ArtsWestchester
Phylisha Villanueva is an experienced educator and program manager with a diverse background in arts and youth engagement. Currently serving as a Teaching Artist at ArtsWestchester since August 2021, Phylisha has previously held significant roles including After School Director at USC Gymnastics and Baseball, Education Coordinator at Concrete Safaris, and Director of Children Programming at Blue Door Art Center. Between 2016 and 2019, Phylisha contributed as a Youth and Family Engagement Specialist at Yonkers Community Action Program, focusing on evidence-based programming for youth prevention and parenting training. Early career experiences include Program Manager and Outreach Coordinator at Blue Door Art Center, Program Specialist at Girls Inc. of Westchester, and Community Outreach Coordinator at Blue Door Gallery. Phylisha holds an Associate of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from Borough of Manhattan Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing from Empire State University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at St. Francis College.
ArtsWestchester
Established in 1965 as the Council for the Arts in Westchester, we are New York State’s largest private, not-for-profit service organization, working to ensure the availability and accessibility of the arts for all of the county’s residents. In 1975, we were named by Westchester County government as the County’s designated arts council and we became one of several united arts funds in the country, providing grants and technical support to cultural organizations and artist residencies in the community. Today, as ArtsWestchester, our board and staff continue to work to weave the arts into the fabric of Westchester life, strengthen the county’s cultural institutions, and enrich the quality of life for all Westchester’s residents. ArtsWestchester • is the largest, private, nonprofit arts council in NY State • serves more than 150 arts organizations, 43 school districts, hundreds of artists and audiences numbering over one million • awards grants to artists and arts organizations • brings artists to schools and community centers • helps artists and arts organizations promote their work & build audiences • is the premiere marketer of the arts in Westchester • showcases the talents of local artists through our exhibitions & performances • advocates for the arts • owns and operates the Arts Exchange, a multi-use arts facility that houses the gallery and performance space, the Cultural Tourism Center, artists studios and office space for cultural groups arts related businesses