Images Arizona August 2018 by Images Arizona Magazine

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august 2018

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Writer Amanda Christmann

JAMES MUIR

FIELD FRESH

ALL DAHL-ED UP Photography by Scott Yates

Writer Amanda Christmann

COMMUNITY EVENTS

NATIVE PRIDE

CHICKEN & QUINOA STUFFED POBLANOS Writer Kyndra Kelly

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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Christmann

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Mitchell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lynette Carrington Amanda Christmann Sue Kern-Fleischer Kyndra Kelly Shannon Severson

PHOTOGRAPHERS Scott Baxter Bryan Black Kyndra Kelly Loralei Lazurek

ADVERTISING SALES Tatum Williams 480-280-9490 tatum@imagesaz.com

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

It takes only a cursory glance at the news or at social media to know that, possibly now more than any other time in my lifetime, we are a nation divided. That’s why it’s so important to speak the language that unite us all. I believe that language can be found in our common sense of community, which is often conveyed through our thriving visual and performing arts, colorful shared history and in the inspiring stories of those among us who turn their passions into something we can all enjoy. These are the stories that our Images Arizona family works hard to share each month, and I’m proud once again to bring you some of the best our Valley has to offer. Good writers and photographers are storytellers. They weave words as colorful as the brightest tapestries and capture moments through photographs that are felt more than seen. They take us on a journey to understand and connect, and I believe our talented team of writers and photographers has, once again, brought us one step closer to one another.

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 © 2018 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.

Local First A R I Z O NA

Enjoy this month’s issue, and remember to thank the many businesses and individuals whose advertising has made it all happen. We can’t do it without them, and we can’t do it without you. Together, we are strong. Cheers! Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221

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Writer Amanda Christmann Photographer Bryan Black

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Walking into the art studio of James Muir’s well-appointed Sedona home, I can’t help but feel a sense of reverence. Gentle music is playing in the background, and deep fabrics and rich woods surround us. Collections of books and art, including many of his own beautiful bronze sculptures, are thoughtfully displayed, and a large picture window ushers in natural light and a magnificent view of majestic red mountains. Muir is world-renowned for his gripping bronze work. This year, the 33-foot-tall, “Christ of the Holy Cross” was installed at Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross, and a lifesized installation called “Children” is on permanent display in the Auschwitz – Birkenau Holocaust Museum in Poland, to name just two of his many eminent works. He is one of Sedona’s most celebrated artists, and I’d had an opportunity to see some of his more accessible pieces throughout Sedona, including at Goldenstein Gallery. We sit slightly facing each other on solid yet comfortable leather chairs, and I dig into my satchel for a notebook and a pen. I begin with the most obvious of questions. “Tell me when you began your career in art,” I say. He shifts in his chair, his piano fingers intertwined but restless, and a look of reproach plays in his eyes. I sense reluctance as, for the next few minutes, he talks about the beginning of his journey. An attendee of West Point and self-described historian who grew up in Indiana, he walked away from a traditional career path at the age of 35 in search of something more. Growing up, he explains, Muir had never been interested in art, but once he found his way to Sedona, he was drawn to the bronze sculptures on display at a local gallery. They were good art, he conceded, but as he looked closer, the avid horseman noticed inconsistencies in their depiction. A horse’s ears were not in the position they would be in, for example, or the buttons on a Civil War soldier’s jacket were not historically accurate. Still, he was mesmerized, and in a story nearly too

implausible to be fiction, Muir experienced what he believes is divine guidance into the world of bronze art. Having never touched a piece of clay outside of primary school art class, he began carving his first mold at 9 p.m. one fateful evening. By 3 a.m., he’d completed his first piece, titled “Parting Shot,” a small bust of a Cavalry soldier cocking his M1860 Colt .44 over his shoulder, the way it was done to keep the spent cap from becoming jammed. Muir took the clay original to the foundry where he was working and set it on a shelf, waiting until the end of the day when his work was done to cast it in bronze. As it sat, the foundry owner stopped by with a friend, and without even trying, he’d sold a limited edition of his first artwork. Muir shared that story, then reached onto a shelf to present me with the original piece. His eyes smiled as he examined it, as if he were admiring it for the first time. Then he shifted again in his chair, uncrossing and crossing his legs in the opposite direction, and his eyes wandered out the window. “But I hope you’re not going to write any of that,” he says. It is rare to find subjects who are not interested in talking about themselves. I was confused, and my face must have betrayed my thoughts. He looked me in the eye for the first time since I’d arrived. “It’s not about me,” he says. “It’s about my work and what it says—the stories behind it.” And with that, the real interview began. “The thing that pervades all my life, and getting into this, is divine serendipity. The guidance I have received …” At a loss, his words trail off. “I almost wouldn’t believe all of the things that fell into place had they not happened to me. All the while, I was being guided for a purpose—a purpose I never knew.” Soft-spoken and restrained by nature, Muir is not one of many words. He rises and stretches toward a nearby shelf, extracting a copy of his book, “Lanterns Along the Path: The Allegorical Art of James N. Muir.” august 2018

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Caduceus

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This is the first time I’ve heard the term “allegorical art,” and as he flips through the pages sharing stories, I recognize that the phrase is entirely germane. The book documents, in chronological order, the evolution of his work. The first years of his art, he explains, carried the theme “Courage.” His early military training and West Point Code of Honor are prevalent in these works, which more often than not tell stories through scenes of war. They often portray heroism in one form or another, and an ideal repeated frequently in the annals of history. “Rescue Under Fire,” for example, was created in 1980. It depicts a Cavalry soldier on foot being rescued by another soldier on horseback. They are taking fire and fighting valiantly. In 1983, he cast “The Last Embrace,” a stoic husband and an emotional wife entwined for the last time before he goes off to war. His horse stands patiently behind them, his head bowed, seemingly aware of the moment. Both are nods to the depth and breadth of human emotion, but they are also metaphors for Muir’s own spiritual journey.

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Muir is nothing if not pragmatic, and I sense he is most comfortable letting his art speak for him. Still, he attempts to explain. “Humanity—you and I and everyone else—functions on a dayto-day basis on automatic programming,” he says. “We have put these programs in ourselves and we tell ourselves they are true.” He pauses, measuring his words carefully.

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“The things we tell ourselves about life are limiting. We are held back in our spiritual life by not recognizing that. “I don’t care if you are a homeless person struggling on the streets or a mega-millionaire, we all experience the same emotions: apathy, grief, fear, lust, anger and pride. To go beyond these emotions takes courage. To go beyond those emotions is to step into the spiritual world.” That “going beyond” is what now defines his work. “Every piece I capture is something allegorical: something positive and uplifting to the human race. I never do anything dark. The silver thread that runs through all of my work is truth.”

