Heaven by Rahul Sethi
Heaven by Rahul Sethi
Mission
Empower and advocate for people with disabilities by providing a platform to express, innovate and inspire.
Our Story
The word ‘sunno’ in Hindi means ‘to listen.’
The story of Sunno Foundation began in the 90’s when Pia Sethi would watch her older brother express emotions through brushwork, texture and colors. He was hearing impaired. Pia took note of how people with disabilities can flourish and do just as well, if given the opportunity.
Sunno was born with this inspiration at the heart of the organization, a promise to share the universal language of arts to the world and give underrepresented artists an opportunity to thrive.
About
Founded in 2023, Sunno Foundation is a public nonprofit 501 (c) 3 charitable organization based in Bethesda, Maryland. It is committed to creating a safe and trusting community for artists from diverse backgrounds, giving them the confidence and support to express life on their terms.
Through community programs, Sunno Foundation works with artists across the globe to showcase their craft, making art accessible and visible.
Programs
Professional Counselor Groups
Small-group, counselling space led by a professional facilitator. A space where people can speak of their fears, their journey as the parent, and seek the help they need to cope better and be stronger caregivers for their child and family.
Parent Buddy Program
Curate a Buddy program and support group for parents/ caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities/on the spectrum
For more information or to request to join, email info@SunnoFoundation.org
Meet the Artists
Yash Bangia
Yash Bangia
16 years old
Creativity beyond boundaries#
Autism
I was born with Congenital Rubella Syndrome...one in a million child...
I am preparing for Class X Exams as I continue to pursue my interests in ART and MUSIC.
I have undergone 5 surgeries but nothing has stopped me.
My parents exposed me to ART and MUSIC in 2018 and both the fields have given me the power to transform, illuminate and grow.
I love to do abstract art as well as intricate, fine art...thats my forte... I have started sketching.
Avani Ayiappa
Avani is a 12 year old bubbly girl on Autism Spectrum. Apart from being excellent in skating and cycling, Avani has recently started expressing herself through canvas and colours. Her strength is her head strong character that reflects in the choice of colours in her paintings. Her zestful nature is clearly evident in the vibrant play of colours in her art. Avani also loves to mix colours with different textures and enjoys the overall sensory input through them, thus immersing herself thoroughly in the process of creating her artworks.
Debarghya Chaudhuri
Debarghya, a keen and energetic teenager from Gurugram, India who is on autism spectrum. He loves painting landscapes and abstracts. He is on a journey for independence despite the challenges of Autism. Now 18 years old Debarghya searching his purpose through his art. Just like any other teenager he is testing boundaries, challenging authority, being rebellious and anxious in these changing times. His art is raw, pure, untamed celebration of his energy.
He is taking art classes with Arts and Souls Academy of Fine Arts since 2018. His art teacher Mr. Rahul Thakur keeps exposing Debarghya to different media and styles. Innovative colour pallet and simple details is emerging to be Debarghya’s fingerprint. He loves to explore colours and paints with conviction and force.
Khushi Kholi
Khushii is a 16 year old girl on the autism spectrum. She channelises her creativity in art. What she is unable to express in words, she does so through the easel, brushes and colors. Her abstract paintings are a medium for her to connect with herself and the nature. Her paintings reflect her mind, body and soul. She loves to make abstracts through varied tools, ranging from sponge,threads,balls ,spoons,knife to anything she lays her eyes on.
Besides art, she loves to skate, play basketball. She would have made an excellent gymnast if given an opportunity.
She is a foodie too. If she smells cake or sweets in the house, they are not to be found for others the next day.
Her art has been an important aspect of her life and her window through which she becomes one with the outside world.
Ahaan Sharma
Ahaan , a 13 yr old boy on spectrum has a tendency to charm people around him with his cute smile and innocent gestures. He is minimal verbal and communicates through gestures,some words or his AAC device. Things that give him pleasure are music, travelling. His newly found interest is painting using different tools and colours. It gives him great pleasure to play with different colours using multiple tools and in the process make something truly beautiful..He loves to do abstract art and its actually therapeutic for him.
Rahul Sethi
Rahul was diagnosed as ‘profoundly deaf’ when he was two years old. He has always been aware of his surroundings and had a creative streak even back then.
He schooled at the Clark School for the Deaf, and American School for the deaf in the US. He then went on to complete his Masters in Fine Art from the prestigious Delhi College of Art; from 1997-2001 (BFA), 2001-03 (MFA).
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He was a full time artist who exhibited around the world including India and Thailand, in both solo and group exhibitions. He also won the Sahitya Kala Parishad Award for youth artists in 2002.
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In 2007 he joined the Step by Step School in Delhi as an Art teacher, teaching neurotypical as well as neurodiverse kids.
In his spare time, he pursues his painting and continues to create.
Partner Organizations
Arts and Souls Academy of Fine Art
Arts and Souls Academy of Fine Arts provides art therapy and many arts courses to individuals with disabilities. We believe that these individuals have an exceptional ability to express themselves through art. The institute aims to build fine artists and empower them to lead a financially independent life. Our students have developed and sold a range of art based products ranging from paintings to planters, Fabric painting etc.
Visit our online store to purchase works from artists.
All proceeds go directly back to the artist
The Board
Pia Sethi
President
Pia Sethi is a HR professional and has worked in the Healthcare industry for many years. She is currently head of HR Technology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). Prior to MSK, Pia worked at Johns Hopkins Health System and TechMahindra Ltd in India before that. Pia has an MBA from Johns Hopkins University as well as a Software Engineering degree from Stratford University. Pia is passionate about art and working to help those that are differently abled given her experience growing up with her brother Rahul, who is deaf. Rahul found passion in Art and that gave him a sense of purpose, independence and freedom to go explore the world.
Kyle Rosenberg
Treasurer & Secretary
Kyle has worked in the nonprofit and cultural world from the start of his career. He is currently serving as Board Treasurer of The American Friends of the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba, Board Treasurer of Hypokrit Foundation, Managing Director of Havana Film Festival New York, and Administrator of The Actors Studio
Eddie Navarro
Board Member
Eduardo Navarro has had a career focus in community outreach and engagement. He has worked for organizations in both secondary education and healthcare technology that center around providing essential resources to vulnerable populations. Eduardo is currently working at Color Heath as Community Partnerships Manager. His role is dedicated to providing healthcare access to underrepresented community organizations.