On November 12th, a fire tore through South River Studios, destroying creative workspaces and displacing many artists—including my friend, textile artist Amber Rissman. Amber’s quilting studio is now uninhabitable. Much of her equipment, materials, and work have been damaged.

Amber's vibrant quilting and textile work tells stories through color, texture, and hand-worked detail. Beyond her work as an artist, Amber is known for the tremendous generosity and care she extends to her community day after day.

Her studio wasn’t just where she sewed; it was where where she cultivated her creativity, care, and community. Losing that space so abruptly has left her without essential tools she needs to continue her work.

This GoFundMe has been created to help Amber rebuild her quilting practice, including:

Securing a new safe working space

Replacing specialized quilting equipment

Restocking fabric, tools, and materials lost to smoke and water damage

Covering lost income as she recovers from this sudden displacement

Artists are vital to the cultural fabric of our communities, yet they often have the least safety net when disaster strikes. Amber has always been generous with her talent and care—now it’s our turn to support her.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help Amber regain her footing and continue the work that has touched so many. If you’re not able to donate, sharing this campaign is equally appreciated.

Thank you for helping rebuild what was lost—and for standing with Amber as she begins again.

With gratitude,

Emilia