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His face is animated, and his whole body relaxes as he explains: That truth, he says, must transcend common definition. “Truth must be heart-centered. We have to question the beliefs we have and ask ourselves, ‘Is it really valid?’ Our entire political and socioeconomic system has developed on what we have been told is true, and to question that takes courage.”

His work delves deeply into the realm of spirituality. The ideals of liberty, justice and peace are all intertwined in connection with each other, and with divine source. “Robert Schumann said, ‘To send light into the darkness of men’s hearts—such is the duty of the artist,’” Muir said with an easy smile. “Thirty-seven years ago, I never thought I would get to a point that, allegorically and symbolically, I was helping to bring light into the darkness, not from a hubristic sense, but through my struggles as a person.”

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As if they were children, Muir doesn’t claim to have favorite pieces, but one that strikes him—and me—as particularly meaningful is a sculpture with a surprisingly recognizable face: that of Muir himself. At first glance, “Fences” looks like the depiction of a rancher taking a break from building fences.

18-MRP-0592

Looking at Muir’s work, from his 12-feet high “Caduceus” to “The Holy Grail,” a stunning sculpture that depicts mediation and prayer (“The longest journey is the journey within,” Muir says of this work), there is an overarching energy of love.

The truth is in the details. Looking closely at his fencing tool, it isn’t the hammer side he’s been using; it’s the claw. “He’s not building fences,” Muir says with delight. “He’s taking them down!” Beyond the tremendous details like the infinity wedding ring, the grain and texture of cowhide in the chaps, and the knots in the fencepost, “Fences” stands out among Muir’s other sculptures. While his other pieces subtlely reflect his spiritual journey, “Fences” is an allegory for his role in this life. As music flows through the house, we take a brief tour so he can show me some of his favorite pieces. There is a peace about him now that was hidden when I arrived and I feel like I’ve learned what I needed from James Muir. After all, this is the message he wanted to tell all along. goldensteingallery.com

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COMMUNITY

2018 AUGUST

Writer Amanda Christmann

Aug. 3

ke a dri

VISIT SEDO

FIRST FRIDAY IN THE GALLERIES s

me r 2018

Browse Sedona Gallery Association galleries and meet highlighted artists, take in special exhibits and fun art events. Enjoy light refreshments and begin your weekend with an exploration of Sedona’s exciting art scene! Free. See website for featured locations. 5–8 p.m. sedonagalleryassociation.com

Aug. 4

Verde Canyon Railroad presents the

Head up to Rim Country for a

Grape Train Escape as a tribute to

weekend of fun as ASU football

69TH ANNUAL NAVAJO FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CULTURE

great wines of the Grand Canyon

touches down in Payson. The Payson

Flagstaff’s Museum of Northern

State. Enjoy a sampling of Arizona

Food Truck Festival features dozens

Arizona presents work from more

Stronghold wines and enjoy

of food trucks with something for

than 70 Navajo artists, storytellers

complimentary specialty dishes

everyone, live music, a kids’ zone and

and cultural interpreters from many

and hors d’oeuvres. $99. 300 N.

more. Free. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Green

clans. Meet basket makers creating

Broadway, Clarkdale. 1 p.m. 800-

Valley Park, 1000 W. Country Club,

works on-site, join rug weavers,

582-7245; verdecanyonrr.com

Payson. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. 928-472-

silversmiths, potters, painters and

5110; paysonrimcountry.com

storytellers to learn about the Navajo

GRAPE TRAIN ESCAPE

PAYSON FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

Aug. 4, 5

way of living in harmony and hike with a Navajo ethno botanist. There’s plenty to do for the whole family. $8–$12. 3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., Flagstaff. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 928774-5213; musnaz.org

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Aug. 5

TEDDY BEAR TEA Little ones and their favorite bears are invited to join Goldilocks for storytime at this fourth annual tea party. Afternoon tea for adults, nursery tea and gift bag for littles are included. Adults $25; Children $15; Bears free. RSVP. English Rose Tea Room, 201 Easy St., Carefree. 3–5 p.m. 480-4884812; carefreetea.com

Aug. 11

ADDAMS FAMILY YOUNG AUDITIONS Youth ages 12–18 are invited to audition for Musical Theatre of Anthem’s production of Addams Family Young@Part. A prep workshop will be held Aug. 9 and 10 from 6–7:30 p.m. Auditions held Aug. 11 at 12:30 p.m. $325; sibling discounts and scholarships available. 42323 N. Vision Way, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Aug. 11, 12

YOUTH THEATRE AUDITIONS Musical Theatre of Anthem announces auditions for “A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS,” a delightful musical based on Arnold Lobel's well-loved books. Children ages 6–11 are encouraged to try out. Audition prep workshop to be held Aug. 9–10. Vocal auditions will be held Aug. 11 at 10:30 a.m. See website for details. $325. 42323 N. Vision Way, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

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Aug. 16

ELIANE ELIAS AT MIM Grammy-winning pianist, singer and songwriter Eliane Elias blends her Brazilian roots and sensuous, alluring voice with virtuosic instrumental jazz, classical and compositional skills at MIM. $33.50–$48.50. 4725 E. Mayo, Phoenix. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Aug. 16–18

PAYSON RODEO

Aug. 19

Aug. 25, 26

It’s the world’s oldest continuous

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE HAT

rodeo, and it’s right here in Arizona!

There’s always something fun going

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEONARD BERNSTEIN!

There’s nothing like the Payson

on at English Tea Room, and this

Musical Instrument Museum is

Rodeo! See website for performance

month is no exception. Learn to turn

celebrating 100 years of Leonard

schedule, and don’t miss the rodeo

straw hats into masterpieces worthy

Bernstein with musical performances,

after-party dance Aug. 17 and 18.

of Ascot or Kentucky with milliner

talks, workshops, film screenings

Online adult tickets $18; Seniors

Jeanne Bjorn. Upcycled straw hats,

and more. Come explore the life and

$16; Children 8–12 $10; Free for

tea and scones will be provided.

works of this most accomplished of

children 7 and under and active

Bring accessories, trim and threads.

musicians and composers. Free with

military. Tickets $20 at the gate.

Seating limited. RSVP early. $35. 201

museum entrance. 4725 E. Mayo,

1400 S. Beeline Hwy., Payson.

Easy St., Carefree. 2–5 p.m. 480-488-

Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

paysonrimcountry.com

4812; carefreetea.com

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THE CURRENT Goldenstein Gallery in West Sedona presents The Current, an exhibition that celebrates a stunning array of art from artists who have captivated and inspired

Aug. 18

collectors from around the globe. 10 a.m.

