Who We Are
What We Do
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. This includes work with the both the general public and specific communities, from youth through dementia clients. The Walter Hive partners with several other non-profit organizations such as Cancer Support Community, Boys and Girls Clubs, Hospice of the Valley, and many others.
The Walter Hive facilities include:
- The Walter Dome: A makerspace with fabrication tools such as a wood shop, welding, 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.
Jina-Lin O'Donnell
Volunteer Welding Instructor
Jina–Lin originally hails from Milwaukee, WI and came to Arizona in December of 2020. She began welding at the age of 15 and has continued to stay active in the industry for twenty years. Jina–Lin has worked in multiple fields including fab shops, shipyards, foundries, refineries, pipelines and new construction. She is a licensed Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) through the American Welding Society and is currently the Plant Manager for a local welding/fabrication shop. Jina–Lin enjoys spending free time with her dog named Grizz, going to music festivals and volunteering.
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.
Anita Lang
Board Member
Anita Lang is the founder and principal of one of the southwest’s premiere interior design firms, IMI Design. In addition, she has her own furniture line, Design 528, and her nonprofit The Inspire Foundation. Feeling blessed by all of the incredible opportunities her creative career has provided, she feels compelled to forward the channels of the arts as much as possible to bring self expression, empowerment, and joy to others.
Seth Philbin
Board Member
Seth Philbin has more than 20 years of financial industry experience. As a lead business advisor for the East Valley, he serves as the trusted point of contact for business clients and works closely with experts across Alerus to deliver comprehensive financial advice and access to the company’s full suite of diversified financial services. Seth enjoys meeting with business owners and learning about their operations, then finding the right solutions to help them achieve their goals. Seth holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Arizona. He is actively involved with the Executive Council 70, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and also sits on the board of directors for The Walter Hive.
Darren Jeffrey
Board Member
Darren Jeffrey is the original obstacle course creator for NBC’s American Ninja Warrior and other Ninja Warrior shows around the world. Darren is a skilled game designer and builder for shows like Big Brother, Amazing Race, Biggest Loser Beast Master, Titan Games and many other shows globally. He was also a Hot Shot with the USDA, and has vast construction and business development along with teaching experience. Darren is currently a rock climber and trainer for Search & Rescue, Military and Fire departments. Darren is also an active board member for The Rick Herrema Foundation and advisor for many other non-profits.
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!
