Our Impact

Honoring a Commitment to Programming

Highlights of 2025

The Walter Hive x Kids in Focus

In 2025, Kids in Focus began merging with The Walter Hive, uniting two organizations dedicated to expanding access to the arts for underserved communities. Kids in Focus has a strong history of empowering youth across the Valley through photography training and mentorship, helping them build confidence and tell their stories through visual media. Through this merger, The Walter Hive is able to expand its educational programming and impact, integrating photography-based learning into its broader creative offerings while continuing to provide meaningful opportunities for young artists to grow, connect, and be seen.

Pensar Academy Upcycling Project

During a multi-week collaboration between Pensar Academy and The Walter Hive, students learned skills like welding, plasma cutting, woodworking, and assemblage, which they applied in an upcycling project to transform used items into unique creations. In January, they showcased their work at The Walter Hive’s Community Gallery, where attendees could interact with the creations and witness their evolution from concept to completion. This journey was impactful for both The Walter Hive and the students, highlighting the limitless opportunities for creativity and self-expression through fabrication art.

2025 Impact Statistics

204

Programs Taught

3,728

Workshop Participants

183

Partner Workshops

1,389

Volunteer Hours

View Impact Report

Digging Deeper into Our Programming:

204 programs were offered in 2025.

Our programming can be broken down into 3 main intended outcomes:

Teaching New Skills

Beginner-friendly classes in welding, woodworking, fine arts, laser-cutting, led programming, and more.

Allowing Opportunities for Self Expression

Storytelling through art. Art Therapy. Open workshops to explore skills.

Showcasing Work

Gallery Exhibitions. Virtual Receptions. Social Media.

Participation with The Walter Hive:

There are several avenues to participate in our community.

We aim to assist individuals to find the path that suits their interests, needs, and strengths.

Teach

Leading workshops, mentorship within workshops, teaching staff a new skill, assisting an open workshop night.

Create

Learning new skills, practicing your craft, honoring your creative expression by completing projects.

Sharing your work, storytelling, gallery exhibitions, digital displays, social media, traditional public relations, applying for awards.

Support

Serving on the board of Directors, attending events, purchasing work from the gallery, donating money, donating time/expertise, listening, commenting, liking.

We have proudly provided programming for:

“The generous and supportive people at The Walter Hive help people ‘see what is possible when they work together, to be bigger than themselves, to not take themselves so seriously’ and have been the life preserver tossed to me in all this chaos.”

Sharon W.

“The Monday night virtual workshops have been such an uplifting and fun creative time that has gotten me through the pandemic. At a time when so many are isolated, I have found new friends and learned new and fun art techniques, whether abstract or more realistic in nature. What I love is that you can be a beginner or a seasoned artist…the encouragement is what draws me back time and time again. Thank you Walter Hive!”

Chelle

“It took some courage for me to attend my first workshop. I was convinced that I had no artistic or creative talent. But I was so wrong! The wonderful folks at The Walter Hive make it so easy to produce really cool stuff. I learned that artistic creation is accessible to all of us. I am not exaggerating when I say that these workshops have greatly enriched my life.”

Michael T.

“The entire 6th grade class from Sonoma Ranch Elementary in Gilbert, AZ. spent several days attending the most amazing workshop presented by the special people of The Walter Hive. It was so heartwarming and wonderful to watch our students experience education in a very different way from the traditional classroom. Thank you, Walter Hive! Sonoma Ranch loves you!”

Laura B.

“We found the team from The Walter Hive eager to collaborate, flexible, and intuitive in responding to the teens at our organization. Comments from the participants included “this is the first time in so long I’m doing something just for myself”, “I feel connected to co-workers that I didn’t really know before”, “I had not thought of art as a stress release before; I always thought I was bad at art” and “it’s been nice to do something that brings me joy”. I look forward to future collaborations with The Walter Hive!”

Kristen Q.

“The Walter Hive is a welcoming organization that empowers people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their creative side. The inspirational projects and accomplished artists who teach the classes bring out the best in each participant. For over three years I have witnessed the gifted leaders and staff at The Walter Hive touch the hearts of both those struggling with health issues and other barriers open up and gain confidence.”

Joy K.

“It is truly a pleasure to collaborate with The Walter Hive in providing exceptional programming. Additionally, The Walter Hive is committed to a vision that supports community creativity, empowerment, and innovation. Because of The Walther Hive, we are a stronger nonprofit sector and a better world to live and raise our families in! Plus, they are just simply F-U-N!”