Welcome Studios Manager Laura Wilde

May 21, 2018

Mesa Arts Center is pleased to introduce the newest member of the team, Studios Manager Laura Wilde, who will oversee programming in MAC’s 14 visual and performing art studios, which offer nearly 1,000 classes annually in a wide variety of mediums. (Check out the summer classes and workshops, here.)

Laura most recently worked as Executive Director of Xico, Inc., an organization founded in 1975 as the Xicoindio Artist Collective to support Chicano and Native American arts and culture. Xico had its home in Mesa before moving to Chandler and later downtown Phoenix. Laura led Xico’s expansion in downtown Phoenix and spearheaded the archiving of more than 500 pieces in their print collection. Laura also previously worked at Phoenix Center for the Arts and Mesa Arts Center managing community engagement and educational programming, and at Phoenix Art Museum as the annual giving coordinator.

Q: What is most exciting to you about your new role?

A: I am most excited about the opportunities to enhance, grow and experiment with regards to education and studio programs. I am so excited to discover new ways to share these educational artistic opportunities with a greater audience. There’s a class here for everyone and anyone, and I want to let every person in our community know that there are classes, workshops and more here and available to our community. Sharing and serving the community, through art, is what I love to do.

Q: You are not a stranger to Mesa Arts Center. What brought you back?

A: Mesa Arts Center is simply one of those places that you never forget, and my time here made an indelible impact on me and my career. I learned so much from the staff here, first as an intern and then as the part-time outreach associate and Jazz Project Coordinator. I wanted the opportunity to contribute to the meaningful and impactful work being done here for the community.

Q: Anything you want to add to share with people getting to know you?
A: I’m always up to grab a cup of coffee. I hope to meet everyone soon!