PRICKLY PEAR FESTIVAL

to 5 p.m. daily. 150 SR 179, Sedona. 928-

Come celebrate Arizona’s own unique incredible, edible

204-1765; goldensteinart.com

dessert, the prickly pear! A foraging hike, margarita shake-

PROMUSICA ANNOUNCES EXCITING SEASON

off, vendors, a pageant, music, food and more! See website for schedule. Free. 199 N. Lobb, Superior. 7 a.m.–6 p.m. superiorarizonachamber.org

You won’t want to miss the fantastic 16th season of ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra! “Broadway, Beatles and Blues” kicks off the season Nov. 3 and 4; Dec. 7–9, take a musical journey through the 12 days of Christmas with “It’s Christmas!”; and the magnificent story of one of America’s most revered naturalist comes to life on stage and in music with “Mountain Days: The John Muir Musical in Concert,” March 23 and 24. Interim artistic director and accomplished musician Patti Graetz will take the helm of this year’s productions. Adults–$22; Seniors (65+) and military–$20; Students 16-26–$12; children 15 and younger–free with paid adult. Discounted group and season tickets available. See website for schedule and locations. 623-326-5172; pmaz.org

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Writer Amanda Christmann // Photographer Bryan Black

If summer heat has got you down, a taste of the Valley has moved to the cool pines of Prescott. Just an hour or so from Phoenix, Chef Ryan Peters and his wife Brittany, who kept crowds coming to Tonto Bar and Grill, have opened the doors to Farm Provisions, one of the newest farm-to-table ventures in a growing list of restaurants focused on fresh, local fare. In just two short months, even the most discrimination diners are crowing about Farm Provisions. Located on downtown Prescott’s Montezuma Street just a block from courthouse, Farm Provisions’ trendy industrial décor feels modern and clean. Garage door windows and sleek, black metal surfaces are anchored by warm wood accents.

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Special care has gone into choosing just the right combination of rustic and contemporary. Mason jars mingle with clean, white serving dishes, and fun farm-inspired artwork and bucolic sprays of dried flowers cover the walls. The menu is the real star of the show. Formally trained at Scottsdale Culinary Institute/ Le Cordon Bleu, the Ohio native has managed to add his personal signature to traditional dishes, much as he did at Tonto Bar and Grill, creating unexpected twists on old favorites. Peters eschews pre-packaged ingredients, and instead opts for locavore approach. He sources ingredients from nearby purveyors, including Whipstone Farm, Nowhere Farms, AZ Grass-Raised Beef, Mt. Hope, Crows Dairy, and many more. Pasta is made by hand, and sauces are produced in the kitchen. Options change by the season, just the way they have for generations of ranchers and farmers. While there is no doubt the entire year will be filled with fantastic choices, this summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offerings are clearly a hit among diners. Deviled eggs are deep fried and served with maple peppered bacon jam and sriracha crĂ¨me fraĂŽche.

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Peters’ “Not Your Mom’s Chicken Pot Pie” features a heavenly flaky crust with roasted all-natural chicken, mirepoix, fresh peas and rosemary thyme veloute. Heritage Pork Tenderloin is served with asiago herbed polenta, roasted baby heirloom carrots, bacon onion marmalade, and Arizona apple cider rosemary gastrique. There is also a gorgeous selection of bountiful salads, and an impressive list of vegan and gluten-free options that won’t leave alternative diners hungry. The menu is rounded out nicely with a solid selection of domestic and imported wines, handcrafted signature cocktails and refreshing craft beers. While Peters’ work is behind-thescenes, it’s his wife, Brittany, who holds it all together at the front end. A Cave Creek native, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge in everything from wine and beer pairings to event coordination. Customer service is just as important to the two as putting delicious food on the table, and Brittany runs a tight ship. They’ve hired and trained employees who take pride in their work, and who truly care about their customers’ experience—not a small feat for a new establishment.

Experience Farm Provisions

148 N. Montezuma St., Prescott Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday 928-776-3001 farmprovisionsaz.com

It’s all part of their motto “simple food elevated,” and diners are loving it. farmprovisionsaz.com

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Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Loralei Lazurak

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Musician, songwriter and producer Drew Tyler is home from Los Angeles for a brief visit when he sits down to talk with me. He’s got an easy smile and boy band good looks, but behind the made-foran-album-cover exterior, Tyler has talent and a work ethic that have taken him from making a racket on his first drum set at age 2, to a 26-year-old who’s about to release an album of his own under the name “Fly Felix.” “I’ve played music my whole life and I was always surrounded by it growing up,” says Tyler. “I was lucky enough to have family members who were in the music business and who encouraged me. “I went in phases of liking different instruments—first drums, then guitar—and even tried making short films when I was younger. It wasn’t until high school that I took a songwriting class. That really had a huge impact on what I do today.” The Boulder Creek High School grad says those teen years, influenced by the sounds of The Strokes and Radiohead, were some of his most prolific in terms of songwriting. His style then was younger and definitely more pop than the indie rock sound of the Fly Felix project, “3 Gallons,” so-named because the amount of bartending tips he saved to finance the production filled a three-gallon water jug. Its first song, “Beautiful Animal,” will hit the airwaves this October. Some of Tyler’s earliest influences were The Beatles and the 60s and 70s rock that his guitarist father enjoyed, along with his more recently appreciation of psych rock bands like Tame Impala and Half Noise. “When I went to NAU, I joined my first band, Flight of Ryan. I played lead guitar, but we eventually parted ways” says Tyler. “They’re still performing now and they’re good friends of mine. They were ready to leave school and launch out on their own, but at the time, I wasn’t convinced that I could make music my career. I decided to stay in school one more year to finish my degree. I figured I needed to fund my musical hobby.” He did get that biology degree, which met his passion for learning about all things in the natural world. He funded his way through college as a bartender (something he still does on weekends in West Hollywood), which was great for meeting people and getting his name out there; after all, you never know who you’ll meet. His mom always said that he’s a natural-born salesman and if he gets the interview, he’s certain to get the job. She’s been right all along, as moms usually are.

