Images Arizona (January 2023)

From the Publisher

Publisher

Shelly Spence

Managing Editor

Joseph J. Airdo

Graphic Designer Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo Amanda Christmann

Francine Coles Rebecca L. Rhoades Shannon Severson

Photographers

Francine Coles Loralei Lazurek Carl Schultz

Advertising Sales

Cindi Calcinari 860-966-3271 cindi@imagesaz.com

AAbout 60 years ago, English garage band The Troggs released its hit single “Love is All Around.” At roughly the same time, golfer Walter Hagen wrote in his autobiography, “Don't hurry. Don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.” His passage would become the source of the well-known expression, “Stop and smell the roses.”

I believe that both phrases are among those that, when acknowledged, lead to a very happy and rewarding life. As we begin a new year filled with hopes, dreams, intentions and aspirations, I encourage you to recognize the many acts of generosity and kindness that exist in our community and to take time to appreciate all that is wonderful about our little corner of the world; the things that you may typically take for granted.

This month’s issue of Images Arizona celebrates those philosophies while also expanding their meaning to include art — something that truly is all around us and makes life exponentially more enjoyable and interesting. Architecture, automobiles and even the clothes that we wear are all forms of art that we encounter each and every day. When was the last time that you paused — really paused — and reflected upon the ingenuity and creativity that went into them?

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com

Submission of news for community section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 5th of the month prior to publication. Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2022 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

It is my hope that these pages inspire you to do just that. After all, even this magazine is an art form; a carefully curated collection of stories and graphics into which our writers, photographers and designers have poured their hearts. Thank you for inviting our art into your lives for yet another year.

Cheers!

Shelly Spence

Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221

Photography by Loralei Lazurek

Peter Kuttner

CONTEMPORARY ARTIST

In Kuttner’s Cut-Out series, he uses a process that is not unlike that of Matisse late in his career. Works in this series are meant to be contemporary, clean, sophisticated, colorful, uplifting, soothing, and filled with positive

Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377 Hours: Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. By appointment Sun. and Mon. 480.575.8080 GraceReneeGallery.com

by Darcy McSheffrey

While on a campervan road trip through the Southwestern United States, Ottawa, Canada resident Darcy McSheffrey and her boyfriend stopped in Arizona to hike Cathedral Rock Trail.

“I had seen many pictures of the unique rock formation throughout my research that made this hike one I looked forward to the most out of the whole trip, McSheffrey says. “I could not get over how incredible it was to see and hike this trail in person. I think that I stopped every two minutes to take a photo.

“We started our hike at about 5 p.m. with the goal to see the sunset on the rock formations. This hike turned out to be breathtaking, with the sun igniting the spectacular fiery orange and red hues of the rocks.

“The final steps as you summit the rock are magical. Cathedral Rock has one of the most spectacular sunset views I have ever seen. I was in awe at every turn. We took our time just sitting at the top and taking in the scenery; it is nothing short of incredible.”

instagram.com/dmcsheffrey

Photo

TTwo men — with faces shielded and bodies clad in thick leather sleeves and chaps — slowly lift a crucible from the blazing fires of an underground furnace.

It’s so quiet that you could hear a pin drop; but the silence is occasionally broken by the slow, heavy breaths of the foundry workers as they carry the red hot container that holds 100 ingots of molten bronze between two giant clamps. They painstakingly pour what looks like lava into each mold. As much as caution must reign, so must speed. What begins at a liquid 2,000 degrees quickly cools and can compromise the finished product — cast-bronze wind bells that are highly sought-after.

A breeze blows through the courtyard, wending between buildings that seem like a scene from a “Star Wars” movie. The chiming of wind bells can be heard — some low and resonant, others high and tinkling, like a fairy is passing through.

Writer Shannon Severson

Photo by Jessica Jameson

This is Cosanti, an architectural treasure on the Arizona Registry of Historic Places in Paradise Valley.

The structures — including a gallery, ceramic studio and bronze foundry — are the work of Italianborn visionary architect and artisan Paolo Soleri, who first came to Arizona to study under Frank Lloyd Wright in 1947 and purchased this five-acre parcel –– the original Doubletree Ranch homestead ––with his wife, Colly, in 1955.

Today, people come from all over the world to view Soleri’s work and purchase Cosanti Originals wind bells, ceramic vessels and jewelry; pieces connected to a priceless history. Fewer than 10 of Soleri’s projects still survive today.

REFORMING DESIGN

The term “Cosanti” is an amalgamation of two Italian words; “cosa,” which means “things,” and “anti,” which means “against.” Soleri’s movement “against things” encompassed a rejection of hyper-consumerism, a pursuit of experimental architecture and the creation of earth-cast ceramics, bronze casting, hands-on learning opportunities for students.

The couple founded the Cosanti Foundation in 1965 to advance their philosophy of “forming communities focused on living more fully with less ... and with a less detrimental impact on the ecology of the Earth.”

The unusual architecture at Cosanti was created by “earthcasting.” Soleri, often with the help of architecture students who

Photo by Jessica Jameson

Photo by David Blakeman

Photo by Jessica Jameson

came from around the world, built the structures in unusual and even counterintuitive fashion: from the roof down and from the outside in.

A thin layer of concrete was cast directly onto a mound of dampened desert soil. Once the concrete was strong enough, the earth was dug out, mostly by hand with picks and shovels, but occasionally using a small-scale bulldozer. The resulting spaces make efficient use of passive solar heating and cooling, keeping the spaces relatively comfortable in all seasons.

Canvas awnings are also used throughout the property. Of course, they offer shade from the Arizona sun. But when sprayed with water, they have an evaporative cooling effect in summer and, during winter, they create a warming greenhouse effect that makes outdoor spaces more comfortable for working.

The studios, tunnels, apses, courtyards, dwelling spaces and even a pool are expressions of “arcology,” another term Soleri coined to encompass architecture and ecology. Many repurposed materials, including concrete sewer pipes, were used in the construction.

The Cosanti Foundation and its contributions to the community are primarily supported by the sale of the wind bells made at the site.

“Cosanti’s involvement and support of the Arizona arts community is extremely important to our mission,” says Mark Johnson, the general manager of Cosanti Originals. “Since 1955, Cosanti has supported The

Cosanti Foundation and other worthy organizations through the sales of our iconic bronze and ceramic wind bells.”

