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.

Apply Now to serve on the 2025-26 AZ Youth Arts Council!

The Arizona Commission on the Arts invites teen creatives to join the AZ Youth Arts Council to ensure that Arizona’s youth perspective is heard in arts programming and policy.

Who Are We?

We’re an agency of the State of Arizona dedicated to creating opportunities for all Arizonans to participate in and experience the arts.

Who Are You?

You’re a creative, passionate, community-minded Arizonan, age 14-19.

AZ Youth Arts Council Members Will…

  • 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
  • Help administer the Creative Youth Grant to young people throughout Arizona
  • 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

Apply Now!

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Applications must be submitted by July 25, 2025.

The Arts Commission will announce those selected to join the AZ Youth Arts Council the week of August 25, 2025. The council’s first online meeting will be held in October 2025 and continue monthly through May 2026.

2025-26 AZ Youth Arts Council

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Katheryn Chan
(she/her)

Chandler

My name is Katheryn (Katie) Chan, a sophomore at Hamilton High School. I draw inspiration from art through music, writing, and speaking, using my poems and short stories to advocate for social justice and uplift marginalized communities. I regularly perform piano at senior homes across the Valley, and, as Vice President of the 8 Foundation, coordinate classical music performances for senior homes. As the founder of the nonprofit VOICES4All, I lead a team of coaches in providing free speech and debate education to Title I schools in Arizona, and we’ve also partnered with the AZ ACLU to advance social justice. I aspire to study policy and expand access to the arts for all Arizona youth!

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Lennox Charley
(he/they)

Kayenta

Hello My name is Lennox Charley, I’m a transgender musician from the Navajo county of Arizona. This year I’ll be representing Monument Valley High School of Kayenta Arizona. I’m pleased to be a part of the AZ Youth Arts Council program thanks to my ability to play and write music on multiple musical instruments.

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Jojo Copp
(he/him)

Yuma

Jojo is a Studio Art Major at Arizona Western College in Yuma, AZ, working to go to Northern Arizona University for Art Education to be an Art Teacher! He loves to create and give others opportunities he didn’t get to have at their age, things like selling in local events and presenting in gallery’s. He hopes to bring more art opportunities to high schools and teach people that everything is art and you don’t have to stay in a strict style to create art!

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Arin Howard

Tucson

I enjoy art and find it an everyday hobby of mine, ever since I was little! I’ve experimented with many different styles and love the experience overall!

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Elaine Huang

Gilbert

My name is Elaine Huang, and I am a junior at Hamilton High School. I have been a visual artist for most of my life, focusing on painting and drawing in various styles. Much of my work explores human emotion and storytelling and often draws inspiration from everyday experiences. I enjoy sharing my love for art by using it as a way to educate the community and help young people express their creativity. I’m excited to join the AZ Youth Arts Council and support opportunities for youth to grow through the arts!

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Olesya James
(she/her)

Flagstaff

Hello! My name is Olesya James, I am currently in 10th grade and attending ASU prep. I live in Flagstaff, Arizona, with my mom and dad. I have an older brother who is away at college. I love to draw, write, knit, and learn various other things. I am glad to be a part of AZ Youth Council!

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Struvee  Kitcheyan

San Carlos

“My name is Struvee Kitcheyan, and I am from the San Carlos Apache Reservation. I graduated from San Carlos High School and will soon continue my education at Rome City Institute, majoring in Philosophy. I love writing poetry and fiction, and I’ve held leadership roles in my area that made me realize I love to help people I look forward to making a difference and speaking out on social issues and supporting those interested in the arts “

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Tanvi  Kulshreshtha
(she/her)

Scottsdale

Hi, I’m Tanvi Kulshreshtha, a junior at BASIS Phoenix. I serve as NAEA Student Council Ambassador for the Pacific Region and President of NAHS/NJAHS, where I get to bring together my love for art and leadership. I was honored to be recognized for my leadership in the NAEA Winter Edition Magazine and Newsletter. The arts have always been at the core of who I am, whether it’s painting, sketching, graphic design, or even playing piano. I’ve led projects ranging from interactive murals and community garden benches to Empty Bowls fundraisers and senior home art workshops, always with the goal of making art more accessible and meaningful. I’m honored to serve my community on the council this year!

