Established in 2019, the AZ Youth Arts Council advises the Arts Commission on grant programs and initiatives that directly affect young people. As they do so over the next 9 months, they will review issues related to arts and culture programs and services for young people and learn about policy related to equal access to the arts for all young people in Arizona.

AZ Youth Arts Council Members…

  • Learn about policy to advocate for equal access to the arts for all young people in Arizona
  • Advise the Arts Commission on grant programs and initiatives that directly affect young people
  • Administer a Youth Engagement Grant in their community
  • Review issues related to arts and culture programs and services for young people
  • Create arts and media projects highlighting the arts in their communities
  • Receive a stipend of up to $800

 

Lola Arvizu, 18
Tucson

My name is Lola Arvizu and I attend the University of Arizona for Art History and Chemistry. I enjoy making and talking about art, as well as getting involved in Tucson local art scene. I attend and volunteer at various local art galleries and I am part of a small local band. I paint, play bass, make prints, and more.


Amaya Bailey, 17
Gilbert

My name is Amaya, I’m 17 and a senior at Gilbert High School. I love any kind of art you put in front of me including metals & jewelry, photography, painting, and ceramics. I am an active member of my school’s first Black Student Union and hope to make art more inclusive for everybody.


Nessa Choi, 16
Globe

My name is Nessa Choi, and I am a junior in high school. I’ve always enjoyed art in all forms: painting tiny canvases, making frog families out of clay, hot gluing fabric scraps into doll clothes. These days I still paint and sew, and I also play the bass and do musical theater. Last spring, I costumed a production of Willy Wonka Jr., which involved designing and sewing outfits (I can use a sewing machine now, so no hot glue), teaching younger kids to make their own candy accessories to wear in the show, and helping hand-letter and paint sets.


Paulina Fontes, 17
Rio Rico

I’m Paulina, I’m a senior at Rio Rico High School and have a passion for art and animals. I have 2 younger brothers at home, a dog and cat, whom I adore. I love art in general and work with multiple media such as oil/chalk pastels, watercolor, acrylic painting, ceramics, and graphite drawings. I’d say I have a broad range of interests like surrealism, expressionism, realism, abstract, and more.

Thank you,

Jordan Harris


Archana Gurudu, 15
Phoenix

My name is Archana Gurudu, and I am a sophomore at Paradise Valley High School. Visual art has been a passion of mine for over 8 years, and I have always been fascinated by its ability to promote self-expression and creativity. By working with art students at the Scottsdale Artists’ School, as well as observing my own self-growth from art, I have come to recognize the transformative power that visual arts programs can have on youth. I look forward to working with the AZ Youth Arts Council to help increase youth art equity in our state.


Olivia Hanson, 15
Surprise

My name is Olivia Hanson and I’m a sophomore at Paradise Honors High School. You’ll usually find me typing up scripts or singing through my favorite musicals with friends. The arts have always made up a big part of my life. This is thanks to the amazing communities I’ve gotten to be part of for both writing and music. Through these experiences, I’ve learned knowledge and community are the most powerful tools in one’s arsenal. I believe this should be made accessible to every young artist and that’s what I intend to do as a member of this council.


Jordan Harris, 14
Phoenix

My name is Jordan Harris, I’m currently 14 years old and a sophomore at Xavier College Preparatory. I’m a self-taught artist who started young and falls into the line of visual arts, specifically painting, drawing, and occasionally digital art. I joined the AZ Youth Arts Council in hopes of making a difference in art and exploring different cultures through art in itself while attempting to flourish in mine. I can’t wait for the year to come and am excited to see what it brings.


Sophia Lin, 16
Scottsdale

My name is Sophia Lin, a junior at BASIS Scottsdale. I find inspiration in the beauty of art through painting, dancing, writing, and speaking. I advocate for social justice through my paintings displayed at the State Capitol and Congressman’s office. Having danced all dance styles for ten years, I spread the joy as a performer and dance instructor for nonprofit organizations. Serving as an ambassador for FreeArts for Abused Children and the president of iReach, I focus on bridging Arizona’s education gaps. I aspire to learn about policy and advocate for equal access to the arts for Arizona youth!


Addie Omerza, 18
San Tan Valley

My name is Addie and I am a sophomore theatre major at Eastern Arizona College. I am very passionate about the arts. I have been performing since I was seven years old and has loved every minute of it.


Molly McIntier, 14
Yuma

My name is Molly McIntier, I am a 14-year-old freshman student at Yuma High School. I have always been involved in the arts whether it is drawing, musicals, or music. I’ve played the piano from the age of 5 to 13, I’ve been playing the flute since 7th grade, and I plan on going all through high school with it. I am also vice president of Yuma Highs Creative Crims Art Club and a part of the Mastery of the Arts program. I am super exited to make a difference in art around my community.


Mateo Pena, 15
Prescott

I am Mateo, a 15-year-old passionate musical theatre enthusiast. I have attended Trinity Christian School for nine years, and I love all the arts. I hope to become a professional actor on the screen or the stage.


Stephanie Polasky, 18
Kingman

My name is Stephanie Polasky. I just graduated High School from Lee Williams High School and I am currently attending Mohave Community College and working on my AA in Liberal Arts. My main art focus is technical theatre, but more specifically lighting and stage management.