Johnson says that Cosanti contributes to numerous Arizona nonprofit organizations annually from proceeds generated from a special line of “Cause Bell” wind bells. These bells are different from the rest in that there are additional bronze sculptures that top each bell and reflect the cause — an oak leaf for the Nature Conservancy, a whale arching its back for Save the Whales and children held in the palm of an outstretched hand for Our Children Our Future.

The causes are both worldwide and local.

“Our contribution to the Arizona Community Foundation this past year exceeded $20,000,” Johnson says. “Additionally, Cosanti has supported and partnered with numerous public art groups (ie. Scottsdale Arts, Town of Paradise Valley, Phoenix Art Museum, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art) and other organizations (ie. Taliesin West, Music Industry Museum).”

ENDANGERED LEGACY

As one might imagine, maintaining the architectural treasures at this historic site can be a challenge. There is constant — and expensive — maintenance. As the Phoenix metro area grows by leaps and bounds all around it, Johnson says the significance of the experimental architecture at Cosanti is more important today than ever before.

“Hundreds of thousands of visitors and architects from Arizona and

around the world visit the site yearly,” he explains. “The challenge in the coming years will be to maintain the historic structures and property while expanding access to visitors through guided tours and educational programs.”

Johnson, who began his career in the corporate world and has now dedicated himself to nonprofit work, has endeavored to find new revenue streams and engender public support to prevent the historic site from falling into disrepair.

“Cosanti has been blessed by an amazing and loyal customer base,” Johnson says. “However, funding our programs and maintaining our historic property through the sales of our wind bells is not a sustainable business model.

Photo by Jessica Jameson

Photo by Jessica Jameson

Photo by Jessica Jameson

“Traditionally, The Cosanti Foundation has been reluctant to accept in-kind gifts or donations. However, Cosanti accepted its first-in-kind gift from the Carlisle Company to remediate and replace the roof on the original Doubletree Ranch homestead.

“Continued financial support is needed to update our facilities (including ADA restrooms, walkways, parking and structures) allowing more access and introducing the arts to the next generation. It is these types of partnerships that are critical to our continued success.”

Open seven days per week, with the exception of major holidays, visitors to Cosanti can schedule guided tours of the site and observe live bronze pours at the foundry several times per day. cosanti.com

The chiming of wind bells can be heard — some low and resonant, others high and tinkling, like a fairy is passing through.

Joseph J. Airdo

COMMUNITY January 2023

Jan. 22

ARIZONA CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

Photo by Patrick Ernzen

The Arizona Concours d’Elegance will host its annual event, this year partnering with Scottsdale Arts to bring some of the world’s rarest and most valuable collector cars to the newly renovated Scottsdale Civic Center. About 90 automobiles will be considered for judging and exhibition, with the best among them awarded class prizes and the coveted best of show. $75+. 9 a.m. Scottsdale Civic Center. arizonaconcours.com

Through Jan. 3

EXCITING TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Herberger Theater Center will host an exhibit featuring the travel photography of Matt Cohen. Free. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-2528497; herbergertheater.org

Through Jan. 22

‘SECRET COMEDY OF WOMEN’

Playhouse Productions will present a play about the challenges of womanhood. $49+. See website for times. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-252-8497; herbergertheater.org

Jan. 5–15

‘LOMBARDI’

Order Chaos Theater Company will present its production of “Lombardi,” a play about a young journalist who accepts the invitation to live with legendary football icon Vince Lombardi and his wife Marie. $27. See website for times. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-252-8497; herbergertheater.org

Jan. 6

THE MODERN GENTLEMEN

Vocal quartet The Modern Gentlemen will perform a concert of doo-wop, Motown, pop and rock music with a sound that blends classic hits of yesterday with a modern dapper style as part of Arizona Musicfest. $51+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Jan. 6–22

‘MISERY’

Fountain Hills Theater will present its production of “Misery,” a play inspired by the bestselling novel by Stephen King. $32; youth, student and senior discounts available. See website for times. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-837-9661; fhtaz.org

Jan. 6–30

STORIES WE LOVE TO TELL

Four women explore aspects of growing up, interwoven family history and narratives that have affected their art through a visual memoir. Free. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-252-8497; herbergertheater.org

Jan. 11–29

‘CONSTELLATIONS’

The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “Cinderella,” a spellbinding story of fate, chance and choice with a cosmic collision of romance and relativity. See website for price and times. The Phoenix

Writer

Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

Jan. 12

THE TEMPTATIONS

Often referred to as American music royalty, The Temptations will perform a concert in celebration of the group’s 60th anniversary. See website for price. 7:30 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380, E. Second St., Scottsdale. scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Jan. 13–22

‘THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME’

Starlight Community Theater will present its production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime.” $25. See website for times. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Drive, Suite 9, Phoenix. starlightcommunitytheater.com

Jan. 14 GUNHILD CARLING

Swedish musical sensation Gunhild Carling will perform a concert accompanied by the Arizona Musicfest Big Band. $34+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Jan. 14 and 15

CELEBRATE ELECTRONIC MUSIC

The Musical Instrument Museum will celebrate the various kinds of music made possible by technology and human creativity. See website for schedule of events. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Jan. 15

WINTER YOUNG MUSICIANS CONCERT

Arizona Musicfest will present a concert showcasing Arizona’s brightest young classical musicians — each of whom possesses

astounding technique and prodigious musicianship. $20. 2 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. azmusicfest.org

Jan. 17–Feb. 12

‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’

Fountain Hills Theater will present its production of “Beauty and the Beast,” a family-friendly musical adapted from the original Disney animated film. $32; youth, student and senior discounts available. See website for times. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-837-9661; fhtaz.org

Jan. 18–20

REVERB: CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Phoenix Symphony will present a music festival of new works curated by Grammy Award-winning violinist Jennifer Koh. See website for price. 7:30 p.m. Central United Methodist Church, 1875 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. phoenixsymphony.org

Jan. 19

PETER KUTTNER

Experience and discover the organic processes behind the ethereal paintings of artist Peter Kuttner, whose work is created one thin layer at a time with great care and patience. Kuttner — who yields to the spontaneous and intuitive development of his simple, archetypal pieces — uses familiar-yetabstract details to suspend the viewer in contemplation of the universality of imagery. Free. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd., #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Jan. 20

SHAWN COLVIN, MARC

COHN

AND SARAH JAROSZ

Three of today’s award-winning singer-songwriters will come together for a special evening of songs and stories as part of Arizona Musicfest. $34+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

