Images Arizona (November 2023)

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ABOUT

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TOWN

PHOTOGRAPHY ESSAY

RIDERS IN THE SKY

HI DDE N I N TH E H ILLS

ARTIST STUDIO TOUR

NOVEMBER 2023 PROUDLY SERVING THESE COMMUNITIES: Anthem Country Club l Anthem Parkside C1 imagesar izona.c November Desert Hills om l New River2023 l Tramonto

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What's Inside?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TASTING ABOUT TOWN

RIVER DANCE

SPARKING CREATIVE CONNECTIONS

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COMMUNITY

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RIDERS IN THE SKY

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RECIPE

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From the Publisher Publisher Shelly Spence

Managing Editor Joseph J. Airdo

Graphic Designer

Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo Francine Coles Susan Kern-Fleischer James Malcolmson Rebecca L. Rhoades Shannon Severson

Photographers

Francine Coles Loralei Lazurek

Advertising Sales

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

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

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Our communities — and our lives — are filled with history. We treasure forever the memories of our children’s first steps, the festival at which we met our significant other and the trip to Northern Arizona we took with our friends to see the autumn leaves. Our libraries, museums and antique shops are populated by historical artifacts that represent moments in time that we, ourselves, may not have experienced.

We are preservers of history by nature, often obsessed with taking pictures of moments we wish to always remember. Our art — be it painting, sculpture, jewelry, prose or performance piece — provides reflections of the past, ensuring that our ideas, feelings and experiences are safeguarded for future generations.

This month’s issue of Images Arizona is dedicated to the history that surrounds us and our conservation of it. From a feature about the legacies of our nation’s veterans to stories about some of the artists participating in this fall’s 27th annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour, these pages portray the many ways in which those in our communities are preserving the past through food, art, architecture and more.

There is no better month of the year than November to reflect on such things as we approach Thanksgiving — a time at which we are certain to make many more memories that we will treasure forever and think about all we are grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

Cheers!

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 © 2023 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.

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Photography by Loralei Lazurek

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

SANDERSON LINCOLN

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G R A C E

R E N E E

G A L L E R Y

NOVEMBER

ARTIST

Maura Allen

CONTEMPORARY WESTERN ARTIST

Real and romanticized, the West is the center of Maura Allen’s work.

Maura’s work is in museum, corporate and private collections in the West—and beyond.

[

ARTIST RECEPTION Thursday, November 16 Wine & appetizers 4–7 p.m.

]

Grace Renee Gallery 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 6

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GraceReneeGallery.com

ABOVE :

Blue Sky Days Ahead, Acrylic on Wood Panel, 40” by 30”

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Photo by Willy Conley Born profoundly deaf, freelance writer, photographer and theater/ film artist Willy Conley is ceaselessly in search of ways to enrich and uplift the deaf — and human — experience. He recently shared with Images Arizona a collection of his photographs that he refers to as “watergraphs.”

“Although not a native of Arizona, I am a lover of all aspects of the Southwest,” says Conley, a retired professor/chair of theater at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. “These images are from my periodic visits to the state over a span of 22 years, beginning in 1997. “‘Watergraph’ is a term I invented that came from taking photographs of water reflections that have been turned upsidedown. Depending on environmental factors like the wind, debris in the water and the color of the sky, each inverted reflection creates a painting in its own right, bordered by whatever is surrounding the water.”

Conley suggests that Images Arizona readers turn this magazine upside-down to see how this image was originally discovered.

“Just as an artist chooses a type of frame and size to present a piece of art, these natural mirrors have their own self-contained frames in which they present themselves in the landscape,” Conley adds. “All reflections are recorded as is, without any double exposures or extreme image manipulation. This has been a part of my serendipitous quest around the world for water reflections that range from little puddles to large bodies of water.” willyconley.com

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SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS TO IMAGES@IMAGESAZ.COM OR TAG #IMAGESAZ ON INSTAGRAM FOR POSSIBLE PUBLICATION IN AN UPCOMING ISSUE.

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Writer Shannon Severson

The birth of speakeasies dates back to the ill-fated 18th Amendment and the Prohibition era, which extended from 1920 to 1933.

