Kathy Knecht
Executive Director
Kathy Knecht has been a community leader in the West Valley for more than two decades, having started her community involvement with Leadership West and the West Valley Arts Council. Kathy loves engaging with people. Serving our region and working to enhance communities with arts and culture are her passions. While she is not an artist herself, she's a patron and appreciator, and brings her experience as an entrepreneur and nonprofit leader to the role of Director.
Daisy Brady
Gallery Manager
Daisy is a trained fine artist and designer with over 35 years in the retail and design industry. A graduate from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Art, she designed merchandise displays for Hallmark and sold her handmade jewelry in boutiques across the Chicagoland area. At the age of 22, she was a Public Relations Account Executive and Special Event Coordinator in Chicago, representing major retail magnates, and working with national and international media.
After relocating to Arizona in 2001, Daisy raised a family and worked as a Kitchen Designer for Home Depot (10 years) as an Interior Designer and CAD designer of kitchens, offices, bathrooms, and laundry rooms; Jewelry Design Instructor and Crochet Instructor for Michaels (10 years) specializing in wire wrapping, bead weaving, crimping, et al; Feature Writer for West Valley Real Producers Realtor Trade Magazine (2 years); and a guest teacher with the Arts Academy at West Point Elementary (12 Years). As an active arts advocate with students, she created the costumes, props, and scenery for their school musicals, promotional signage, special event decorations, and was a multi-disciplined Boy Scout merit badge counselor and Marketing Coordinator.
Since 2021, Daisy has been the Gallery Manager and Curator for the West Valley Arts Council's Arts HQ Gallery in Surprise, Arizona. Using her retail, woodworking, merchandising, and marketing skills, she also helps emerging artists market themselves and creates custom merchandise displays as needed. She is an accomplished sustainable artist in her own right, and has had her Etsy shop, Distinctly Daisy, since 2009 specializing in wire-wrapped jewelry and crochet. Daisy is a multi-faceted artist preferring to work in wood, watercolor, acrylic, wire, and sculpture.
Lanelle Horstmeier
Marketing Director
Lanelle plays a pivotal role as marketing director, using her expertise to promote a diverse range of events and special programs. With a keen eye for detail, Lanelle works with various partners, artists, and vendors to promote the Arts HQ gallery exhibits as well as local performances and creative services, ensuring the community knows about the many arts and cultural offerings in the West Valley. She enjoys fostering a collaborative environment that brings people together through a shared love of the arts.
With a background in marketing and graphic design, Lanelle combines her creative skills with extensive experience working for non-profit organizations. Before joining the West Valley Arts Council, Lanelle worked with Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, where she dedicated herself to helping thousands of women in Arizona transform their lives through education, guidance, and support. She is also an entrepreneur, and runs a successful print-on-demand business. Her passion lies in empowering others to create their own paths to success, leaving a meaningful impact on both their lives and the community.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Lanelle is a passionate painter and writer who enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, and learning new creative skills. A proud mom of four and an Idaho native, she shares her home with three adorable pet rats (lovingly referred to as "pocket puppies"). Lanelle also has a deep appreciation for music and theater that fuels her dedication to enriching the arts community in the West Valley.
Jimmy Davis
Programs Administrator
Jimmy Davis is fueled by a passion for the performing arts, community engagement, and education. As a gifted performing artist, vocalist and pianist, he captivates audiences with his exceptional talents. Recognizing the healing power of the arts, Jimmy is dedicated to making artistic expression accessible to all. He shares his profound love for the arts through his work as a music educator and theater director. Jimmy teaches voice, piano, choir, general music and musical theater. Jimmy believes the arts heal and strives to bring the arts to everyone.
The arts aren’t the only way Jimmy shares his gifts with the word, he possesses a deep-rooted commitment to his community. In October of 2020, Jimmy was appointed to the Tolleson City Council, and his commitment and passion for public service were recognized by the community when he was elected to the seat in August of 2022, then again with his appointment as Vice-Mayor in October of 2024. Jimmy has brought his brand of compassionate leadership to the City of Tolleson, spearheading the Tolleson Initiative for the Arts (TIA), and promoting inclusive policy that promotes equity. Jimmy is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space for all.
Jimmy’s commitment to community goes beyond the City Council as he has devoted his time and efforts to various civic endeavors including:
AZGV Volleyball Association- Serves as Commissioner on Board of Directors
Tolleson Trust Coalition- Serves as Board Member
Jimmy Davis is an extraordinary individual whose outstanding talents as a performing artist, vocalist, pianist, and music educator are matched only by his unwavering dedication to community service, advocacy, and education. Through his numerous roles and endeavors, Jimmy continues to make a lasting impact on the west valley and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he encounters.
Jimmy joined the West Valley Arts Council team in 2024 as Programs Administrator after serving on the Board of Directors since May of 2021.
