Help 16 Hands Bounce Back
Donation protected
For those of you who aren't familiar, 16 Hands is a craft gallery/gift shop in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Since 1975 we have been providing artists/makers with a venue to sell their work and providing the pubic with some really cool decorative and functional handmade treasures that they are not likely to find anywhere else. It's our great honor to be part of this circle, connecting artist with patrons who can support them and educating the public.
Like many small businesses, 16 Hands, my staff and I (Jill Damon, owner) are all being dramatically affected by the loss of business due to COVID-19. Since closing our doors on March 15th we have had no income and I had to lay off all staff, which was heartbreaking.
We are hoping to reopen once the acute health crisis subsides, but the truth is, we may not be able to (and Bruno here doesn't like that).
16 Hands has been able to weather huge economic downturns over the past 45 years, but just barely, and now we simply don't have the reserves to be able to continue operations without your help.
- mentoring artists/makers of all ages, genders, and cultures.
- supporting artists/makers by selling their work
and promoting them to the public.
- educating the public (all ages) about the intrinsic value and importance of handmade objects; how they enrich everyday life, how they are made, what inspired the makers, etc.
- sharing the work of hundreds of unique makers with the public and offering them for sale.
- purchasing work from groups dedicated to training and employing homeless women, like The Rebel Nell project.
- providing a unique shopping experience, both with the products we offer and by providing a fun, interactive and informative environment.
- helping many, many non-profits raise money by donating to their fundraisers, hosting events, and by raising funds directly for local non-profits (the Neutral Zone, The Precter Research Center for BiPolar
- educating the public (all ages) about the intrinsic value and importance of handmade objects; how they enrich everyday life, how they are made, what inspired the makers, etc.
- sharing the work of hundreds of unique makers with the public and offering them for sale.
- purchasing work from groups dedicated to training and employing homeless women, like The Rebel Nell project.
- providing a unique shopping experience, both with the products we offer and by providing a fun, interactive and informative environment.
- helping many, many non-profits raise money by donating to their fundraisers, hosting events, and by raising funds directly for local non-profits (the Neutral Zone, The Precter Research Center for BiPolar
Disorders).
- supporting Fair Trade organizations by buying their wares, which in turn supports schools, hospitals, ethical work practices, sustainability and especially women who are trying to become self sufficient by making and selling their indigenous crafts.
- working with other small local businesses to promote a healthy retail family that will enhance the character and value of living in this great town.
- providing a great place to work, usually employing 5-8 people.
- promoting sustainability, human rights, environmental awareness and action.
- supporting Fair Trade organizations by buying their wares, which in turn supports schools, hospitals, ethical work practices, sustainability and especially women who are trying to become self sufficient by making and selling their indigenous crafts.
- working with other small local businesses to promote a healthy retail family that will enhance the character and value of living in this great town.
- providing a great place to work, usually employing 5-8 people.
- promoting sustainability, human rights, environmental awareness and action.
It's so frustrating that at this time of global crisis I am not able to provide any of these to the artists, patrons and community that have supported us for so many years, not to mention my staff, several of whom are completely dependent of their 16 Hands paycheck.
Our most urgent financial need is funds to pay staff. Next comes outstanding bills and general operating expenses and inventory over the next 4 or so months.
We have so appreciated your support over the last 45 years and hope that with your help, we will be able to continue to bring you what you have loved about 16 Hands. My staff and I will be forever grateful for whatever you are able to contribute.
Keep your face to the sun and please stay safe and healthy - we love you all
Our most urgent financial need is funds to pay staff. Next comes outstanding bills and general operating expenses and inventory over the next 4 or so months.
We have so appreciated your support over the last 45 years and hope that with your help, we will be able to continue to bring you what you have loved about 16 Hands. My staff and I will be forever grateful for whatever you are able to contribute.
Keep your face to the sun and please stay safe and healthy - we love you all
For more pictures and info check out our website.
16HandsAnnArbor.com
Shopping on our website is open again on a limited basis, with free local delivery and free shipping until the 'stay at home' order is lifted.
We'll be jumpin' for joy when the COVID 19 crisis subsides and 16 Hands reopens ~ thanks to your kind donations.
Shopping on our website is open again on a limited basis, with free local delivery and free shipping until the 'stay at home' order is lifted.
We'll be jumpin' for joy when the COVID 19 crisis subsides and 16 Hands reopens ~ thanks to your kind donations.
Organizer
Jill Damon
Organizer
Ann Arbor, MI
