Allegory Gallery Fundraiser...

When we decided to take the plunge and open Allegory Gallery, things started to fall into place. Everything seemed to be working out smoothly! The location was excellent, the landlord was super nice, the neighbors were great, the price was right, getting stock seemed like a breeze and it couldn't have seemed like a better opportunity. Not a week before the chance arose, I finally finished paying off my medical debt from my bout with cancer and it just seemed like it was meant to be. It was a fresh start and a brand-new beginning.

However, once we started plugging the numbers in... things weren't balancing out. It quickly became apparent that we wouldn't be able to do everything we wanted AND seize all the amazing opportunities available. We'd need help to make the dream a reality.

That's where the Allegory Gallery Fundraiser comes into play. It's an opportunity to help us open a creative space that's one part bead store, one part fine art gallery, one part jewelry boutique and one part gift shop. The aim of Allegory Gallery is to promote artisan craftspeople, inspire the community to explore their creativity, and act as a focal point for classes and artistic education. It was important to us to include both beads and art, as they are some of the oldest markers of civilization. We want to use them as a base point to engage people's sense of self-expression and encourage them to give life to their stories.

Before we open, we need more display, furniture, studio equipment for classes, and to install the Project Area. The Project Area is a moveable wall that will feature the small-scale art exhibitions. We would also like to include and represent more artist beads. Contributing to the Allegory Gallery Fundraiser will not only help us launch the store in all its glory, but it'll go right back into the community in the pockets of artists to help support the continuation of their work.

If you believe in this Project and support it financially, you'll receive some rewards:

$1 and up: Backers who make pledges of $1 and up will receive a signed 4"X6" thank you postcard print by me.

$10 and up: Pledges of $10 or more will earn a signed 8"X10" print by me and the postcard.

$20 and up: Backers who pledge $20 or more will receive the postcard, the print, AND a fine pewter bead created by Green Girl Studios.

$50 and up: Pledges of $50 or more will receive all the previous rewards, PLUS a limited-edition copper coin pendant handcrafted by me.

$100 and up: If you donate $100 or more, you will take home all of the previous incentives, PLUS a one-of-a-kind handcrafted necklace made by me.

$250 and up: Donating $250 or more? You'll score not only all of the previous treasures, but you'll also land a matching bracelet and pair of earrings that go with the $100 and up Reward Necklace.

$500 and up: Pledgers of $500 and more will secure all the previous prizes AND an original fine art piece (8"X10" or larger) by me.

$1000 and up: Premium donations of $1000 or more will take home ALL of the donation rewards AND a special collaborative fine art piece by me and my sister, Cynthia Thornton. Cynthia is the co-owner and founder of Green Girl Studios, author of Enchanted Adornments, and is a celebrated artist who has been featured in books, magazines, and television!

All backers who make a donation of any amount to the Allegory Gallery Fundraiser (unless otherwise requested) will have their name displayed in the store to stay thank you for their support and give recognition for their efforts to support small businesses, artists and craftspeople of the world!

My goal is to raise $5,000 by the 1st of September.

Even if you can't contribute financially, please consider passing this along to interested friends, family members, and/or followers who believe in helping artists achieve their dreams! It's important to get the word out about this special fundraising effort! Together we can make this happen!