Our Team
Education
- B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, UNC-Chapel Hill
Elevator Pitch
Ami Patel is a visual artist, community arts organizer, and the founder of Gallery Box, a mobile arts experience that brings hands-on, artist-led workshops directly to apartment communities and other groups that may not always have access to creative opportunities. Through Gallery Box, Ami designs experiential programming that is welcoming, approachable, and built for all ages and abilities, with the goal of making creativity feel possible for everyone. Since launching the business, she has hosted dozens of events and put art supplies, along with the confidence to create, into the hands of hundreds of participants across North Carolina.
Ami graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with an interdisciplinary degree and a minor in Entrepreneurship through the Shuford Program. Before joining Shuford, she did not fully understand what entrepreneurship was or that it could be a viable path for someone like her. The program introduced her to a new way of thinking and gave her the mindset, tools, and support to build something from the ground up. More importantly, it taught her that creating opportunities does not have to be limited to traditional spaces and that building something meaningful can also open doors for others.
After college, Ami became a Venture for America Fellow and worked in business development and operations at high-growth startups. These experiences shaped how she thinks about scaling ideas, solving problems, and building systems that last, all of which now inform how she continues to grow Gallery Box.
Outside of her work in the arts, Ami is also a figure skating coach. She works primarily with beginner skaters of all ages and loves helping students build confidence, track progress, and find joy on the ice. Whether through art or skating, Ami is deeply committed to helping people feel capable, creative, and seen.