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As it turns out, that final year was the origin of what his music career is today. He became intent on writing and recording his own music and now plays guitar, bass, keys and drums, but he’s also intensely curious and collaborative. In 2015, Tyler moved to Austin, where he immersed himself in the music scene and decided to create the Fly Felix project. The name began as his DJ alias, a name that gave him freedom to experiment. It allowed him to write and produce pop/EDM tracks featuring different vocalists while he was still performing as Drew Tyler, including at an appearance at the famed SXSW festival. “Austin was a hugely transformational period for me,” says Tyler. “I moved there to discover my sound and to meet other songwriters and musicians. I went with an open mind, knowing that I wanted to be involved in something new. I learned so much there that the transition to Los Angeles was relatively seamless.” When he met then-15-year-old Maggie McDavid, who now performs as MAAGS, it was supposed to be for a single song, one that he wrote. They ended up writing 15 more songs together. “Within a few weeks of working with her, I fell in love with her voice and songwriting,” says Tyler. “She’s one of the most talented people I’ve ever met. She’s so young, but she’s an old soul. I didn’t want to stop working with her. “I became close with her family and I’m now managing her. She’s moving to L.A. and we’re taking a lot of those songs we wrote together for a four-song EP release in the fall.” Tyler produced that EP, titled “If California Calls You Home." It will add to two already-released independent singles, “Born to Shine” and “Love Someone,” which Tyler co-produced with David Marinelli. They were released on July 13 with a message of love as an antidote to violence. The radio-friendly pop is bright and inspiring, but listeners will enjoy another side of MAAGS when the more acoustic, reflective “Like A Feather” launches the EP.

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Tyler’s desire to work with many artists in multiple genres inspired him to create the Angel’s Collective, an umbrella under which he assembled producers, booking agents, bloggers, musicians, photographers and visual artists who wanted to help each other reach their industry goals with whatever strengths they possessed. Now, he’s brought the collective to Los Angeles, and with the help of business partner Eric McDermott, it will continue as a cooperative and as an independent music label, with goals to expand it to other creative pursuits. “We don’t want to limit ourselves to one genre or area of creativity,” says Tyler. “We’re starting with the music, but we want to release quality art that is inspiring. We want to grow something beautiful that’s not based on ego. We want to stay true to each other and have an equal distribution of talent and skill sharing.” Between leaving Austin and moving to L.A. on New Year’s Eve of 2018, Tyler spent months at his family’s cabin in Munds Park with only his instruments and recording equipment to keep him company. It was an incredibly creative time and the songs he wrote and recorded are the seeds of his upcoming album, “3 Gallons.” It’s an exercise in patience, but he’s learned to trust the process. “I’ve never worked so hard in my life because I want it to be perfect,” says Tyler. “I love performing live and for a long time it was hard to accept that this was going to be a long process. I’ve realized, though, that I have to appreciate the process, no matter how long it takes, because it will be worth it.” After the release of “Beautiful Animal” in October, he will continue with to release tracks successively in November and December, with the full seven-song EP coming out January 2019. One of the things that will shine through for listeners is the value Tyler places on the old way of recording albums. He loves the sound of instruments performing live together on a “realsounding” album that can easily translate to being performed live on stage. “With all the technology at my fingertips, I’ve found that what I really want is stripped down authenticity,” says Tyler. “I’m really excited. A lot of these songs are near and dear to me. It’s like my life’s message and the way it’s recorded feels like my own. I know it will translate well to live performances.” flyfelixmusic.com @flyfelixmusic @MAAGSmusic

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Writer Amanda Christmann // Photography by Scott Baxter

Arizona is unique. Perhaps it’s the subtleties of the seasons that make us appreciate life’s moments all the more, or maybe it’s the resilient, scrappy people who live here despite the formidable desert heat, but the people who stay, whether for a decade or for generations, have more in common than we have differences.

CHILDREN In 2013, the Mesa Tourism Bureau hired Baxter to photograph people and events on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, a tiny 950-member Native American tribe whose reservation is located 35 miles from Phoenix. The children pictured were originally photographed in the tourism shoot, but Baxter saw an opportunity to capture something special. In his trademark fashion, something much deeper than childhood comes out in his pictures.

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Today, the lines are often blurred between Arizona’s cultures, religions and heritage. For millenniums, Native American people hunted, farmed and prospered here. Their oft-neglected stories form the foundations of how we all came to survive in the harsh, arid desert, and how our economy, our agriculture, and even our political boundaries evolved into what we now know.

In Arizona, there are 21 recognized Native American tribes. Tribal lands make up over 27 percent of the state’s area. The name “Arizona” was derived from a Tohono O’odham word that translates to “little spring.”

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HORSES For Navajo people, Jones Benally and his family are nearly legends. They are world-famous hoop dancers, and their horsemanship skills and innate equine talents are widely regarded. His son Clayson (shown left and below) is a horse trainer, an environmental activist and member of the Navajo band Black Fire. The photographs in this portion of Baxterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s series were taken at the base of Doko'oosliid, the Navajo word for Flagstaffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s San Francisco Peaks. Some of Clayson's clothing was contemporary, but some very traditional, a testament to the dual existence of Native philosophy and Western influence within his life.

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For decades, freelance photographer Scott Baxter has captured moments in time and traces of Arizona history. Along the way, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connected with many indigenous people whose stories heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s managed to tell through photography.

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SHEEP Navajo churro sheep are used for both wool and food. Brought by Spanish settlers in the 16th century, Pueblo people were hired and enslaved to herd sheep and weave textiles, and they were a food and clothing staple for both the Spanish and area tribes. In the mid-1800s, Navajos began to resist occupation by the miners, ranchers and other settlers who’d begun encroaching in large numbers on Diné homelands. Kit Carson and John Carlton were ordered by the U.S. Government to raid Navajo villages and destroy their orchards and flocks. This military action led to the Long Walk of the Navajos, in which an estimated 9,000 Navajo people were forced on a 300-mile trek to an interment camp at Bosque Redondo, New Mexico. There is no official number of the people who died along the way, but the human and livestock toll was immense. Some Navajos who escaped were able to hide in remote canyons with their sheep, and survived that terrible chapter in history. Three years after it began, Navajos were allowed to return to their native lands and were issued two sheep per person—considered enough to survive, but not enough to thrive.

Scott Baxter About the Photographer I was born in Hartford, Connecticut. I grew up near Princeton, New Jersey, and I moved to Phoenix in 1982. I currently live in Carefree. I have been a professional photographer since 1986. I was teaching school and one of my ninth grade English students taught me how to process black and white film. I decided then that I wanted to become a photographer instead of going to law school. I am inspired to photograph Native Americans because of their reverence for our world. Photography is very subjective. I have always thought that you can tell a lot about a person by viewing their photographs. It's really pretty simple; I try really hard to make my photographs straightforward, simple and honest. scottbaxterphotographer.com

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Often photographs portray an instant—a smile, a celebration or a small piece of a day. It is the rare photographer who has the ability to find that crack of light between the real and the spiritual, penetrating the very soul of a subject. Scott is such a photographer. His photographs reveal an esoteric connection to what was, what is, and what will be, and they are often as breathtaking as they are resonant.

