Main fundraiser photo

Help “WizArts” Survive the COVID-19 Crisis

OUR STORY


My name is Melinda and I am an immigrant from Transylvania, currently living in Los Angeles with my husband, Attila, who is also an immigrant himself. Since the process of getting a green card is so long and difficult (our immigration case is still pending), as well as, because of the laws we couldn't utilize our college degrees from Europe, we started our art company to support ourselves, aiming to give value to people with our art, and potentially creating jobs for Americans. Because of our immigration status, we are not eligible for unemployment benefits, the COVID-19 relief checks from the government, or the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Assistance Loan, despite being taxpayers. 

Attila and I create hand-sculpted, one-of-a-kind art jewelry out of polymer clay, gemstones and crystals. We are entirely self-taught and we also developed our own, unique techniques using our handmade glow-in-the-dark polymer clay in our projects.

Since we started our business in 2016, we both have made our living working as full-time artists, relying on our in-person sales at various juried art shows and festivals throughout California.

I am also a professional musician and piano player, and my passion is to compose music.

We have been planning to expand our creative pursuits to include music as well. However, since I've been doing all the supportive work for our business: photography, editing, graphic design, web design, social media marketing, show applications, etc., it has left no extra time for me to focus on recording my music. I truly hope to change that in the near future.


COVID-19 IMPACT


We now find ourselves, like many other artists and musicians, in a dire situation. Currently, the spread of COVID-19 is having a huge financial impact on our business. Our 7-weekends long spring show has just been canceled, our main income source of the year. The following 5-week event has just been canceled too. Because of our loss of income, we just had to turn down a prestigious 90-days long summer fine art festival, since we cannot afford to build the special booth that is a requirement for this event. We don't know when our next event will be held.

After paying the booth fees and commissions in advance, and also investing in supplies we needed for our business and to grow our inventory, along with having to get some urgent dental work done last year, we are currently in a huge debt. We don't know how to pay off our credit card bills, as well as, how to pay our rent for the upcoming months.

We have no current source of stable income, at all.


SUPPORT


Though we are using this time, like many other artists, to make inventory to sell online, as well for when the 'shelter in place' orders get lifted and the state opens again, we are asking for whatever financial help kind-hearted souls can offer.

I know that with your compassion and support, we can go through this. I am including a 20% off coupon (HELP20) to buy off our website, should you decide to support us by placing an order on our online shop (wizArts ).

We understand that there are so many people who are in desperate circumstances. If you are someone who is struggling (like us), please don't worry about it, but in case you have some extra money, we would deeply appreciate it.

Attila and I are very grateful for any support and would like to convey our heartfelt thank you for all your kind help and contribution.

We might come from different cultures, may have different skin tones, but I believe that we are all One, under the Sun.


OUR ARTIST STATEMENTS:


Melinda:


"I am a musician and a self-taught artist. For me, Art is the highest form of self-expression. From the smallest creatures to the countless stars in the sky, from the sacred geometries to the endless varieties of colors and textures, I see astounding beauty, consciousness and love reflected through all of the Universe. With all of my creations, I want to share these with you, imbued with my own magick."


Attila:


"True art is the common language that every individual understands through their own spiritual perception, without the need of any words, since we are all connected to each other in this common existence. "


#SmallBusinessRelief

Organizer and beneficiary

Melinda Puho
Organizer
Tustin, CA
Attila Borbas
Beneficiary

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