<div>Hi friends, supporters, and our extended creative community,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I'm reaching out today with both a heavy heart and a lot of hope.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>On September 12, the building Karst has called home for the past seven months—100 Taylor Collective—was suddenly shut down by the Fire Marshal. We’ve been told it might reopen in 6 to 8 weeks, but there’s no clear timeline, and no real certainty.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>After a lot of reflection and many conversations with the families we serve, I’ve made the difficult decision to stop waiting—and start looking for a new, permanent home for Karst.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>But I can’t do this without help.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>What is Karst?</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Karst is an inclusive, neuroaffirming art studio for children ages 2 to 12.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>It was created to meet a need we saw again and again: a calm, welcoming space where children, especially those who may not thrive in typical group settings, can be themselves, explore freely, and express their creativity in their own way.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>At Karst, there are no rigid expectations. No pressure to perform. Just open-ended, child-led art experiences that honor each child’s pace, preferences, and personality.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We work with kids of all backgrounds and support needs, offering one-on-one sessions, small group workshops, day camps, and sensory-friendly open studio time.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Our approach is guided by the belief that every child is creative, and that creative expression should be accessible, joyful, and affirming.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Why this space matters!</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>For many families, Karst fills a gap that traditional spaces don’t.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>It’s not just about making art, it’s about having a place where their child is welcomed without condition. Where there’s room for movement, quiet, mess, curiosity, and rest.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Where caregivers feel understood and supported. And where children can experience the confidence, connection, and joy that comes from being allowed to show up fully as themselves.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>These early years—from toddlerhood through age 12—are full of big growth, discovery, and emotion. Karst was created to support children through that journey in a way that’s creative, compassionate, and developmentally respectful.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This space has quickly become a vital part of many families’ routines and a rare kind of refuge in a world that often asks too much of young kids, especially those who experience the world in their own way.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Why I’m asking for support—</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Losing our current studio means we’ve lost a physical space that so many children and families rely on. It also means I’ve lost the space I poured my heart into building and right now, I don’t have the resources to move and rebuild without support. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I’m seeking to raise $10,000 to cover:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<ul>
<li>Securing a new studio space
</li>
<li>Paying deposits and initial rent 
</li>
<li>Covering moving and basic build-out expenses
</li>
<li>Replacing or recovering essential tools, materials and furniture 
</li>
<li>Minimizing downtime for our little artists and families who depend on our classes
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>If you believe in the power of creative expression, in the importance of child-centered spaces, and in the value of making room for all kinds of kids, I’d be so grateful for your support.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Whether you’re able to donate, share our story, or connect us with someone who might have resources, thank you.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Your support means more than I can say, not just to me, but to the many children and families who have found a creative home at Karst.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>With so much gratitude and hope,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Ms. Nic from Karst
</div>

Anonymous

Lew Kornberg

Adam Cody

Brooke Olson

Alyssa Spyridon

Chelsea Culbreath

Jessie Baldassari

Eliza Russell

sarah baxter

Shelby Kennedy

Caitlin Rafferty

Nicole Delger

Abigail Swan

Help Karst Find a New Creative Home

Help Karst Find a New Creative Home

Still $6,540 to go. Help us build momentum.