PEOPLE Photographing indigenous people comes with unique challenges. Baxter avoids contrived narratives, but he also knows that, for many of the native people he has come to know, there is great pride in wearing traditional ceremonial clothing. “I don’t treat Native Americans any differently than when I’m shooting cowboys, when I’m shooting kids, when I’m shooting other friends, or when I’m shooting my daughter. They show up, and my job is to make a connection. “For me its more about the person—how you relate to that person, and how they relate to you. It’s getting something deeper from them. “I’m particularly conscious of being respectful, and there’s so much that I don’t know. I become a conduit in a sense, but it’s not about me. I just hope that they trust me enough to be authentic.”

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POTTERY Nestled in eastern Arizona’s South Fork Canyon near the sleepy town of Greer is Little Bear Ruins. From about 500 to 900 A.D., ancestors of both the Hopi and Zuni people thrived in this former village. Today, blessings are still performed here, and people can have an opportunity to explore the past. The pottery and shards are real, and one can’t help but wonder about the hands that created them. Lost in the unwritten annals of time, gone too are the dreams, thoughts and memories of these people who came before.

We are happy to share some of his work in this month’s Images Arizona photo essay, and hope it inspires you to look deeper into the cultures that have become part of who we are as Arizonans.

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Sofia the Star Writer Amanda Christmann // Photography Courtesy of Sofia Wylie

It’s difficult for most of us to imagine going through those awkward teen years in the spotlight, but for one Valley teen, not only is she doing it; she’s thriving beneath the bright lights of Hollywood. A few months ago, Images Arizona had an opportunity to catch up with Sofia Wylie, whose stardom was steadily rising with the successful launch of Disney’s “Andi Mack.” These days, the 14-year-old’s future is shining brighter than ever as she’s just wrapped up filming for the starring role in her first feature film, “Back of the Net.” Sofia has gained an impressive following among teens and tweens for her role as Buffy on “Andi Mack,” and for good reason. As a performer, she’s full of natural talent. In fact, she’s often billed as a “triple threat” for her abilities as an actor, dancer and singer. She trained at Diverse Elements Dance Studio in Phoenix in ballet, lyrical dance, hip hop, jazz and contemporary dance, and she’s had the opportunity to perform on-stage with Justin Bieber and at Radio City Music Hall. She was a two-time finalist for the Lifetime show, “Dance Moms,” and also competed on “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2016. Not bad for a kid from the Phoenix ’burbs. Sofia is now back on set in Park City, Utah to film the third season of Disney’s coming-of-age series, but it’s been a whirlwind of a year for her and for her parents, Chris and Amy Wylie.

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She just returned from Australia, where she rocked her role as the lead character, studious Cory Bailey. “‘Back of the Net’ starts off with my character, Cory Bailey, getting ready for a Semester at Sea program for science,” Sofia explains. “Cory is very intelligent but she does not fit in well with her peers. She accidentally gets onto the wrong bus and winds up at soccer camp. She doesn't want to be there at all and feels like a fish out of water, but while she is stuck at soccer camp, she finds friendship, love and who she wants to be.” The movie’s release date has not yet been set, but her fans are already waiting with baited breath. She’s come a long way from her inaugural performance as an oompaloompa in Musical Theater of Anthem’s production, “Willy Wonka”! Still, she credits those early days with planting the seeds for her current career. “I loved being able to act, sing and dance for an audience all at once,” says the well-spoken teen. “I was pretty shy when I was younger, but performing helped me get out of my shell and made me become more confident in myself.” She continues, “When I started performing, it gave me a way to express myself. It’s given me something to look forward to every day and I hope to perform for the rest of my life. Since ‘Andi Mack’ came out, I started to get recognized in public. To this day, it’s still really exciting to me, and it’s hard for me to fathom the fact that our show has such a huge following!”

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On a more personal note, Sofia seems to have found her tribe on stage. The “Andi Mack” cast has been especially influential as the characters navigate often difficult-to-tackle, real-life situations. For example, it is the first Disney show to openly address LGBTQ issues. The show also addresses racial issues, which has been especially impactful to Sofia, who is biracial. “In every storyline of ‘Andi Mack,’ as our characters are learning and growing as people, I know I am too. In one of the story lines, my character, Buffy, had to make her hair straight. At the end of the episode she realized that she didn't have to change her appearance for anyone. This is something I went through when I was younger. I am very lucky that I am able to be a part of making an impact on people’s lives.” At the end of the day, however, Sofia is still just a kid. When she’s home in Anthem, she loves binge watching “Vampire Diaries,” “Pretty Little Liars,” and other television series with her mom. She goes shopping, has a penchant for gluten-free pizza, and adores her older sister Bella, who earned her own bit of fame as a winner on Food Network’s “Chopped Junior” cooking competition. The pieces appear to be falling into place for this budding star. In fact, lately she has been dubbed “The Next Zendaya,” whose own rise to fame followed a similar trajectory. It’s a promising comparison considering Zendaya’s most recent roles in “The Greatest Showman” and “Spiderman: Homecoming.” Sofia has not-so-far-off dreams of continuing her acting career, but she sees more than that in her future, too. “I have so much I want to do in addition to being an actress,” she explains. “I want to create a sanctuary for homeless, abused and injured animals. In 10 years, I see myself still acting. I hope to produce and direct as well. “No matter what I am doing, I hope to inspire others. The most rewarding experience I have is when I’m able to give back to my community. Knowing that you can bring joy and happiness to someone’s life is the best feeling in the world!” Of all the interviews she has done in the last two years, there is one question she hasn’t answered on the record. “I wish someone would ask, ‘How do you think your generation and the generations to come, can change the world?’” she says. “I believe that we are the future, and by taking the time to help someone in need or just simply telling someone that they are amazing, you can make someone’s day. I am constantly inspired by the strength and bravery of kids all around the world, and I hope to be a part of that.” And indeed, if anyone can do it, it will be Sofia Wylie who plays that part.

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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography by Scott Baxter and Kim Scodro Interiors

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For a couple of guys who make their living fooling the eye, Rich Kovacich and Felix Lagazo are as real as they come. Whether they’re creating a spot-on imitation of limestone to cover an outdated cantera fireplace mantle, or chatting about life on the scenic back porch of their Black Mountain home, the two approach life with candor and honesty. It’s those same timeless values, combined with their stellar work ethic, that have grown their faux finishing business, Faux Finishes, to be one of the most in-demand companies of its type in the Valley. In their small but lively studio, Francisco de la Cruz and Alberto Sanchez, both long-time employees, expertly apply glaze to a set of cabinet doors while Rich sorts through some of his ongoing projects. On top is a strie finish sample with impressive dimension. “We get a lot of inspiration from wallpapers and fabrics,” he explains, holding up a picture of the original finish he copied to perfection. To the untrained eye, the painted finish looks identical to, if not better than, the more expensive, less changeable wallpaper version. Next are samples of copper finishes, from a rich red with shiny undertones to a hammered copper finish, completely done with paint. “Metallics are coming back,” he explains. “Especially copper.” The hammered faux finish was created for a vent hood project—a bit of genius considering how difficult real copper is to keep clean and unoxidized. As he goes through his work, showing samples of designs made from paint and plasters—burlap finishes, bird’s eye maple and faux Venetian plaster, to name a few—he rattles off a few notable design trends that have influenced his work.

