Support Shrey Purohit's Artistic Journey in the U.S.

Support Shrey Purohit: Help Me Stay and Keep Creating in the U.S.!

Hello friends, supporters, and art enthusiasts,

In celebration of my recent birthday and the immense gratitude I feel for being surrounded by such a supportive community, I’m reaching out to you today. My name is Shrey Purohit —I’m a 27 year old an artist, curator, arts administrator, and passionate advocate for the inclusive arts scene in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’m reaching out for your help to continue my artistic journey in the United States and keep giving back to the community I love so much.

You may know me from my public transportation and moody nostalgic paintings of the city of San Francisco and curatorial work at venues like Ingleside Gallery at 1507 Ocean Ave and now at Ballast Coffee, ArtSpan, and my latest endeavor, Gallery Index 8 in SF and New York. Or maybe you’ve seen my murals at Meta Open Arts, That's Amore or show I've had local cafes like Farley's Coffee, Java On Ocean, Cafe 78 or Philz Coffee. Since graduating during the 2020 pandemic, I’ve been pouring my heart into building spaces where artists can truly thrive—collaborating with fellow creatives, curating impactful shows, working and volunteering with local arts nonprofits to create real grassroots experiences. Now, I need your support to keep this momentum going

Why I’m Reaching Out:

I’m currently applying for my second O-1B Visa, what is that? O-1 Visa Individuals with Extraordinary Ability allows me to legally continue working as an artist in the U.S. This visa is essential for me to keep creating art, curating shows, and supporting local artists in San Francisco. I can hear some folks say, OMG, your extraordinary, why don't you just pay for it?

Despite working multiple art "jobs"—including seasonal and part-time gigs—alongside art sales and commissions, just making ends and living in this city (even with a rent-controlled apartment) remains a challenge. However, I’ve managed to raise $500 so far, but I need to reach $8,860 to cover the full cost of renewing my visa.

How Your Support Will Help Cover The Following:

Visa Filing Fees: $1,055 (plus additional processing fees)

Premium Processing: $2,805 (for faster visa processing)

Lawyer Fees: $5,000 (for my attorney, Daniel Larson, who specializes in immigration cases for artists)

These funds will allow me to continue building on the work I’ve been doing for the past few years, including:

A Little About Me:

Born in 1997 in Mumbai, India, I moved to San Francisco to study at California College of the Arts, driven by a passion for art and self-expression. Along the way, I discovered my true calling in painting and urban landscapes. My work draws inspiration from the magic of everyday moments, using acrylics, oils, and digital tools to capture the fleeting beauty of the cities I hold dear.

I’ve had the privilege of showing my work across San Francisco and New York, with recent exhibitions at spaces like Birdcage Gallery, Upper Market Gallery, and even San Francisco City Hall. My murals can be found at Meta Open Arts, and I’m the proud founder of Ingleside Gallery, a bootstrapped art space for emerging artists.

Since 2023, I’ve been honored to serve as Exhibitions Coordinator at ArtSpan, where I help foster a thriving, inclusive artistic community in SF. In 2024 I was tasked with managing Outreach as well.

Some of my notable achievements include:

Best Student Painting and Best Under 30 Painting by Plein Air Salon (2020)

Jerry Goldstein Fellowship (2020)

Certificate of Honor from the City of San Francisco (2021)

Solo show at City Hall in the Offices of District 7 Supervisor, Myrna Melgar (2022)

ArtSpan's Duo show at City Hall in the Offices of District 11 Supervisor, Ahsha Safai (2022)

My journey as an immigrant dyslexic artist hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply fulfilling. I’ve been able to contribute to the community, support other artists, and create art that captures the ever-changing cityscape. However, in order to continue this work, I need your help.

How You Can Help:

Any donation, no matter how small, will make a significant difference. Your support will not only help cover the immediate costs of my visa renewal but will also allow me to keep advocating for and supporting local artists through exhibitions, community events, and public art.

Whether it’s by donating, commissioning artwork, or purchasing a piece from my online store, your contribution will help me continue doing what I love while giving back to the community that’s given me so much.

Thank you for believing in the power of art and community. Your support means the world to me and the artists I work with. Together, we shall overcome!

With lots of love and hugs,

Shrey Purohit