During this economic downturn, DCist has reported on several arts institutions that are facing financial challenges as a direct result of the crisis. Unfortunately, there is yet another addition to that list — BloomBars, the non-profit community gallery and performance space located in Columbia Heights.

“Like a lot of folks, we’re hurting,” said BloomBars founder John Chambers in a recent interview with DCist. “Our immediate need for funds is critical.”

BloomBars is in the midst of an aggressive fundraising campaign in which Chambers hopes to raise $20,000 to meet BloomBars’ immediate financial obligations. In addition to collecting online donations, activities have included a silent auction and a benefit concert at Līv, which featured recent Bloombars artist-in-residence (or Artist-in-Bloom, in BloomBars parlance) and Grammy nominee, Carolyn Malachi. The campaign ends on Wednesday, and despite strong efforts from volunteers and partner organizations, Chambers admitted that, as of Saturday, there was still “a long way to go.”