Who We Are
What We Do
The Walter Hive is a Scottsdale-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing arts programming that teaches useful skills and builds creative confidence— especially for those with limited access to the arts. Through hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, CAD programming, and photography, participants not only explore creativity but also gain practical job skills, exposure to career pathways, and the confidence to pursue future opportunities. Our programs are offered in partnership with schools and nonprofits serving individuals experiencing poverty, housing insecurity, disability, or trauma. Our recent merger with Kids in Focus, a photography-based youth mentoring organization, has expanded our capacity to deliver innovative, high-impact programming that addresses both immediate needs and long-term opportunity for underserved youth.
History of the Walter Hive:
It all began in 1994 when Mary Strawn left her practice in pediatrics to pursue helping high-risk youth through therapeutic art. She volunteered in several settings bringing art to youth with various challenges.
During this time Mary began volunteering at Maricopa County Hospital. Here she worked with young burn survivors, helping them cope with trauma through creative expression. In her experience Mary discovered just how powerful and healing the arts could be for others. She continued her volunteer work for many years with The Arizona Burn Foundation’s Camp Courage, a summer experience for burn survivors.
It was at Camp Courage that Kirk Strawn joined the team by bringing his art car, a giant VW bus named Walter, to camp. Walter is converted from an old fire truck which gave it special meaning for the kids. While Kirk and Mary helped lead activities at the camp they started developing the idea of a space dedicated to empowering arts, run by a community of like-minded individuals.
This shared vision led to the creation of The Walter Hive in December of 2017 with the goal of providing programs that support creative expression for all ages and experience levels.
The Walter Hive facilities include:
- The Walter Dome: A makerspace with fabrication tools such as a wood shop, welding,Plasma cutter, laser cutter, 3D printer; tech such as arduinos, LEDs, and other programmable components; and a vast array of fine arts materials
- Walter Art Gallery: A welcoming space where attendees experience contemporary art and where the work of both up and coming and more established local artists is celebrated.
Through The Walter Hive Mary and Kirk continue to spread their message of healing through art, and they hope to inspire others to do the same. They have seen firsthand how powerful creative expression can be. They are grateful for this opportunity and for all of the participants, staff, volunteers, and partners who share in this vision.
Engaging Workshops
Dedicated Educators
Longlasting Impact
Who We Are
Mary Strawn
Founder and Program Director
Mary Strawn is an M.I.T. graduate, physician, and artist. Her background in healthcare along with her artist’s passion have led to an approach to wellness through therapeutic art. Mary loves to offer creative opportunities to others and puts her heart and hope into The Walter Hive. Her family fills her life with joy.
Dianne Haws
Executive Director
Dianne Haws comes to The Walter Hive with experience in event and program management from a variety of nonprofits serving youth. She was born and raised in Arizona and currently lives in Tempe with her husband and two boxers. She re-charges through creative expression and believes in the power of healing through the arts.
Charlotte Strawn
Gallery Manager
Charlotte Strawn is an artist who has grown up around creativity as part of the Walter Projectʼs community of makers, artisans, and hard workers all of her life. She currently serves as full time manager of Walter Art Gallery and also contributes as an instructor of Walter Hive workshops. Her extensive skills play an integral role in accomplishing our mission of empowerment and her positivity inspires us all.
Patricia Turpin
Volunteer Curator 2013 to present
Patricia Turpin is a local artist specializing in mixed media art. She is a native Phoenician with long, deep ties to the Valley’s art community. Trish assists us with artist selection and communication, show installations, and marketing. She loves art and artists and helping to make our gallery a vibrant, relevant, fun place in the local arts scene.
Jules Brandenburger
Program Manager
Jules Brandenburger is a seasoned professional passionate about crafting unforgettable moments. Originally from sunny Orange, California, Jules discovered her love for event management while studying at Arizona State University. Starting as an intern at The Walter Hive in 2016, her dedication quickly propelled her to become an event producer, leaving a lasting impact on the company’s traveling show until 2020. Following her heart to Kotzebue, Alaska in 2022, she shared her talents as a middle and high school Art teacher before returning to Phoenix. Now, as the Program and Volunteer Manager, Jules brings her wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to lead her team with kindness, creativity, and a touch of sweetness, continuing to create magic together.
John Elvis Taska
Shop & Fabrication Manager
John Elvis Taska, widely known as Elvis, brings over a decade of experience with The Walter Project to his role as Shop Manager at The Walter Hive. His extensive background includes public art, building vintage vehicles, and working with at-risk populations. With a wealth of knowledge in fabricating, leadership, and sustainability, Elvis oversees shop operations, maintains tools and materials, and facilitates workshops and projects. His commitment to the vibrant culture of The Walter Hive is complemented by his personal pursuits of training for Ironmans, summiting mountains, and spending quality time with his parents, neighbors, and friends.
