Awasthi, who owns her own import/export company called Artsybug, has brought artwork from India to the South Bay, and displayed her cache at the Silver Creek Valley Country Club on Dec. 5. But with one exhibit under her belt, Awasthi said she anticipates sponsoring more art shows in the future.

Until recently, Awasthi had considered art more of a hobby than a career path. Born and raised in Delhi, she studied zoology at the University of Delhi, and then went on to study fashion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology. She worked in the fashion industry in India for several years before immigrating to the United States eight years ago.

With her arrival in a new country, things that seemed ordinary at home suddenly became exotic and unusual.

"When I moved here, everything Indian seemed different," Awasthi said.

With yoga all the rage and Monsoon Wedding attracting movie buffs of all ethnicities, Awasthi stumbled upon a way to pursue a career while remaining home with her two small children. She initiated Artsybug, specializing mainly in importing Indian clothing and jewelry.

Although importing and exporting commodities from India helped pay the bills and allowed Awasthi to juggle work and family, her love of art loomed large in the background. Through her father-in-law, Awasthi became connected with Udai and Uma Ravi Jain, owners of the Dhoomimal gallery, which is one of the foremost art centers in India. The Jains connected Awasthi with artists featured in their gallery, most of whom are renowned in their home country.

"In Indian art, there is a lot of cubism and abstract influences," Awasthi said. "There is a strong European influence in Indian art. Most artists want to study at the Louvre, and most travel to Europe."

Although Indian art is an amalgam of Western and Eastern influences, Awasthi said, it is still infused with spirituality.

And like the Bollywood musicals that draw flocks of Indians to the movie theaters, another important role of visual art is to provide an escape from everyday life.

"India is a developing nation," Awasthi said. "Art is a way of getting away from reality."

Though their paintings decorate the Parliament House of India and hang from the walls of governmental buildings throughout the world, Indian artists have yet to break through into the American market.

Awasthi hopes her exhibit will help generate a buzz around Indian artists.

"I have put my heart and soul into this exhibit," she said. "I have a strong feeling that it's the right time. There is a lot of momentum for Indian art."

Awasthi isn't the only one who would like to see Indian art gain a following in the United States. Anjali Pandey pre-purchased a painting from Awasthi, who is a relative and friend.

After 21 years in the United States, Pandey said she is unfamiliar with the artistic climate of India, primarily because it remains under the radar. Yet, with Awasthi's help, she is becoming reacquainted with Indian art--and she likes what she is seeing.

"There is a lot of good art in India," she said. "I like that Aarti is bringing that here, not just for the Indian community but for everyone. I have not met anyone else promoting these artists and saying 'This is great art.'"

Neely George, who owns The Great Frame Up in Almaden, also thinks Indian art has the potential to carve a niche in the South Bay. George has worked closely with Awasthi to frame the paintings.

After 27 years in the framing business, George said she has seen the full spectrum of artwork, from valuable portraits to children's handprints. And George said she has been impressed by the originality of Awasthi's collection.

"The paintings are just fabulous," she said. "They are cutting-edge works of art. I display her art in the store until she picks them up, and people ask me all the time what country they are from. They never guess India."

If Awasthi is successful in her endeavor, art lovers will begin to recognize India's unique brand of surreal, spiritual art. But for Awasthi, art is more than a commodity to be bought and sold. She perceives art as a way to help bridge the gap between the East and the West.

"Art promotes society. It heals society," she said. "It's a way to spread color and light."

For more information about future exhibits, visit www.artopolis.com.