To say that the last two years have been extremely challenging would be an understatement. It's never been harder to be a brick and mortar business focused on the arts.

We'll cut to the chase: Overall revenue year-over-year has been down two years in a row while expenses have ballooned. Retail sales are down and class registrations are down, and while wholesale has been up and we've done a few more events (Punk Rock Flea Market, Urban Craft Uprising, etc), we haven't been able to make up the difference, and inflation means that even making the same amount of revenue doesn't cut it.

For the last two years, we've been running at a loss. Prior to 2025, things were still pretty tight, but we were at least breaking even. If sales and revenue had actually stayed on their projected paths from the end of 2024, things would probably be okay... But they did not.

As everyone knows: the cost of everything has gone up. Rent, labor, supplies, shipping, taxes.

Less obvious have been disruptions to supply chains. The impact of tariffs continue and is ongoing. We haven't gotten any refunds from the tariffs that were apparently illegal, and new tariffs continue to make getting many products difficult, if not directly, then indirectly. A major art supply distributor went out of business last year and many others are struggling to fulfill orders in a timely manner, or at all. As a very small retailer that isn't able to make large or frequent orders, we're not prioritised. If only 20 of something is available, they're going out to larger retailers first.

Being unable to get product has meant lower sales, and lower sales means we're unable to order more product. It's been a vicious cycle.

We've been juggling bills around and making hard decisions about which payments will be late.

Unfortunately, we're about out of runway on how much longer we can delay about $35,000 in overdue sales and payroll taxes, and we've exhausted options for loans and other financial assistance.

It's always hard to ask for help -- especially when we know many other small businesses and individuals are in similarly dire straits -- but the truth is that we really, really need it.

The $35,000 goal of this campaign would take care of the current emergency, but ultimately, we'll need to increase revenue to meet all of the rising costs. We're grateful to anyone who's able to contribute financially, but even if you're not able to contribute to this campaign, there are lots of ways to help:

GoFundMe is not tax-deductible, but if you want to make a tax-deductible contribution, you can do so through Allied Arts Foundation .

We want to continue serving as Ballard's community hub for art! We want to nerd out with you about our favorite supplies and continue improving the supplies we make ourselves! We want to continue giving artists opportunities to show and sell their work, helping kids and teens find an outlet for their creative energy, and encouraging everyone -- especially those who "aren't artistic" -- to make and to find joy in art.

Times are tough and we want to be tougher, but for right now, we need your help to keep going. Thank you always for your support.

-- Maxx and the Push/Pull Team