Tanika Roy
Volunteer & Marketing Coordinator
Tanika Roy’s journey is as inspiring as it is diverse. A former Marine and Iraq veteran, she spent years working as an aircraft electrician before following her passion for the arts, earning a degree in Photography from the Brooks Institute in 2015. After a decade in LA’s creative scene, she found her way back to aerospace, helping build rockets. Now calling Phoenix home, Tanika is a vital part of The Hive, where she brings her warmth, creativity, and energy to our community. When she’s not here, she’s pursuing a Master’s in Yoga Therapy at Loyola Marymount University—blending her love for movement, healing, and connection.
Board Of Directors
Kirk Strawn MD
Founder & Chairman of the Board
Kirk Strawn is a retired Family Practice physician and consummate idea generator. His business acumen along with his interest in creating inclusive community spaces contribute to Kirk’s excellence as Executive Director. His boundless energy and care support family and friends in many additional ways, and in his rare times off you will find Kirk peacefully replenishing in the forest.
Dave Edwards
Board Member
Dave Edwards is a retired Phoenix physician and former Chief Medical Officer in Banner Health. He loves to tinker and is excited to impact the community through art, fabrication and technology. He and his wife Nancy also enjoy hiking and conspiring with their grandchildren against their parents.
Jimbo Beck
Board Member
Jimbo Beck has been in the Steel Industry and management for over 30 years. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Finance from Middle Tennessee State University. His love for the arts, music, dancing and his friends bring him the most happiness these days. He considers the Walter community “family” and wants to share this great community around art and love!
Andrea Merican
Board Member
Andrea Merican is a business coach, author, real estate broker, and artist. With more than 18 years of experience in real estate and entrepreneurship, she has built multiple businesses while helping others streamline, systemize, and scale with clarity and confidence. As an artist, Andrea creates watercolor and oil paintings inspired by the Arizona desert and participates in local art shows including the Camelback Studio Tour. She is passionate about blending creativity and business to empower others, and looks forward to supporting The Walter Hive’s mission of fostering community, connection, and self-expression through the arts. When not coaching or painting, Andrea enjoys traveling, sailing, and exploring new adventures with her husband.
Shane Olafson
Board Member
Shane Olafson is an attorney and artist based in Phoenix, Arizona. Trained as both an engineer and a lawyer, Shane brings a thoughtful governance and risk-management perspective to the Board, while also maintaining an active creative practice.
Shane’s photography career began in New York City, where he focused on street photography and abstract concepts. After relocating to Phoenix, his artistic focus expanded to portraiture and painting. His work has been featured in exhibitions and publications, and he remains deeply engaged in the local arts community. Shane is also an active musician, having played and recorded with several local and regional bands.
In addition to his creative work, Shane has held leadership roles in several professional and nonprofit organizations, including service on nonprofit boards. He is passionate about supporting organizations that use creativity to build confidence, connection, and opportunity—values at the heart of The Walter Hive’s mission.
Rob Larson
Board Member
Rob Larson is a consulting engineer specializing in vehicle safety and has been part of The Walter Project from the very beginning. A proud father of three daughters and two grandchildren, Rob has also dedicated time to supporting families as a former foster care parent. He played a key role in helping create the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and continues to stay involved with the organization today. Outside of his professional and community work, Rob enjoys staying active through cycling, skiing, and dance.
Michelle Nelson
Board Member
For the past 17 years, Michelle has had the joy of co-owning a dental office and helping our community smile. She has been married to her wonderful husband for over 26 years, and together they’ve raised three kids who are now tackling college! When she’s not at the office or cheering on her favorite football team, you can probably find her dancing, enjoying live music, and making memories with friends and family. She believes in working hard, laughing often, and treating everyone like family. She thrives on building community connections and cherishes time spent with family and friends.
Christopher Tafoya
Board Member
Christopher Tafoya has served in leadership roles in both federal and state government for more than 15 years and is a US Army Veteran. Currently a Senior Administrator, he has led various health and human service grants and programs serving low-income families, children, and veterans. Christopher’s passion for public service focuses on innovation, continuous improvement, and implementing strategies to improve services and accessibility. Having seen firsthand the impact of art and discovering its beauty through volunteering, Christopher is excited to collaborate in furthering the mission of The Walter Hive.
