KATY, Texas — Like the Phoenix from Mythology, Katy area artist Teresa Staley hopes to rise from the ashes of a devastating house fire. It was the inspiration for a post-fire painting called "Rise." "That's what I'm trying to do for sure," Staley told KHOU 11.
Her longtime home in the Nottingham neighborhood went up in flames in late October as she and a friend celebrated a belated birthday. "I saw all of this fire outside of my kitchen door and I just couldn't believe it," Staley said. She tried to salvage some things but the flames and smoke spread too quickly.
Staley lost her pet cat, Junior, who was probably hiding in fear. She also lost almost all of her belongings, including her artwork and irreplaceable mementos. "I did have a husband that passed many years ago from brain cancer," Staley said.
"These two things are definitely the hardest." She said an artist's income ebbs and flows with the economy since creations are luxuries for most people. She now regrets letting her homeowner's insurance lapse and doesn't know what she'd do without family and friends who organized both an online fundraiser and an in-person silent auction.
"If you know Teresa, you know she has a heart of gold and works hard. She is reliable and always there for anyone in need," the friend who organized the GoFundMe posted. "I've been fighting being depressed about all this and pretty emotional," Staley said.
She said "Rise" illustrates what's to come thanks to all of the help she's getting. "Love.
