Restore Smart Studio: A Family's Livelihood
Donation protected
This was taken after Helene, before we had assessed all the damage.
After Milton, everything was out of the shop because of the work being done from Helene.
Helene.
More of my shop out in the hallway after Milton.
Milton.
Helene, and below is before both storms.
My name is Rebecca Cleveland, I took over my families art gallery Smart Studio last year, my grandmother, Wini Smart founded our business in Boca Grande,FL in 1982. When we moved across the street into the old theatre mall, I made the shop my own, my second home. It was the most cheerful, beautiful spot. Unfortunately I was denied flood insurance, any contents I lost aren't covered. During Helene I lost hundreds of prints, which I spend my summer mass producing for the winter season, home decor, jewelry, displays, and much more. After Helene I knew it was going to be a challenge, but one I could face with a lot of hard work, and help from the community. Then Milton hit. This gallery, mine and my families artwork is my livelihood, it’s how I feed myself and my two children. The work will get done, but the time in between will be the most difficult.
- Any amount of support is helpful as we are basically starting from scratch. It will go towards the costs of replenishing our print inventory, clean up, frames, glass, keeping the lights on for the duration of my shop being closed, materials for a new checkout desk and frame table, temporary help with my toddler while his daycare is down (as it also received damage) so that I can get to work on helping with clean up and much more.
- I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for reaching out and checking in, for sending your thoughts and prayers. Your encouragement has been a light in these difficult moments.
I will be working on getting more original artwork along with prints on my etsy page as well if interested in supporting that way, please take a look!
Organiser
Rebecca Cleveland
Organiser
Fort Myers, FL