About Steve

Biography

Steve Voita is fifth generation Arizona artist whose scope of work encompasses a multitude of mediums. Whether acrylic, oil, mixed media, powder coat, sculpture, or metal art, all incorporate exceptional design, vibrant color, dramatic brush strokes, and the boldness that defines him as an artist and person.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Steve studied painting under Merrill Mahaffey and obtained his AA from Phoenix College. He had his own design studio at age 19 and worked in the graphic arts/illustration field. Clients included Road and Track, Private Pilot Magazine, U Haul truck graphics, and multiple corporations. In his mid twenties, he met a mentor who would encourage him to go to Ontario College of Art in Toronto, Canada. Always in the pursuit of excellence in his craft, Steve welcomed the opportunity and at OCA was able to work with the finest actively working fine art and commercial artist instructors. At OCA, Steve met and married his wife Linda who is also a fine artist. They have 5 sons and currently live in Phoenix, as he works out of his Phoenix and Young Studios.

From 1995 through 2005, Steve owned and operated the Voita Gallery on Main Street in Scottsdale. The gallery featured his western themed work as well as his sports art, but he was never limited by subject matter. On any given day at the gallery you might find a canvas of Dick Butkus, a Grand Canyon vista, or a huge portrait of Mother Theresa. This typifies his diversity as an artist. He paints what moves him, what he is passionate about – whether sports, cars, or his beloved Arizona.

Steve spent some years in Young Arizona before returning to the valley to work on murals for St. Timothy’s Catholic Church. Other murals include those for St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church, San Luis Rey Mission (Junipero Serra Center), and Chandler Preparatory Academy.

His sports art has also generated monies for multiple charities including Fight Night (his Muhammad Ali portrait auctioned for $150,000), Foundation for the Blind, Hospice of the Valley, and the Boys and Girls Club, and he has produced dozens of pieces for the Oakland A’s baseball team. Steve was Official Artist of the Prescott Rodeo for two years, won three awards at consecutive Phippen Art Shows in Prescott including the Gold Medal, and was the Official Artist of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl for over 5 years.