Watch Cynthia's video

Overview

As of right now, I sell my own artwork to residents I have come in contact with throughout my involvement in the community.  I have a healthy dose of continous supporters that would love to see my business grow. For this to happen I need to save as much money as possible and I plan to do so by selling my personal art until I reach my goal. 

I need art supplies to help avoid a gap in between me being able to produce and sell my work which is a means of income for me. A large inventory of supplies up front would really help push my business forward and allow me to earn money to support the purchase of additional supplies in the future. 

One day I'd like to open my own business, employed by wheelchair-bound individuals. I'd like this business to be a storefront in my local community that sells art and other crafts from local artists.

My current situation is I am living with a disability and supporting myself on a limited/fixed income.  Selling my artwork helps fill in the financial gaps in my budget where needed.  As a result, it is hard for me to save enough funding to make large purchases for art supplies.  For example, the card stock that I do my work on has to be ordered in bulk. While the best rate on the market, the expense is too large for me to make at one time.

I have clients that request my work, but I am unable to meet their demands due to my limited supplies. I sell the work I am able to produce but the money raised from those sales go to supporting my responsiblities in life.  When I do not have the supplies to do my work I cannot sell it, thus I am unable to produce income for myself.

I'm an artist with a disability from Detroit and a proud mother of one daughter.

One of my skills as an artist is painting images on wood as well as on canvas and card stock. I'm happiest when painting and would one day like to open up a storefront to sell the artwork of local disabled artist from across the region.

I'm most proud of God for giving me vision and the ability to paint, and for being recognized for my work throughout the community.  Most recently, the new mayor of Detroit purchased one of my paintings which I was very happy for the recognition and appreciation.

Validated

Validated by Lisa from Warriors on Wheels of Metropolitan Detroit (WOW) (What does this mean?)

We met when she was introduced to me by a Detroit City Council staff member, who was inspired by her ambition. That particular staff member has worked with WOW in the past, and thought the two of us could move mountains together. Indeed, we are working very well on projects we hope will benefit people with disabilities.

I think meeting this need is important because Cynthia loves to paint, and with the necessary tools to produce her lovely artwork she will be empowered to new heights. When I first laid eyes on Cynthia I couldn't believe what a remarkable woman I had encountered. Since I've gotten to know her, she is an amazing inspiration and she deserves the opportunity to develop her craft. She is so wonderfully gifted with imagination and to be able to convey her images on canvas, with the use of one limb, is beyond amazing.

About Lisa

As founder and president of Warriors on Wheels, my motivation comes from the membership and community to whom I serve. As president I am responsible for setting agenda's for monthly meetings, connecting members with resources and the financial welfare of the organization. I am pleased to be a… Read more