Found Art Stories
When art is left behind… its story finds its way home.
Found in Fort Davis, Texas
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Hi Kim, my name is Maggie and I wanted to thank you SO much for the blessing of the gorgeous ocean and bubble bowl! It was such an amazing surprise — a true blessing from God! I’m so happy to have found it as a thunderstorm was coming and the note would’ve been illegible. It was the first of many thunderstorms and rainstorms this past two weeks.
We are from Los Angeles, California and are on a road trip heading to Florida by October. We now have internet and I’m finally able to contact you.
Thank you again for blessing us with such a priceless surprise.
Found in Costa Rica
A Note from the One Who Found It:
I found your art with some friends and we said wow what a beautiful thing that is! As I said that if you wanted we could give it away, I gave it to my sister who loves those things and I know she will take great care of it. Your art is amazing.
Found in Sedona, Arizona
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Howdy!! I found your Sedona bowl on Bell Rock! My name is Tammi and I live in Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. We were kind of lost on the bell getting down and found your beautiful bowl!! Thank you! What a blessing and treat! The holes actually made it easier to carry while navigating down. 😊
There were two of us hiking and we were so excited to find it!
Found in Amarillo, Texas
A Note from the One Who Found It:
From Heather Huff: I managed to lock my keys in my car today at the park, but found this while walking/waiting for help. This absolutely made my day! It is very beautiful, and I really enjoyed reading about you doing this. What a fantastic idea. Thank you so much.
Found in Lago Vista, Texas
A Note from the One Who Found It:
I wanted to drop a short line to let you know I received a vase from my grandson. This past Wednesday I picked them (brothers) up at the Lago Vista Library for church. My oldest grandson had his hands behind his back and asked me to open the door. He got in and said, “Here — thank you for always doing for us, taking us to church, bringing things to school we forget, and just thanks for everything.”
So I want to say thank you. He brought the note with the vase and gave it to me. Now it is sitting on my coffee table.
Found in Round Rock, Texas
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Lucky me, I have been watching these art drops for quite some time. 2016 has been a year full of struggles and heartbreaks for our family and several of those that we hold dear. Sitting in my pajamas, checking out Facebook I saw the post and knew exactly where it was. I literally run through the house grabbing my keys and yelling for my, fully dressed daughter to go with me. She had a million questions but all I could say was that we had to go. I told her your story of these amazing art drops as I drove like a crazed woman to the spot. She was jumping out of the car before it came to a complete stop. After a little searching, she got it! We get back home and my husband completely baffled by my lunacy was able to see why I made the mad dash to go. He said his mother, who had to say our final farewells to earlier this year, would have loved that! I'll take this as a sign from the three angels we have gained this year that things are going to be much better for us this year. You may never know the extent of how your art touches but as we bid farewell to 2016 and look forward to 2017, thank you for giving me hope and happiness today. Happy New Year!
Found in Temple, Texas
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Day Made! Found this gorgeous vase outside of the coffee shop. Thanks for the gift! I absolutely love it!
Found in Dallas, Texas
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Kim I just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for the beautiful bowl I found in Pioneer Park. My family and I were in Dallas last week for the first time. My husband has been transferred to Dallas from SC and we were on spring break looking for a place to live. I loved your bowl when I saw it, but hesitated to take it thinking that someone else needed that gesture more than I. After about 10 minutes I went back to get it. Our move to Texas is a new chapter in our lives. A welcome new chapter because the past 7 years have been extremely financially rough. Your artwork will sit on the kitchen island of our new home, and will always be a symbol of the beginning of our new life in Texas. Thank you very much for the gesture & inspiration!
Found in Round Rock, Texas
A Note from the One Who Found It:
I received a phone call last night from the person who found my bowls at the park. He had taken his brother to football practice and found the bowls after going on a walk with his girlfriend.
Found in San Diego, California
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Hi Kim! I stumbled upon your beautiful bowl while I was running at Sunset Cliffs this morning. I stopped to read the care, but left the bowl behind since I wasn’t about to carry it on my run. A couple of hours later as I was finishing up my workout it started raining. I decided to run over to see if the bowl was still there, and it was! I couldn’t believe no one else had picked it up yet! I guess it was meant to be, so I saved it from the incoming thunderstorm and took it home with me. Now seeing that you dropped it off all the way from Texas makes it even more special. What a great and inspiring thing to do! I will cherish it for sure. Thank you for the wonderful gift!! I hope you enjoyed our beautiful city and safe travels back to TX! Keep up the amazing work.
Found in Cedar Park, Texas
A Note from the One Who Found It:
OMG! Kim you made my week and it's been a really bad week. I came home from work and stopped to check my mail. I usually turn around to get back to my house but I went straight and just happened to look over to my left into the park.
