Support Elli's Artistic and Visa Journey

Help Elli Stay & Keep Creating!

Hey friends, family, and amazing supporters,

I’m reaching out because I need your help during a really critical moment. As many of you know, my work as an artist, and an educator has been deeply tied to my time in the U.S. But right now, I’m facing a big financial hurdle—I need to cover the costs of a lawyer and my visa application, which are over $8,000.

To make things even harder, I was in a major car accident in the fall with a car I had just bought. That setback hit me hard financially, and now, I’m struggling to cover the costs of staying and continuing my work here.

Despite these challenges, I’ve been fully dedicated to my practice—I have a studio where I’m actively making work, experimenting with sound, sculpture, and materials, and even building a small foundry to continue casting metal. Creating and sharing my work is what drives me, and staying here means I can keep growing, collaborating, and pushing my practice forward.

On top of that, I recently applied to PhD programs and, unfortunately, didn’t get in this time around. But that hasn’t changed my commitment to my practice—I’m still determined to keep pushing forward, creating, researching, and teaching. This visa is a crucial step that will allow me to stay, grow, and keep pursuing future opportunities.

If you’re able to donate, even just a little, it would mean the world to me. And if you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser with others would help so much.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, kindness, and belief in me.

With love and gratitude,

Elli