Mitchie’s Gallery is blessed and honored to have served the Austin community for over 24 years now.

During their existence - the gallery has given back to the community by providing weekly children programs to include story time with sign language, science tutoring, monthly art workshops, monthly poetry for the entire family, Easter Egg Art Workshop, annual photos with Santa Claus, and a host of other events - all at no charge.

Mitchie’s Gallery has allowed the community to use their conference room and meeting areas for a variety of events such as town hall meetings, political rallies, book signings, artist shows, health fairs and stage plays, just to give a few examples. And again - all at no charge. They have provided numerous donations and facilitated event ticket sales to event for promoters at no charge. In 1991, Mitchie’s Gallery became the first African American owned retail center in Austin to be designated as a early mobile voting location.

*Mitchie's Gallery extensive accomplishments and support for the community is literally too long and extensive to capture in a list. They are the largest and oldest African American retail gallery in Austin, Texas - and have transcended being a business and in fact they are a community staple and centralized gathering point.

Due to plummeting store sales brought on by the economy and extended multiple absences because of the owner's (Joyce Adejumo) health - Mitchie’s Gallery may soon be forced to close their doors forever. Joyce was blessed to survive a Pulmonary Embolism last year. However, it has required her to make numerous hospital visits and attend Pulmonary Rehab three times a week for the last two months.

Joyce has used her personal savings over the last several months to cover the gaps between the store's income and operating expenses. The combination of declining store sales and increased personal health expenses has depleted all of her personal savings.

It is at this point that the community is rallying our collective resources to do our part and prevent Mitchie's Gallery from closing; but beyond helping Mitchie's Gallery during their time of financial need - we are banding together to return their extensive support and love for the community and give Mitchie's Gallery their flowers now!

All of Austin and friends all over the world are invited to join us in the Biggest Rent Party Austin has ever seen!

We know the current economy has been rough on all of us. But in the Kwanzaa spirit of Ujamaa - or cooperative economics - a little bit from all of us will get the job done! Mitchie's Gallery has an IMMEDIATE financial need of $15,000 to relieve the pressure and keep their doors open.

Here's how you can help:

If you are able to - RIGHT NOW - at any amount - please make a financial contribution that goes directly to the gallery's Paypal Account.

If you have any art, framing or afro-centric gift purchases you need to make, please make a concerted effort to do so THIS WEEK. The gallery now has extended hours from 10a- until 9p, Monday - Saturday and will be open on Sundays from 1:30 - 6p until they have met their funding goals.

Join the gallery on Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 1:30-6p. Mitchie’s Gallery will be kicking off Austin's Black History Month with full day cultural events and Old Fashioned Rent Party benefiting the gallery. The event will host a variety of activities to include live music and entertainment by renowned visual artist LaShun Beal, who will be selling his originals, limited editions, home essentials and other collectibles; vocal artist includes Jazz vocalist Pamela Hart, Funk and Jazz Band “All U Need Jazz and R&B Band,” NeoSoul & R&B vocalist Courtney Sanchez, Youth music group “Soul Tree Collective,” and special guest Jazz trumpeter Kyle Turner; poetry hosted by South Flavs Entertainment - just to name a few. It you are unable to make it, please mail a check to Mitchie’s Gallery, 7801 North Lamar Blvd. Bldg. B Ste. 148, Austin, Texas 78759.

If you are not able to make a donation here on Indie Go-Go, please come by the gallery and make a purchase or join us at the Biggest Rent Party in Austin - you can still be a tremendous help to us by sharing this message and link among your personal and professional networks.

With your help, financial support and prayers - we will be able to help Mitchie's Gallery continue to serve the community for years to come!

The Official Program Schedule

1:00 pm - LIVE Radio Remote with KAZI 88.7 FM, Radio and Talk Show Host, Steve Savage

1:30p Prayer – Hannah Hooks, Associated Pastor of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church

1:30 - 8p - Renowned African American Artist – LaShun Beal

1:45p Community Spotlight
Rep. Dawnna Dukes, TX House Representative District 46
Judge Yvonne Williams, Justice of the Peace, Pct 1 Travis County
Judge Cliff Brown, 147th Criminal District Court
Stanley Wilson, Travis County Property Tax Office

2:30p Spoken Word/Poetry South Flavas Entertainment – Hosted by Herman Mason

3:15p Dance Group Flava Dance Company – Hosted by Leola Smith

4:00 pm Readings Jeanette Hill, Producer and Playwright -“Harriet Tubman, From Slavery Til Today”

Musical Entertainment 5:00pm - 8:00pm (In Order of Appearance) Soul Tree Collective All You Need Pamela Hart Courtney Sanchez Kyle Turner

To view the full flyer click on this link: http://www.mitchie.com/catalog/articles.php?tPa...

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)

Click here to view the event flyer: http://www.mitchie.com/catalog/articles.php?tPa...

*(Click link to view our community awards: http://www.mitchie.com/catalog/articles.php?tPa... )