It's been a tough couple of years for Mitchie's Gallery owner Joyce Adejumo. But rather than give up and shut the gallery's doors, she's throwing a party.

Saturday afternoon, the Afro-centric gallery and community center will be hosting an all-day fundraising Rent Party featuring incredible live entertainment, from dancers to poets to musicians. To Adejumo, this is an important way to celebrate the strength of the community that has long supported and benefited from the existence of this highly recognized African-American cultural hub of the city.

"This event is not just for Mitchie's," explains Adejumo over the phone. "This is about our community coming together to help each other out, showing that it's okay to ask for assistance. It's been a real blessing seeing just how supportive and amazing our community really is."

Mitchie's has long supported the black community in Austin both by introducing prominent African and African-American artists and by hosting weekly, monthly and yearly events. For children, Mitchie's offers science and math tutoring programs, weekly story reading sessions and even sign language instruction. Each year, special events are also planned for MLK Day, Mother's and Father's Days, Black History Month and Christmas.

The gallery also acts as the meeting space for a monthly open mic poetry reading, a defensive driving class, a women's support group and an art workshop for kids. As an increasingly busy community center, Adejumo found herself spending more and more of her time at the gallery.

Despite the increase in the number of community events, the economic slowdown hit the North Austin business especially hard. Sales slowed and expenses continued to mount.

On top of that, Adejumo suffered severe health complications last year that required multiple absences from the shop. "There were nine months there where I was having to take money out of my savings in order to pay the bills," she states.

Realizing it could spell the end of the 24-year-old business that Adejumo has continuously expanded to benefit the community, the gallery owner got creative and, with the help of event organizer Dewy Brooks, put together an amazing day of entertainment. As the gallery also acts as a weekly community meeting space, it only made sense that the party showcase some of the phenomenal talents of the community.

Starting at 1 p.m., attendees will receive a wristband that will get them all-day access to the events. Among the acts performing throughout the day will be renowned African-American artist LaShun Beal, who will be selling some of his original award-winning prints. Herman Mason and South Flavas Entertainment will share some of their spoken word poetry at 2:30 p.m., followed by the children's tap dance troupe Flava Dance Company.

Later in the evening, jazz and Neo-Soul musicians will fill the gallery. Vocalists Pamela Hart and Courtney Sanchez will be joined by jazz saxophonist Kyle Turner and the youth music group Soul Tree Collective.

The Mitchie's Gallery Rent Party falls on the first weekend of February, which is also Black History Month. "We didn't specifically plan it that way, but it's neat how it kind of worked out that way," says Adejumo with a laugh. "It makes sense, though, since the event will bring together artists and business owners from the African-American community for a great cultural experience that is meant for everyone."

If you cannot make it out on Saturday, Mitchie's Gallery is also hosting an online fundraiser on IndieGoGo. Your support can be shown through contributions of any size, and will help to keep the gallery and community center's doors open for many more years to come.