Nathan Spencer, 14
Prescott

My name is Nathan, and I’m a sophomore at Prescott High School. My background is in piano and violin. Recent highlights include winning first in the Flagstaff Piano Festival Competition and the Prescott Center for the Arts Scholarship Competition (in both piano and violin) this spring and being the only freshman at my school accepted into the All-State Honors Orchestra last school year. In February, I will be a soloist with the Prescott Pops Symphony.


Saomy Valentin, 15
Glendale

Hi, my name is Saomy Valentin. I’m a 15-year-old sophomore at Centennial High School. I have dedicated my life to dance since I was 3. I currently compete in dance competitions, assist classes at my studio and school. Every year I perform with my studio Onstage Dance Academy at community events like Glendale Glitters, the State Fair of Arizona, and others. I love drawing and expressing my emotions through them and have had my art displayed at the Peoria Arts Festival since 2nd grade.


Jaden Wu, 16
Tucson

My name is Jaden, and I’m a high school senior at BASIS Oro Valley. I’m super excited to be a part of the youth council this year! I play the piano, dabble in graphic design, and am passionate about using the arts to elevate youth voice. I’m looking forward to working with this group to increase access and provide opportunities for youth!

Terrence Banks (He/Him)
Thatcher

Hey my name is Terrence Banks I’m 19 years old I’m a freshman at Eastern Arizona College I’m a Theater Major l. Mainly focusing on the technical side of theater. Super excited to be apart of this council with everyone! :)


Jonas Blackketter (He/Him)
Tucson

Jonas Blackketter (16) is a homeschooled senior from Tucson, AZ. Some of his favorite pastimes incude writing music, playing the piano, and running. He has placed in city-wide piano competions, and will be participating in the Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s Young Composers Project for the fourth time this year.


Krish Desai (He/Him)
Phoenix

My name is Krish Desai, and I am a sophomore at Paradise Valley High School. I have been learning to play the Tabla (Indian hand drums) since I was 8 years old. In high school, I am also on the tennis team and on the executive board of HOSA. The tabla is an instrument from Indian Classical music, an ancient art form from the 4th century. I am a second-generation American born Indian and would love to promote and preserve ancient arts. Learning the tabla has helped me connect to my culture, and my hope is to help provide access to world music and culture to the youth of Arizona, especially to the underrepresented and underserved. I am excited to be part of the AZ Youth Arts Council.


Jordan Harris (She/Her)
Tempe

Hello, my name is Jordan Harris, I’m 13 years old, in 9th grade, I love doing art (specifically drawing people), and I was born and raised in Arizona. I started doing art because of the expressiveness that goes into it and because it makes me happy which is why I’d love to make it a full time career out of art in the future. Currently, I go to a private school where I’m hard working and get good grades, but that’s all I’ve been doing which is why I want to get more involved in the art community! I can’t wait to work with this years council.

Thank you,

Jordan Harris


Hiyun Lee (She/Her)
Chandler

My name is Hiyun Lee, and I am a senior attending BASIS Chandler. My goal is to provide opportunities for youth to use art as a method of communication and self-expression. The art forms I focus on are music, poetry, and poster making. As a musician, violin and piano have always been outlets of creativity for me. Music has also been the start of my connection with others and the basis of my leadership ideology through experience playing in chamber groups. The other forms of art that I participate in more individually help me address issues that I see within our community such as financial literacy and public health. Using art as a language has opened so many doors for me and other youth of Arizona, and I hope to continue expanding the impact of art while serving as a member of this commission.


Alejandra Magallanes (She/Her)
Douglas

My name is Alejandra Magallanes, but you can call me Ale!
I was born in California but I’ve lived in Mexico for most of my life.
I’m 19 years old and my birthday is October 3rd
I’m currently enrolled in Cochise College and this is my second year. My major is Digital media Arts and I want to be an animator/illustrator.
My hobbies are drawing, painting, baking, cooking, listening to music, singing, taking pictures, playing videogames and hanging out with my friends.
Some of my interests are cartoons, anime ,manga, Greek mythology, makeup, alt goth/dark fashion and cats.


Sabrina Manson (She/Her)
Nogales

Hello, my name is Sabrina Manson, I’m a 18-year-old senior at Nogales High school. My main focus of interest is Illustration and animation. In saying that, I hope to achieve my dream of attending California Institute of the Arts or CalArts. This College is one of the premier colleges in Animation with graduates such as Tim Burton and John Lasseter, Executive producer of Pixar. In Art, my main focus is with characters and backgrounds, my passion seems to work on character design. Within the Character design I also experiment in writing about the characters and their stories. This has been a passion of mine ever since I was in elementary school. To a point that I have fixated on a single story for 6 years straight. I’m proud of how far the story has progressed and the details it entails. One of my main hobbies is playing video games. I mostly play RPG games and Action games. Some of my favorite games are Stardew Valley, and Legend of Zelda. I think this is where some of my creative design is developed. In the end my primary goal is to work at Pixar animation studios and work on animated films. I have dreamt this since I was very young. Hopefully my goal is accomplished after High School.


Laura Mlera (She/Her)
Tucson

Hello, my name is Laura Mlera. I currently live in Tucson, Arizona, and I am a 19-year-old college student at the University of Arizona. I enjoy creating digital paintings, and collages.


