This Memorial Day, we’re raising funds for the family of Jagdish Chhipa, one of our artisans who died from COVID-19. Jagdish tested positive for COVID just one day after receiving his first vaccination. He died ten days later inside a taxi, in the arms of his son–after five hospitals turned him away.
Jagdish was our ‘gold paste master’ and worked on all of our collections that have gold paste. He also printed Spice Route. A valuable asset to our team, he could jump to any table and any print to lend a hand. Sincere and hardworking, he had a featherlight, ethereal presence at the studio. Jagdish was never sick and never took a day off. His only indulgence was getting his hair dyed jet black twice a year on Holi and Diwali.
Jagdish ji provided for his wife and three children with his incredible block printing skills. To help his family make ends meet as they grieve, we’re donating a potion of our Memorial Day sales to his family. We have also set up a GoFund Me for anyone who wishes to make a personal contribution to the family of our fallen artisan. Even a small $5 contribution, the cost of a Starbucks coffee, goes a long way.
In Memory of Jagdish - Donate Now
Our Memorial Day offer
Our artisans are based in Rajasthan, India, where all of our printing takes place. Many of you are aware of the devastation India’s facing these days. While here in the United States we see COVID restrictions lifting and have easy access to good health care and vaccinations, India looks drastically different.
With that in mind, we simply don’t have the inventory to do our usual grand sale. We offering a shipping discount (free over $150, half-off shipping for orders under $150) this Memorial Day weekend, in lieu of a big sale we will be donating a portion of the proceeds to Jagdish ji’s wife and three children. For items that are out of stock, please go ahead and pre-order. We are actively working on getting our production ramped back up, and while it will take 4-6 weeks (sometimes more depending on the production schedule) get your items to you, please be assured they will get here.
As always, we honor our fair trade commitment to our artisans. In these times, that also means doing everything in our power to get them the medical support they need, help pay partial wages during government shutdowns, and ensure a safe studio environment. Your support of our small business helps us take care of our wonderful artisan teammates. You make a difference! Thank you.