COMMUNITY January 2023

Jan. 26 and 27

STEPHEN WEBSTER: NO REGRETS LOUNGE

Grace Renee Gallery will bring London-based contemporary fine jeweler Stephen Webster’s No Regrets Lounge to Carefree for an extra special twoday event during which attendees can discover and marvel at a sparkling collection of couture and one–of–a–kind fine jewelry pieces in a truly celebratory setting. The immersive experience will also showcase Webster’s much-lauded homeware collection — including his Tequila Lore Set which, inspired by Mexico’s rich history, sees iconic characters from centuries-old folklore realized as intricately crafted bar tools. Free. Thursday 4–7 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Jan. 20–22

‘TOSCA’

Arizona Opera will present its production of “Tosca,” a political thriller, set in 1800 Rome, that tells a story of passionate, yet tender love, jealousy, betrayal, lust and self-sacrifice. See website for price and times. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St. Phoenix. 602-2547399; azopera.org

Jan. 20–Feb. 26

‘MAME’

Arizona Broadway Theatre will present its production of “Mame,” which follows the madcap adventures of a woman who, surrounded by an eccentric cast of characters, celebrates the Roaring ‘20s, shamelessly spoils her “little love,” and perseveres through life with humor and style — all without missing a dance step. See website for price and times. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400; azbroadway.org

Jan. 23

JASON ALEXANDER

Tony Award-winning Broadway song-and-dance man Jason Alexander will perform a concert of great music from the theater with comedy and audience interaction as part of Arizona Musicfest. $51+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Jan. 25–March 12

‘AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “An American in Paris,” a musical inspired by the 1951 film about a young American soldier and a French girl, each yearning for a new beginning in the most romantic city in the world. See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

Jan. 27

LIVE FROM LAUREL CANYON

Arizona Musicfest will celebrate the bands and artists who created folk rock as they forged a new genre of music that forever changed the look, sound and attitude of American pop music. $34+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Jan. 27–29

TOTALLY 80S

The Phoenix Symphony will perform a concert of rock, R&B and new wave hits from icons like George Michael, Phil Collins, Blondie, Huey Lewis and The News, Robert Palmer, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Mr. Mister, Cher, Rush, Kool and The Gang and Tommy Tutone. See website for price and times. The Madison Center for

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. phoenixsymphony.org

Jan. 28

ARIZONA REGIONAL GALA

The National Italian American Foundation will honor chef Joey Maggiore and the Maggiore family at its Arizona Regional Gala. An executive chef, concept king and entrepreneur, Joey learned and developed his talent from his father — the late culinary legend Tomaso Maggiore. Melissa Maggiore Meyer, Joey’s sister, will also be honored for her outstanding leadership as a restauranteur. See website for price and time. Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. niaf.org/events/arizona-gala

Feb. 1

THE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

Maestro Robert Moody will lead the Festival Orchestra — comprised of musicians from the nation’s finest orchestras — in a performance of Dvorak’s magnificent Symphony No. 8, Wagner’s majestic “Entry of the Gods into Valhalla” and more as part of Arizona Musicfest. $49+. 7:30 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Feb. 3

THE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

Maestro Robert Moody will lead the Festival Orchestra — comprised of musicians from the nation’s finest orchestras — in a performance of Brahms’ lyrical, optimistic Symphony No. 2 as part of Arizona Musicfest. Pianist Haochen Zhang will also perform Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 during the concert. $25+. 7:30 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Feb. 3–19

‘JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE’

Black Theatre Troupe will present its production of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” a moving work, set in 1911 Pittsburgh, that chronicles Black life of that time. $48+. See website for times. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center,

1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602258-8128; blacktheatretroupe.org

Feb. 4

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL’ AUDITIONS

Musical Theatre of Anthem will audition potential cast members for its upcoming production of “The Spongebob Musical,” based on the beloved animated series. Auditionees aged 6–adult should prepare a musical theater song. Audition preparation workshops are available for an extra charge. $325; sibling discounts available. 10:30 a.m. RSVP. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Feb. 7

THE BLACK MARKET TRUST

The Black Market Trust will perform a concert of cool gypsy jazz music with a Rat Pack style as part of Arizona Musicfest. $39+. 7:30 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

NONPROFIT OPENS

NEW FACILITY

Rosie's House this fall opened its new 15,000-square-foot facility dedicated to equity in music education. The nonprofit organization was founded by Rosie Schuz who, during World War II, had just started music lessons when she and her family were forced to evacuate their home in Munich and flee to the German countryside. Having even had to leave her beloved violin behind during her family’s journey to safety, Schurz aspired to make sure that other children who were going through hardships would not have to suffer the same loss. In 1996, she invited 15 disadvantaged youth to attend afterschool music classes in a small home in an impoverished downtown Phoenix neighborhood. The campus now serves more than 550 students, ages 4–18, in everything from strings, choir, band and mariachi, to digital music and percussion. rosieshouse.org

Purses in Wonderland

TThis February, Anthem Giving Circle will invite the community to step into Wonderland and celebrate everyone’s very merry un-birthday with a fabulous tea party with libations, from which they may even walk away with their new favorite handbag.

“‘Alice in Wonderland’ is such a classic story,” says Diane Steenman, who is co-chair of this year’s event, alongside Rhonda Van Dyke and Jan Lessman. “Selecting it as our theme for this year’s Purses for a Purpose fundraiser has provided us with a lot of opportunities for fun.”

Scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 7 in Anthem Country Club’s Ironwood Ballroom, the annual event will feature 150 silent-auction purses, five live-auction purses and, new this year, three raffle purses — including a Paloma spike empire leather clutch from Christian Louboutin valued at more than $1,000.

“This structured clutch done in grainy calfskin leather is embellished with an array of metal studs at the flap,” says Steenman, noting that the winner of the grand raffle purse may choose to either keep it or return it to Nordstrom for store credit. “An optional chain crossbody strap allows you to carry the style hands-free, while the red interior completes the bag with signature aplomb. It is just exquisite.”

Event tickets are $50 and include a drink and hors d'oeuvres. Raffle tickets — which cost $20 for five or $50 for 15 — can be purchased online in advance of the event on the nonprofit organization’s website.

More than 240 people attended last year’s sold-out event, which carried a western theme and resulted in a 25% increase in raised funds.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Photography by Meikel Nagel

“We are so thankful to the community for its generosity,” says Steenman, noting that the nonprofit organization is also grateful to Anthem Country Club for its surprise donations and help with the event. “Our guests were just unbelievably giving last year. We even had one purse go for $3,000.”