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This year, he explains, cream tones are replacing the grays and aquas of the last few years. Bright, monochromatic spaces accented with punches of dark wood are now favored over deep, darker colors. For many homeowners and designers, those looks begin with Rich and Felix. “This is a dream shop for me,” Rich says. “Whether people want something trendy or a classic look that will last for many years, I get to figure out how to create the look they’re going for. “It’s just amazing what you can do with painted finishes—what you can copy,” he adds. “You just play around a little bit, and before you know it, it’s a success story.” For Rich and Felix, that story is also the culmination of 30 years of hard work. Rich grew up in the Milwaukee area but found his heart in New York. After a high school trip, he made the decision to move there, renting an acquaintance’s sewing room to sleep in and picking up a job as a bus boy at the World Trade Center. He enrolled at the renowned Parsons School of Interior Design, bussing tables between classes, and earned his AAS in interior design. He began in the fabric business before exploring finishes, eventually earning clients like Donald Trump, CBS Television, Zaniz Corporation, and Broadway set designer David Mitchell. In 1982, his long-time best friend lured him to Phoenix, where he naturally fit

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FUN FACTS 46

FAVORITE PROJECT: John McCainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condo at Coronado Shores. FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT WORKING: Gardening and cooking. Felix has created an impressive landscape of trees and plants surrounding their Black Mountain home. SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW: The pair once had 30 chickens, a cow, a pig and 14 dogs at a house they owned in downtown Phoenix. DREAM CLIENTS: Bill Gates, or anything that brought them overseas.

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in with other artists and interior designers. “I loved it here,” he says. A stroke of luck and lots of hard work led him to Desert Mountain, where he got his big shot creating finishes for the clubhouse and spec homes. As he worked, friends and relatives of his clients wanted his finishes in their homes, too. Before long, he had more work than he could manage. Enter Felix, who, on the surface, was an unlikely partner for an artistic endeavor. Felix had a background in electroplating, and he’d been working in bookkeeping and records at Honeywell, and his first steps into design were a little shaky, to say the least. “When we first started this, I didn’t have the vision that Richard did,” he says with a laugh. “Early on, I was working on a project, and I remember calling Richard and saying, ‘Is this really what you want?’ I didn’t think it looked right at all. He looked at it and said, ‘Yes! It’s exactly right.’ Sure enough, when we attended the grand opening, people were touching the walls. They loved it! I couldn’t see the big picture like Richard could. Fortunately, I’ve gotten better.” Felix is the yin to Richard’s yang; Richard is often the one who brings new ideas to the table, while Felix manages the important small details. “He’s the grease that makes everything work,” Rich says of his partner. In truth, their synergism is palpable. They were fortunate, too, to have found Francisco and Alberto along the way. In fact, some of their greatest compliments come from clients who appreciate the quality of their work, and their integrity as guests in their homes. “Our policy is to never cut corners,” Rich explains. “It’s very reassuring to know that those guys will make the quality as good as I will. I sleep great at

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night knowing it’s going to be perfect. We are so lucky to have them.” Soon, too, they will add exterior finishes to their palette with the addition of new team members. “No matter what projects we do, our goal is to make it an enjoyable experience instead of something our clients have to stress over,” Felix says. Today, their current projects include faux limestone and plaster finishes in two Mirabel homes; faux limestone, painted strie finish, and cabinet refinishing in a Cave Creek remodel; and a gorgeous spec home remodel in Silverleaf in which they are refinishing a 20-foot fireplace and nearly all of the cabinetry. When they are finished, each home will look fresh and updated, all with the stroke of brushes and the troweling of plaster. Like their projects, the pair’s success comes from jumping in with both feet and getting the job done. “We never had a vision or a plan,” Rich says, three decades into his career. “It was basically—we refused to fail.” With a portfolio that now includes projects in Luxe, Arizona Home and Design, Phoenix Home and Garden, and several other top publications, failure is far from likely. In fact, it will be fun to see what these two are creating together for years to come. fauxfinishesinc.com

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Writer Amanda Christmann // Photography by Scott Yates

It’s a Thursday night at Sedona’s swank Mariposa LatinInspired Grill, and the air is buzzing with gaiety. The sun is making a show of its exit stage left, and its glow across glass artwork elicits an almost visceral response among those of us fortunate to be in the moment. It has been over two years since I’ve been in this space. My first visit, not long after owner Lisa Dahl celebrated the grand opening of this magnum opus and ultimate tribute to her son, Justin, who lost his life while being a good Samaritan in 1995. In the short months since, Mariposa has already stepped into stardom in the red rocks—and for good reason.

Conversations in several different languages fill the air, and behind me a couple is extolling the excellence of the days’ Pescado Paradiso. After tapas of perfectly balanced corn empanadas with pineapple criolla, then fabulous Ecuadorianstyle Shrimp Ceviche with rock shrimp and house cocktail sauce savory enough to eat with a fork, I try the fish. They are right. It is wonderful. For owner Lisa Dahl, every bit of it is by design.

From its inception, every element of Mariposa has been intentionally and painstakingly conceived and executed. Fire, air, water and earth come together in profound yet simple ways inside and out.

Dahl has carved out her niche, planting a firm foothold at the very top of Sedona’s burgeoning restaurant scene. The number of annual visitors to Arizona’s famed red rock country has tripled in the last decade, turning this once-sleepy town of 10,000 into a crowded hotspot for spirituality and commerce, and nearly every one of those visitors is eager to explore local cuisine as part of their journey.

Bubbling outdoor fountains are flanked by ablaze metal sculptures, and round, twig-like chandeliers illuminate airy ceilings. Butterflies, symbolic of Dahl’s own metamorphosis, provide the establishment’s namesake as well as an element of whimsy to its beauty.

When her first restaurant, Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante Italiano, opened in 1995, it was a Sedona first; no other area restaurants offered its level of fine dining. Dahl came to Sedona to heal from her son’s death, but little did she know how much she had to offer. It became a rousing hit.

There are few establishments developed as mindfully as Mariposa, but even its grandeur is secondary to the magnificent view of Mt. Wilson and the mystical Secret Mountain Wilderness framed by the restaurant’s walls of glass. The vista, the food, and the focus on the present moment: Mariposa catches the very essence of why people come to Sedona.

