We received the following message from Justin Witte, Dir. at Cleve Carney Museum of Art and are sharing this news in case some of you would like to help artist Andi Crist following a fire at her home on January 1, 2026.

– GV

Andi Crist, Installation view of Live, Laugh, Labor, 2025 at CCMA

From Justin Witte

Director and Curator

Cleve Carney Museum of Art

Last week at the very start of 2026, our current featured artist, Andi Crist, and her family experienced an unimaginable loss. On New Year’s Day, their Chicago home was destroyed by fire.

Beyond the loss of a house, Andi and her family lost the artworks, personal objects, and everyday items that made it a home. Like so many artists, her work and her living space were intertwined, making this loss both personal and professional.

As Andi and her family begin the long process of rebuilding and moving forward, they are facing enormous challenges. A GoFundMe has been created to help cover immediate needs and support their recovery during this difficult time.

If you are able, we encourage you to consider donating. Any contribution, large or small, makes a real difference, and sharing the campaign helps extend that support even further.

Thank you for being part of a community that shows up for artists not only in moments of celebration, but also in moments of need.

Donate to Andi Crist’s GoFundMe

Image of Andi Crist’s home after the January 1, 2026 fire