That money allowed Anthem Giving Circle to continue its various charitable efforts, which include providing financial assistance to those struggling to pay for medical bills, rent, utilities, home and automotive repairs and emergency expenses.

“As a result of last year’s successful Purses for a Purpose fundraiser, we have been able to increase our service area to include the communities of New River and Black Canyon City,” adds Steenman, noting that all recipients are vetted by St. Vincent de Paul.

The nonprofit organization also offers educational scholarships, provides area schools with gift cards that they can give to students in need, donates items to the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center and collects new and gently used bras for St. Vincent de Paul’s fall undergarment drive.

“

We have seen an increase in need of 28% over last year. Thanks to the community’s extraordinary generosity, Anthem Giving Circle has been able to raise singlefamily donations 66% and expand our gift card program to include several more schools.

Diane Steenman

“We have seen an increase in need of 28% over last year,” says Steenman, noting that the nonprofit organization is always accepting new members. “Thanks to the community’s extraordinary generosity, Anthem Giving Circle has been able to raise single-family donations 66% and expand our gift card program to include seven more schools.”

Speaking of the gift card program, Steenman says that very touching moments occurred this past fall when a representative from Anthem Giving Circle hand-delivered the first-time donation to two of the schools included in the expansion.

“The administrator at one school and the nurse at the other broke into tears because they were in such need of money for the students,” Steenman explains. “They could not thank us enough for the donation.

“In fact, during the afternoon delivery to one of the schools, there was a young boy sitting in the office, eating a granola bar that one of the administrators had bought for him with money out of their own pocket because he had not eaten since the night before. That just goes to show you how much these donations are needed.”

Of course, the more money that Anthem Giving Circle is able to accumulate through its fundraisers, the more it is able to pour back into the community. Purses in Wonderland offers the perfect opportunity to support the nonprofit organization’s admirable mission while having a lot of fun in the process.

Whereas last year’s attendees wore western attire, Steenman hopes to see plenty of Madd Hatters, March Hares, Queens of Hearts and Cheshire Cats this year.

“We are encouraging everybody this year to come dressed for a Wonderland tea party,” she says. “You do not have to get dressed up to attend, but you certainly can. A new tea party hat could be just the item. That always makes everything more fun!”

anthemgivingcircle.com

Purses in Wonderland

Tuesday, Feb. 7 | 5–8 p.m. | Anthem Country Club’s Ironwood Ballroom | 41551 N. Anthem Hills Drive, Anthem | $50 | anthemgivingcircle.com

PPhotographer Andrew Pielage believes that architects are artists — no different than painters, photographers and sculptors.

“I think that it is that same wiring of the brain that has got this creative juice or energy to it,” he says.

The greatest example of the artistry in architecture lies within the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, who is responsible for several sites in Arizona that tourists travel from all around the world to see and explore.

“When you step into a Frank Lloyd Wright site, it is not just something that you see,” Pielage explains. “It is something that you feel. And sometimes that feeling is hard to define. Frank Lloyd Wright curates your experience through his architecture. “He had a concept called compress and release, where you walk into a space that is very low and compact. You feel kind of claustrophobic in that space. Wright pushes you through that space into a big living room with big windows. That is just one example of how he curates your experience.”

Recalling a quote that states, “A good photograph you see; a great photograph you feel,” Pielage aspires to capture on camera the experience that Wright has curated through his architecture. He has spent the past decade doing so all around the world, but will always hold the strongest affection for Wright’s architecture in Arizona — such as Taliesin West.

“Taliesin West is such an incredible space,” Pielage says. “It is an Arizona gem. I have been going up there consistently since 2011 and have taken the tour at least 20 times but I always seem to find something new.

“It is especially interesting to see it throughout the day. His shadow play up there is unparalleled in the 115 Frank Lloyd Wright sites that I have photographed. Every minute is different with the way that light bounces through the architecture and even in the public spaces and pathways. And it is important to remember that Taliesin West was his home, so he was experimenting all the time in that space.”

This month, Images Arizona is honored to showcase just some of the sights and feelings that Pielage has captured through Wright’s works here in our beautiful state. Representing a collaboration of two remarkably creative artists, these photographs provide unprecedented insight into not only architecture as an art form but also the stunning singularity of Arizona’s natural desert environment.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Andrew Pielage

The Wright Stuff

After visiting Taliesin West in 2011, photographer Andrew Pielage fell in love with Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture. Inspired, he set out to visit, explore and photograph Wright’s other masterpieces that we are fortunate to have here in Arizona — including Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium, the Price House, the David and Gladys Wright House, First Christian Church and the Arizona Biltmore Resort.

During an interview on KJZZ, radio host Lauren Gilger asked Pielage, “How many Frank Lloyd Wright sites do you want to photograph?” The photographer admits that there is only one answer to that question: “All of them!”

“I honestly do not even know if I knew how many Frank Lloyd Wright sites were out there,” says Pielage, noting that he later learned that the architect designed more than 1,000 structures, out of which 532 were built and, of those, about 430 are still standing around the world. “I have now photographed 115 Frank Lloyd Wright sites. So I am about a fourth of the way there. I have only got about 315 more to go.”

Sacred Spaces

This past fall, Taliesin West debuted an exhibition of 32 large-scale photographs of 13 examples of architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that all share a sacred aura through their masterful use of light and connection to the surrounding landscape.

“This photo exhibit explores what sacred meant to Frank Lloyd Wright as well as what it means to me,” says photographer Andrew Pielage. “When we think of sacred spaces, we typically think of churches, synagogues and temples. And while those spaces are certainly sacred, Frank Lloyd Wright also regarded the landscape or nature as sacred as well.

“This exhibit showcases my photography of not only some of the churches, synagogues and temples that Frank Lloyd Wright designed, but also some of the better examples of him blending architecture into the landscape — such as Taliesin, Taliesin West, Falling Water, Guggenheim Museum and Marin County Civic Center.”

Offered through Jan. 29, the exhibition explores not only how spaces affect us emotionally, but also the role that architectural elements play in creating those feelings, inspiring questions around light, design, shape and the influence of the landscape.