Stephanie Polasky (She/Her)
Kingman

My name is Stephanie Polasky and I am a Senior in High school. My hobbies is theatre and making up fun light shows. I am currently and have been the Head Stage Manager for 3 years and I’m so excited to see what this year brings.


Aiyana Polk (She/Her)
Yuma

I am 15 years old and I am a sophomore this year. My birthday is on February 15th. I was born in 2007 in Yuma Arizona and I have lived here my whole life. My favorite place in Yuma is downtown, I like all of the Art that is incorporated into that area, I like the Art museum and Art museum shop, I like to go to all the stores and walk around, I like the jem stone shops, lutes casino, and overall the environment it is just the best thing ever. My favorite thing to do is Art, it helps with my anxiety and helps to clear my mind. Last year was my freshman year at Kofa High School and I was in Art 1 I was also in Art Club as a parliamentarian which was that I knew how to do all the officer positions and fill in for them almost every meeting. I participated in all of the Art contests, do all of my Art projects, and participate in all of the Art “community service” where I would make art works for events for the school. I recently received a 2nd place award for the Arizona Patriotic Art contest and was in the newspaper and in the news. In all of my works besides the Arizona Patriotic Art contest I am proud to say that i received first place blue ribbons and purple ribbons as well. This year I am in Art 2 and I am in Art Club again and I am now Vice President of Art Club. As the Vice President I am set on having the students in it participate more in art contest and learn new things to help them improve and get out of there comfort zones. Another goal that I have is to come up with fundraisers inorder to travel. I have a 9 year old sister and a 6 year old brother, I live with them and my mom, we have a German shepherd and a testudo tortoise. I have been doing art since I was very young I would say about since I was in pre school or younger and it has always been my passion. When I was in elementary school and Jr high I was always in an Art class. In Jr high I was also in an Art club and I would constantly go and participate in all the activities. Also while I was in Jr high I was in yearbook where we would learn how to use cameras and take pictures for the yearbook and learn how to digitally create a yearbook page. Since then I have also been into taking still life pictures on my phone. I often use the pictures that I take as a reference for some of my Art works. I’ve always loved to learn new techniques and styles of Art. I like to try new things and try different medias to improve my skills. I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity.


Cassandra Small (She/Her)
Yuma

My name is Cassandra Small, I am 20 and am currently going to AWC to get an Associate in Arts. I love working in auditoriums/theaters and learning about the performing Arts. I am also a co-leader for a girl scout troop and get to enjoy going camping and conoeing with them.


Nathan Spencer (He/Him)
Prescott

My name is Nathan Spencer. I’m 14 years old and love to play the piano and violin. I care a lot about accessibility of the arts to kids and families in underserved areas. I’ve been blessed with a lot of great music opportunities throughout my life, thanks to access to great teachers and outreach programs that came into our rural community in Iowa. I feel I can draw from those experiences to collaborate with others in creating and facilitating those same opportunities for others. I believe accessibility of the arts to kids when they’re young is especially important, so I care about summer programming, camps and workshops, youth organizations, and supporting parents so they can in turn support their kids. Here is a little bit more about me: I’m currently the youngest member of the Prescott Pops Symphony Orchestra. I was fortunate to win first place in my division for both piano and violin in the annual Prescott Center For the Arts Youth Scholarship Competition three consecutive years. This past summer I was selected from applicants around the country to participate in the BYU Musicians Institute, and in the fall of October 2021, I was a vocal soloist with the Prescott Chorale’s performance of Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living. Before moving to Arizona, I won 3rd place in my division at the state level in the Iowa Music Teachers Association’s annual piano competition. I enjoy cross country, Dungeons and Dragons, a great burger, and being the middle child of five kids! I’m grateful for this opportunity and really looking forward to working with my peers on the Arizona Youth Arts Council.


Zara Staheli (She/Her)
Gilbert

Hi! My name is Zara Staheli, I am a 16 year old senior at Higley High School, and I am so grateful to call myself a part of this council! I am passionate in several forms of art from interior design to acrylic, but I am most passionate in the way that art’s methodical creativity translates to every aspect of our lives. I know art to be a powerful vehicle for change and a way to evoke emotions and powerful messages through the most beautiful means. Even outside of directly creating art, I utilize artistic thinking and movement in leading my varsity and club swim teams, connecting and growing as vice president of the largest high school Best Buddies chapter, or pioneering new ways to serve as president of National Honor Society. I have a vast array of interests, from writing to surfing, but within all I work to create an impact whether it be through proceed donations, charitable collaborations, or just sharing my passion and helping others do the same! I am ecstatic to work toward implementing artistically impactful changes and learning from others to further understand how art translates to their lives and communities.


Katie Wilbur (She/Her)
Tucson

Hello! I am currently a senior at University High School in Tucson! Eight years ago, I began learning piano in honor of my grandma. As I continue to play and teach piano, I am forever grateful for being gifted with that opportunity those many years ago. Music has always been an essential aspect of my life; beyond piano, I have performed in musical theater, choir, dance, and trapeze. Each practice holds a special place in my heart as something that brought joy to my life!


