Meet the Local Artist Transforming Lives with Creativity in Frisco
By Ashli Urano
For Zahra Jahanyfard, art has been a constant companion through war, immigration, and building a new life in America. The Iranian-born artist now uses her talents to help others find joy and connection through creativity. Jahanyfard has overcome language barriers and cultural differences to become a renowned artist living in Frisco. She works with students of all ages and abilities, including those with autism and Alzheimer’s disease.
Born and raised in Iran, Jahanyfard lived through eight years of war with Iraq. “It was a difficult time because we moved from city to city, often without school or electricity,” she recalled. “When Tehran was being bombed, we would have to go to my aunt’s home or travel to other cities.”
Throughout these challenging years, Jahanyfard found comfort in art. “There were six kids in our family, so we could only pack the basics. I always took paper and pencils with me,” she said. “With no access to social media, television, or books, I would look around and start sketching. It always calmed me down.”
In high school, Jahanyfard excelled in writing, receiving national recognition for her stories and poems. Her visual arts class was canceled because females having a male instructor violated societal norms at the time. “My dad, who was always my biggest supporter, suggested finding a female teacher instead,” she explained. “I took his advice, and after meeting her, everything changed. I fell deeply in love with art more than anything else imaginable.”
At the age of 15, Jahanyfard began formal art classes. Within a year, she had progressed from student to assistant, cleaning the classroom and distributing supplies. Two years later, she found herself in the unique position of teaching students older than herself.
When she was 20 years old, Jahanyfard got married and moved to Isfahan, a city known for its rich artistic heritage. She attended the University of Isfahan while also teaching to pay for her education. During this time, she grew as an artist and an educator. Before leaving Iran, she had established her own school with a curriculum she designed.
In 2007, Jahanyfard’s life took a significant turn when she immigrated to the United States with her family. Her husband received a work visa, so they began a new chapter in Lexington, Missouri, a small town of about 5,000 people. The reality of life in America was far different from what she had imagined, and the transition was challenging.
“I did not know the language, could not drive, and struggled to communicate,” Jahanyfard said. “It was hard because I felt like I had lost my identity.” As a way to cope, she began sketching at a local church or library, then gave her drawings to people as a way to connect.
Determined to adapt to her new home, Jahanyfard enrolled at Wentworth Community College to learn how to speak English. She invited classmates and neighbors to her home to practice English, slowly building a network in her new community. She later attended the University of Central Missouri, graduating with a studio arts degree.
Reflecting on this time in her life, Jahanyfard’s voice softened with gratitude as she said, “Many people helped me during this time – friends who drove me to classes, neighbors who watched my second daughter. When I finally earned my degree, I felt like everyone had contributed to my achievement.”
In 2017, Jahanyfard’s life changed unexpectedly when the college where her husband worked was forced to close. Faced with having to relocate, they chose Frisco after researching the area and school district. As her husband’s career path shifted, Jahanyfard focused on establishing herself in the local art scene. Embracing her new community, she began working at One River School. She also took on roles at Frisco Fine Art Gallery, serving as both an instructor and director of education.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jahanyfard lost her job and faced personal tragedies, including the loss of her father in Iran. These challenges led to an unexpected opportunity when one of her students reached out for lessons during lockdown. What began as outdoor art classes in her backyard soon evolved into the opening of Bahar Studio.
Jahanyfard quickly recognized the broader need for art during the pandemic. “So many people had depression,” she said. “Art was a need, especially for senior citizens. It was not as though it was a luxury.” As word spread about her classes, Bahar Studio grew into a full-time business, providing a creative outlet for the community during such a challenging time.
With 29 years of teaching experience, Jahanyfard now carefully selects her students, conducting interviews to ensure compatibility. Her students range from young children to retirees. She creates personalized plans based on individual interests, recognizing that art serves a different purpose for everyone.
Bahar Studio offers instruction in various media, including watercolor, charcoal, pastel, oil, and acrylic. Recognizing that different mediums suit different personalities, Jahanyfard tailors her approach to each student’s comfort level while gently encouraging them to explore new techniques.
