$$$$ , tools and supplies were all gone. But no problem he bought all new supplies , got new windows and started from scratch.

so now 2 weeks after the 1st time the van had been stolen - Duke had recovered completely. He had a new freshly painted series of paintings to sell . All his supplies were stocked again. Only to now find that ALL of that has now been stolen. Again. It’s been like watching someone beat up a puppy.

It’s heartbreaking to see something like this happen to someone who gives so much to his community through his creativity and spirit. Duke is not just a talented artist—he's a kind, generous, and humble human being who doesn’t deserve to face this kind of loss. Alone.

We’re asking for your help to get Duke back on his feet with any contribution you can make.

Here’s the list of what your donations will be used toward so Duke can continue to stay and create in SF .

The funds will be used towards

1.) getting a new van for Duke

2.) paying for the registration

3.) pre- paying for 12 months for a reserved parking space in a secure underground garage close to Duke’s home in SF. So the van will not be in harms way that it could be stolen or broken into again.

4.) replacing stolen oil paints $$$$$ and supplies

5.) Paying the bills ; rent, living expenses, etc. that Must be paid to keep his apartment , keep the lights on, etc.

Because without his van and supplies he has not been able and will not be able to generate the kind of income it takes to pay these bills.

We are looking to raise 30k to make sure Duke recovers from this hard loss so that can remain in the city he belongs in with the people who love him and who he loves and is inspired to create for.

And that being said… guys $30 k will allow Duke to stay in SF so that comes first and hopefully as quickly as possible….. but I'd like to see if maybe we can take it one step further? Once that 30k is reached…

If we can make it to $50k ( I’ve been researching and running real time numbers). If we can make it to 50k THAT would allow me to

1.) get Duke his own online website / shop for you to purchase and commission Dukes art from.

2.) That would allow me to lease a physical store front on Union Street either in the marina or between the Marina and North Beach for 6 months to a year (depending on the square footage ) so that Duke is not only back on track but He would then Finally be able to be easily accessible to all of you to come any day of the week to Duke”s store on Union to experience his paintings IRL and buy your favorite art pieces from him year round. He would be able to create uninterrupted and everyone would finally be able to FIND him! Haha. For those of you who know this man you know what I mean. People make a pilgrimage to find Duke and his art. What if it was easy? And wonderfully consistent to find Duke? Amazing right? So I’m going to keep my fingers crossed we can make it all of the way to $50 k guys.

Send this link to as many people or platforms as you can please. The more people who see this link the faster we make it all happen. That would be a merry Christmas , happy birthday, happy Valentine’s Day present wrapped all into one for Duke. lol.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read, share, and support this effort. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to Duke as we work to turn this tough moment around for someone who truly deserves it. And possibly put a crown on this situation in the end. For you. For Duke. And for everyone will come to have their own Duke experience(s) in this city that we all call home.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jazz