On May 5, the West Valley Arts Council announced its apprentices selected for the Gallery 37 2025 Summer Program— its flagship youth arts initiative that empowers students to collaborate with a professional teaching artist to create a piece of public art.

This year’s project is sponsored by the city of Tolleson and supports the city’s vision to expand the Paseo de Artes along Van Buren Street — an evolving sculpture series first launched through Gallery 37 in 2012 and 2013, which earned the Governor’s Arts Award in 2015.

This year’s cohort represents emerging artists from high schools across the West Valley. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, these apprentices impressed the selection panel with their creativity, skill, and dedication to the arts.

Four of the 15 young artists selected attend high schools in Glendale. They are: 

• Vanessa Galvez, Apollo High School
• Ryu Zebell, Cactus High School
• Mia Robles, Raymond S. Kellis High School
• Lan Truong, Independence High School

“Gallery 37 is a cornerstone of WVAC’s mission to nurture young artists and foster cultural vibrancy throughout the West Valley,” stated Kathy Knecht, executive director of the West Valley Arts Council, in a press release. “This year’s cohort will not only sharpen their artistic talents but also leave a meaningful legacy for the Tolleson community.”

This project is made possible thanks to the support of Estrella Mountain Community College, the Arizona Community Foundation, the West Valley Mavericks, Salt River Project, and donors who continue to invest in the mission of the West Valley Arts Council.

For information about Gallery 37, upcoming projects, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.westvalleyarts.org