Urgent Security Improvements Appeal!

Help! The gallery needs a new gate!

I am so grateful to everyone who has contributed to our fundraising efforts this year. The funds we've received have allowed us to stay open and pay off some high-interest debt. I am astounded by the generosity the community has shown to this little venture.

Sadly, I have a new and urgent request for funds. The scissor gate in front of the gallery has broken and I can no longer open it all the way. Having a broken gate is terrible, especially since, with the dispersal of the encampment on Hastings, the need for security is at an all-time high.

Here's a shot of the current state of the gate. The gate can only be opened halfway. If I open it any further, I am unable to close it. As a result, the gallery's accessibility has been greatly compromised.

And here's what's broken specifically.

This may be fixable in the short term, however, even when the gate is fully functional, the open design of the scissor gate allows for the potential for garbage, urine, fire and window breakage. The landlord can only afford to fix the gate, not replace it.

I have priced out the cost of a new roller gate, and a coat of exterior paint. A new roller gate costs approximately $8,800. The cost to paint the exterior is roughly $600. Bringing the total to $9,400. Of course, the MOST urgent piece is the roller gate. Addressing that is my biggest concern.

Please consider donating to help raise funds for a new gate. And please pass this campaign on to anyone who you think might be able to help.

With gratitude,

Shannon Pawliw

Artistic Director, THIS Gallery