Help Visually Impaired Artist Recover From Theft

My name is Katheryn Krouse, and I’m a visually impaired artist in Kansas City. Making a living from selling my artwork has had its’ challenges, however nothing could have prepared me for the day my trailer was stolen. My enclosed trailer is vital to my small business as it contained my art fair booth, expensive equipment, my inventory of finished paintings, and a way to transport my booth and work to various shows and events. After weathering the pandemic, I have high hopes to get back on my feet, to sell my work once again at my upcoming shows this spring, with the support of this fundraiser.

I have worked very hard to obtain the professional art fair booth that was stolen from me, and took every measure to prevent this from happening; including a ‘boot’ wheel lock, that went over a tire, as well as a heavy duty lock fastened over the hitch part of the trailer. The trailer was stolen out of a private gated parking lot, visible from my apartment/studio, where it has been parked for several years. This arrangement has given me a false sense of security, when I pay $70 a month for access to this private lot, only to find out that there is no surveillance and no security. The trailer is registered and a police report has been filed, though the investigation does not look promising. The saddest part is knowing that the contents inside the trailer are all virtually worthless to whoever stole it, but to me, it was everything.

I am a legally blind artist who cannot drive, as I suffer from a macular degeneration, known as Stargardt’s Disease. The best way I can describe my progressive vision loss, is that I see in a higher contrast, interpreting dark values significantly darker, and bright values brighter, in addition to spotted central vision loss. I am inspired to express how I see the world through my artwok, emphasizing bold contrasts with thick texture, a vivid color palette, and metallic paint. I have a wonderful support system of family and friends who drive vehicles equipped to tow my trailer to each art show. I take pride in living an independent and comfortable life from selling my artwork, despite my disability. This tragic incident has left me feeling incredibly violated as I was in the middle of preparing for my upcoming shows, post pandemic. My next scheduled art fair is Planet Comicon in April, and then I have a prime show in Austin, TX in May, and another show in Chicago, IL in June. These art fairs have proven to be my best shows over the years, and I simply cannot pull it off without my trailer and full booth.

For more information about my wok, please visit my website at KatherynKrouse.com

Facebook: Katheryn Krouse Art

Instagram: @kkrouseart

Tiktok: @kkrouseart

How the funds will be spent:

Art Fair Tent: $1,000

(16) Pro Panels: $165 each ($2,640)

Trailer: $2,500

Support bars, stiffeners, and weights: $300

Print Rack: $200

Lighting, surge protectors, and extension cords: $200

Hanging system, hooks, and hangers $350

(2) Directors Chairs: $125 each

Art Bins: $200

Area Mat: $50

Pro Panel Mini Desk: $200

(6) Pro Panel Extenders: $85 each ($510)

Canvas, art materials: $600