Her second endeavor, Cucina Rustica Rustic Tuscan Grill, gave diners an equally delicious yet entirely different option. Still refined, but more masculine with its heavy woods and rich colors, Cucina Rustica, too, quickly became an area favorite for those wanting something more upscale.

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Gusta i frutti della vita— Enjoy the fruits of life! Lisa Dahl

Pisa Lisa, which opened in 2013, was the rambunctious little sister to the refined elegance of Dahl’s first two restaurants. That “little sister” has grown to quite the accomplished young lady, however; Dahl manages to take pizza—everyone’s American favorite—to an entirely new level with perfectly crisp, woodfired crusts, her homemade “mother sauce,” and fresh, fantastic toppings like spicy prawns, Nova Scotia smoked salmon, fiore di latte mozzarella and more. For many, owning and operating a single restaurant to the most minute of details, as Dahl is known for, would be exhausting. Not so for this tiny dynamo. In fact, as her empire of awardwinning dining destinations grows, she appears to become more confident. In fact, I can’t help but notice a new radiance in her eyes as we catch up over dinner. Mariposa Latin-Inspired Grill may be the latest in Dahl Restaurant Group’s Sedona unique restaurants, but it won’t be the last. In April, she made the announcement that she’s

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opening not one, but two more restaurants in the Village of Oak Creek in a new retail space, called Sedona Vista Village, being renovated from the old outlet mall that once thrived there. Her latest creations are ambitiously slated to open in fall 2018. The first, another Pisa Lisa, will offer the same popular woodfired pizzas, tapas, paninis, hand-tossed salad and luscious desserts as its Sedona location a few miles away. The second, Butterfly Burger, she’s conceived as a "couture burger lounge.” The idea came from a 2016 Scottsdale Burger Battle victory in which her Gringo Burger took the People’s Choice Award. She will essentially be doing the same magic to burgers that she’s done to spice up her pizza. “I’ve watched burger concepts coming up and know I have a particular concept and methodology that’s original,” she explained. Of course, this comes as no surprise for anyone who has seen her self-taught culinary genius at work.

dahl restaurants

cucinarustica.com 928-284-3010

dahlanddiluca.com 928-282-5219

pisalisa.com 928-282-5472

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As she speaks, she portrays the vision she’s so close to realizing. “I want to focus on quality sourcing of meats with emphasis on special sauces, and with equal emphasis on the vegetables and fabulous sides to go with those burgers and sauces.” Craft beers, bourbon and novelty shakes will also be on the menu. “I see it as a kind of fashion-y lounge. This is not the burger you stand in line to get as quickly as you can and get out,”— as if I or anyone else would expect anything different from Lisa Dahl. “I have a good feeling about it,” she continued, as she sat across from me beneath the lights at Mariposa. “Instead of doing it for emotional reasons, which is what this place really has been,” she said, encompassing the dining rooms with a sweep of her arm, “I want to build two more restaurants because it makes more sense. There is so much demand for great stuff in that area, yet there is so little of it.” Developers of Sedona Vista Village plan to anchor the retail center with the area’s first Westin hotel. The three-story, 120-room lodge will open the area to become a gateway to Sedona. Dahl’s restaurants will serve as cornerstones to the retail development. Located across from Cucina Rustica and an increasing number of galleries and shops, Sedona Vista Village will prime the Village of Oak Creek to absorb some of the overflow from Sedona’s busy tourist corridor. Dahl foresees the area becoming its own destination, and though time will tell, she could just be spot on. “The Village of Oak Creek is such a beautiful area. I feel secure pioneering a more casual element out there.” Like everything else she does, Dahl’s ideas are grandiose but firmly anchored in reality. She has embraced what would be overwhelming for most people and stepped into her own power to create not one, but several labors of love. “I feel especially honored in where I am now in what I’ve realized has been part of my responsibility to be a mentor to other women.” She takes a sip of her drink and adds with a smile, “It’s a whole new world, and I’m part of a revolution.” dahlrestaurantgroup.com

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Oh, the Views! This exquisite 3,900+ square-foot Esprit model home is hidden away on a hillside of one of the most private streets in the Anthem Country Club gated community. The daytime views are spectacular, but there is nothing more soothing to the soul than taking in the sunsets and city lights from the solar-heated, luxurious pool. This home offers a resort lifestyle and so much more! Enter through your own private courtyard, then surround yourself with rich, natural stone. Everything is custom, including the flooring, in this magnificent desert oasis. The split master bedroom plan with two walk-in closets, sitting rooms, en suite bathrooms adds to the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desirability, and is the epitome of comfort and opulence. There is plenty of room for everyone, with four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, as well as an additional guest or office space. Throw away the stress of the day in this grand, yet wonderfully functional home. The beautifully appointed kitchen with GE Monogram appliances is updated and ready to enjoy. Wood-look tile adds an element of enduring warmth, and and the attached solar system provides a lifetime of sustainable savings. Other features include fireplaces indoors and out, easyto-maintain synthetic grass, a built-in BBQ, a third-car garage with plenty of cabinetry for storage, a beautiful pool water feature, professionally finished cabinetry, double ovens and designer Venetian plaster finishes. For more information on this remarkable sanctuary, contact Linda today!

Please call Linda for your private showing. Linda Rehwalt RE/MAX Professionals 602-402-1136 lindarehwalt@azrealty.com

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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Courtesy of Creative Gateways

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It’s the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. Every one of us is in the midst of a global conversation on a scale never before experienced in history. For the first time, thanks in large part to technology, we are seeing and hearing voices and perspectives of people outside our own echo chambers of experiences and ideas, and it is changing our political and cultural landscapes. Whether we are living in a village in rural Africa or sitting in a corner office on Wall Street, every one of us is feeling the influence of globalization. In many ways, it’s a boon of opportunity, but on the flip side is a quest to maintain cultural identity. In life and in art, Gerry Quotskuyva is approaching that paradox with one foot stepping toward the future, and the other firmly planted in tradition. A member of the Bear Strap Clan from the Second Mesa Village of Shungopavi on the Hopi Reservation, his quiet demeanor and calm presence belie the importance of his accomplishments. By trade, Quotskuyva is an acclaimed artist, but what he really does is plant seeds. Quotskuyva follows the agricultural path of his ancestors, coaxing beans, squash, gourds or corn out of the same soil as generations before ran their own fingers through at Verde Valley Ancestral Garden. He also nurtures kernels of peace through art. His katsinam (Anglicized as “kachinas”—there is no “ch” sound in the Hopi language), bronze work, painting and glasswork channel the wisdom of the ages revealed to him through dreams and visions. More often than not, his creations blossom in unexpected ways. Hidden meanings emerge long after a piece is completed, and doors to understanding are unearthed and discovered. “My work is really special when it comes to being Hopi,” he says from behind a tidy desk at Sedona’s Creative Gateways, his newest workspace. “A lot of times, I do not understand what I’m doing until it’s finished.” To illustrate this crux, he points to a tower forged in bronze. On it is a small metal plaque with the title “Cultural Fortitude.” “I had this idea of doing a kiva. That’s where we go to learn respect for our culture and ceremonial practices,” he begins, carefully measuring his words. “I carried the idea around for

