The City of Peoria isn't just playin' house when it comes to fostering local art—there's a bona fide champion in their midst. Say hello to Marylou Stephens, appointed the city’s Arts Hero, decked out with the full support of ON Media for her tenacious efforts during the 2024–2025 season. Stephens, for those not in the loop, helms the Arts, Culture, and Library Services Department in Peoria, and has been making waves—and not the type to wipe out on.
A native of Scottsdale, Stephens' resume is as artsy as they come, dotted with all the early signs of someone who'd go on to champion the creative pulse of a city. She's had her fingers pitter-pattering on piano keys, dabbled in the dance arts, graced the theater stage, and even dished out stories for the kiddos. Prior to her Peoria stint, she labored behind-the-scenes at The Phoenix Theatre Company to yank down the barriers to arts access, as noted in the City of Peoria's official news release. But it ain’t just fun and games; Stephens takes a reveal-all approach when talking about her role, saying, "Government doesn't speak the arts, and arts organizations don't speak government." She views her job as the bridge-builder over a canyon that too often keeps these worlds apart.
What has Stephens actually accomplished, you ask? She is more than just words. The Peoria arts scene has experienced numerous public art installations, engaging live performances, and enhanced cultural programming. In fact, she has been a driving force in revitalizing a space that previously lacked attention. Her influence has also extended to the modernization of library experiences, demonstrating that the arts are as essential to Peoria’s vitality as economic growth and tourism development.
