Hello my name is Christopher Blanchard.

I have been oil painting and showing my work in Hallowell, ME since 2016.

Recently, I have been given the opportunity to open an art gallery downtown on Water Street.

I am creating this GoFundMe page to help with the initial costs of opening the business including but not limited to:

- Rent / security deposit

- Rail system for hanging the work

- Spot lighting

- Insurances (liability / renters)

- Utilities

- Point of Sale System

- Website: hosting and domain purchasing

- Online Social Media / Print Marketing

My goal of $15K will pay for several months bills in advance as well as all material costs mentioned above.

The purpose of the gallery will be to provide a space to show traditional fine art for the robust art and culture that has defined Hallowell for many years.

After reaching my goal with these funds I plan for the gallery to pay for itself as I move forward selling art and hosting various community events utilizing the downtown prime location: artist talks, presentations, demonstrations, etc.

On top of this GoFundMe initiative, I am hosting a fundraiser art show at Slates Restaurant across from the street from the prospective gallery space that will run through July.

I am already booking artists for upcomming shows and my first official month will be August.

Thanks for your consideration! I hope to see many of you on the gallery floor.

Chris