Who's Next: 30 young creatives painting the city with the arts
Candace McPhillips
Here they are: 30 emerging Phoenix-area leaders in the arts who make up the Who's Next: Arts list.
Who's Next is a monthly recognition program showcasing influencers in a different field each month. This list of young creatives is inspiring the city in artistic ways, from dancers and actors to ceramicists and painters.
The number of nominees was impressive, and ultimately we had to make some tough choices. If you or your nominee didn't make the list, look for the call for our Who's Next: Design nominees in a couple of months.
For November, we're recognizing up-and-comers in our exploding food scene. Nominate yourself or someone else at whosnext.azcentral.com. Deadline: Nov. 3.
MICHAEL AFSA
Artist, Phoenix, michaelafsa.com
Connect: Instagram
Michael Afsa is a sculptor who creates abstract interpretations of nature using simple geometric forms, materials, textures and colors. His nominator said Afsa's sculptures "encapture the delicate beauty of our natural surroundings while creating unique tension with the materials he uses." While Afsa is helping shape the arts scene here in the Phoenix area, he has also produced work for clients including The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, Norweigan Cruise Lines and Soho Myriad.
RICKY ARAIZA
Artistic director, Teatro Bravo, Phoenix, teatrobravo.org
Connect: Teatro Bravo on Facebook
As artistic director for Teatro Bravo, Ricky Araiza helps produce the theater's plays in both Spanish and English that paint a full picture of U.S. Latino and Latin American populations in Arizona. His nominator said Araiza is an "important voice" in the theater community. Araiza himself said it is his personal mission to "elevate the voices of the disenfranchised in my community. Artistry and creativity no longer belong alone in the confines of a theatre or museum."
CARSON BILGER
Artist, Phoenix, carsonbilger.com
Carson Bilger is a painter who focuses on western landscapes using shape and color. His nominator said Bilger's work is "bold, graphic and colorful" and turns the landscapes into "modern interpretations." Bilger's art has been shown at Xanadu Gallery, Newton and Central Arts Plazas. Bilger also shares his talent with students at Chaparral High School as an art teacher.
TENIQUA BROUGHTON
Chairperson, Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission
Connect: LinkedIn
Teniqua Broughton works to incorporate art in different facets of the community, from education to funding to public art. From her nominator: "Teniqua's remarkable ability to understand the politcial process, facilitate planning and equip other arts leaders for success makes Teniqua truly unique." She is also a trustee with the Western States Arts Federation and works locally with Act One Foundation, Free Arts Arizona, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Black Theatre Troupe and ASU Gammage.
BRITTANY BUTLER
Artist/Marketing director Oasis on Grand, Artlink, artlinkphx.org
A lot of Brittany Butler's work for the Phoenix arts community is done behind the scenes. Butler has been a big part of Oasis on Grand Ave. since its beginning, responsible for the art and artists. On the board of Artlink, she's working to bring an affordable artist housing project called ArtsSpace. From her nominator: "Brittany has a can do spirit and is always volunteering to help. She helps make the arts scene run and what it's become today."
ANGEL CASTRO
Artistic director, HALO Movement Collective, Phoenix, halomovementcollective.com
Connect: Twitter, Instagram
As a dancer himself, Angel Castro wanted to create more performance opportunities in Arizona. He created HALO Movement Collective, which "fuses dance, visual arts and fashion to create unique evening length performances" and has grown to 17 members. Castro recently launched a mentor and scholarship program that gives one year of free dance classes to dancers in high school and college, as well as a mentor at HALO who helps them experience the operations of a professional dance company. Castro said he hopes to "cultivate the next generation of performers and dance entrepreneurs."
ANTOINETTE CAULEY
Artist, Phoenix, antoinettecauleyart.com
Antoinette Cauley found her calling with a sketchbook and now works to help others find their talent as well. Her nominator said Cauley is a "staple in the young community teaching children and young adults to find their passion and chase their dreams." A full-time artist, Cauley also volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club and teaches youth art classes. From her website: "Antoinette's work is very reflective of her city - the gritty and the beautiful" with an "emotionally driven message."
