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2026 Schedule & Facilitators 
Sundays | May 31 - June 28  

  • Facilitators:
    Christian Ramirez and Monique Espinoza  

    Participants will explore what makes a strong artist statement through guided exercises and reflective prompts. Using a series of targeted questions, you’ll craft a statement that communicates your vision clearly, while learning which elements are adaptable for different opportunities or audiences. Facilitators will provide feedback and strategies to help your statement shine. 

  • Photographers:
    Shaunte Glover and Elexus Lopez 

    Building your visual portfolio is critical to securing opportunities like exhibitions, grants, and converting viewers into clients or fans. Participants will have 2–3 of their works professionally photographed, followed by individual portraits. Additional group discussion to guide you on presenting yourself and your work through images. You’ll leave with high-quality visuals and a deeper understanding of how to represent your artistic practice. 

  • Facilitator:
    Anthony Ferrara  

    Learn how to create a website that provides a centralized professional hub for credibility and engaging with fans or potential sales. Participants will receive practical guidance on structure, content, and design to build a site that engages viewers and communicates your work clearly.  

  • Facilitators:
    Staff from Phoenix Office of Arts & Culture, Arizona Commission on the Arts & CALA Alliance  

    Get hands-on insight into grant writing and budget planning from arts professionals in Arizona. Participants will learn how to develop realistic budgets, craft strong proposals, and navigate funding opportunities. Participants will gain tools, examples, and advice to help secure resources for your work. 

  • Host: Chef Jose Alberto Flores 

    Guest Speaker: To be announced!  

    Conclude the series with a reflective, meaningful, conversational gathering. Participants will share personal experiences, lessons learned and set goals for a relaxed environment. This informal gathering will be facilitated by Stephanie Roman featuring a special guest artist, encouraging deep connection and bonding beyond the life of smART workshop series.  

Meet the Minds Behind the Workshops

Christian Ramírez

Contemporary Curator, 
Phoenix Art Museum

Christian Ramírez is the Cohn Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art and Director of Engagement at Phoenix Art Museum. She curates exhibitions, supports Arizona Artist Awards, and builds meaningful connections with regional artists, helping them develop and share their work with broader audiences. 

Monique Espinoza

Literacy Specialist, Mesa Arts Center

Monique Espinoza is a literacy specialist, educator, and writer with experience in curriculum design and community engagement. As a poet and public speaker, she brings a creative, reflective approach to storytelling, helping artists communicate their vision effectively. 

Shaunté Glover

Visual Storyteller

Shaunté Glover is a Phoenix-based interdisciplinary artist working across sculpture, photography, video, and installation. Her work explores Black narratives through memory, identity, and representation, and she brings expertise in capturing and presenting artistic work visually. 

Elexus Lopez

Photographer & Creative Consultant

Elexus Lopez is a photographer and creative consultant experienced in leading arts and community projects. Her work blends visual storytelling with strategy, supporting exhibitions, public programs, and digital initiatives to help artists present themselves professionally. 

Anthony Ferrara

Principal, Oxy Studios

Anthony Ferrara is a design leader with over 20 years of experience creating user-centered digital products and brands. He leads Oxy Studios, collaborating with organizations and startups to build thoughtful, effective design solutions, including websites that highlight artistic practices. 

Stephanie Roman

Executive Director, CALA Alliance

Stephanie Roman is a multidisciplinary artist, cultural organizer, and racial equity consultant. Through her leadership at CALA Alliance, she supports artists via residencies, exhibitions, and community-driven programming while helping them navigate professional development opportunities. 

Program Coordinator,
Arizona Commission on the Arts

Delia Ibañez

Delia Ibañez supports artists statewide through professional development, grants, and public programs. Her work emphasizes collaboration, creative process, and connections to local ecology, helping artists strengthen both their practice and community engagement.  

Elida Acosta

Community Engagement Manager, Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture

Elida Acosta leads community-focused arts programs that build capacity and creative engagement across Phoenix. With over a decade in nonprofit and public sector arts leadership, she brings expertise in connecting artists and communities. 

Anel Arreola

Grants & Systems Manager,
Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture

Anel Arreola manages grants and systems supporting artists and organizations across Phoenix, streamlining access to funding and resources, and helping creative professionals grow sustainably. 

General Support Program,
 Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture

Sarah De Leon

Sarah De Leon works on the General Support Program, distributing funding and resources to strengthen Phoenix’s arts and cultural organizations while helping artists and groups navigate the grant process efficiently.