Prints are available for purchase with a portion of proceeds going toward educational programs at the Frank Lloyd Wright sites that are hosting the traveling exhibition.

franklloydwright.org

About the Photographer

Born to an adventurous mother and a geologist father, Andrew Pielage’s childhood was spent exploring the dusty backroads of the American Southwest. This constant desert travel rooted his artistic soul in landscape photography.

Pielage fondly remembers when his mother bought him his first single-use, disposable camera, with which he captured the gorgeous landscapes of the areas he visited with his parents.

“I think that it was ingrained in me from the beginning as my parents took us out to all of these beautiful places,” he says. “When I turned 16 and got my own vehicle, my exploration continued as I visited national parks and backpacked on my own. I think that I have been to the bottom of the Grand Canyon at least 20 times.”

In 2011, Pielage paid his first visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West.

“As I drove up the windy road to Taliesin West, I was reminded of the desert travel with my parents,” he adds. “I was immediately struck by the desert beauty and, after connecting with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, was permitted to photograph a sunset there. Luckily, Mother Nature was really good to me and provided a beautiful sunset.”

Foundation representatives loved the photos that Pielage shot so much that they invited him to teach youth photography workshops at Taliesin West. Those offerings have since expanded to include workshops for adults not only at Taliesin West but also at Falling Water and Wright’s other iconic sites across the country.

“I have a passion for photography, but I also have a passion for other people,” Pielage says. “I am grateful that the foundation has given me the opportunity to combine both of those passions through the workshops.”

With more than 20 years of experience — including international ad campaigns and publications, television features, exhibitions, workshops and more — Pielage continues to do what he loves: capture the soul of his subjects and inspire imagination through photography and education.

Experience

Sacred Spaces

Through Jan. 29

Taliesin West 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale. Free with paid tour admission 480-860-2700 franklloydwright.org

Visit anchor.fm/imagesaz or scan this QR code with your phone to listen to “In the Wright Light,” featuring photographer Andrew Pielage’s remarks about what role light plays in the artistry of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture and more.

Photo by Jeff Chabot

CChances are, you heard legendary recording artist Johnny Mathis’ voice an awful lot last month. The 87-yearold music icon’s renditions of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride,” “When a Child is Born” and “Winter Wonderland” are arguably the definitive versions of those tunes.

However, with a career that spans from 1956 through the present day, Mathis’ music extends far beyond the holiday season with 79 original albums under his belt — and counting. In fact, the chart-topping sensation continues to release music today, after a staggering 67 years in the industry.

Mathis is without a doubt one of the best examples of a superstar. And this February, Arizona Musicfest is bringing him to the Valley.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Arizona Musicfest

JOHNNY MATHIS

FEB. 21

Photo by Elliot Lee Hazel

“Johnny Mathis is now the fastestselling concert in Arizona Musicfest’s history,” says Allan Naplan, the nonprofit organization’s executive and producing director. “We sold well over 1,000 tickets on the first day that they went on sale to the public.

“And that makes perfect sense. He was the third-best-selling artist of the 20th century with 350 million recordings sold worldwide. His appeal is so far-ranging. It is just so special to have an artist of this caliber. We love celebrating legends at Arizona Musicfest. We also love celebrating nostalgia. And you get both of those things with Johnny Mathis.”

THE VOICE OF ROMANCE

The fourth of seven children, Mathis was born in 1935 in Gilmer, Texas. As a small boy, he and his family moved into a basement apartment on Post Street in San Francisco. At age 8, his father, Clem, purchased an old upright piano for $25. When it did not fit through the family’s front door, Mathis stayed up all night, watching his father dismantle the piano, move the pieces into their small living room and reassemble it.

Clem then taught his son the song “My Blue Heaven,” which became the first of many.

“My dad was my best pal,” Mathis says. “He sang all of the time around the house. They were all of the standard songs that were popular at the time in the 30s, 40s and 50s. My mom and dad are the reasons that I sing.”

Mathis began singing in the church choir, school functions, community events and amateur shows in the San Francisco area. He was also a successful track and field athlete. In the same week that he was offered a chance to

“

“Singing is so personal. And it brings us closer together. So it is very meaningful to me. I get a lot of wonderful feelings and happiness from it.”

Johnny Mathis

compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials, he received an invitation from Columbia Records to record his first album in New York. One year later, he appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and was officially launched into stardom.

Over the course of his extensive career, Mathis has recorded supremely popular hits like “Chances Are,” “It’s Not for Me to Say” and “Misty,” had three songs inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, received five Grammy nominations and achieved 50 hits on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart. He ranks as the all-time No. 6 album artist in the history of Billboard’s pop album charts and, in 2003, was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

He is also referred to as the voice of romance.

“I don't know where all that stuff comes from,” Mathis says, humbly. “All I do is sing the songs that my dad taught me when I was a kid. Singing is so personal. And it brings us closer together. So it is very meaningful to me. I get a lot of wonderful feelings and happiness from it. Fortunately, my vocal range has stood me in good stead all of these years and I have been able to continue to do what I love.”

Naplan makes up for Mathis’ modesty, acknowledging the power and appeal of the icon’s music.

“There is just something about his voice,” Naplan says. “It is just so comforting and soothing that you feel like snuggling up with your loved one. Mathis’ voice has a unique mellow timbre and sweetness that, when combined with lyrics about love, is a recipe for the greatest love songs of all time.”

Mathis admits that his music brings back memories to audiences of the period in which they were recorded and the significant life experiences that may have occurred during that time — a first date, a proposal or a wedding. That is one of the reasons he makes it a point to always include those iconic songs in his repertoire.

Naplan adds that while Mathis has had many original hits, he is also famous for recording his own signature versions of others’ songs.

“Years ago, it was not uncommon for a song to be recorded by five or six different legendary artists,” Naplan explains. “Each one would record their own signature version of it. It is an interesting element of that era of music-making that we just do not see anymore. A Taylor Swift song is a Taylor Swift song. Johnny Mathis could take the No. 1 song on the Billboard chart of that day, do his own rendition of it and make it a hit all over again.”

Mathis is also known for singing in other languages of the world — a trend that the music artist started when he first began touring.

“When I had a hit record, the record company wanted me to travel,” Mathis explains. “They wanted me to go to Germany, France, Italy, etc. And they would ask me to sing some of the songs in the language of the place I was going to. Well, that was easy for me because I had gone to school with people who spoke a lot of different languages — German, French, Italian, you name it. So I took lessons in those languages, never realizing that later on in life it would send me in good stead.”