The term “speakeasy” may have originated from the soft voices required of patrons in underground establishments, where a secret password was the key that opened the unmarked door to backrooms and basements that offered forbidden libations from moonshine to cocktails.

Wine, on the other hand, was a bit more accessible as people were allowed to make a limited amount for their own use. Small gatherings and wine “appreciation” clubs emerged, often in private homes.

While alcohol is perfectly legal these days, there’s still a touch of alluring mystery that lingers around the idea of speakeasies and smaller-scale opportunities to taste and toast. North Valley neighborhoods are abuzz with venues inspired by tradition for just such an experience.

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Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge 37555 N. HUM ROAD, SUITE 109 CAREFREE 480-575-0993 STICKSGOLF-CIGARLOUNGE.COM While the name of this Carefree establishment spotlights golf and cigars, as it should, there’s just not enough room on the sign to list all that Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge offers.

“I tell people, ‘We’re not a cigar lounge, we’re a social experience,’” says owner Larry Foppe. “It’s a place you can sit down and talk for a couple of hours.

We don’t do loud music or bands. We know our customers and what they drink, what they smoke. Everybody’s on a first-name basis. It’s very unique.”

Foppe’s’ customers enjoy a full bar; indoor and outdoor spaces with screens for catching a game; humidified cigar lockers for annual rental; a “Full Swing” golf simulator; and a laser shooting range.

A main lounge furnished with comfortable leather chairs is a laidback, clubby spot to smoke one of the over 1,500 brands and sizes of premium cigars available for purchase in the state-of-the-art 250-squarefoot walk-in humidor. Some rarefied smokes can be found and prominent cigar makers often visit to hold events and offer deals.

Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge is all about having something for everyone.

There are 50 different bourbons and

30 different scotch varieties with which to pair a cigar. Wine, beer and craft cocktails are also plentiful. The lounge doesn’t serve food, but has menus from nearby restaurants for to-go orders and will cater for sporting events like football games — with Sunday NFL being a top draw.

While Foppe has many regulars, including those who take advantage of the VIP membership experience with 24/7 access to a private lounge, newcomers are immediately welcomed into the fold.

“When somebody new comes in, they’re immediately asked to join the groups,” Foppe explains. “Everybody introduces themselves, and they sit down and have a conversation. I love it.”

Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge // Photos Courtesy of Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge

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While alcohol is perfectly legal these days, there’s still a touch of alluring mystery that lingers around the idea of speakeasies and smaller-scale opportunities to taste and toast.

The clientele skews heavily male but Foppe says that about 20% of his clientele is female, and he has some special events aimed at the demographic — including ladies’ golf instruction each Thursday night with a local golf pro in the simulator, which is a non-smoking space; gun safety training classes; a planned level two live amamunition course at Ben Avery Shooting Facility; and an “introduction to cigars” class especially for women.

The owner points out that you don’t have to smoke to enjoy Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge. Non-smokers often enjoy the beautiful outdoor patios and golf simulator.

“We are kind of known as the ‘Cheers’ of Carefree,” Foppe says. “Sticks is where everybody knows your name.”

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Poppy’s Office 34522 N. SCOTTSDALE ROAD, SUITE 160, SCOTTSDALE, KEELERHOSPITALITYGROUP.COM After the unexpected loss of Paul Keeler in 2021, the beloved founder of Keeler Hospitality Group, his son Matt had a vivid dream that became the seed of a new business — a speakeasy called Poppy’s Office right next door to its sister restaurant, Liberty Station.

Matt, Judy and Ryan Keeler

“I woke up, called my family and said, ‘We have to do this,’ and they agreed,” recalls Matt, who is the chief executive officer of Keeler Hospitality Group.

“North Scottsdale doesn’t have a speakeasy and, like all our concepts, we are delighted to open in this part of town. These residents deserve the same type of amazing cocktails and experiences that other parts of the Valley offer. We will continue to innovate in this area. We love playing in the sandbox with our neighbors.”

