NEDERLAND — “With the space people can utilize it as a meeting spot, for art classes, or like a study hall to do artwork.”

Danielle Crouse explained to The Mountain-Ear back in February of 2025 how the art gallery was going to change over to a studio rental space for community artists. 

The shift was an adjustment for Crouse, but she was accepting of her new role, and was already envisioning how she could bestow some of her magic to the environment. 

“I also want to set up a nice nook for professional meetings and creative work, where people can pay a day fee instead of a monthly fee to come chill out with other creatives, have a safe spot to be warm, to see the view, and to meet clients.”

Crouse’s story is different, but one that many may empathize with, as she wasn’t an owner who lost her business when the Caribou Village Shopping Center burned down the morning of October 9, 2025.

In addition to hosting at Lolo's Atelier and selling her work online at artworkbydmc.com, Danielle makes regular appearances at the Nederland Farmers Market.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

She was an employee, specifically, the Manager of Nederland Art Studios and Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Gallery, which she had been a part of for over three years.

Not being an owner doesn’t mean that Crouse was any less invested in the business; on the contrary, she had become accustomed to being the face of the gallery, and to the responsibility that came with that role. 

What makes her revival from the destruction of the Lakeview Fire so different is the set of challenges she was forced to face, as she had not lost only a job, she lost a major income stream; the ability to provide opportunities and space for fellow artists to work, sell, and collaborate; and a studio space to make and sell her own art. 

“I lost my location with Spinning Silica as well,” Crouse explained, as she discussed how the fire disrupted her connections with her neighbors and fellow artists in the shopping center. “We were going to plan on having me in the studio there so they can have some time off but still keep the shop open. I wanted to collaborate more with Wild Bear, as well. 

“Then last summer I had lost my friend and landlord to cancer, and I lost one of my jobs because of my chronic physical issues—mostly from horseback riding—which I don’t quite regret but it did start interfering with skill sets that I had developed in housecleaning and overall cleaning.”

Without the same resources that were available to business owners, Crouse had no choice but to pivot dramatically, a feat that may have left scars but has made Crouse more resilient, more open to an unchained work life, and more protective of her peace.

“I had to do a lot of juggling to figure out where my income would come from,” Crouse said. “But the fire helped me learn that no matter how much good I could’ve done, how successful the business could’ve been, it’s gone anyway, and that helps me learn how to be more present, learn to listen to what my needs are, and how I can balance taking care of those things and still be a part of this awesome community.” 

Just one month after the fire, Crouse found herself in the loving arms of the Nederland artists’ community, and with help from gallery owner Laurence Delaunay she was hosting again and her art returned to gallery walls at Lolo's Atelier at 25 East 1st Street. 

At that time, Roz Bagtaz, Crouse’s and Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Gallery’s owner, was dealing with the shock of losing the business in the fire, just as they were coming to terms with the closing of the business—which was announced months before the fire, with the business scheduled to be officially closed in November that year. 

Crouse approached the difficulty of the road before her with care, as well as with an open mind, and expressed acceptance of a nomadic lifestyle. This would help her in creating her art while also admitting to crafting armor around that creative gift, like a scab healing over the rawness of an open wound.  

“Dealing with being an artist and creating my own business, and everything that entails, as well as having chronic pain because of compounded injuries, I have limited energy,” Crouse admitted. “So I have to have a very strong boundary, because I’ve been in enough situations where I know the energy I put in won’t be returned.” 

Eight months later, Crouse is back in the hosting seat at Lolo's Atelier for the month of July, following up on her last successful stint back in May. In fact, Crouse has become a revolving regular at the gallery, along with fellow artists including Delaunay herself—a position which awards her familiarity and stability, but on terms best suited to Crouse’s reborn sense of self care. 

A look back at a perfect example of the cozy atmosphere Danielle curated at Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Gallery.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

“I’ve begun to clarify expectations and look out for myself, and that’s nice to learn how to do. This space works out really well. People still see me doing my art, being in a gallery, representing other artists. They come in and talk, which is lovely, and it’s in alignment with what I do, which is how it felt in May when I was here, and in November when I was here,” Crouse acknowledged. She added that Delaunay has worked with her to have her return to hosting at the gallery in the fall as well. 

“What’s really special is she expresses that she trusts me when I rearrange the shop and take charge in how to present the artists that are showing,” Crouse said about Delaunay, “and that helps me see her as a colleague, which is really special because I really look up to her.” 

Over a busy Independence Day weekend, Crouse juggled a perpetual stream of loquacious locals and fastidious tourists, while seizing the quiet moments to refresh her tea and continue working on her latest piece, a commission for a portrait of a beloved horse. 

Her hosting at Lolo's Atelier, her commission work, her presence and work at promoting community painting opportunities at the Nederland Farmers Market, and her change in home life awarding her with her very own new studio space, have all helped to bring some normality back to Crouse’s life, and some clarity for her creative spirit. 

“I’m consistently moving in the direction of being more calm, more focused,” Crouse said, “and with the internet and how fast paced it is; with our society, our work drive and work ethics, this is what I feel like I can contribute to life, is a calmness.”

"The Diplomat"

Art by Danielle Crouse

Crouse added how she’s learned from her new dog, a young German Shepherd mix who, above all other things, requires consistency and emotional steadiness. Moving in with her partner and becoming owner to a new dog were changes she did not expect in the aftermath of the Lakeview Fire, but have produced for her a new understanding, as well as an abundance of love and joy, which she uses as motivation in her very own workspace. 

“My home studio looks amazing and I’ll be on the Peak to Peak Studio Tour so people can come check it out…though the puppy dog won’t be there.” 

With the ripples of the change forced upon her finally settling, Crouse is beginning to ease into the life she has now. When faced with the prospect of inviting yet another shift to her life and career by accepting Tebo Properties’ invitation to return to a new shopping center once it's built, and perhaps rent her own personal studio space and gallery, Crouse has chosen not to accept another rock being thrown into her pond.

“I’m excited that Tebo is cleaning it up,” Crouse said. “I saw a rendering of what the new building might look like and I think it’s going to be great, and I’m glad it’s going to be up to date—but big changes and risks are not what I’m looking for right now. 

“When we arrive at a stillness, instead of taking the opportunity to be present and enjoy the life that we’re in and that we’ve created, we’re encouraged to skip past it, and I’m tired of that. I think I need to just chill.” 

Crouse’s painting “The Diplomat” hangs large and proud on the wall at Lolo's Atelier, and depicts a wily young fox—inquisitive, mischievous, yet dignified, holding court with a respectable air about it. In describing her painting, and getting deep in her consideration of the words she chooses, she’s describing a part of herself, made stronger by her rough journey. 

“This fox is a wild animal, yet so friendly, and some of the foxes I’ve known understand conversations. To me that feels like diplomacy—hearing people, being present enough to see how things fit together, how things can work, and how more involvement can create a Peace, rather than trying to force things, or argue, or not listen to others. That’s The Diplomat.”