JENNA DALBEY
Program director, cellist, Tetra String Quartet, Tempe, tetraquartet.org
Connect: Instagram, LinkedIn
Jenna Dalbey is a co-founder of Tetra String Quartet, an organization that connects performance and public service. Her nominator said this work has "helped redefine the role of chamber music in today's society" and that Dalbey is "committed to making Arizona better through music." Dalbey also co-created Azure Family Concerts, which are free performances for children with autism and their families. In addition, Dalbey teaches private cello lessons for youth.
DANIEL DAVISSON
CEO, Davisson Entertainment, Phoenix, davissonentertainment.com
If you've been to see a live theater or dance production in the Valley, you've probably seen Davisson's lighting designs, his nominator said. He has done work for Phoenix Theatre, Theaterworks, Valley Youth Theatre and more. In addition, Davisson is the production stage manager and lighting designer for Scorpius Dance Theatre and Conder Dance, as well as the production manager for Center Dance Ensemble, Southwest Shakespeare and Ballet Etudes. Davisson has won six ariZoni award of excellence for his work. He founded his company Davisson Entertainment with a mission to "cultivate and expose local art and artists."
CONNOR DESCHEEMAKER
Community planning coordinator, Local First Arizona, localfirstaz.com
With roots in arts and culture, Connor Descheemaker works to "bridge gaps between neighborhoods and industries to support and expand cultural equity in the Valley." In his current position, Descheemaker focuses on urban planning and the For(u)m program (which he founded directly out of college) hoping to build and maintain a diverse arts community with all ages in mind. He has previously done work for Icehouse, Artlink Phoenix, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Roosevelt Row CDC and more. He also currently helps manage The Trunk Space and does work with Modified Arts.
DANIEL FUNKHOUSER
Scottsdale Public Art, Scottsdale, scottsdalepublicart.org
In his day job, Daniel Funkhouser is an art handler for Scottsdale Public Art where he installs and maintains artwork around the city. An artist himself, Funkhouser works in various mediums and has had his artwork displayed in both individual and group exhibitions. His artwork has also been commissioned for temporary displays at Phoenix Art Museum, Artel, Curator Engine and others.
LILIANA GOMEZ
Dancer, choreographer, Phoenix, lilianagomezdance.weebly.com
Connect: Instagram,LinkedIn
Bringing dance to "the streets," Liliana Gomez has "committed herself to bringing dance as an art form to the community." She has performed at The Rio Salado, Phoenix Public Library, Heard Museum, The Tucson Global Justice Center and multiple other venues. Her work earned her Stylos Artist of the Year in 2013 and the Phoenix Mayor's Arts Award in Dance. Gomez also helped produce Phoenix's first BlakTina Dance Festival, which "gives focus to Black and Latina choreographers, primarily focusing on contemporary dance."
STACEY GORDON
Owner, Puppet Pie, Phoenix, puppetpie.com
When Stacey Gordon is not in her own puppet studio holding workshops or building puppets, she can be found on Sesame Street playing Julia. The character is the show's first with autism, something that hits close to home for Gordon, whose son has autism. Gordon started her work with puppets in high school and hasn't stopped since. She has performed with the Great Arizona Puppet Theater and other various comedy troupes around the area.
KATE HAAS
Actor, Teaching artist, Childsplay, Tempe, childsplayaz.org
Connect: Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
Kate Haas is an artist with Childsplay, where she works to "connect what happens onstage with what audiences are experiencing in their own lives and studies." She has also worked professionally with Phoenix Theatre, Stray Cat and Actors' Theatre of Phoenix. Haas has performed at many schools and enjoys sharing her work with a younger generation with hopes of integrating arts into the school curriculum to help students become well-rounded individuals. Her nominator said Haas is "a dedicated artist who understands her responsibility to the story, her fellow artists and to her audience."
