This isn’t easy to write. As someone who’s used to holding space for others—through art, healing, and advocacy—asking for help feels incredibly vulnerable. But I’m learning that healing isn’t just about stillness and rest... it’s about receiving.

Right now, I’m in a season where I need to receive. A recent medical emergency forced me to pause everything—my work, my income, and my ability to provide in the ways I’m used to. As a self-employed artist, I don’t have paid leave or a financial safety net to fall back on. I’m navigating one of the most challenging periods of my life—and humbly asking for support as I work to regain stability for myself and my son.

Hi, I’m Niki Lopez—artist, social practitioner, founder of an arts and education nonprofit, and a single mother navigating a chapter of healing and transition.

For nearly two decades, I’ve used art as a tool for healing, advocacy, and social justice—working with underserved communities, elevating underrepresented voices, and creating space for stories that often go unheard.

This spring, I faced a medical emergency that forced me to cancel several contracts and step back from some of the creative and community-centered projects I love. As someone who has always poured into others—through art, healing spaces, and advocacy—it’s difficult to ask for support. But this is one of those moments where mutual care matters.

Your support will help me stay grounded while I recover, manage essential living costs, and continue caring for my son, who is also on a healing journey of his own. Funds will assist with housing stability, co-pays, business upkeep, and a return to the creative work that sustains my livelihood and purpose.

How Funds Will Help

Your contribution will directly support:

Emergency rent/housing costs

Bills and other urgent expenses

Medical co-pays and recovery expenses

Utilities and other basic living needs

Small business essentials to keep my work running

Supporting my son as he continues his own healing journey

Every donation—big or small—helps me stay rooted, supported, and able to return to the work I love with renewed strength and purpose.

If you’ve attended an event, taken a workshop, followed my art, or believe in the power of creative activism—this is a way to help me continue that mission while weathering a personal storm.

Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for standing with me.

With deep gratitude,

Niki