Guests first enter a vestibule that is an exact replica of Paul’s office — furnished with his desk, lamp, bookshelves and memorabilia. A secret passageway leads to a richly appointed 1,500-square-foot bar adorned with luxe fabrics, wood, marble and family photos. Two family booths seat large parties and can be made more private by drawing a set of curtains.

The concept is a place to reminisce and create new memories — a bit of tradition with a nod to the new.

Poppy's Office // Photos by Tait Ludwick

“Poppyisms,” clever terms and sayings attributable to the elder Keeler, appear frequently around the establishment, including on the elevated cocktail menu designed by Keeler Hospitality Group’s director of beverage, Adam Downey.

Sip a refreshing Honey-Do List, a gin, honeydew-dill cordial and aquavit quaff adorned with lemon, cucumber air and dill, or go for something a bit bolder in Poppy’s Cigar, a blend of Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie, The Deacon Whiskey, apple, chocolate and Peychaud bitters, sweetened with local honey, smoked table side with a luscious Luxardo cherry to top it off.

Several drinks, including the Best in Class — a riff on a Manhattan — are prepared tableside. Wine drinkers will also find plenty to choose from.

Poppy’s Office hours are just like its hardworking namesake: open daily at 4 p.m. for happy hour until 10 p.m. on weekdays and later on weekends. Poppy’s Tacos are offered in a rotating selection each day or customers can order food to go from Liberty Station next door.

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Happy Bee Meadery // Photo Courtesy of Happy Bee Meadery

Happy Bee Meadery 6061 E. CAVE CREEK ROAD, CAVE CREEK 602-342-5624 INFO@HAPPYBEEMEADERY.COM A small but immediately recognizable, peaked-roof octagonal building with a bright, turquoise-hued door at the center of Cave Creek is the inviting home of the newly-christened Happy Bee Meadery.

Rick and Marie Robart have created an enchanting spot to gather and relax while sampling beer, wine and mead from entirely local sources. A newly furnished and landscaped patio is dotted with fire pits and fire towers to gently warm the cooler evenings we all relish.

If hunger pangs hit, Happy Bee Meadery has you covered in a most surprising way. On the second Saturday of each month, beginning at 5 p.m., live music serenades guests while a portable pizza oven created from a vintage Chevy Corvair cooks up a menu of pizza, pretzels and other delicious bites.

Mead — a fermented blend of honey, water and often fruits, herbs or spices

for flavor — may be unfamiliar to us today, but it is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages on earth, with its origins in Northern China dating back to at least 7000–6500 B.C. The drink’s popularity in Europe is tied to its use as a sacred, ritualistic beverage by Norse and Celtic cultures, followed by a rise in regard in the British Isles during the Middle Ages.

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Modern techniques continue to evolve as the drink — which can be sweet or dry, sparkling or still with varying proof levels — regains popularity and boasts a dedicated following. Unlike grape-based wine, it’s also got staying power; a bottle of mead can be enjoyed, recapped and stored in the fridge. Even after a couple of months, its taste and quality are unchanged.

“Marie first convinced me to try mead on a trip we took for her birthday in 2019,” Rick recalls. “It has so many natural qualities. I don’t like sweet stuff, but I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor and all the good things in it.

Now, we have mead and local beer and wine at Happy Bee Meadery. [There’s] something for everyone.”

Happy Bee Meadery offers a choice of three or six tasting flights of mead.

Beer, wine and mead are available in chilled or off-the-shelf bottles or cans for everything that’s available on draft.

Patrons can purchase drinks to take home or to enjoy while sitting on the patio. The on-site team is also happy to cork up unfinished bottles for guests to take home with them.

“People really enjoy the patio area,” Rick says. “We want our guests to enjoy Arizona’s wines, beers and mead the Cave Creek way.”

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Carefree Spirits Distillery 6201 E. CAVE CREEK ROAD SUITE C, CAVE CREEK 480-466-7424 CAREFREE-SPIRITS.COM It may be surprising to learn that a town as small as Carefree has a locally owned distillery business known for carefully crafted bourbon and vodka, but it does — with a little help from Kansas.

Carefree Spirits Distillery founders and majority owners Renea McQuiggan and her husband, Mike, began their journey as hobbyists, using her family’s Midwest cornfield as an ingredient source.