Therefore, audiences can expect to hear a little bit of it all when he performs Tuesday, Feb. 21 at Highlands Church in Scottsdale. An avid tennis player until the late 1960s, when a good friend turned him on to his now life-long love of golf, Mathis is especially looking forward to his Arizona concert as it may afford him the perfect opportunity to hit the green.

“Arizona is one of my favorite places in the world,” says Mathis, who at one time even hosted his own golf tournament, The Johnny Mathis Seniors PGA Classic. “I have always been an outdoors kind of guy. And Arizona is golf heaven.”

GUNHILD CARLING JAN. 14

THE BREAKING OF RECORDS

It should come as no surprise that Mathis’ concert is sold out. However, Naplan says that there are plenty of other exciting concerts from which audiences can choose during Arizona Musicfest’s winter season — which kicks off Jan. 6 with a performance from The Modern Gentlemen, four vocalists who were handpicked by the legendary Frankie Valli to join The Four Seasons.

Naplan is especially eager for Gunhild Carling’s Jan. 14 performance, which he describes as “a great vaudeville act but in our contemporary times.”

“Not only is she a great talent, but she is also a hugely entertaining artist,” he explains. “I believe that this will be one of the most entertaining concerts people will have ever attended — not just through Arizona Musicfest, but in their entire music-attending lives. Gunhild is a true phenomenon. She plays 11 instruments and will at one point even play three trumpets at the same time. That is often the finale of her concert. She is a tap dancer, a singer and a real character.”

February will bring the first of two weeks this season devoted to Arizona Musicfest’s Festival Orchestra.

“We have, as always, an all-star ensemble coming to perform as well as some really special guest artists,” Naplan says.

February also sees the arrival of a concert pairing 16-time Grammy award-winning musician, composer and producer David Foster with acclaimed singer, television and Broadway star Katharine McPhee.

“Before we had announced Johnny Mathis, David Foster and Katharine McPhee had already become our fastestselling concert,” Naplan says of the Feb. 18 performance. “We thought that was remarkable. Then Johnny Mathis came along and blew that record out of the water.

“Those two shows are certainly leading the pack this season. In fact, we have added a second performance of the Kat and Dave show [to meet demand] and that, too, has sold exceedingly well. That is true of quite a few of this season’s concerts. It is the first time that we have added second performances due to such strong ticket sales.

“This has been a historically strong season. We are about 1,000 tickets ahead of where we were at the same time last year. If that holds up, we will once again break records at Arizona Musicfest — which has been our annual trend.”

Experience

Johnny Mathis

Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Highlands Church | 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale | $87+ | azmusicfest.org

Naplan adds that a number of this season’s concerts have already sold out while several others are headed in that direction. Therefore, he strongly encourages audiences to reserve their tickets sooner rather than later.

Other artists on Arizona Musicfest’s winter roster include award-winning singer-songwriters Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn and Sarah Jarosz on Jan. 20; star of stage and screen Jason Alexander on Jan. 23; and Black Market Trust on Feb. 7.

THE POWER OF MUSIC

Of course, the more tickets that Arizona Musicfest sells, the more good the nonprofit organization can do in our community. Sales benefit a variety of music education programs, which are provided at no charge to area schools. Funds are also used for valuable performance and scholarship opportunities for youth as well as dynamic music enrichment programs for adults.

“We have more than 160 Music Alive events this year,” Naplan says. “That is our lifelong learning and creative aging series. We call them informances because they are part performances and part lectures/discussion groups where music lovers can come together to share their love of music and dissect what music of all genres can be.

“And it is so gratifying. We are so proud of what we are doing in the community. There are so many ways to experience the music that you love through Arizona Musicfest. It really has become a wonderful community of music lovers.”

Mathis shares Naplan’s beliefs about the transformational power of music as well as his values around utilizing the arts to bolster individual lives and the community in general.

“Nothing gives me more gratification than singing in a situation where a lot of the money is going to help young, aspiring children and others in different aspects of society,” the music icon says. “I have, on many occasions, sung for people who do good things for the general public. I come from a large family, so I know what it is like to not have the money to do something. I get a big kick out of being able to, in some way, meet the needs of the general public through my music.”

azmusicfest.org

IIn the early 1950s, Ed Winkler was playing outside the front of his house as a little kid and suddenly found his attention drawn to the black 1940s-era MG TC that was cruising down the street.

“It was absolutely beautiful,” Winkler recalls. “I fell in love with it and thought to myself, ‘I have got to have one of those.’ Well, one of them is in my garage right now.”

That brief encounter jump-started Winkler’s obsession with automobiles.

Chuck Stanford shares that obsession, noting that he can still remember standing knee-high to a 1957 Buick Roadmaster and being in a state of complete awe.

“Most of us are car guys from birth,” Stanford says. “I studied engineering to get into the automotive business and ended up in finance, working with cars and airplanes. I have always had a love for classic cars — for their design, for their engineering and for their beauty and romance.”

That design, engineering, beauty and romance will be on grand display Sunday, Jan. 22 when the Arizona Concours d’Elegance returns as the highlight of Arizona Car Week, bringing some of the world’s rarest and most valuable collector cars to Scottsdale Civic Center.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Photo by Patrick Ernzen

The concours will invite about 90 select automobiles to be exhibited and judged, with the best among them awarded class prizes and the coveted best of show.

“We believe Scottsdale is the perfect home for this event and a great compliment to the internationally recognized auctions happening the same week in Scottsdale,” says Winkler, who serves as co-director of the Arizona Concours d’Elegance alongside Stanford.

AUTOMOTIVE ASPIRATIONS

Ten years ago, Winkler received a call from a friend and fellow classic car enthusiast who suggested that a group get together to plan a concours d’elegance — a French term meaning “competition of excellence.” The idea quickly materialized into plans and, in 2014, the first of what would become an annual event.

For four consecutive years, the Arizona Concours d’Elegance was held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and attracted a passionate group of participants and attendees — albeit from a relatively niche segment of the community. However, resort expansions over the years led to a decrease in available space for the showcase.

If you are a person who is designing an automobile — especially a classic automobile or a collector's automobile — then your design and your dream of what that automobile will become is an art form for you. Jamie Prins

In their search for a new venue, Winkler and Stanford met with representatives from Scottsdale Arts, the nonprofit organization tasked with managing and programming facilities on behalf of the city of Scottsdale. Recognizing the artistic value of the Arizona Concours d’Elegance, Scottsdale Arts invited the pair to hold their next event at the newly renovated Scottsdale Civic Center, bordered by Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.

