The PinchPals™ story is grounded in the notion that at our core we human beings are all the same.
Most of us are compassionate beings with a desire for decency and kindness in our daily lives, we seek connection with others.
Gifting a PinchPals™ artwork, viewing and sharing our video cartoons with young people in your life, following our social media accounts, commenting on our blog posts are all helpful actions to us reach our goal of touching 1 million lives. PinchPals™ sculptures and artworks are created in a private clay studio and animations are produced in collaboration with a small production company. All of our earnings from sales are re-invested into social media outreach and new video animations.
Our Vision for the World
Where children grow and thrive with a sense of security and confidence because they are treated with kindness, compassion, and respect. The PinchPals become “SpokesPals” (mascots) representing an organization whose mission and culture align with the PinchPals values and messaging.
Our Mission
To spark a movement of empathy, connection, and compassion through the broad distribution of PinchPals characters and their messages of acceptance, understanding, and community. Thus inspiring the next generation to acts of kindness while providing support and resources to parents and educators.
When you gift a PinchPal™, your message is…
“I understand, we are in this together.”
Founder
Bonnie Fitzgerald, creator of PinchPals™, has been a full-time working artist most of her adult life. Sculpture and filmmaking were early loves. Teaching art while helping others connect with their creativity through community and kindness continues to be her driving purpose.
PinchPals™ have traveled to many lands over the years. They reside in several foreign countries and throughout the United States. PinchPals™ sculptures are made from red clay and kiln fired, other products are in development in including multi-race versions, plush toys, greeting cards and more.
Bonnie Fitzgerald is the owner and of Maverick Mosaics, LLC. For nearly 20 years Maverick Mosaics has been creating beautiful art and unique learning experience. Bonnie has authored 2 best selling books about creating mosaic art. Along with her husband Ken they lead international art-filled tours. Bonnie teaches art extensively, including on-going classes for the Smithsonian Institution’s Studio Arts Department in Washington, DC.
Prior to 2018, PinchPals™ were called “Clones.” Some of you reading this may recall “Clones Care”. The strong resemblance to each other made Clones an obvious namesake, but there can be a negative vibe to the word Clones. The PinchPals™ name was coined by Elisa Fleener. Ms. Fleener is a screen writer, film maker and artist. PinchPals™ were originally created as characters for an animated film.