Margot Wilder (She/Her)
Flagstaff

Hi, my name is Margot! I am seventeen years old and I’m a senior at Northland Preparatory Academy in Flagstaff, AZ. I have been dancing ballet since I was three years old and I regularly perform in community-wide events, like the Flagstaff Festival of Science. I love studying anthropology in school and being a part of our Model UN Club. Outside of school, I enjoy backpacking with my family and skiing. I am also an avid reader, piano player, and world traveler.


Alexis Archer (she/her)
Phoenix

My name is Alexis, I’m a junior at Horizon High School, and I am so happy to call myself a member of this council! I am extremely passionate about the arts and using it as a form of self-expression and vehicle for change. I took my first dance class when I was two years old and have since fallen in love with singing, acting, and everything musical theatre! I have acted in several productions at various theaters in the valley, am taking ballet, jazz, and voice lessons weekly, have been an active member in show choir for four years, and assistant-taught musical theatre fall classes two years in a row. I have also worked in music videos, film, and song recording as well as am the captain of an improv team, and involved with drama club, Tri-M, NHS, and Society of Women’s Scholars at my school. My number one priority is always to improve as an artist and person, and because helping others is my passion, I love assisting in the growth of the people around me. My goal is to make art more easily accessible within our community and help people find their passion so they can use it to express themselves!


Malcolm Barrios (hi/him)
Tucson

My name is Malcolm Barrios. I am 16 and a junior in high school this year. I’ve been playing the violin for ten years and enjoy being part of my school orchestra. I also started mixing music last year as a hobby. I like running and playing basketball, and want to play on my school’s varsity team this year. I really enjoy volunteering and improving my community. I volunteer at the local library and with a group called Assisteens of Tucson. I’m very exited to be part of the Youth Arts Council this year!


Zoë Benavidez (she/her)
Tucson

My chosen art forms are theatre, film, dance and writing. I love to build worlds that we can escape into and bring characters to life using my art. It is a truly rewarding process and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else in my life. I am currently living in Tucson and am a part of my high school’s extensive theatre department, where I act in our annual productions. I also participate in my school’s dance program, where I study Modern dance. You can typically find me with my nose in a good book, typing away on a Google Doc that holds my latest writing project and dancing erratically to good music. I am honored to be on the council for the second year in a row. Last year, I learned so much from my fellow Arizona artists and grew in ways I could never have imagined. I hope to do the same this year.


Cina Curley (she/her)
Chinle

I am from the heart of the Navajo Nation: Chinle, Arizona. I am from the Navajo tribe. My clans are Natalia Dine’é, Ma’ii Deeshgiizhnii, Tł’ááshchi’í, and Tł’ááshchi’í. I played in band in high school. I was a percussionist. I also played softball in high school as an outfielder. I graduated in May of 2020. I am currently attending Harvard College, and on a gap year I’m looking to concentrate in psychology when I return for my sophomore year. I’m aspiring to be become a child/adolescent psychologist, and return to my community to share my education with the Navajo people.


Marsh Kramer (they/them)

My name is Marsh, I’m 16 and I don’t come from some fancy art school background, and I have never taken a real art class in my life. I don’t think it’s necessary for anyone who has the drive and passion. I think everyone should be allowed access to free art supplies and freedom to create whatever they can imagine. Art is a tool to fight oppression in our society and bring together a stronger community. I enjoy making all kinds of art in every medium, but I especially enjoy customizing clothes, creating zines, writing music, and doodling anything I can think of. I am an active member of my community and you can normally spot me throwing down at hardcore punk shows on the weekends and supporting small artists and vendors at events. I’m extremely passionate about music and listen to a lot of different genres but my favorite bands right now are the Dead Kennedys, The Birthday Party, Neutral Milk Hotel, Bikini Kill, Bad Brains, Talking Heads, and The Dresden Dolls. I have a lot of inspirations when it comes to my art, but the main artists I look up to are Jello Biafra, Nick Cave, Shawn Kerri, Jeff Mangum, Sam Hensley, and Chester Simpson, most of which are punk or otherwise political artists. I like to incorporate political ideals into my art as I see art as a form of activism and radical awareness.


Sabrina Manson (she/her)
Nogales

Hello, my name is Sabrina Manson, I’m a 17-year-old junior at Nogales High school. My main focus of interest is Illustration and animation. In saying that, I hope to achieve my dream of attending California Institute of the Arts or Cal Arts. This College is one of the premier colleges in Animation with graduates such as Tim Burton and John Lasseter, Executive producer of Pixar. In Art, my main focus is with characters and backgrounds, my passion seems to work on character design. Within the Character design I also experiment in writing about the characters and their stories. This has been a passion of mine ever since I was in elementary school. To a point that I have fixated on a single story for 6 years straight. I’m proud of how far the story has progressed and the details it entails. One of my main hobbies is playing video games. I mostly play RPG games and Action games. Some of my favorite games are Stardew Valley, Undertale, and Legend of Zelda. I think this is where some of my creative design is developed. In the end my primary goal is to work at Pixar animation studios and work on animated films. I have dreamt this since I was very young. Hopefully my goal is accomplished after High School.


Stephanie Martin Del Campo
Yuma

My name is Stephanie, i am a 17 year old artist. I have been an artist since i was 12, but started selling my art very recently. Art has always been part of my life and it is something i truly enjoy and want to share with my community. One of my happiest and earliest memories was when my older sister was teaching me how to paint with acrylics. It was something i loved so I am extremely grateful for that. I believe being involved in the arts and teaching others about it, can help change a lot of people and is something truly special. I also very recently learned how to make ceramic pieces, so i also very grateful to my teachers for helping me learn a new skill.


