Interdisciplinary artist and art educator Venessa Chavez has been creating art for as long as she can remember. “Family coloring contest and drawing on my classwork are staples of my childhood experience”, explains the artist. A native of what’s considered to be the most tropical desert, her colorful works of art pay homage to her Chicana cultura and her beloved South Phoenix community. Her vibrant personal style expresses who she is and reflects what she loves. Hummingbirds, saguaro blossoms, cacti and a rich cultural influence are all brought to life with vibrant colors and bold harmonious compositions. “I, like my ancestors, am a visual storyteller”, Venessa illustrates.

As a teen she received a scholarship for her art from South Mountain High School’s visual arts magnet. She earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art in education, graduating with highest honors summa cum laude from Arizona State University and began her career in Art education.

 Her artwork has been shown in exhibitions and publicly throughout Arizona. Currently some of her public artwork can be seen in the cities of Chandler, Phoenix, and Tempe.  In 2016 she had her first multi medium solo art show at Azukar Coffee and art Gallery.

Venessa is a loved art educator who plants seeds in the minds and hearts of her students. She volunteers her time and talents to serving the community. She is on the Valley Metro light rail stakeholder’s art review committee. She is the Roosevelt School Districts content lead and the Roosevelt School Districts art coordinator.

Her personal motto is “be who you needed when you were growing up”. Spending a lifetime in the public-school setting illuminated the urgent need for a nonprofit organization for the arts. She created Southbound Art House and begin her lifelong mission to create accessibility to art for all. Mentoring, collaborating and creating opportunities for artists, like herself, who just need the space to continue to grow…