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Experience The Art of Gerry Quotskuyva Kuivato Glass Gallery 336 Hwy. 179, Tlaquepaque, Suite B-125, Sedona 928-282-1212 kuivatoglassgallery.com Creative Gateways 45 Birch Blvd., Sedona 928-862-4440 creativegateways.com

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years. Then I had an odd exchange with a couple at the Washington Monument in Washington D.C. “The shape of the Washington Monument is an obelisk, which can be found in petroglyphs and in other parts of the culture of Pueblo people. It occurred to me that, what was part of the past for us is now a permanent symbol of who we are in the United States.” Quotskuyva planted that idea far away from his rational mind and let the creativity flow. What emerged was an obelisk with a round kiva top, much like Puebloan buildings in the pre-Spanish era. Corn, the foundation of Hopi agriculture and spirituality, grows up the front, and a prayer for peace is depicted in petroglyphic symbols. The back conveys earthen bricks, a fortress of sorts, which, over time, Quotskuyva realized symbolized the tightly held secrets of the Hopi world. “It’s interesting how it comes together for me,” he said, as if he were more of an observer of his process than an active participant. In many respects, Quotskuyva is building bridges. He is part of a new generation of Hopis, and the journey he is on is largely unchartered. For as long as anyone can remember, history, religion and many other aspects of Hopi culture were guarded from corruption by outside influences through secrecy;

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only a chosen few were trusted with many of the stories and ways that define what it means to be Hopi. Today, though there are still ceremonies and beliefs that are kept hidden away from the Western world, a new school of thought is evolving. By sharing pieces of tradition, the world outside of the 2,500-square-mile Hopi Reservation can begin to gain an understanding—ergo an appreciation—for the importance of preserving a disappearing way of life. Quotskuyva’s role seems to have chosen him for the job, rather than the other way around. At the age of 35, after working in food service for Hollywood and holding various jobs in radio, he had a dream that changed the course of his life. In the dream, Corn Maiden, a spirit who symbolizes the gift of bountiful harvests, came to him. Katsinam flew from the corn, and husks turned into her robes. When he awoke, he knew he had to carve her image.

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He showed that first carving, “Corn Maiden,” to his grandfather, who was himself a famed carver. His grandfather was impressed. From that moment forward, Quotskuyva knew he had found his path. Along the way, he realized that he did not have to sacrifice authenticity to form a connection between his Hopi roots and the outside world. He still listens to the roots of the cottonwood tree to discover what they want to become, and he has remained true to the teachings he’s learned in his clan’s kivas. At the same time, he has ventured out within the rules to express himself as an artist, infusing traditional images with contemporary styles. For example, is forbidden to forge katsinam from bronze in the Hopi culture, so instead, Quotskuyva has created other bronze figures, such as a striking bust of an eagle, titled “Tutuvena.”

He’s also embracing his newest passion, glass, as a medium.

the art of organization

“They never said we couldn’t do katsinam in glass,” he said with a wry smile. “What better way to bring something to life than with light! Glass brings so much depth and color. It’s really something.” No matter his medium, museums, galleries and dozens of collectors have gained a solid appreciation for his work, and for the cultural lessons it holds. His next project is perhaps his opus. A raw chunk of cottonwood root stands four-feet tall and two-feet wide inside his Sedona office. Its arms are intertwined, beautifully fused together in an earthen harmony that is art in and of itself. This root, which has been carefully cured for about 14 years, has big plans in store for Quotskuyva. Eventually, it will become an epic nod to the matriarchal culture in which he grew up, with several individual katsinam and faces carved into the wood. The work begins this month in Santa Fe, where Quotskuyva has secured a Rollin and Mary Ella King Native Artist Fellowship hosted by the School for Advanced Research. There are also plans to document his work on video. Like the rest of the lessons he learns and imparts, this, too, will become part of preserving traditions so that they are not lost. After all, in a rapidly changing world, there is no better medium than art to ensure that the important things remain. creativegateways.com kuivatoglassgallery.com

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Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

The perfect party appetizer to serve at your next get together or BBQ, these Tenderloin Bites are sure to be a hit! Prepare them up to two days ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before serving for an easy appetizer!

Tenderloin Bites Makes 20 to 24 bites Ingredients: 6- to 8-oz tenderloin 12 slices bacon (approx.) Marinade: 1/2 cup coconut aminos (similar to soy sauce) 3 tablespoons coconut or olive oil 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 1 teaspoon chopped garlic Directions: Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Cut tenderloin into 2-inch cubes. Place meat in marinade and refrigerate for 2 hours. Preheat oven to broil. Assemble the bites by taking one chunk of tenderloin out of the marinade and wrapping 1/2 piece of bacon around it, securing with a toothpick. Repeat these steps until all the tenderloin chunks are wrapped. Discard marinade. Place bacon-wrapped tenderloin on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 5 minutes for medium rare, or until desired doneness. I like mine a little crispier, so I let them broil for 8 minutes. Remove from oven. Serve alone or with a sauce. kyndraclaire.com

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august 2018

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Chicken & Quinoa Stuffed Poblanos Step up your taco game with these fun stuffed poblanos! I promise they are just as delicious as they look! Make this recipe your own by using as much or as little chicken and quinoa as you’d like!

Makes 2–4 peppers Ingredients: 1–2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 1–2 cups quinoa, cooked according to packaged directions 3–4 poblanos Taco seasoning Pepperjack cheese 1/3 cup salsa Lime Cilantro Queso fresco Avocado Corn Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut peppers in half and place on sheet pan lined with foil. Bake peppers for about 15 to 20 minutes while preparing quinoa according to package directions. In a medium skillet, shred chicken and season with your favorite taco seasoning. Pour your favorite salsa over the top and let simmer for a few minutes. Add 1 to 2 cups quinoa, depending on how many peppers you are making. Remove peppers from oven and stuff with chicken and quinoa mixture. Top with shredded pepper jack and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and top with avocado, roasted corn, lime, cilantro and queso fresco. Enjoy! kyndraclaire.com

Writer iand Kelly m a gPhotographer e s a r i z o n a . cKyndra o m aug ust 2 018

august 2018

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i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m aug ust 2 018