For Jahanyfard, creating portraits is similar to meditation, allowing her to capture the essence of her subjects regardless of the medium or size. Her portfolio of notable portraits includes Frisco’s city manager, George Purefoy, and former Frisco Mayor, Bob Warren.
While Jahanyfard enjoys working with all students, she finds meaning in teaching art to people with autism and Alzheimer’s disease. When working with students who have Alzheimer’s, Jahanyfard teaches them in their homes. “I try to enter their world,” she said. “I engage them in conversation about their memories, even if they don’t remember them clearly. I affirm their experiences, which often makes them light up and get excited.”
One of Jahanyfard’s very first students, an Alzheimer’s student named Ada Rafaty, who she still meets with and teaches today, has her own Instagram page called @ArtbyAltzheimers. In recalling a touching experience during an art class with Ada, Jahanyfard remembers, “During a puzzle activity, I witnessed the beauty of her engagement. She not only actively participated with suggestions but also experienced moments of ‘wow’ and excitement. Even if the memory fades, the joy lingers.”
Lyla, another of Jahanyfard’s Alzheimer’s artists, enjoys their art classes, and her daughter Angela, a good friend of Jahanyfard’s, often joins as well. During their time together, Lyla enjoys cutting photos out of magazines and other various mediums to make crafts, as well as having easy, comfortable conversations as they craft.
Somewhat similarly, for her autistic students, Jahanyfard creates a tailored approach based on individual needs and preferences. “It was challenging at first, but I saw it as an exciting opportunity to learn how to work with them effectively,” she explained. “I studied and tried to understand, figuring out what materials and subjects would work best for them.”
Fuad Salameh, an autistic student who progressed over six years, hosted his first solo show during Autism Awareness Month this past April. Salameh proudly discussed the deep connection he has with art. “I mostly enjoy exploring themes of nature, portraits, and environment in my artwork. The process of creating art makes me feel calm, focused, and fulfilled,” he explained. “It allows me to express myself in a unique and meaningful way. One important thing about my artwork is that it is a reflection of my inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Each piece holds a piece of my soul.”
He went on to say, “I find myself most drawn to using earthy tones like greens, browns, and blues in my art. One artwork that holds a special place in my heart is a painting I did of a sunset over the ocean. It reminds me of a peaceful moment I had when I traveled to Portugal with my family. My go-to art tools and materials include acrylic paints and brushes. I also enjoy experimenting with mixed media techniques.”
While Jahanyfard’s work in Frisco has impacted many students, her efforts reach beyond the local community. She dedicates a percentage of her income from Bahar Studio to support small villages in Iran. Jahanyfard’s donations have rebuilt two schools over the past three years, creating better learning environments for children in need.
Closer to home, Jahanyfard is deeply involved in the local arts community. She serves on the Arts and Culture Advisory Board and the Women Enhancing Business (WEB) Council while also maintaining membership in the Visual Arts Guild of Frisco. Her commitment to local businesses is further demonstrated by her role as an ambassador for the Frisco Chamber of Commerce.
Jahanyfard’s artistic accomplishments are equally impressive. She has received numerous awards and has curated two notable solo shows titled Artistic Journey of an Autistic Mind by Fuad Salameh and The Hands That Break the Silence by Nosrat Sohooli.
As Bahar Studio continues to grow, exciting new projects are coming soon. An upcoming Alzheimer’s group exhibition titled If You Don’t Remember Me, I Do Remember You is scheduled for this September at One River School in Frisco. Looking further ahead, the studio’s second major exhibition is set for January 2025 at Frisco Discovery Center.
Zahra Jahanyfard’s story shows how art can help people overcome challenges and connect with others. From her early days in Iran to her current work in Frisco, Jahanyfard has used creativity to build a meaningful life and career. Through Bahar Studio, she continues to share her love of art with students of all ages and abilities, enriching lives one brushstroke at a time. For more information, visit bahar-studio.com and follow on socials @baharstudio (Facebook) and @zahrahajanyfard (Instagram).
Ashli Urano is a freelance writer obsessed with competitive tennis, true crime, and her Golden-doodle named Sadie Kirenia.