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Alix “Lila” Meinecke
(they/he)

Tucson

I’m Alix, a 17-year-old artist living in Tucson. Using art to curate spaces of community expression and knowledge is very important to me. Growing up in Tucson, the local art scene has truly allowed me to thrive and I believe it can do so for others too.

Avahline Mohr

Avahline Mohr

Thatcher

Hello! My name is Avahline Mohr, and I’m a current resident of Graham County. I enjoy reading, writing, fashion design, acting, listening to music, and watching movies. I’m passionate about bringing my community together through the appreciation and creation of art.

Clara Spencer
(she/her)

Prescott

My name is Clara Spencer. I’m 14 and a freshman at Prescott High School. I’ve been studying piano for 9 years and cello for 5. I enjoy interior design and painting. In 2023 and 2024 I placed 1st in my division in the Northern AZ Piano Competition. I’ve participated in the Flagstaff Piano Academy, Prescott Center For the Arts Youth Scholarship Competition, AZ Federation of Music Clubs, and Chapparal Chamber Music Workshop. I’m the backstage manager for the AZ Philharmonic. My painting was featured in a Mountain Artists Guild youth art show. I’m excited to collaborate with the AZYAC in bringing arts opportunities to AZ youth.

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Leslie Valdez

Kingman

Hello, I’m currently a senior at Kingman High School. My passions include music, painting, and theater. I explore these passions in any ways I can. I am always looking for new music to analyze. I take any painting classes available in my community. Lastly, I work and contribute with my city’s community theater. Creative arts have always been in my life. My goal is to make it possible for kids my age and younger to experience the arts and all it has to offer.

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Miranda  Vega
(she/her)

Casa Grande 

Hi! I’m Miranda Vega! Just a little about me, I obviously love art and have been creating since I was very young. I am also involved heavily with the CGUHS Band program! While not pursuing art directly for my college life, I still value it enough to keep it in my life and encourage others to give it a try.

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Lily Charley Kayenta

Hello, My name is Lily Charley or Lennox. I enjoy drawing and animating. But I’m known for playing in MVHS advance guitar class and playing other string instruments. Such as the guitar, ukulele, and the banjo.

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Sallie Choi Globe

My name is Sallie Choi and I’m a sophomore in high school. Between playing bass, musical theater, and writing, the arts have always been significant in my life. Outside of reading Frank O’Hara and journaling, I like to perform bass at open mics and craft with my friends. I’ve also been learning how to produce music and play the drums on the side. I’ve been helping run creative workshops out on the Reservation and at local schools for a few years now, motivated by the goal of spreading an interest in art. This has led me to the AZ Youth Arts Council, so I’m looking forward to making a difference in my community–and state–through the arts.

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Ashton Dolce Phoenix

“My name is Ashton, and I am a 12th-grade student attending BASIS Scottsdale. My interest in art stems from creating murals in my school and creating action art to support the Phoenix youth climate movement. I serve on the board of my school’s National Art Honor Society where I helped start the first three mural projects bringing color and creativity to once bare walls. In my free time, I enjoy creative pursuits like painting and printmaking. I also love to bake tarts, croissants, and other chocolate bakes.

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Robyn Foley Tempe

My name is Robyn Foley and I am a freshman at Arizona School for the Arts. I am a multidisciplinary performing artist. I am a percussionist in my school’s band and percussion ensemble, a choral singer who has participated in both regional and national ACDA honor choirs, a performer at various local youth theaters, and dancer at Ballet Theatre of Phoenix. Performing arts bring me so much joy, and as a council member, I hope to share that joy with other young people in Arizona.

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Archana Gurudu Phoenix

My name is Archana Gurudu, a junior at Paradise Valley High School. As a visual artist, I enjoy using oil, acrylic, and drawing media to achieve a loose realistic style in my work. Engaging with art organizations across Phoenix has given me the opportunity to recognize the valuable intersection between the arts and the development, resilience, and self-expression of youth. I look forward to advocating for equal access to the arts and learning from the diverse perspectives of our council members this year!