Eimi Obana (she/her)
Yuma

I am a Senior at Gila Ridge High School and my hobbies are dancing and acting. I have been dancing, mainly ballet, since I was small and I’m currently the Vice President of the dance team at my school. I started performing at my community theater at the Yuma Art Center when I started the 5th grade and wanted to make friends but didn’t know how to. That’s when my parents saw and ad for a kids production of Cinderella and enrolled me into the program. I loved it so much, I went back to do every single production after that. Now I have some of the best friends because of it and am extremely obsessed with musical theater (maybe just a tad unhealthy). Finding a love for the arts helped me come out of my shell and socialize with people that have the same interests as me and also helped me shape the person I am today.


Lily Rochin (she/her)
Glendale

Hello! My name is Lily Rochin. I am an artist attending metropolitan arts institute in the junior year. My practices lie in costume and fashion design as well as visual arts and contemporary dance. I look forward to working with fellow council members to learn how to make art programs better for students in the Arizona public education system. Please look forward to our work together and the difference we hope to encourage for the benefit of our communities generation of young artists. Thank you.


Molly Ruley (she/her)
Mesa

My name is Molly Ruley, I’m 17 years old, and I’m a senior at Arete Prep Academy in Gilbert. I am an advocate for the arts, and I was on Chandler Center for the Art’s Youth Arts Council last year. I am both a hard worker and a problem solver. I’m jovial with strong leadership abilities. Since I was 6, I have been a competitive Irish dancer, and I have competed at the national level. I love painting and drawing, as well as singing in choir. I also more recently started competing in scholarship pageants through the Miss Arizona Organization. My hobbies are reading, doing crafts, and exercising.


Ella Wang (she/her)
Chandler

Hi! I’m Ella, and I’m a senior attending high school at BASIS Chandler. I’ve lived in Chandler for most of my life, and I love the arts as a form of self expression and personal creativity. I specialize in acrylic painting, but am always exploring other mediums like charcoal, colored pencil, and ink. I started an art business with friends, and I enjoy connecting with my community through art classes and creating new works to share with others. At school, I am also involved in speech & debate, robotics, and scientific research, and art is a unique way to bring balance and creative freedom in my life. This is my second year serving on the council, and I look forward to continuing to represent Maricopa and advancing equity, access, and opportunity in the arts for youth in Arizona!


Katherine Wei (she/her)
Chandler

Hi! I am a 16-year-old high school senior at BASIS Chandler and an avid poet, highly engaged in the literary arts. I have been writing since the beginning of high school and enjoy sharing my stories as a second-generation Asian-American through my work. My poems have been recognized by the National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the National Council of Teachers of English, Princeton University, and more. Beyond writing, I also dabble in the visual arts, specifically acrylic painting. The arts have been highly influential in my life, not only as a creative outlet but also as a means of both being and giving a voice to underrepresented groups. I am so honored to serve on the AZ Youth Arts Council this year, and I can’t wait to make a positive impact on our community by supporting other young artists in their journey through their passions.


Kathie Rose Wilbur (she/her)
Tucson

Hello! I am currently sixteen years old and a junior at University High School. This year will mark the ninth year I have played piano. In the past, I have also participated in acting, choir, and musical theater. Through these activities, art has proven its power to me. It is a method of expression, escape, community, and most importantly–a way to have fun. Even with forms that I have struggled more with, such as drawing, painting, and writing, the exposure has helped me open the doors of creativity. I believe all people, especially youth, should have the privilege of experiencing art, and I am honored to help with that effort.


Margot Wilder (she/her)
Flagstaff

Hi, my name is Margot! I am sixteen years old and I am currently a junior at Northland Preparatory Academy in Flagstaff, AZ. I have been dancing ballet since I was three years old and I am a student at the Royal Academy of Dance. I regularly perform in community-wide events, like the Flagstaff Festival of Science and the Flagtsaff Symphony Orchestra’s production of The Nutcracker. I am enrolled in both French and Spanish college courses and involved in my school’s Model UN Club. I am very passionate about our country’s politics and I am interested in pursuing a career in law or international relations in the future. Outside of school and ballet, I love to backpack with my family, ski, and rock climb. I am also an avid reader, piano player, and world traveler. As a member of the AZ Youth Arts Council, I will commission multiple new student-oriented projects, highlighting Navajo and Hopi culture, social justice, and many of the environmental issues Arizona is struggling from in the face of climate change. While I do want to support art that will make a statement in our community, I also just want to help young artists find places in which they can share and celebrate their creativity.

Zia Anderson
Bisbee, AZ

Hi! I’m 16 and currently a Junior in High School. I love art and getting better at my creative talents is a constant goal. Right now, I’m trying to capture more perspective and movement in my drawings. I’m the secretary of Knowledgebowl at my school and I also play soccer. I have a little sister and both parents who I switch back and forth between every half week. My sister is an artist as well, I’ve been trying to get her to draw with me for quite some time. My favorite color is green and I love Pirates of the Caribbean. Thank you!


