I have some sad news to share...

Starting in 2014 I was able to live simply so my expenses were low enough I only required a part-time income. This allowed me time to pursue my dream, passion and calling as an artist. It has been an arduous yet joyful journey with lots of highs, lows, successes and failures. One of my dreams was to someday make a livable income as an artist, even if that dream seemed impossible.

Up until 2020 I had my art studio inside my living space. My first art studio was in a closet, then I ‘graduated’ to my bedroom. When I moved to a different location, my studio took over my kitchen, dining room and bedroom. In 2020 some friends graciously allowed me to use ½ of their basement as my studio. It was a godsend! At that time, I was only living 10 minutes away and my time was more flexible. It was a huge space, a dream come true!

I am so thankful for the family’s generosity in allowing me to use their basement, rent free, these last few years. But as their lives have changed, they need their basement back for their own use, which of course is understandable. This means I have nowhere to house my studio items – supplies, worktables, blank canvases, works-in-progress and finished artwork.

In 2022 I experienced some setbacks which I have not recovered from – practically, personally, financially and creatively. Because of these challenges, I've only been able to go to my studio a handful of times over the last year and a half. These difficulties, the loss of studio space, and other reasons have all brought me to make a decision I knew was coming. So, it is with a heavy heart I announce I will be closing Stoeffler Art Studio over the next few months. I’m not sure what this will look like completely, but unfortunately it is time.

As I look back over these 14 years since I found my creative voice as a painter, I am humbled, grateful and teary eyed as I recall the countless times people shared how my artwork or writing impacted and touched their life. I am also proud and thankful I was able to sell my artwork and develop some lovely art merchandise which people enjoyed. I remember the first painting I sold in 2012 was for $50. And the last painting I sold in 2023 was for $2,000. Wow, that’s amazing to me! 😊

In the midst of this long wilderness, I will continue to rejoice in the Lord. I will choose to sing His praises, even though I'm full of confusion, my heart is breaking and I feel buried alive. I will stand on the reality that by choosing to rejoice in the Lord, I will find my strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

With love and gratitude,

Nanci