Discover the artists, educators, and visionaries shaping our
Mariana De La Vega
Melisa (Meli) Espericueta
Mariana De La Vega
Mariana De La Vega is a Mexican-born, Latin American multidisciplinary artist, expressive arts facilitator, and the Founder and Artistic Director of De La Vega Art Gallery in Tucson, Arizona. Working across painting, muralism, mixed media, and expressive arts, her practice explores feminine presence, grief, devotion, cultural memory, resi
Mariana De La Vega is a Mexican-born, Latin American multidisciplinary artist, expressive arts facilitator, and the Founder and Artistic Director of De La Vega Art Gallery in Tucson, Arizona. Working across painting, muralism, mixed media, and expressive arts, her practice explores feminine presence, grief, devotion, cultural memory, resilience, and renewal. Rooted in the diverse cultural landscapes of the Southwest and U.S.–Mexico borderlands, Mariana views art as a transformative space for self-expression, healing, cultural connection, and community.
Through De La Vega Art Gallery, Mariana creates opportunities for artists and audiences to engage through contemporary art, storytelling, and expressive experiences. She brings together emerging and established artists, multidisciplinary practices, and community-centered programming that encourages dialogue across cultures, generations, and lived experiences.
Mariana’s work has been recognized through grants from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona. Her honors include the 2025–2026 Arts Hero designation, the OZEA Award for Service & Social Impact, the OZEA Image Award, and the Peace Hero Award.
At the heart of Mariana’s work is the belief that art is more than something to observe—it is something to experience together. She is committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and honored while amplifying diverse voices and fostering creativity, belonging, and human connection.
Karyn Holyk
Melisa (Meli) Espericueta
Mariana De La Vega
Karyn Holyk was born to create. Regardless of the form her creativity has taken over her profession and her art, the desire to make has run through her and always leads forward. She lives for moments where the works she creates inspire joy and connection in others. As her life shifts into its second half, she is focused on the power of po
Karyn Holyk was born to create. Regardless of the form her creativity has taken over her profession and her art, the desire to make has run through her and always leads forward. She lives for moments where the works she creates inspire joy and connection in others. As her life shifts into its second half, she is focused on the power of positive change in ourselves and each other when we cultivate the boldness to create. She grows and learns every day and comes with wonder and excitement to the studio, knowing small miracles will reveal themselves—all she has to do is be open and listen. Karyn creates watercolors and fine art from real gemstones, crystals, and precious metals.
As an Artist and Curator at De La Vega Art Gallery, she develops meaningful exhibitions that celebrate artistic excellence, spark curiosity, and connect people through the universal language of art.
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Lisa Suarez
Melisa (Meli) Espericueta
Melisa (Meli) Espericueta
Lisa Suarez is a local photographer and artist, striving to evoke feelings of curiosity, fascination, and awe through her work.
In addition to presenting her work in exhibitions, Lisa is De La Vega Art Gallery's Resident Artist Coordinator.
Melisa (Meli) Espericueta
Melisa (Meli) Espericueta
Melisa (Meli) Espericueta
Melissa is a photographer, marketing professional, and creative advocate who has been part of De La Vega Art Gallery for the past eight years. With the mentorship of Mariana de La Vega, she developed her artistic voice and presented two successful exhibitions featuring landscape photography from Arizona and Canada. In addition to photogra
Melissa is a photographer, marketing professional, and creative advocate who has been part of De La Vega Art Gallery for the past eight years. With the mentorship of Mariana de La Vega, she developed her artistic voice and presented two successful exhibitions featuring landscape photography from Arizona and Canada. In addition to photography, Melissa supports artists and exhibitions through promotion, fine-art printing, and creative production.
As a Hispanic woman who once struggled with confidence and forming new connections, she understands the transformative power of welcoming artistic spaces. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for nature, human connection, and the ability of art to help people find their voice.
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Gwyn Robbins
Mikayla Stafford
Mary Anderson
A recent alumnus of the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in Art History, Gwyn has been working towards a career in art registration and curation. Their focus of study was the art of the American Southwest and Mexico, which aligns perfectly with the mission of the delavega art gallery to promote fine art and highlight diverse art exhibitions.
Mary Anderson
Mikayla Stafford
Mary Anderson
Mary E. Anderson, a retired secondary science teacher with an M.S. in Environmental Studies and certification as a Master Naturalist, has always had a deep appreciation for nature and the arts, thanks to her upbringing in New York City. During the COVID pandemic, she began to explore tapestry mosaics, expressing her passion for nature thr
Mary E. Anderson, a retired secondary science teacher with an M.S. in Environmental Studies and certification as a Master Naturalist, has always had a deep appreciation for nature and the arts, thanks to her upbringing in New York City. During the COVID pandemic, she began to explore tapestry mosaics, expressing her passion for nature through her artwork. Her pieces, which have the potential to be showcased in fine art exhibitions, reflect her dedication to environmental themes. Additionally, Mary hopes to feature her work in local venues like the De La Vega Art Gallery.
Louisa Collins
Mikayla Stafford
Mikayla Stafford
Louisa is a current student at the University of Arizona studying Music, Visual Design, and Arts Administration. Her artistic involvements include playing the cello, professional/creative photography, and drawing
Her involvement with De La Vega Art Gallery has included assistance in marketing, curation, and administrative organization.
Mikayla Stafford
Mikayla Stafford
Mikayla Stafford
Mikayla is a senior at the University of Arizona studying Design Arts and Practices with a focus in spatial design. Her artistic interests explore the relationship between space, art, and storytelling, with a particular passion for exhibition design and interior spaces. At De La Vega Art Gallery, she assists with exhibition curation, gallery operations, and administrative tasks.
Shayla Gorkoff
Alexis Olivares
Alexis Olivares
Shayla Gorkoff is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Studio Art and minoring in Psychology. She was born and raised in Tucson, but has lived with her family in Modesto, California, since 2018. She prefers to use charcoal /colored pencil/chalk pastel on gray-toned paper for her art.
Alexis Olivares
Alexis Olivares
Alexis Olivares
Alexis Olivares is a Sculpture and Mixed Media artist and senior at the University of Arizona. Working across two- and three-dimensional forms, she combines materials such as wood, metal, fabric, glass, wax, and found objects to create whimsical and mysterious works. Her practice explores curiosity, perception, transformation, and the unf
Alexis Olivares is a Sculpture and Mixed Media artist and senior at the University of Arizona. Working across two- and three-dimensional forms, she combines materials such as wood, metal, fabric, glass, wax, and found objects to create whimsical and mysterious works. Her practice explores curiosity, perception, transformation, and the unfamiliar, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface and find meaning in ambiguity.
Natalie Gamiño
Alexis Olivares
Natalie Gamiño
A recent graduate with her BA in Communications from Oberlin College, Natalie has loved being involved in spaces where arts and community meet. At De La Vega she assists with marketing and back end communication, ensuring people know about all the amazing events happening at the gallery!
"The Guides" is here!
The Guides exhibition is here, with an Opening Reception on Saturday, September 12th at 5 PM. Come experience Celestial Guides and Ceremonial Madonnas.