Malcom Barrios
Tucson, AZ

My name is Malcolm Barrios, and I am a sophomore at University High School in Tucson. I am sixteen years old and have lived in Arizona my whole life. My interest in the arts started at age four when I began studying the violin at Laura Tagawa’s Violin Studio. Performing is one of the best parts about playing violin, as I have enjoyed performed several times in Tucson and also enjoy performing with my school’s top orchestra. As a child, I competed in several Arizona “old time” fiddle contests and even placed sixth in the state in 2016. I have played at hospitals and retirement homes as well. Basketball is my favorite hobby. I was on my school’s junior varsity team last year and have played with various club teams. Volunteering is another important activity to me. I volunteered at the YMCA before the pandemic and still volunteer at the Pima County Public Library. I look forward to being able to further impact communities as a member of this arts council.


Zoë Benavidez
Tucson, AZ

I am a sophomore at Tucson High Magnet School this year in Tucson, AZ. I love connecting with my community through artistic opportunities and lean into challenges, whether it be solo or with a team. I love to find new ways to access art in our daily lives, like taking photos, short video clips, dances, or writing, especially in quarantine. You can typically find me with my head down in my laptop crafting a script idea or filming fun things with my friends. I have been extremely fortunate to grow up in artist-friendly environments, which has allowed my passion for the arts to flourish. After high school, I plan to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be on the Arizona Youth Arts Council along with students who share the same passion and drive to improve our communities throughout Arizona with the contribution of artistic programs.


Chesed Chap
Patagonia, AZ

Hi, I’m Chesed Chap! I’m 17 years old and have lived in Arizona all my life. I live in Patagonia, a rural town about 20 minutes north of the U.S.-Mexico border. I love all the arts, especially performance-based art. I’m a true thespian- if I’m not acting or directing local shows, I’m writing my next play! I love music and play the steel drums and guitar. I’m a big fan of the outdoors as well; I play on my school’s soccer and tennis teams. I am very fortunate to have grown up in a small town heavily influenced by the arts, which has made me passionate about ensuring everyone has access to arts programs! I’m very excited to be working with you all to keep the arts thriving in the state I am lucky to call home!


Brianna Fornoff
Wickenburg, AZ

Hello there :) I am Brianna Fornoff and I am 15 years old, I go to Wickenburg High School currently and I have lived in Wickenburg forever. I am involved in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), Theater Ninjas(which is working as the tech crew, behind the scenes), and Pride Club. I have been involved in choir and theater since I could remember and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I love getting involved in local activities and meeting new people so I think this is the perfect opportunity. Thank you!


Marilyn Garcia
Yuma, AZ

My name is Marilyn Garcia and I am currently a Senior at Kofa High School in Yuma AZ. Art has always been a big part of my life as I’ve always enjoyed the freedom of creativity and self-expression. Through art, I’ve been able to explore different ideas and concepts that intrigue me and used my art to bring awareness to issues that affect my community. My work has been shown in local galleries as well as the Arizona Legislature Capitol, and won competitions like the Binational Clean Air Calendar, and the Congressional Art Competition. Currently, I am a Student Representative for the Latinx Advisory Council for the Department of Education in Arizona where I also have the opportunity to represent my community. I am excited to be part of the AZ Youth Arts Council and be able to learn and collaborate along with my peers in order to provide a wide range of opportunities for fellow young artists across all communities in Arizona.


Jesus Guzman
Rio Rico, AZ

Hello, my name is Jesus Guzman. I love the band Queen, The Beatles, and more. I enjoy more of that older music. I feel like I am between a Beginner and Intermediate guitar player, maybe just beginner. I can also play a little bit of piano. I enjoy playing soccer, basketball, tennis, football, video games, and playing catch with a baseball. My favorite color is any shade of blue. I LOVE MUSIC! I enjoy it so much! I am a very curious person. I love chicken wings. I prefer Apple over Android. I’m Hispanic.


Samantha Irish
Globe, AZ

I have always lived in Arizona, and I have always had a passion for art and sports- specifically swimming and track & field. I’m hoping this year to try soccer since I’ve never played that before (and my best friend has always wanted me to play with her), and I’m actually excited for it. I LOVE movies/tv/musicals/live theatre, as well as drawing on my iPad. I’m still unsure as to what field I want to go into (possibly interior design/architecture), but I will be attending Arizona State University next school year!


Tiana Lee
San Tan Valley, AZ

I write music I love how music helps us express ourselves and it’s the language that we can all speak and relate to. I was adopted at the age of five. I have 3 siblings which I’m pretty close to. I love animals and my family. School is very important to me because I really look forward to my future and what I can do and share with others. The arts have been a very big part in my life and I know in lost of others. I wont to be a singer/song writer because I would love to help others give them something to relate to and to look up to.


Sedona Ortega
Prescott, AZ

Hi! I’m Sedona Ortega. I am a junior at Tri-City Prep High School in Prescott, Arizona. I am passionate about being involved in my community. I am an active volunteer for local organizations that tackle issues affecting the environment, education, racial justice, the arts and teens. The arts have always been a very important part of my life. I’ve been a part of community theatre, worked with film and photography, played piano, drums, and ukulele, and danced since I could stand. I was very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve in the 2019 AZ Youth Arts Council. I am an optimistic, dedicated artist, and I look forward to supporting the arts in Arizona and continuing to serve on the Youth Arts Council.