ImageShea Lee Chandler

My name is Shea Lee, and I am a senior at BASIS Chandler. My passions include using music to connect with different populations, such as youth with disabilities and employing visual arts as a way of educating the community on health issues. Art and music have always influenced my life by teaching me not only how to interact with others but also how to lead and connect with those who share similar passions as me. My goal is to educate young people on how to express themselves through the arts and use their talents to advocate for and give back to their communities. I am excited to serve on the AZ Youth Arts Council this year and continue making a positive impact in our community!

ImageCarlos Madrid Tucson

Hi my name is Carlos Madrid, I’m a senior at University High School in Tucson, Arizona. For me art has always been a big part of my life from dance, to music, to artwork. I have a passion for learning about different cultures artworks, and traditions. I have aspirations of eventually becoming a museum curator focusing on Latin American Artwork. I’m so excited to represent my community of Southern Arizona on the Youth Arts Council.

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Adam Michelson Kingman

I am an onstage performer with years of experience in acting, singing, dancing, and improvisation. I have been in dozens of plays and other productions from the local Beale Street Theater community, so I am knowledgeable about how to organize and execute a community play.

ImageSavannah Molenar Yuma

Hi! My name is Savannah Molenar! I am 17 years old and a senior in high school. I am the Student Body President, the National Honors Society Vice President, and a member of the Veterans Heritage Club. My whole life I have grown up surrounded by artists and creative people, and I have a deep passion for the arts. Specifically, I enjoy working with ceramics and textile arts. I am excited to represent Yuma and to make a difference in the Arizona Youth Arts Council!

ImageDahlin Mungkieatskul Ajo

Hi, my name is Dahlin. Currently, I am in GED and I just turned 18! I dabbled in drawing when I was younger and love writing poetry, but what I am pursuing the most is jewelry making and pottery. I learned metalsmithing in a beginner’s jewelry class in 2023 at Mesa High and am studying pottery at my local studio. I am very nervous and excited to be part of the AZ Youth Arts Council. I live in a small town with fewer resources, I am working on starting my own jewelry business, and would honestly love to learn more forms of art. There is so much I want to learn not only for myself to grow as an artist, but also for the difference I hope I can create with my community and the art community.

ImageImani-Love Riggs Tucson

Imani-Love Riggs is a visual artist specializing in watercolor on paper and acrylic on canvas. She is an High School student at Compass High School in Tucson, Arizona, where she practices Woodworking and Fashion Design. She enjoys baking cakes, skating, and making art. As an artist, she continues to submit work into art shows and she plans to study Real Estate as one of her future endeavors.

ImageAva Rios Flagstaff

My name is Ava Rios! I’m a sophomore in high school and I love theater and the performing arts! I love to sing and act and I love to be on stage! The stage is my home and when I’m participating in a show I feel so welcome and loved. My love for the performing arts is never ending and My goal is to share that love with everyone!!

ImageBlanca Velasco Somerton

Hello :D! My name is Blanca. I’m 15 years old and attending Kofa high school. I am originally from Mexico but moved to Arizona some time ago. The art I do includes digital, traditional, felting, theater, and writing. I’m also very into fashion design, and sculpting. For me, art has always been a way to express and depict any thoughts or ideas in a way which is visually appealing or interesting. I, with certainty, believe that anything is art as long as it holds a genuine meaning to the artist. I am excited and looking forward to working alongside my fellow youth art council members.

ImageClarice Villanueva Prescott

“My name is Clarice Villanueva and I’m a senior at Prescott High School. A couple of years ago I requested a set of watercolors on a whim thinking it might be fun to give it a whirl. I instantly fell in love with the medium and I continue to explore and grow in my discovery of art, not just in watercolor, but in all my artistic endeavors. I make an effort to experiment with natural light and my goal is to instill a sense of life and soul into every piece I create. My community has given me many opportunities and shown a lot of support in my artistic journey and I would love to return the favor. I look forward to helping promote art engagement in Arizona with the AZ Youth Arts Council.

ImageKeeshaun Young Phoenix

As a hopeful contributor to my community, I envision making significant impacts on those around me. I believe the world can improve, and I’m determined to advocate for that progress. Art, in its beauty, serves as a powerful means of expression and a catalyst for change.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

ImageOlivia 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.

ImageJordan 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.

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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!

ImageAddie 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.

ImageMolly 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.

ImageMateo 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.

ImageStephanie 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.

ImageNathan 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.

ImageSaomy 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.

ImageJaden 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!