The story of Guojian Cui, the artist and owner of Art’s World

On a busy Main street of a suburban city in Southern California, there squeeze in between a cluster of businesses, stands a small, quiet art gallery decorated with beautiful canvases, Chinese paintings and calligraphies.  Some of these art works were created and produced by Guojian Cui, the artist and gallery owner.  Art’s World in Temple City opened its door in September, 2010 with little fanfare, but has since attracted patrons of Asian arts throughout the surrounding communities.

Mr. Cui  came to the United States with his wife and a child in 1995 seeking asylum from China. He was an artist in China but in order to survive in this country, he has had to do many other types of work that were unrelated to art.  However, his dream of owning an art gallery has always been in his heart’s desire.  Over the years, he and his wife have saved meager sum of money.  Then one day he read an article on a local newspaper about PACE’s ORR IDA program that provides match savings for business.  He decided to call PACE hoping to pursue his long awaited dream.  After meeting with PACE business counselor and enrolling in PACE ORR IDA program, and with guidance on business fundamentals, his dream had finally materialized.

PACE continues to provide Mr. Cui with consultation and marketing support, along with accounting and sales tax filing every quarter.  Within just six months, Art’s World has achieved break even in business operation and has a steady monthly income of around $2500.  The art gallery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m to 6 p.m.  

This story was submitted by PACE, an ORR IDA grantee, in Los Angeles, California

Written by PACE Business Counselor Dandan Shan