“This partnership has really opened up our event to the entire community,” Winkler says. “We have the perfect meeting of two organizations and are now able to get the word out about our event to the entire Valley of the Sun. People who have never heard of it before will come, see and understand the kinetic artistic component of automobiles — especially older automobiles.”

Scottsdale Arts’ director of events Jamie Prins agrees, noting that art takes many forms.

“How we experience and appreciate art is a very individualized thing,” Prins explains. “If you are a person who is designing an automobile — especially a classic automobile or a collector's automobile — then your design and your dream of what that automobile will become is an art form for you. The concours folks are curating a very specific group of cars and Scottsdale Arts is curating how those cars are going to be showcased in this newly renovated space.”

Stanford adds that Scottsdale Civic Center truly is the perfect place for the event.

“They have got a wonderful renovation going on that will create stages and large plots of grass,” he says. “It will be a very luxurious, extravagant setting to put these beautiful cars on and give people a chance to see these them laid out in a very artistic fashion.”

Photo by Ken Bryant

Photo by Ken Bryant

THE ART OF AERODYNAMICS

Arizona is known by car enthusiasts around the world as the place to be each January, with auctions like Barrett-Jackson attracting a lot of attention and large crowds. However, while those events are certainly exciting, the Arizona Concours d’Elegance is perhaps where the most passionate autophiles can be found.

“At auctions, cars trade hands among collectors,” Stanford explains. “The Arizona Concours d’Elegance is a curated and judged show of classic automobiles. It is a celebration of the engineering, design and creativity that has gone into building these cars. It is an opportunity for people to show the love that they have for a car by putting it out in the field and be willing to have a bunch of judges with white gloves go over it and pick out everything that they find wrong.”

Judges consider the authenticity, correctness, condition, rarity and beauty of each car and award extra points for style. Winkler adds that another primary distinction between the two types of events is that owners always accompany their cars at a concours.

“You can walk up and talk to these people,” Winkler says. “They love to talk about their cars. We even have some people who come in period dress. They will wear the kinds of clothes that were worn when these cars were driven. They want people to understand the environment that those cars were in and try to judge them from a spectator standpoint.”

Speaking of earlier eras, Stanford says that this year’s theme is “The Art of Aerodynamics.”

“We are tracing the development of the automotive industry from the early 1900s, when aerodynamics did not exist, through the 20s, 30s and 40s, when it started to become a big part of a car’s design,” Stanford explains.

“In the 50s, as cars got faster and racing had more influence on the design of passenger cars, aerodynamics became very important. It drove cars to be much more beautiful, too. We are going to have some extraordinary cars this year in terms of aerodynamic design and engineering.”

Among this year’s entries is an SS 90 — the prototype for a British sports car built in 1935 by SS Cars, a company that would eventually change its name to Jaguar.

“It is a spectacular car that has been perfectly restored to glorious condition,” Stanford says. “We have also got a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing that is one of only 29 ever built. A lot of people have seen Gullwings but this one is special because it has an alloy body, meaning it is made of aluminum instead of steel.”

Another notable entry is a 1913 car that is documented as the world's oldestrunning Bugatti.

“This is a car that a fellow right here in Scottsdale has restored to drive,” Stanford says. “He has actually driven it 10,000 miles over the last couple of years in races all over the world to demonstrate its outstanding durability and performance.”

Perhaps the greatest examples of the event’s theme lie within the beautiful European coachwork of vehicles from the 30s and 40s.

“They are just extraordinary to look at,” explains Stanford, likening their designs and finishes to those of fine jewelry.

The Arizona Concours d’Elegance will also showcase a collection of racecars and sports cars from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

“There will even be a few current 2020 hypercars — the most extraordinary cars on the market today that every teenage boy has on a poster hanging on his wall,” Stanford says.

Photo by Ken Bryant

Photo by Mike Tobian

CAR CULTURE

When asked why Arizona is such a hub for car collectors, Winkler says that — like most things — it is all about our state’s wonderful weather.

“It is dry here, which is easy on metal,” he explains. “It is kind of hard on fabrics, but people who live here all seem to take really great care of their cars. Transportation is important to them. They need it to get around the Valley. We just have an infatuation for automobiles, both new and old, here in Arizona. I really believe that we have some of the best cars in the entire country.”

Stanford agrees, noting that Arizona has a truly tremendous car culture.

“I grew up in Buffalo, New York,” he adds. “I could never own the cars that I have today if I still lived in Buffalo because there is such a short season to enjoy them. But there are some outstanding collections here in Arizona. And there are also some terrific people who really look for any opportunity to share their passion with the general public.

“It is wonderful to be able to put on a show like this and invite collectors not only from Arizona but from across the country to bring their cars and exhibit them in such a beautiful environment as Scottsdale Civic Center. We are very blessed to have some very generous collectors here who support the event, support the culture and support the opportunity to get out and contribute to the community.”

arizonaconcours.com

Arizona Concours d’Elegance

Jan. 22

9 a.m.

AA few years ago, Aishah Alquran and her family moved to Taibah, Jordan, where she attended middle school for two years and experienced an entirely different way of life than that which she was familiar.

“Living in a different country, I was able to experience the cultural norms and traditions such as Jordanian weddings and spending the month of Ramadan surrounded by family,” Alquran says. “I experienced the cultural food and became fluent in Arabic.”

Although exciting, that different way of life also came at the expense of luxuries that most Americans may take for granted — such as air conditioning and private transportation. However, that only further piqued Alquran’s interest, as she became even more curious about the various practices, traditions, cultures and backgrounds of people all around the world.

“We all live on the same Earth,” says Alquran, whose family now lives in Anthem. “However,

as their daily activities, jobs, food, etc.”

every person has a different way of doing things — such

Elizabeth Erickson is the current advisor of Boulder Creek High School’s global studies program, which is designed to foster students’ global awareness and provide them with the essential knowledge, skills and disposition to understand, participate in and contribute to an increasingly globalized society.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Loralei Lazurek

“

Aishah Alquran

Therefore, when Alquran learned that Boulder Creek High School offered a certificate of global studies, she seized the opportunity to dig deeper into the roots of different cultures and countries and gain an enhanced appreciation for the uniqueness present in our world.