CHRIS HAMBY
Producing artistic director, Theater Works, Peoria, theaterworks.org
Chris Hamby originally started at Theater Works as the youth and education director where he helped establish and grow its youth programs. He created Puppet Works, which is a season of puppet shows for a younger audience and a way to train young adult puppeteers. Before Theater Works, Hamby co-founded Vagabond Youth Theater and continues to "dedicate his life and career to furthering arts in Arizona."
LAUREN HENSCHEN
Deputy director, Phoenix Center for the Arts, Phoenix, phoenixcenterforthearts.org
As deputy director, Henschen oversees marketing, sales and events for Phoenix Center of the Arts and her nominator said Henschen "can articulate the balance of making great art and running a good business." Henschen said she "plans to make an impact on the community, by advancing appreciation and valuation for the arts, and by advocating for the very tangible benefits the arts bring."
WILL HIGHTOWER
Founder, Theatre Think Tank, Glendale, Theatre Think Tank on Facebook
Will Hightower founded Theatre Think Tank "to further connections between theater companies" and working with actors "to find ways to further develop their skills and care for themselves." His work in the arts community is varied, working on everything as an actor, teacher, donor, mentor, advocate and more. Hightower is also the board president at Stray Cat Theatre and a board member for the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network. Hightower said he calls for "the shift from 'starving artist' to the idea of 'artists as stakeholders.'"
NAYON IOVINO
Dancer and choreographer, Ballet Arizona, Phoenix, balletaz.org
Nayon Iovino's dance careers dates back to when he started training in Brazil at 10 years old. Iovino joined Ballet Arizona in 2012 and has since performed in lead roles and choreographed multiple productions. Iovino also danced with Houston Ballet II, The Washington Ballet and was a guest artist with Terra Brazil. Throughout the years, Iovino has been recognized for his work. He was a finalist at the 2008 Youth America Grand Prix, the bronze medalist at the 2009 Youth America Grand Prix and the gold medalist at World Ballet Competition in 2012.
LUCY MULLIGAN
Owner, iDance Studio and Performing Arts, Gilbert, idancestudioaz.com
Lucy Mulligan opened iDance Studio and Performing Arts in Gilbert as a way to share with others her passion and expertise for dance through teaching. Since its creation, the studio has received awards and accolades and students have received scholarships for conventions and competitions. The studio was also invited to the Dance Ideas Seminar, a national event involving top industry professionals.
LISA OLSON
Owner, Practical Art, Phoenix, practical-art.com
Before becoming the owner of Practical Art, Lisa Olson spent three years working as a photojournalist for the East Valley Tribune. Today, Olson works to "improve Phoenix through interaction of the arts" and offers classes and events that "support community engagement with artists and nonprofits." She also continues her own photography and has had exhibits at Practical Art, Modified Arts and Chaos Theory.
PHILLIP PAYNE
Co-owner and artist, Desert Mountain Fine Art, Phoenix, desertmountainfineart.com
At a young age, Phillip Payne started working with arts and even sold his first sculpture as a young teenager. Payne and his wife, Gabi, opened their gallery, Desert Mountain Fine Art, with a "mission to change the way we perceive art." Payne believes arts has a significant purpose and impact in our lives and wants to use the gallery almost like a cultural center to "educate the community on the stories behind the art, use art as a conversation starter and as a way to bring people together."
DIEGO PEREZ
Artist, Tempe, Diego Perez on Facebook
Diego Perez has been in Arizona for only two years, but has made a splash in the local arts scene. He is the featured artist at FOUND:RE Phoenix hotel and the Broadstone Arts apartment complex. He was also chosen as the youngest team member of the Valley Metro "Public Art for South Central Extension Project" designing art for the Central Avenue and Broadway Road station. Perez's Mexican-American art leaves behind the traditional and focuses on modern symbolism through humor.
