20 for the 20th

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20 for the 20th

In celebration of Mesa Arts Center's 20th Anniversary, we’re honoring 20 remarkable individuals whose contributions have shaped Mesa Arts Center into the dynamic and thriving cultural hub it is today. This project is made possible with support from the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

Patty Haberman

Since 1998, Patty has been a driving force behind our space and exhibitions. From the legendary lowrider shows to her unforgettable collaboration with Cheech Marin on the Take 10 exhibition, Patty made sure our gallery walls spoke to everyone. She didn’t just curate exhibits—she created experiences, built relationships and deepened the cultural dialogue in our community.

Bill Passey

After experiencing a performance by Zuill Bailey, Bill was inspired to expand access to classical music through the Classical Music Inside Out program. Over the past 13 years, his support has grown to include initiatives like LIT Ink, color-blindness accessibility glasses for our museum, student scholarships and more. But what truly sets Bill apart is his commitment to making a difference today. Recently, he transformed a planned legacy gift into an annual $100,000 contribution, ensuring his support directly benefits programs that bring art and creativity to life right now.

We are deeply grateful for Bill and donors like him who recognize the power of the arts and invest in its future.

Zuill Bailey

For over a decade, Zuill Bailey has been more than just a world-renowned cellist to us, he’s been a catalyst for connection, inspiration and the heartbeat of CMIO at Mesa Arts Center. In 2013, his performance of the complete Bach Cello Suites lit a spark that deepened our commitment to classical music and its role in our community. A year later, he officially joined us as CMIO’s artistic director, and since then, his passion, flexibility and vision have helped bring music to thousands.

Symphony of the Southwest

For nearly 20 years, Symphony of the Southwest has been an essential part of the Mesa Arts Center family and their support started long before our doors even opened. Formerly known as the Mesa Symphony Orchestra, this incredible group helped champion the bond issue that made the Center possible and played a key role in planning and advocating for the future of the arts in our region.

Before 2005, they performed in high schools and churches. Now, they bring their powerful performances to our stages, season after season. We are grateful for their continued partnership and dedication to enriching our community through music.

Nesbitt/Elliott Families

There's hardly a role at the Mesa Arts Center that Mike or Debby Elliott haven’t embraced, from serving on the Foundation Board and leading the original private fundraising committee, to planning major galas, contributing to architectural planning and championing legacy giving initiatives. Their fingerprints are on the very heart of this institution.

Today, their dedication as a family continues. Mike, Debby and Ruth are a constant presence at live performances, evening receptions and festivals, often joined by Elizabeth and Andrew, demonstrating a shared love for the arts that spans generations.

Time and again, they have stepped forward with generosity, vision and with an unwavering belief in the power of the arts to lift up a community.

John Giles

John’s commitment to the arts in Mesa goes back decades. As a councilmember, he supported the concept of a quality-of-life tax an ambitious vision that included building a world-class, multidisciplinary arts center right here in downtown Mesa. That vote helped lay the foundation for everything we are today.

Then, as Mayor, John didn’t just maintain that commitment—he elevated it. For 10 years, he championed the arts as a true engine for economic growth, community engagement, and city pride. He understood that investing in creativity is an investment in Mesa’s future.

He was a constant advocate for the Mesa Arts Center’s success, helping us grow, adapt, and thrive. And more than that—he showed up. He celebrated our artists, applauded our educators, supported our staff, and made sure people across the city knew that what happens here matters.

John, thank you for your leadership, your vision, and your unwavering support. We are here today in no small part because of you.

This project is made possible with support from the Arizona Commission on the Arts.