After years of research, development and a degree from Moonshine University in Louisville, Kentucky to hone their skills, the couple opened Carefree Spirits Distillery’s tasting room in 2019. Visitors can learn about the international award-winning brand and taste flights of smooth-drinking Carefree Bourbon and Chakra Vodka.

Carefree Spirits Distillery // Photos Courtesy of Carefree Spirits Distillery

The single-barrel Carefree Bourbon is distilled and aged in the Midwest using the best water and grains and aged for a minimum of two to three years. It is then brought to Arizona, where it is toasted and waits for a month or two before bottling.

Several barrels from 2017, 2018 and on will be introduced as special

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In 2022, Jake Stuckey joined the ownership group and is a selfdescribed “expert drinker,” though the McQuiggans call him their “master taster.”

“Mike, Renea and I are all lovers of spirits,” Stuckey says. “I know what tastes good. I spent time in Kentucky and developed a love for bourbon.

We hit it off when I offered to help them out with sales. We’re having a wonderful time.”

Carefree Spirits Distillery has recently become the sponsor of Buffalo Chip’s Friday night buckle winner and the McQuiggans have expansion plans for 2025, including a new 15,000-square-foot facility in Carefree featuring a bottling and blending showroom; corporate offices; a tasting room; a retail shop; and an event center.

The current tasting room is meant to welcome the community and highlight the restaurants around the Valley that feature Carefree Spirits Distillery’s products.

It’s open daily for folks to come in, order a drink or a flight and enjoy a charcuterie board or bring their own food from nearby restaurants.

Each Wednesday is cigar night, in partnership with Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge, while bloody marys are served each Sunday. The space can also be reserved for private events.

releases in the coming years.

Chakra Vodka is made right next door to the family farm in Kansas with imported water, then shipped to the distillery in Carefree to be proofed down, blended and filtered.

All natural ingredients and extracts are added to create flavors like pineapple and rosemary or green tea, mint and matcha, without any sugars or artificial flavors. i mages a r i zo n a .c o m November 20 23

“We invite newcomers to talk to our mixologist and tell them what you typically like,” Stuckey says.

“You can start with a flight to try it, and they can tailor a drink to your preferences. Our guests say we serve some of the best old fashioneds they’ve ever had, the best craft cocktails and the best charcuterie boards.”

Venues Café 34 EASY STREET, CAREFREE, 480-595-9909, VENUESCAFE.COM Venues Café is a longtime fixture in the quaint downtown shopping district of Carefree.

Along with specializing in comfort food with a southwestern accent, the restaurant is known for being a favorite of locals and out-of-towners with its friendly staff and a can’t-miss menu.

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Owner Catherine Marr is entering her 14th year of operation and says it’s always a special night at Venues, where patrons can look forward to a different menu spotlight nearly every day of the week. She’s made highlighting local artists and charities a hallmark of her business.

“Our customers are the best and the area is a little slice of heaven,” Marr says.

An extensive wine list and specialty cocktails, including the Fig Moscow Mule, Carefree Colada and Catherine’s Cosmo — a classic cosmopolitan with a prosecco float Venues Cafe // Photos Courtesy of Venues Cafe — are on the happy hour menu. Specialty cocktails, such as the Ginger Apple Blush Martini that is now being featured for fall, are also offered.

Patrons can sample their way through the menu with happy hour noshes like Asian lettuce wraps, assorted sliders, deviled eggs and charred honey garlic wings. Marr keeps it interesting with something special to look forward to nearly every day of the week.

On Tuesdays, a free glass of house wine or beer is served with the purchase of every burger.

On Wednesdays, $3 street tacos escape the confines of Tuesday and can be paired with $5 house margaritas. Thursdays feature pasta creations and any two entrées can be paired with a half-priced bottle of wine. Fridays naturally lend themselves to all-you-can-eat beerbattered fish and chips. Saturday is all about the prime rib.

Meanwhile, brunch is served every Sunday, when guests can enjoy bottomless champagne or mimosas — one bottle per customer — with any brunch menu purchase.

