By Jahnavi Shukla

Everyone put your hands together for our Merry Makers, a dedicated group of 36 students led by Ms. Nikita Thakalath, from our art school. This December, they put together over 200 cards to spread Christmas cheer in our community! Merry Makers is a virtual group, whose members make cards to be distributed to seniors in the Meals on Wheels program in our area. Our art school joined the Merry Makers this year to craft cards and added a special touch with their own Madhubani designs on the cards that were sent out. 

By Anvika Bheemarasetty

Congratulations to Mahima Kolar and Aditi Siva for successfully clearing the 2025 ICFF emcee auditions! The duo has earned the opportunity to host the 2025 International Children’s Friendship Festival (ICFF), which will take place on April 5–6, 2025, at the Fisher Pavilion in Seattle Center.

Each year, the ICFF brings together children from over 90 countries to celebrate diversity and friendship through music, dance, performances, and activities. The event, which runs from 11 AM to 6 PM on both days, is entirely organized and led by young people, with students taking on key roles such as performers, volunteers, and emcees.

The emcee auditions were held on December 15, 2024, and included a Q&A session, where participants showcased their skills and enthusiasm for the role. Following the auditions, Mahima and Aditi were selected to host this vibrant and meaningful cultural event in April. The event is sure to be a fun and exciting celebration of global friendship and creativity, and we can’t wait to see Mahima and Aditi take the stage!

By Manavi Shukla

We are so happy to introduce a new artist who has started teaching this month! Oumsri is a junior at the University of Washington. She has been creating art since she was eight, but discovering Madhubani connected her deeply with her heritage and allowed her to practice a traditional, fading art form. Her passion for art began early, fueled by a love for drawing, coloring, and experimenting with paint. During her sophomore year of high school, she embraced Madhubani, captivated by its intricate patterns and challenges. Each piece became more complex as she refined her skills, especially during college when art provided a much-needed escape during the pandemic. 

Now, she is excited to engage more with the artistic community by teaching younger students and encouraging them through the learning process. Congratulations to Oumshri; we can’t wait to see her teaching her classes!