Meet The Team

Michael Denson

Executive Director

Michael earned his Master of Arts in Innovation and Leadership from Kilns College and his Bachelor of Arts in Photography from The College of Santa Fe. Michael has 13 years of combined experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and development of innovative programs and experiences. He honed his skills and knowledge through his work for The Rag Collection and Food for the Hungry, Valley non-profit organizations serving the youth, and the marginalized and disadvantaged. His experience as an artist, advocator, and leader in the arts sector has given him keen insight and desire for seeing communities transform through the power of the arts. As Executive Director, Michael focuses on strengthening existing collaborations, building new partnerships, and growing meaningful art and culture activity within the West Valley.

An accomplished visual artist, Michael has exhibited his works in galleries throughout the valley since 2009. His most recent mural works can be seen in Peoria and Glendale. A world traveler and culture craver, Michael has done photojournalism work in South America and the Middle East, as well as an artist residency in India. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, he now resides in Glendale, AZ with his wife and son.

Jessica Pierce

Operations Manager

Jessica is a visual artist located in Surprise, AZ with a background in business and leadership. She is also a creativity coach, currently pursuing graphic design. As an entrepreneur and owner of a local Surprise local business, ART With Me Az LLC, Jessica teaches and encourages students to embrace their creativity and develop creative confidence. She is often referred to as an artistic motivator because of her unique instructional style. As an artist, her work is bright and bold with a unique and abstract flare. 

Jessica brings to her role as Operations Manager, 15+ years of experience in business and team management. She approaches everything with creativity and a forward-thinking mindset, focusing on development and process improvement. As the Operational Manager with WVAC she looks forward to being a part of an innovative organization working to bring art and culture to the forefront of West Valley communities.

Chezale Rodriguez

Program Director

In 2014, Chezale founded the first dance program for Eastpointe High School in its twenty-year history; serving underserved youth for over five years as a Dance Educator and Mentor. Since 2016, she has collaborated with Africana Studies at the University of Arizona as a practical dance instructor for Hip Hop dance courses under the nation’s pioneering Hip Hop Minor. Chezale is also represented as an actress and voice talent by Dani’s Agency in Arizona. Her passion in music is still prevalent with two full-length, studio recorded albums and collaborations under her belt. Some of her professional affiliations include that of non-profit organizations Owl & Panther, Creative Flowers of Unlock Creative, The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, and the Arizona Commission on the Arts. 

She is a recent graduate of Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and was recently accepted into the graduate program at University of Northern Colorado studying a Master of Arts in Dance Education. Chezale is passionate about the Arts, incorporating mindful, intercultural and inspirational components to her work. 

Daisy Brady

Gallery Manager

An Art and Marketing student, Desiree "Daisy" Brady earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Columbia College Chicago while selling her handmade jewelry in local boutiques and working as a Merchandise Display Designer for Hallmark.  After graduating, she became a Public Relations Account Executive and Special Event Coordinator, representing retail magnates like Rainforest Cafe.  After marrying and moving about the East Coast with her Marine husband, their family settled in Surprise, Arizona over 20 years ago. 

Daisy was a Kitchen Designer for Home Depot for 10 years, a Feature Writer for the West Valley Real Producers Magazine, and a Guest Teacher for DUSD West Point Elementary for 11 years, later seamlessly filling in in their Arts Academy classes.  She also designed campus-wide art projects, dance decorations, fundraiser marketing, and created costumes, props, and scenery for their annual Arts Academy musicals.  Certified with the Craft Yarn Council of America, she was a Jewelry Design Instructor and Crochet Instructor for Michaels Craft Stores for 9 years. She brings a wealth of merchandising, marketing, and design experience to the Arts HQ Gallery and West Valley Arts Council team, and is an accomplished sustainable artist in her own right.

Awards

2019 Westmarc Best Of The West: Quality Of Life Community Award

West Valley Arts Council

2015 Governor’s Art Award

Gallery 37

2013 Surprise Regional Chamber Of Commerce

Non Profit Of The Year

2008 Best Of The West: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Big Read – To Kill A Mockingbird

2007 Best Of The West: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

West Valley Culture And Heritage Blueprint

2005 Best Of The West: Arts, Entertainment & Sports

West Valley Fine Arts – Full Season

2001 Best Of The West: Service To Communities

Gallery 37

1993 Governor’s Art Award

West Valley Fine Arts

1992 Inaugural Best Of The West

West Valley Fine Arts – The Arts

Current
Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Your investment in the arts demonstrates your desire to create healthy, vibrant, thriving communities and ensures that all have free access to the arts.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Join WVAC today as we lead the way in diverse, meaningful, and educational art experiences throughout the West Valley. As a sponsor, you are eligible to receive additional benefits including increased visibility for your business or organization among our diverse and expansive West Valley audience, highlighted promotion, and personalized art experiences for your company.

Contact us at [email protected] to set up a meeting with a WVAC representative to learn more!

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