One of a kind artisans have a difficult time especially in small towns. Higher rent, low walk in rates and high shipping costs can be brutal. But skilled artists add to the local culture in a way that no chain ever could. They do this kind of thing because they love their communities and they have a passion for their craft.

One of my favorite artisans is Nate Turner. He's a self taught blacksmith that has serious talent. He opened a shop in town to better reach his area and he has a heart for supporting other local artists.

Last week his shop was broken into and along with tools and supplies, he lost months of one-of-a-kind custom work. Knives, commissioned work waiting to be picked up, and custom art pieces that can't be replaced.

Theft is always demoralizing, but for a highly skilled tradesman that works by hand on custom pieces it can be devastating. The initial cost could easily end a business and the time it will take to catch up with orders could mean lost revenue as well.

All of these things would be bad enough... But this is Nate Turner. A guy that's never turned down a person for help. A person that has shared his talent at every arts event in our area. And a guy that would never even think of asking for help when he needs it.

This is our chance to tell him that we appreciate his talent and hard work, to let him know that we remember every time he's helped out the people around him, and that we want to make sure his business is around for a long time,

Please give what you can. Give til it hurts just a little. Nate Turner is worth it.