Boulder Creek High School’s advanced academics department chair Elizabeth Erickson is the current advisor of the program, which is designed to foster students’ global awareness and provide them with the essential knowledge, skills and disposition to understand, participate in and contribute to an increasingly globalized society.

Erickson explains that students earn points toward the certificate by attending cultural events and completing projects that they present to their peers, among a variety of other things.

“There is a lot to it,” says Erickson, noting that each student must have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0, take at least two years of the same world language, regularly attend meetings and accumulate at least 200 points in order to receive the certificate. “It is quite demanding.”

Of course, that also means that it looks great on transcripts, thereby helping students stand out from the crowd of college and scholarship applicants. However, Erickson says that is rarely the reason students are interested in it.

“It is something that is done for the sake of wanting to learn and wanting to extend your education and go beyond what traditional education gives you,” she explains. “It takes a special kind of person to do that. And it provides them with experience and knowledge that they might not get otherwise.”

Small acts of service done by others help contribute to a stronger and more connected world.

GLOBAL GENEROSITY

Erickson says that very few high school students actually have the opportunity to travel and experience other cultures. Working toward a global studies certificate gives them that experience without ever leaving the U.S. However, in some cases, it also provides them with the perfect excuse to do even that.

“There is a group from the school going to Thailand this summer to do community service,” says Erickson, calling attention to one of the most significant pieces of the global studies certificate program.

Each student must complete an international community service project, through which they raise money for a particular cause in another country and spend their time or resources toward improving others’ quality of life. In some cases, such as the Thailand trip, that project may include traveling abroad.

One of the students who will be traveling to Thailand this summer, senior Alexis Hill, says that several different service projects are planned during their stay.

“We are going to volunteer at an elephant sanctuary and help at an orphanage,” explains Hill, noting that she was impressed to learn that there are more than 35,000 temples in Thailand. “While there, we also get to fully immerse ourselves in the culture and environment of a foreign country that none of us have been to. As a part of our tour, we will actually get to tour the inside of a Buddhist Monastery, learning more about certain cultural aspects.”

But students also discover through the program that there are plenty of ways that they can simultaneously immerse themselves and help others across the globe from right here in the U.S. For example, last spring, Alquran organized a

Global studies program advisor Elizabeth Erickson guides Boulder Creek High School students Aishah Alquran, Alexis Hill and Madeleine Baird on their global journey.

dental supply drive to benefit families in lower-income areas of Jordan

With that project having been a remarkable success, Alquran last fall joined forces with three other students to raise $12,000 toward the construction of a well for families in Ariet, Uganda, who have to walk at least five miles for water each day.

“Raising money to build a water well was very rewarding as every person should have access to clean water,” Alquran says. “We worked really hard on this project. We planned all of the details and found corporate sponsors. The Rotary Club of Anthem was a great support throughout the project by helping us spread the word to the community.

“It is important to step up as humans and help those in need — especially with a basic living essential. Small acts of service done by others help contribute to a stronger and more connected world.”

Boulder Creek High School junior Madeleine Baird agrees.

“I believe that no matter race, gender, orientation or wealth, everyone deserves to stand on the same level and are indebted to basic human rights — such as food, shelter and healthcare,” she adds.

Baird was still in the midst of selecting her international community service project at Images Arizona’s press time, with organizations like Doctors Without Borders and initiatives like COVAX having made her shortlist.

“I also am thinking about projects that would help with women’s rights efforts or running a food drive for areas undergoing famine,” Baird says.

“In my research for my project, I have found so many important things happening right now in the world — such as how 134 countries are ranked as a D+ or lower in quality of life and/or protection for LGBTQ+ individuals and how polio, which was eradicated with a national vaccine rollout in America in 1979, is still an ongoing issue in Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

MULTICULTURAL MINDEDNESS

Of course, the international community service project is only a piece of a much larger puzzle, which results in an entire generation of more globally competent citizens. Even Erickson has found her own awareness expanded.

“I am learning right along with them,” says Erickson, who incorporates a cultural project into her advanced placement English classes. “Just yesterday, a student shared a presentation on Uzbekistan. I did not even know that country existed.

“Another student shared a presentation on LBGQT+ rights around the world. And someone else shared a presentation on how colors have different meanings around the world. We learned that wedding dresses in Asia and around there are typically red whereas they are white here in the U.S.”

Erickson has even gotten to taste some extremely exotic dishes prepared and served up as part of presentations by students.

“These kids are not afraid to try anything,” Erickson adds.

Motivated by curiosity, students reap the benefits of knowing more about their vast and varied world rather than just their own little corner of it. In turn, they learn the true value of giving to others — both abroad and within their community.

Hill plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and research in college and use it to improve the world. Meanwhile, Alquran aspires to achieve a career in medicine and Baird hopes to eventually attend art school.

“I was motivated to join global studies mainly by my curiosity about other cultures,” says Baird, who attributes that curiosity to the stories that her mother has shared with her about traveling the world when she was a child as well as to her own exploration on YouTube. “The world is a massive place and there are so many wonderful parts that people often miss because they are surrounded by only one culture.”

certificateofglobalstudies.weebly.com

Aishah Alquran aspires to achieve a career in medicine.

Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Serves: 10–12

Ingredients:

For the Roasted Tomato Soup:

2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 small yellow onion, diced 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

2 medium celery stalks, diced

1 large garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons flour 3 cups chicken broth

1 dried bay leaf

2 teaspoons sugar 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

For the Grilled Cheese Croutons: 4 slices white bread

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 2 slices cheddar cheese

Directions:

For the soup, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with non-stick cooking spray. Strain tomatoes, reserving their juices, in a medium bowl. Spread strained tomatoes on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 15 minutes.

While the tomatoes are roasting, in a large soup pot, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic, cooking until softened, about 8 minutes. Add flour and stir to coat.

Over high heat, add then roasted tomatoes, reserved tomato juices, chicken broth, bay leaf, sugar and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove from heat, discard bay leaf and puree the soup (using a handheld or countertop blender) until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and chopped basil.

For the croutons, spread butter on both sides of bread slices. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and place two slices in the pan. Top each with one slice of cheese and place the remaining bread slices on the cheese. Cook for 2 minutes, until the underside is golden brown. Flip and cook for 1–2 minutes more. Remove from pan and allow to cool for a few minutes before cutting into 1-inch squares. Sprinkle a small handful on each bowl of soup, serve and enjoy!

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

S ANDERSON LINCOLN S ANDERSON LINCOLN