I saw your post earlier today and was wondering where in Cedar Park you would have left this. Imagine my surprise when I saw it on the table! I jumped out of my car and ran over to the table.
I collect pottery made by friends of the family and have a lot from Seagrove, NC (I'm from NC) and I'm thrilled to have a piece of your gorgeous work to add to my collection. Thank you thank you thank you!!
Found in San Antonio, Texas
A Note from the One Who Found It:
I took your "free art" from a bench at the Alamo the other day. It is a bowl with holes around the top half. It is beautiful.
I am contacting you per your request in the envelope left inside the bowl. I want to let you know that I am in the Tampa Bay area of Florida and that is where it will be residing.
I think that was a cool idea to get your art out there. Thank you for the gift and we will always remember where we adopted your art. Thanks again.
Found in Aspen, Colorado
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Found by my son-in-law, Joe Dempsey! What a truly amazing and loving act of kindness. He was ecstatic to find your gorgeous art.
His mom and sister are visiting him in Rifle, CO for a few days before they head home to Bryan, Texas! We took them over Independence Pass today to see more of colorful Colorado and were thrilled and deeply touched to find your art.
Thank YOU for your gift! It will truly be cherished. As a school counselor, it warms my heart beyond belief to see you spreading kindness wherever you go! I will be sharing this story with my middle school students in New Castle, Colorado this year. We have a kindness club and I want them to see what you are doing.
Found in El Paso, Texas
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Your gorgeous art has found a new home. Love it — and such an amazing idea to leave it for us to find like that.
Made the special trip come with a keepsake.
Found in Round Rock, Texas
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Hello Kim. I am writing to let you know I found the bowl you left at the Williamson County park this past weekend. I was with my kids when I came across it.
I read your letter and wanted to tell you that this piece was gifted. It was gifted to a friend who is studying to be an artist. She immediately saw the detail and appreciated the work it took to create it. It absolutely made her day.
She will be writing to you also to let you know that this piece is making its way to the Dallas, Texas area. Great work, thoughtful idea, and I told Sarah, "pay it forward." All the best for a prosperous 2016.
Found in Crescent City, California
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Someone saw my post on Facebook, went out looking for it, and found it!
Found in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Hello, just wanted to let you know I found your bowl at Rehoboth Beach. I gave it to my wife and she loves it. She loves dragonflies so that's what caught my eye about it.
We live in upstate NY. We were on vacation with my family and everybody thought the bowl was beautiful. It even matches our living room where it sits. Here is a pic with my daughter.
You're a very nice person for giving out free art. Thank you. I'm glad I found it.
Found in Lago Vista, Texas
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Our out-of-state guests were about to do a polar plunge in our pool when they saw your post and decided to go art drop hunting instead... so exciting!!!
Found in Boise, Idaho
A Note from the One Who Found It:
My friend follows you and today she shared your profile with our friend group. We all followed your page and on my way home from work she called me and sent me on an adventure.
I squealed when I found it. Thank you so much!! Keep on keeping on.
Found in Portland, Oregon
A Note from the One Who Found It:
I found it!!! This is such an awesome surprise. Thank you for being you — I'll bring it back home to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with me!
Found in Miami, Florida
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Found this incredible gem today. It makes me happy how people are so passionate about their gifts and talents that they would want to share it with the world. Thank you.
Found in Assateague Island, Maryland
A Note from the One Who Found It:
I was at Assateague Park last week, with my family, when I saw this beautiful artwork. I simply love it. You are an amazing artist, and I wanted to make sure you know how much I love this.
It is in my new home in Queen Creek, AZ. It goes with everything I’m putting in my entryway. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful gift. I will always treasure it, and it will always remain in my family.
Out of all of us I was the only one that saw this beautiful piece, and so, yes, it spoke to me. Thank you again for your generosity.
Found in Destin, Florida
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Hi! My name is Carlie Vanhuis. I'm 17 years old living in Nashville, TN! Earlier this year I took a trip to Destin, Florida while babysitting for a friend, and as I was walking back to the beach house with the baby, something caught my eye.
I noticed this mug sitting in the sand. At first I thought it had to be someone's that they just put down while they walked the beach. I asked God if he really wanted me to have it to let it be there the next day. Later that next day I went to go see if it was there — and it was!
I've always loved mermaids so I just had to have it! After many months I've finally had the time to sit down and write to you! I've gotten so many comments saying how cute it was! You are so talented!! Thank you for putting that cup there!!
Found in Las Cruces, New Mexico
A Note from the One Who Found It:
My husband and I are visiting my parents in Las Cruces and they took us to see the bird. My husband was exploring and found this beautiful art piece! We love it!
Thank you for a wonderful memory and beautiful piece of art to take back to Oklahoma! They moved here from Oklahoma less than a year ago and this is our first time visiting!
