Artist Spotlight
The Sammamish Arts Commission is initiating an exciting new monthly program to recognize the diversity of artists who live in our community. Every month one local artist will be spotlighted in a special publication where they will share their unique talent.
Art is something that is created. An artist is someone who creates. Art encompasses a myriad of mediums, whether it is:
- the visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, fabric, collage, photography, film, etc.),
- dance arts, performing arts, or music arts,
- literary arts,
- culinary arts,
- architecture,
- design,
- fashion,
- and more.
Each art form is infused with imagination and creativity. The artist creates something that is special and unique to share with the world.
Our goal is to acknowledge the creativity of artists in our community, and to salute the gifts their art brings into our lives.
To be a spotlighted artist please fill out an application.
The Sammamish Arts Commission and City of Sammamish is honored to spotlight Sweety Saradha.
Below you will find information about Sweety as well as photos of this artist's incredible work.
Why do you create art?
I love art and the joy that it brings.
How long have you been creating art?
33 years
What medium do you mainly work in?
Oil paints and acrylic
Do you have any formal art training?
Yes
How and where did you learn your current art form(s)?
Schools in India
What is it you are trying to achieve with your art?
I’m an art instructor, I run an art school, I love to teach and the joy it brings with the feeling of accomplishment when others are able to learn and showcase their talents.
Are there new techniques you are interested in exploring, and if so, what would those be?
Yes, learning never ends. I would love to try mosaic art, pottery, crochet, etc.
Are there certain subjects you focus on?
I love art in general, my favorite ones are animals, hyper realistic still life and portraits
What motivates you to create?
My students and their ambitions
Where do you find your inspiration to create?
My husband and my daughter to start with (early in my career) but now each and every student that I’ve ever taught, the seniors, veterans, kids with special needs, women and children who have suffered with physical abuse and homelessness, etc. each and everyone who I have met as inspired me to do more art, I see it in their eyes, the joy that art brings in their lives, it’s priceless.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
Bob Ross and all my passionate students
Describe why art is important to our community.
Art is like meditation for me, I feel light inside of my when I create art, it’s everything to me.
Why do you think the arts are important for others to experience?
Art helps people to express themselves in a way words cannot. It has the power to change the world. Art helps build confidence, share your story, pass your emotions to others, build self confidence, inner peace and strength. Art needs to be experienced to feel the true joy of creativity
What else would you like the community to know about you?
Sweety Saradha is an avid member of the Greater Seattle Area community. She is a business owner, artist, arts educator, and an agent for change. She has an MBA in Finance, and worked at MetLife as a Senior Business Manager. She completed her certification from Harvard in Higher Education Teaching and is a certified Bob Ross instructor.
In 2015 she founded an art school, Sweety Saradha Arts, in Redmond, Washington, and Expressions Arts―a non-profit organization In 2022, Sweety Saradha Arts was approved as an official certifying organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
She is the a Board member in VALA Eastside, advisor in Acorn Youth Force, Youth4Us, Create2Help, Paint-O- Rama, Rangeen Arts, Meaningful Actions, Sai Save, Little Pixels and many more. She has an MBA in Finance, and worked at MetLife as a Senior Business Manager. She completed her certification from Harvard in Higher Education Teaching and is a certified Bob Ross instructor. She is a business leader, artist, art educator, and an agent for change.
Since starting Sweety Saradha Arts in 2013, she has taught over 25,000 students, many of whom have gone on to earn recognition in national and international art competitions. As a teacher, she aims to inspire creativity within her students, pushing them to do their best and encouraging them along the way.
Stuck at home during the pandemic, Sweety realized she wanted to inspire creativity within her community as well. That’s when she founded Expressions Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to spreading the joy of creativity.
Expressions hosts international art contests, and has given a platform for thousands of artists from 67 different countries to showcase their talent. She started an Art Prep Academy that educates and creates teen leaders, empowering them with leadership and entrepreneurial skills to create their own art teaching business and organizes community outreach programs to bring joy of creativity in others lives.
In the past 5 years, Sweety has helped over 35 organizations, including senior care centers, shelters for women who have suffered from physical abuse, kids with special needs, veterans and their families, seniors at memory care unit, and many more by holding free art workshops and art donations.
In the future, Sweety aspires to keep building her art skills, keep spreading the joy of creativity, and most importantly, keep making a difference in her community through art.
How can people see more of your work and follow you, contact you (website, social media, performances, shows, etc.)?
www.Expressions-Arts.com
www.SweetySaradha.com
