Hello dear friends!

My name is Lolly Shields, and I am setting up a GoFundMe page for my dear sister-in-law, Peggy Rivers and brother, Van Shields, whose art studio burned and collapsed to the ground in the devastating Arcata Fire on Friday, January 2nd, 2026.

Two months ago, Van and Peggy moved their paintings representing every body of work to date, every tube of paint and paintbrush, blank canvases and works in progress, slides, photos, announcements, exhibition brochures, news clips, light table, camera and lights, tools, storage shelves, 50 years of journals, 14 easels, drawing horses, posters, and rolled-up canvases from grad school days, furniture, etc.,

into their new studio, 10th Street Studio, which was located in the historic downtown area of Arcata, California. Their entire studio was destroyed along with an additional block of buildings

Sadly, hundreds of paintings cataloging their life experiences, hard work, and dedication to their craft were gone within moments of the fire’s inception.

Van’s paintings’ portfolio date back to his grad school days, and similar to his wife Peggy whose body of work encompasses 50+ years, he preserved and cherished his artwork all which chronicled his life experiences.

I know Peggy and Van will appreciate your support. Your gracious donations will go towards purchasing art supplies, equipment, tools and any additional items they need to rebuild and pursue their artistic endeavors.

I am sending multitudes of gratitude for any support you can offer to help my brother and sister-in-law's hardships during this difficult time.

Yesterday ashes. Today phoenix.