LYDIA QUINONES
Artist, Phoenix, az-artisanscollective.com
Lydia Quinones does her research before she starts her work. Quinones' work is representative of the Yaqui art scene, and she said she combines both Yaqui and Chinese culture to "acknowledge a cultural union." Quinones said her works "open a dialogue about the history of Arizona minorities as well as the recognition of female Yaqui artists."
SHANA SCHWARZ
Owner, Nerdy Girl Approved, Gilbert
Connect: Twitter
Earlier this year, Shana Schwarz opened Nerdy Girl Approved after taking time to finish and publish her own novels. She has since published the first two books under the Nerdy Girl Approved brand with 11 more in the works. The series, Flavors of the Month, is a romance series based in Arizona. Schwarz previously worked for a number of years for newspapers and magazines before becoming a publisher and novelist.
GAVIN SISSON
Assistant Director, Scorpius Dance Theatre, Phoenix, scorpiusdance.com
Gavin Sisson joined Scorpius Dance Theatre in 2011 after spending time dancing in companies in New York City and St. Louis. Sisson used his talents in aerial dance to also become the aerial trainer, helping incorporate silks, lyra and trapeze in most of the theater's performances. He is also a drag performer, having debuted as "Stella" two years ago in a Scorpius production.
Co-founding artistic Director, Rising Youth Theatre and Development Director, Childsplay, Tempe, risingyouththeatre.org and childsplayaz.org
In her current roles, Sarah Sullivan said she wears "a lot of hats" and her responsibilities include director, writer, educator and more. She is passionate about working with youth and wants to make sure their voices are heard. Giving them a platform through the arts for important issues, Sullivan works to "engage our community in positive and powerful change." Through all of her roles, Sullivan said she is a community member and that her work centers around Arizona and the Phoenix area.
MANDY TRIPOLI
Director of community-engaged practice, Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, mesaartscenter.com
Six years ago, the Mesa Arts Center didn't have an engagement department. Mandy Tripoli changed that. In her role at the center, Tripoli puts together more than 550 events around the Valley each year that have gained both local and national attention. Her nominator said Tripoli is "making huge strides in the field of arts engagement" and that she "constantly empowers artists and teachers of all ages to create their own story through arts experiences."
XANTHIA WALKER
Co-founding Artistic Director, Rising Youth Theatre, Tempe, risingyouththeatre.org
Xanthia Walker co-founded Rising Youth Theatre with Sarah Sullivan in 2011 and recently became the theater's first paid staff member. Her roles include a variety of different responsibilities and Walker works on being a director, facilitator, educator and more. She said she is "interested as an artist in shaking up notions of what art is, who art is for and who gets to make great art." Walker is passionate about letting young people's voices be heard and the theater works to share and create stories that revolve around issues impacting them.
MATT WELTER
Photographer, ASU student, Tempe, mattwelter.com
A digital-culture film student at Arizona State University, Matt Welter is taking his talents outside the classroom to the Phoenix area. Welter has always been interested in film and photography and he said he doesn't plan on giving this up anytime soon. He has done work for Local Wolves magazine, Fossil Watch, Pura Vida bracelets and more. His nominator said "many in the community can't wait to see what he's able to achieve" after getting his degree and Welter said he is "growing and getting better with my work."
PASHA YAMOTAHARI
Associate Producing Director, Phoenix Theatre, Phoenix, phoenixtheatre.com
At Phoenix Theatre, one of Pasha Yamotahari's main projects is working to increase the Partners that Heal program. His nominator said Yamotahari's "leadership and understanding of the powerful impact that improv and personal interaction can have on healthcare and healing has taken the program to new levels." Yamotahari is a producer, director and artist, and is passionate about working for the oldest arts organization in Arizona. He has a "strong belief in our flourishing city and state's influence on a national scale in numerous fields" and strives to bring the arts to more people in Arizona.