Six Months of ANFS: A Journey of Joy, Art, and Heart - Edition 12 of ANFS Newsletters

Shubhada Zunjarwad
Feb 16
2 min read

Today marks a very special milestone—six months of ANFS. What began as a tiny spark of an idea back in August 2025 has now grown into a vibrant, joy-filled creative community. And beautifully, this milestone happens to fall on my late father - Mr. Govind Zunjarwad's birthday, making this reflection even more meaningful. I carry his encouragement and quiet strength with me in every step of this journey.

What started as a simple weekend art class for neighborhood kids has blossomed into a full-fledged art studio—ANFS Art Studio—now home to 16 regular weekly students, countless celebrations, and a growing circle of families who trust ANFS with their creative moments.

In just six months, ANFS has hosted:

Two public events at Sunnyvale Public Library

- Brush & Bloom, where 40 families filled the room with color, laughter, and blooming roses

- A Teen Mandala Workshop with 15 enthusiastic teens exploring calm and creativity

Workshops for all ages—ladies’ paint nights, birthday celebrations, remote sessions, teen workshops, seniors’ workshops, and festive kids’ classes for occasions like Diwali

A steady rhythm of weekly classes that have become a joyful part of so many children’s and adult's routines

When I look back, I’m amazed at the sheer volume of creativity that has flowed through ANFS. The studio has already produced around 250 artworks, each one carrying a story, a smile, or a moment of confidence gained.

Today, as I gathered photos for my portfolio, I counted ~200 images—many of them group photos filled with happy faces, proud artists, and memories I’ll cherish forever.

I feel deeply grateful to every child, parent, friend, and supporter who has been part of this journey—whether you attended a workshop, encouraged me, shared a post, or simply believed in the magic of ANFS. You have shaped this studio as much as I have.

To honor this milestone, I’m launching a new portfolio collection on www.artnfunwithshubhs.com

ANFS Originals

This collection will grow as ANFS grows—a living gallery of the joy, color, and connection created within these walls.

Thank you for being part of this story—whether in big ways or quiet ones. I look forward to the next six months with a full heart, ready to create, celebrate, and continue spreading joy through art. ANFS is just getting started, and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads next.

Sincerely,

Shubhada

Founder and Creative Director, ANFS LLC

Teen Mandala Jam at Sunnyvale Public Library

Shubhada Zunjarwad
Feb 8
1 min read

Quiet 90 mins of Color, Calm, and Creativity

On Monday, February 2nd at 4:00 PM, we gathered for a cozy little art break at the Sunnyvale Public Library—a Teen Mandala Jam designed to offer students a moment of calm in the middle of their busy school week. While the attendance was small, the energy in the room felt full and bright. Sometimes, an intimate group creates the most meaningful magic.

Each teen arrived carrying the weight of school, homework, and schedules, but within minutes, that all began to soften. With a simple introduction to concentric circles, symmetry tricks, and a few playful design prompts, they were off—each creating a mandala that reflected their own rhythm and imagination.

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Armed with acrylic pens, a compass, a ruler, and a sparkling assortment of gems and mirrors, the mandalas began to bloom. Colors layered, patterns emerged, and soon the wooden circles transformed into vibrant, personal artworks. What started as quiet concentration slowly turned into smiles, conversations, and that unmistakable hum of creative joy.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/b453a7_3a6e494af74249ef9621600ba6730f12/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

By the end of the hour, the room glowed—tables scattered with color, teens proudly holding up their finished pieces, and a shared sense of calm that only mandala art seems to bring. It was a gentle reminder that creativity doesn’t need a crowd to feel powerful.

I left the library feeling refreshed, energized, and grateful. These small moments—where art becomes a pause, a breath, a spark—are the ones that stay with me the longest.

Brush n Bloom at Sunnyvale Public Library

Shubhada Zunjarwad
Jan 18
3 min read

A Heart‑Warming Celebration of Art, Community & Connection

January 10th will forever remain a milestone in the ANFS journey—a day when creativity, community, and pure joy filled the Sunnyvale Public Library with color, laughter, and the magic of shared art.

🌸 A Full House… and Full Hearts

When the library team first shared that we had 25 confirmed registrations and 49 kids on the waitlist, I knew this event was going to be special. Together with the wonderful library staff—Shana and Christina—we worked carefully to maintain a maximum capacity of 40 participants.

And then it happened.

All 40 kids showed up. Many came with their parents. And Christina had to place a sign at the entrance: "Event is Full.”

It was surreal. It was humbling. And it was the perfect beginning to a truly unforgettable afternoon.

🎨 A 90-Minute Creative Adventure

From 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, the room buzzed with excitement as kids immersed themselves in three thoughtfully curated activities:

1. Painting a Rose on a 12x12 Canvas

To make the experience beginner‑friendly and joyful, I pre‑sketched all 40 canvases—each rose petal numbered from 1 to 11. Yes, it took time. Yes, it was absolutely worth it.

The kids followed along with confidence, and to elevate their artwork, I had prepared golden glitter paper strips so they could frame their masterpiece at the end.

2. Creating a Personalized Fridge Magnet

Each child received a blank 2x2 magnetic canvas tucked inside a goodie bag, along with:

Glittery gems
Glue
A mini sketch‑pen set

Watching them design their tiny magnets with such pride was delightful.

3. Writing a Positive Affirmation

Every participant received a flower‑shaped, pre‑cut colored paper to write a meaningful affirmation. I chose the message:

“We inspire each other and make a positive impact.”

The room felt brighter as kids decorated their affirmation flowers with doodles, colors, and their own spark.

🌟 The Power of Young Volunteers

One of the most beautiful parts of this event was witnessing the leadership, empathy, and teamwork of our ANFS kid volunteers:

Aakash, Aditya, Rana, Sara, Ira, Ira, Abhira, Nithya, Abir, and Sohum

These super‑efficient young artists guided participants with patience and kindness.Some kids were nervous or unsure how to begin, and our volunteers gently reminded them of the affirmations we practice at ANFS:

There is no right or wrong in art.
There are no mistakes… only new ideas.

Their words comforted the participants and created a safe, encouraging environment.

Supporting them were our dedicated adult volunteers:

Hema, Prajakta, Divya, Trupti, and Shantanu

Every single volunteer played a crucial role in making the event seamless and joyful.

And of course, the cherry on top—Rana’s opening speech. Her warm, confident words instantly relaxed the young participants and set the tone for a beautiful session.

💗 A Room Filled with Pink, Smiles, and Magic

By the end of the event, the hall was glowing with shades of pink, shimmering canvases, and the proud smiles of 40 young artists. Volunteers kept circulating with extra colors, encouragement, and high‑fives.

I felt deeply moved watching the glowing eyes, the laughter, the tiny hands painting with so much focus and joy. Those 90 minutes were truly spectacular.