Found in Vail, Colorado
A Note from the One Who Found It:
The text message read "Morning Music" along with a video of coffee being poured into my mug. 😊
Found in Alliance, Nebraska
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Thanks Kim!! My daughter Emily found this and she loves it!! Headed to North Platte, NE. She wants to hang it in our kitchen. Emily is on the right in this photo and I am thrilled that she discovered Kim's artwork that led us to her page.
As I was looking through, I noticed Kim challenged her followers to also do an act of kindness for someone. I would encourage you all to do this — it will come back to you tenfold.
My husband has always insisted when dining: if we see a teacher or police officer also dining, we pay for their meal. Unfortunately, in 2012 Emily was diagnosed with leukemia. During treatment, we encountered so many strangers who wanted to do something for her.
From a flower vendor in Vegas giving her flowers, numerous meals paid for, pageant contestants “adopting” her, friends holding fundraisers — to a stranger (now dear friend) giving her a generous check... it all made a difference.
You may never know the impact you’ll have. Even a stranger's greeting or a smile can turn someone’s day around. I know it does mine.
Found in Fairhope, Alabama
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Just wanted to drop you a note to say that I picked up your "Free Art" in the park in Fairhope during my last day of my Snowbird stay (January and February) in Orange Beach.
While I was in Orange Beach, a dear friend fell and broke her hip. I wanted to get her something to take back. When I saw your beautiful bowl, I knew it would touch her heart. Thank you so much for your generosity. She absolutely loved it.
Found in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A Note from the One Who Found It:
I found it!!! It is beautiful. It was outside the Museum of Art in Philadelphia. Now it's in my home in Veracruz, MEXICO 🇲🇽
Found in Key West, Florida
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Dear Kim, today I found a wonderful surprise. We were at Ft. Zach for my grandson's 5th birthday party and found this on our table. My first thought was: why is this here?
Then I read the card and was speechless... how incredibly lucky I am to have such a precious gift. You are an amazing, talented person. Thank you so much — this will be something I pass on to my grandchildren.
P.S. This is my new good luck charm!!
Found in Ludlow, Vermont
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Hi Kim, my mom spotted your beautiful bowl when we were taking in the views. I'm not savvy at sharing Instagram but will recruit my kids to help me share your story.
It’s a really wonderful feeling to gift to others, and I want to share a story about how the universe circles around.
We live on a ski trail and during COVID restrictions, ski school kids couldn’t take hot cocoa breaks. So we put up a mailbox on the trail and filled it with candy. It spread quickly — we were filling 10 large bags per day! It was rewarding to give and watch the kids’ joy.
Fast forward to us finding your beautiful bowl with such a message — it felt like through your generosity, the mountain gave back.
Found in Jersey City, New Jersey
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Found it! Me and my family were on vacation and we found it sitting on a bench in Liberty Park, NJ! It's headed back to Marshall, NC!
Found in Tucson, Arizona
A Note from the One Who Found It:
I received a phone call from a woman who was calling on behalf of the Chinese family who found my bowl on top of Mt. Lemmon.
She said the family feels like finding the bowl is good fortune and asked me where my studio was in Tucson. I explained that I was traveling from Austin to California and leaving pottery along the way — she said that made it even better fortune!
They are planning on taking my bowl all the way back with them to China.
Found in Santa Monica, California
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Hi Kim!!! I wanted to tell you that I couldn't have been more grateful when I found this amazing piece of art in Santa Monica. It was such a magical moment and I absolutely love it!!
After a while of travel, this beauty has found its final destination back home in Spain — in my hometown Salamanca :)
Thank you....
Found in San Francisco, California
A Note from the One Who Found It:
Kim — my apologies for such a late response. We found this wonderful art in San Francisco near the Golden Gate Bridge about a year and a half ago.
Our goal was to thank you in person upon our next visit out west. We are returning to San Fran in a couple weeks and planned to bring you some items from our home area... NEBRASKA!
But alas, we found out you are in Austin, Texas. Your art is wonderful and shared with all who enter our home. Thank you for sharing your gift of creativity!
Found in Amsterdam
A Note from the One Who Found It:
In the past, I have participated in Art Abandonment and always wondered what people thought when they found a piece. Well, now I know — I squealed like a little kid!
Actually though, I didn't FIND it... my hubby did. He said, "What's THAT?" I said, "I KNOW WHAT THAT IS!!!"
Thank you, Sailing Adrift Studios, for leaving such a beautiful piece for this TEXAN-born girl to find in Amsterdam. I haven't decided if I'm going to keep it and try to make the journey home in one piece, or maybe abandon it a second time where a local is more likely to stumble upon it. Hmmmmm. Thoughts?
It's soooooo pretty!!!