ABOUT US

The Arizona Museum for Youth - a public/private partnership between the City of Mesa and the Arizona Museum for Youth Friends, Inc. - introduces children to the visual excitement and cultural enrichment provided by the fine arts. Our environment is especially designed to spark the imagination, stimulate the mind and captivate the eye. A visit to the museum is alive with opportunities for creative expression.

The Arizona Museum for Youth inspires children of all ages to experience their world differently through art, creativity and imagination.

VISION

To be the premier interactive art museum for families.

HISTORY

In 1978, the Arizona Museum for Youth received its 501(c)3 status and was incorporated after several years in the preliminary development phase bringing the dream of Valley philanthropists Jack and John Whiteman to life. The museum was founded in 1980 as the only children's museum in the United States with a focus on fine art. Since then, it has been a major destination for families in Metro-Phoenix area, providing the community with interactive fine art exhibits inspired to introduce children to the world of art and discover self-expression. Featuring artwork by local, national and international professionals, the exhibits of the museum bring the very best of the world of art to those under 1 to over 101 years of age. 

AMY links each exhibitor with interactive art-making activities. Guided by current research, AMY’s education staff has developed the premier experience for the museum patrons. Caregivers and children learn together about the techniques, processes and materials used to create art while exploring themselves and our world through play and self-expression. With each exhibit, areas are dedicated to expression through music, reading, theatre, art making, and of course, art appreciation. 

MEET THE STAFF

Sunnee Spencer
Executive Director
480.644.2850
sunnee.spencer@cityofmesa.org

Beth Bartholow
Business Manager
480.644.2851
beth.bartholow@cityofmesa.org

Jeffory Morris
Curator
480.644.5769
jeffory.morris@cityofmesa.org

Laura Matzer
Curator of Education
480.644.5657
laura.matzer@cityofmesa.org

Latonya S. Jordan-Smith

Community Arts Coordinator |PR|Marketing

480.644.4129

latonya.smith@cityofmesa.org

Darlene Zajda
Membership Information
480.644.3689
darlene.zajda@cityofmesa.org

Rex Witte
Exhibits Designer
480.644.5767
rex.witte@cityofmesa.org

Shelly White
Youth and Family Programs Manager
480.644.3690
shelly.white@cityofmesa.org

Dena Cruz
Teacher and School Programs Manager
480.644.5552
dena.cruz@cityofmesa.org

Andy Behrle
Exhibits Preparator
480.644.2848
andy.behrle@cityofmesa.org

Helen Albano
Gallery Shop Manager
480.644.4128

Lindsay Hochhalter
Development Assistant
480.644.5564
lindsay.hochhalter@cityofmesa.org

Rhonda Sims
Administrative Assistant II
480.644.4469
rhonda.sims@cityofmesa.org