Zoya Page
Flagstaff, AZ

Hi! My name is Zoya and I am currently a freshman at Northern Arizona University. I am beginning a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability. I grew up in Phoenix so the valley has a very special place in my heart. I am equally left as right brained, as a woman in STEM I am also a practicing visual artist. My go to preferred medium is acrylic paint as well as prismacolor colored pencil portraits and black ink. Being a woman in science and a practicing artist is a beautiful balance I feel. I love analyzing data and solving math problems for my pleasure or school and after spending an equal amount of time painting. When I paint my brain completely tunes out and my hand does its own thing I feel no control over the process. I served on the council last year for Maricopa County and this year I look forward for representing Coconino as this is my new home!


Lily Rochin
Glendale, AZ

I am a 16 year old multimedia artist attending Metropolitan Arts Institute, striving my hardest to be able to achieve my ambitions in life. All my life I’ve been an artist, constantly experimenting with many different forms of creative outlets such as painting, drawing, writing, playing the clarinet, dancing and costume designing. Being able to experience the creation of art feels like a huge privilege to me that I think everyone should get the opportunity to do. I want to work towards a better world where the freedom of expression and creativity is treated with kindness and love. I hope that as an artist with such big plans that sometimes seem impossible, that I can find a way to help my fellow artists find their way as well. Please look forward to my work as I will try my hardest as a member of the council!


Bella Swope
Phoenix, AZ

I am a currently a seventeen-year-old high schooler at Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics where I study ballet. I have been involved in the performing arts since the age of eight. I started out doing theater and have quickly discovered my passion for dance and choreography. My current goal is to pursue a career in teaching dance and choreographing around the valley. I am excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to see what the future holds with this organization.


Ella Wang
Chandler, AZ

I am a 16-year-old junior from Chandler, AZ passionate about expressing ideas and generating change through art. I started my artistic journey 10 years ago and now specialize in acrylic painting, but I love to explore other mediums including colored pencil, charcoal, and oil pastel. My works have been recognized at the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and Congressional Art Awards. As someone privileged enough to have grown up with the support of art teachers and classes both in and out of school, I’m dedicated to sharing these invaluable, enriching experiences with others. I facilitate the Teen/Family Art Hour at Cancer Support Community Arizona and started an art business which provides free classes to kids in Arizona. I’m always looking for ways to strengthen my community and better the lives of its people, and I believe that access and exposure to the arts is crucial to achieving this goal. I hope to engage the next generation of youth in artistic expression and tap into the revolutionary potential of the arts to bring greater acceptance, healing, awareness, and change to Arizona.


Margot Wilder
Flagstaff, AZ

Hi, my name is Margot! I am fifteen years old and I am currently a sophomore at Northland Preparatory Academy in Flagstaff, AZ. I have been dancing ballet since I was three years old and I am a student at the Royal Academy of Dance. I regularly perform in community-wide events, like the Flagstaff Festival of Science and the Flagtsaff Symphony Orchestra’s production of The Nutcracker. I am enrolled in both French and Spanish college courses and involved in my school’s Model UN Club. I am very passionate about our country’s politics and I am interested in pursuing a career in law or international relations in the future. Outside of school and ballet, I love to backpack with my family, ski, and rock climb. I am also an avid reader, piano player, and world traveler. As a member of the AZ Youth Arts Council, I will commission multiple new student-oriented projects, highlighting Navajo and Hopi culture, social justice, and many of the environmental issues Arizona is struggling from in the face of climate change. While I do want to support art that will make a statement in our community, I also just want to help young artists find places in which they can share and celebrate their creativity.


Jesús Galaviz Arreguín
AZ YAC Youth Coordinator
Flagstaff, AZ

I am an education student with an emphasis in choral music. I am originally from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, and consider inner-city Phoenix, Arizona my second home. I am always thinking about how systemic oppression is present and how we can use art to dismantle it. Being an arts advocate means, among many things, analyzing where art is present and who has access to it. As a RE:FRAME Youth Arts Center board member, I hope to encourage young people of diverse backgrounds to engage in collaborative art-making and activism, so that we can be more aware of our history, use art as a method of healing, and express love to ourselves and others.

Zoya Page
Maricopa County
She/Her

I believe that my greatest strength is always my endless curiosity. A four year old always asks “Why?” to everything around them, and I still as a young woman share this beautiful curiosity. I am always willing to know the answer to everything, no matter what kind of answer I get. If I do not believe or fully understand the response I am given, I will go out of my way and stop at nothing to understand why something is the way it is. I am not only curious but I cannot stand to watch something I do not believe is right happen in front of me. This combination I have means that every day I learn and I am constantly faced with moral dilemmas when uncomfortable truths are revealed. Because of this I am very proactive: if I learn about a problem, I will immediately change my ways and try my hardest to help people not make the same mistakes because I only ever want good for everyone no matter what, I value the truth more than anything. It is true that ignorance is bliss and sometimes I have felt tempted to just close my eyes and not pay attention to a situation because it is difficult. But, I cannot let that happen although it is easy. Because of these qualities I would love to pursue school the longest I can so that I can always ask people “Why?” and get some answers. I feel as though my heart belongs to the protection of our Earth’s lands because I can not stand by as lands are stripped of the rights that they should possess. I will be attending NAU in the fall, majoring in environmental science and sustainability!


