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.