Replace stolen touring bicycle and paint

I hate thieves. While painting during a bicycle tour in Lansing Michigan at the round-about on Michigan Street just in front of the Michigan State Capital building and the Lansing Police Station, a group of thieves in young twenties or late teens targeted me. I was painting a view with my French Easel about twenty feet from my bicycle. My bicycle was locked up with a nice bike lock and BOB trailer was hooked up to back. In trailer was several hundred dollars of painting gear and touring gear. My bike had tools in panniers with solar panel, special knife, rain gear, special tools to repair bike on rode, and camping survival gear. I also had my wallet locked in a pannier with $200 in it with ID, license, bank cards. Like I said, I was twenty feet away from bike and bike was locked with bike lock while I was working on a painting of the Michigan Capital building. Some "young adults" male and female came up to me and distracted me on purpose while another teen used bolt cutters to cut my bike loose and steal it. They took a bike, trailer, and gear worth over a $1,800 right in front of the police station and the most busy public area of Lansing Michigan in broad day light. Now it is all gone. I lost all of it in the middle of a bike painting tour.

In my early twenties I was inspired to do a cross country tour after art school. Since then biking has always been a part of me. After studying the art of the Hudson River School and French impressionist, I was inspired by the long journeys they would take to do their art. So in the spirit of the Hudson River School and artist such as Bierdstadt and Monet, I decided to do my own journey. As an artist, making money is not an easy thing, let alone saving money to put together a touring bike studio. But I saved a couple thousand and put together what I dreamed of. But now it has been robed from me in plane daylight locked up twenty feet away from me.

I wish to continue to bike and paint and make my art. Biking helps clear my mind, keep my body strong. It is also good for the planet and is a great way to explore views and scenes to paint. I would love the help if you feel or wish to help me get my touring bike back together. Any donation or help would be very greatful. I biked from Dayton Ohio to Lansing Michigan and have been making art and "en plein air" painting. I wish to continue my journeys and my work. Thank you for reading this and any donations you give. I'm asking for $2,000 compared to the original $1,700 so I can buy NY grade bike locks to prevent future theft.

I'm also willing to trade art for donations as well. I can supply signed prints for donations under a $100 or I have original paintings starting out at $200 to $300 if someone wishes to buy something rather then make a straight forward donation.

Thanks and best wishes,
Adam Mitchell
www.adammitchellpaintings.com
[email redacted]