Sarv, The Culture School
Sarv, The Culture School is an independent cultural and educational institution dedicated to rediscovering and sharing the history, art, and cultural heritage of Iran with both Iranian and non-Iranian communities. Sarv’s work is guided by two interconnected pillars: education and research.
In its educational programs, Sarv offers workshops and classes for children, youth, and adults in music and the creative arts. Each program is thoughtfully designed in dialogue with contemporary global artistic practices, while remaining deeply rooted in Iranian culture, history, and storytelling. Learning at Sarv is experiential, creative, and community-centered—inviting participants to engage with culture not as a distant subject, but as a living, evolving presence.
In the research and cultural sector, Sarv is committed to the production and circulation of meaningful cultural content. The school organizes lectures, gatherings, and cultural meetings, invites scholars and artists to share their work, and hosts concerts and artistic events that foster dialogue, reflection, and exchange.
At Sarv, we speak of the truth of Iran—So that all may know…
The adult painting class was wonderful for me: Painting with literature, how to use literary subjects as a tool for expressing visual art, how painting is not at the service of literature, but literature with different methods and styles is an excuse for expressing and creating a work. , and a very concise and very meaningful education in various ways in harmony with historical, social, philosophical, and psychological developments.
Zahra Amini
We are new to Sarv School, yet it is already clear that Sarv is far more than a place of learning. It is a living bridge between generations, memory, and meaning. As a mother of a six-year-old daughter, I have long searched for a space where roots are not treated as just nostalgia, but as a source of strength, identity, and creative future. Sarv has fulfilled this hope with remarkable depth and grace.
The founders and teachers deserve the highest admiration. Their vision is deeply humane and reflective to bring children back to their roots through an approach that is warm and kind. They teach not through rigid instruction, but through care, creativity, and deep respect for a child’s inner world. You can immediately tell that Sarv was created not only with knowledge, but with love.
Sahar William
Five stars! This program has been such a gift for our family. Not only are the art lessons top-notch and professional, but it has sparked a genuine love for Persian culture in my kids. It’s more than just a school; it’s a community. We are so grateful to have found this!
Roshi N
Before we start at Sarv, my energetic 5 year old had little patience for any work that required being still and focused. I had little hope but was willing to try music and art classes. Amazingly, Nazanin and Mehrdad got her engaged and now she is learning music and painting through storytelling. Most importantly, she has found a sense of belonging in this community.
Negar Homayounfar
Testimonials
About the Founders
Nazanin Aygani
Writer and Artist
Nazanin Aygani is a Washington, D.C.-area interdisciplinary artist, art educator, and teacher based in Potomac, Maryland. With over two decades of experience in painting, sculpture, installation, public art, video art, and teaching, Nazanin's work is deeply influenced by literature, philosophy, and mythology. Her conceptual art reflects on the human condition, and her pieces have been showcased in various solo exhibitions across Iran and France.
In the literary and academic fields, Nazanin has published multiple books and been included in acclaimed poetry publications. She has worked extensively as an illustrator and writer for numerous Iranian newspapers and publications. Her book, "On Parables of Eve", was published by the UCI Jordan Center for Persian Studies, where she has also delivered lectures on Persian art and culture. Over the course of her artistic career, Nazanin has held 23 solo exhibitions, participated in 10 group exhibitions, and been part of 7 art biennials.
Nazanin’s artistic journey spans multiple disciplines, showcasing her expansive creative capabilities. At a younger age, she had the incredible opportunity to work as a painter and as part of the set design team for the acclaimed Iranian director Bahram Beyzaee’s film "Killing Mad Dogs". This experience allowed her to contribute to the film’s visual narrative, and it remains a highlight of her early career.
Nazanin has also been recognized for her contributions to children’s literature, receiving awards for both her roles as an author and an illustrator. Her series "Not Scary Tales" won the Creative Children Literature Gold Award, and her book "Black, The Bird That Shines" was named Iran Book of the Year. She has developed conceptual art installations and public art projects specifically for children, aimed at engaging young audiences and fostering a deeper connection with the arts. One of her key considerations has been designing gallery and public spaces as inclusive platforms where children can explore art. Through this approach, she ensures that children not only experience art but also feel educated and included in these spaces, with art made specifically for them.
Nazanin has developed innovative art teaching curricula and has been teaching creative art classes for over 20 years. In addition to her work with children, Nazanin has contributed significantly to teaching both children and adults, including those with disabilities, employing art to achieve broader educational and developmental objectives. Through her educational programs, she uses art to support broader developmental goals, enhancing both cognitive and emotional growth in her students.
As both an illustrator and writer, Nazanin has published numerous children's books, merging artistic expression with storytelling. Her educational programs use art to support child development, and for the past three years, she has been actively teaching Persian immigrant children in the Washington, D.C. area, introducing them to painting and art through a cultural lens. Nazanin's work encourages younger generations to stay connected to their heritage while developing their artistic skills.
Nazanin is deeply committed to integrating artistic expression with cultural identity, making her a pivotal figure in both the arts and education sectors. Recently, she co-founded Sarv, the Culture School, an independent institute dedicated to promoting Persian culture through art and music. Sarv connects Farsi-speaking adults and children to their Persian heritage through creative education and cultural celebrations.
Mehrdad Teymoori
Musician
Mehrdad Teymoori is an esteemed piano and recorder teacher, conductor, and advocate for the recorder as an orchestral instrument. With over 25 years of experience in the field of music education, Mehrdad has dedicated his career to teaching both children and adults through private lessons and public classes, with class sizes ranging from five to 25 students.
In 2007, Mehrdad founded the Pars Recorder Orchestra to showcase the recorder's potential in performing orchestral works. He arranged classic repertoires from notable composers such as Vivaldi, Telemann, Bizet, Grieg, Dvorak, Bach, Saint-Saëns, Verdi, Liszt, and Rossini for recorder orchestras. This initiative not only introduced the instrument to a broader audience but also encouraged contemporary composers to create modern pieces for this genre.
Continuing his passion for chamber music, Mehrdad established the Shargh Chamber Orchestra in 2013, which has performed at various festivals and concerts, with some performances being recorded and published.
Recently, Mehrdad co-founded "Sarv, the Culture School," an independent institute dedicated to the sophisticated dissemination of Persian culture through art and music. Sarv aims to connect Farsi-speaking adults and children with their rich Persian heritage through a series of art, music, and cultural celebrations. Over the last three years, Mehrdad has been actively involved in educating Persian immigrant children in the Washington DC area, exposing them to not only classical Western music but also traditional Persian songs and music. This initiative aligns with his teaching philosophy, which emphasizes foundational music theory through engaging activities and hands-on practice with various instruments including the xylophone, recorder, and piano.
Mehrdad’s commitment to music education is also evident in his development of music teacher training courses, which have significantly influenced music education. An active member of the American Recorder Society, he has completed several master's courses across the United States, Germany, and France. He is also a published author, with works including “The Recorder as an Instrument of Peace” featured in the American Recorder Magazine in Winter 2012.
Through his YouTube channel and various educational initiatives, Mehrdad continues to share his musical journey and insights, extending his passion for music and culture to a global audience.
Sarv, The Culture School
Sponsors:
Tel. 240-620-9761
11815 Seven Locks Rd.
Potomac, MD 20854