Ruchi Ukhade
Maricopa County
She/Her

Hi! My name is Ruchi Ukhade. I am currently a Senior at Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Phoenix, AZ. I like to experiment and learn new and innovative ways to express my art and ideas. I like using multiple materials for my art. Since my early days, I have tried my hands at jewelry making and creating craft and functioning products from recycled material. I have also used watercolor, pen, charcoal, chalk pastel, acrylic color, etc. to create drawings, paintings and murals, but I enjoy watercolor and ink the most. Currently, I am serving as President of Teen Artist Guild, a program sponsored by the Phoenix Center for the Arts to provide a forum for teens to explore visual art opportunities. I also received the “Phoenix Mayor’s Arts Award” in the “Young Artist” category in October 2019.


Caroline Wu
Pinal County
She/Her

Caroline Wu has been musically involved her whole life, beginning on the piano when she was 4 years old and the oboe at the age of 10. The 17-year-old has participated at world-renowned international camps and festivals, including Interlochen Arts Camp, Hidden Valley Music Seminars, Idyllwild Arts Camp, and Domaine Forget. She has been principal oboe of the Youth Symphony of the Southwest, Arizona Music Educators Association All-State Band, 2018 National Association for Music Education’s All-National Honor Symphony Orchestra, and 2019 MusicforAll Honor Orchestra of America. Among numerous awards and recognitions, Caroline is also currently principal oboe of Phoenix Youth Symphony.Caroline now studies oboe with ASU professor Martin Schuring and piano with Walter Cosand. In addition to extracurriculars, she is a member of her school’s Future Business Leaders of America and Clean-Up Committee, president of their National Honor Society, and drum major of her school marching band.


Sedona Ortega
Yavapai County
She/Her

My name is Sedona Ortega. I am a 15 year old student at Tri-City College Prep High School in Prescott. I am part of the student council at my school and I love getting involved in issues that affect my entire community. I am an active volunteer for local organizations that tackle issues affecting the environment, education, the arts and teens. Additionally, the performing arts have always been a very important part of my life. I’ve been a part of many community theatre productions, worked with film and photography, played piano for 10 years, and danced since I could stand. I have recently started playing the drums and ukulele as well. From 2016-2018 I was a member of AEvium dance company and performed in both Portland, Oregon as well as my home base in Prescott. I was the youngest person to take part in a Fellowship Arts Residency at The Playa, in Summerlake, Oregon. Most recently, I performed in a site-specific, farm-to-table performance called rhizeHOME. I am an optimistic, dedicated artist, and I look forward to Supporting the arts in Arizona by serving on the youth advisory council.


Jessica Rubio
Cochise County

She/Her

My name is Jessica A. Rubio, 16 years old currently a junior in Douglas High School, living with my mom and three siblings. I am a dancer and have participated in numerous shows, competitions and events. I work with youths and young adults, helping them with their techniques and team work. I love getting to meet new people always, I feel great when I have the chance to help people and the community as well. I am a very active girl and very involved in the community, overall, always looking to have fun and make new memories!


Jesús Galaviz Arreguín
Maricopa County

He/Him

I am an education student with an emphasis in choral music. I am originally from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, and consider inner-city Phoenix, Arizona my second home. I am always thinking about how systemic oppression is present and how we can use art to dismantle it. Being an arts advocate means, among many things, analyzing where art is present and who has access to it. As a RE:FRAME Youth Arts Center board member, I hope to encourage young people of diverse backgrounds to engage in collaborative art-making and activism, so that we can be more aware of our history, use art as a method of healing, and express love to ourselves and others.


Clara Kinlinchee
Apache County

She/Her

I am a strong and optimistic person. I’ve always had a realistic outlook on the world. My friends say I’m smart, Deeply caring, and Inspiring. I’ll always strive for my goals and what I want in life, extremely talkative and very friendly. I’m very open minded and Charismatic. I enjoy being creative and making art that depicts my life. My favorite things would have to be food, drawing, listening to music, and watching anime. I’m proud to be part of the Navajo Nation and to be 100% Native American.


Stephanie Garcia
Pima County

She/Her

I’m currently a junior in high school. I’m involved with band and technical theater and currently hold an internship at a youth center helping middle schoolers develop schools in theater and the tech that comes with it. I used to dance folklorico for five years and it was something I was and am passionate about. I like to consider myself a hard working, dedicated, and goal oriented person. If I have an idea, I like to go through it as far as I can. When I fail, I always try to get back on the horse and continue trying until I can accomplish it. My family is very supportive in what I do and always encourages me to do better every day. I love the process of planning things. Connecting the dots that lead to something big at the end. I’m also very social so working with others works great for me.


Amber Wisely
Mohave County

She/Her

I have lived in Kingman all my life, I started performing in front of live audiences in the 9th grade and ever since then I haven’t stopped, I’m currently in 11th grade. I’ve been in 7 productions and have done state competitions as well. I do theatre at my school and in my community. I love performing and learning about theatre and can’t wait to learn even more as I continue. I love to sing, dance, and act. I always have something I’m doing that involves the arts and love to be a part of as many things as possible.