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Beyond daily specials, Venues Café’s regular menu has delicious specialty salads for lunch — the chicken taco salad being a favorite — and, starting at 5 p.m., entrées include crowd-pleasers like short ribs with wasabi mashed potatoes, chicken schnitzel with lingonberry sauce, salmon with lemon beurre blanc, and the chef’s creamy, homemade, stuffed jumbo shrimp with risotto or seafood enchiladas.

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— ALEX ŠEPKUS JEWELRY DESIGN —

NOVEMBER 2–4

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Sneak Peek Thursday from 4–7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

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Step into the enchanting world of Alex Šepkus, a renowned fine jewelry designer based in New York.

His creations are characterized by their delightful playfulness, distinctive quirkiness, and a celebrated blend of understated elegance and intricate craftsmanship. Each piece of jewelry crafted by Alex Šepkus is not just an accessory, but a unique work of art that captures the imagination and showcases the beauty of fine gemstones and precious metals.

— MEET AARON HENRY JEWELRY —

NOVEMBER 9–11

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Sneak Peek Thursday from 4–7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

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Aaron Henry Designs is a prestigious American luxury jewelry collection known for its meticulous craftsmanship and blend of classical Old World quality with contemporary design. The collection is the brainchild of Aaron Furlong, a brilliant designer who specializes in creating heirloom pieces using high karat gold and vibrant gemstones.

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— FOPE ITALIAN FLEX’IT JEWELRY —

NOVEMBER 16–18

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Sneak Peek Thursday from 4–7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

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FOPE Italian Fine Jewelry is a renowned brand that offers a diverse range of exquisite jewelry, all crafted by Italian goldsmiths who blend traditional artistry with continuous innovation. The brand is notably recognized for its iconic interlinked gold mesh design, a hallmark that symbolizes the fusion of everyday luxury with cutting-edge technological advancements.

Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7, Carefree, AZ | 480.575.8080 | GraceReneeGallery.com

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— EXPLORING HIGH JEWELRY —

NOVEMBER 30–DECEMBER 2 Sneak Peek Thursday from 4–7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

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Immerse yourself in the captivating world of High Jewelry at the Grace Renee Gallery’s exclusive event, where you will have the opportunity to witness an extraordinary array of natural color diamonds and exquisite color gemstone designs.

From the wonder of pink, blue and green diamonds to the enchanting allure of sapphires, the fiery brilliance of rubies and the lush greens of emeralds, this showcase promises to take your breath away. Each rarest of the rare piece is handcrafted by the top jewelers in the country, exhibiting a quality that is beyond compare.

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Grace Renee Gallery is a refreshingly beautiful way to explore fine contemporary art in the breathtaking shadows of the Sonoran Desert foothills of Carefree, Arizona. Artfully designed jewelry, inspiring sculptures, spectacular wall art, stunning ceramics and more await.

UPCOMING EVENTS — CYNTHIA ANN JEWELS MEDALLIONS —

DECEMBER 7–9

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Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Cynthia Ann Jewels’ Ancient + Old Medallions collection. This captivating showcase brings together a mesmerizing array of ancient relics, thoughtfully reimagined as wearable pieces of art. Each item seamlessly blends classic European design elements with contemporary metals, textures, and stunning precious and semiprecious stones.

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Sneak Peek Thursday from 4–7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7, Carefree, AZ | 480.575.8080 | GraceReneeGallery.com imagesar izona.c om November 2023

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COMMUNITY November 2023 Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Through Nov. 4

‘JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Arizona Broadway Theatre will present its production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”.

See website for prices and times. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400; azbroadway.org

Through Nov. 26

‘LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL’ The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” a tour de force portrait of the iconic jazz songstress Billie Holiday.

See website for prices and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

Nov. 2

KINDERGARTEN NIGHT Diamond Canyon School will host its annual kindergarten night, which students are encouraged to attend with their families. Free. 5–6 p.m. 40004 N. Liberty Bell Way, Anthem. dvusd.org

Nov. 3–12

CANAL CONVERGENCE Scottsdale Arts will host its 11th annual showcase of interactive, light-based artworks. The event will also include educational workshops, family-friendly activities, art tours, live music and dance performances, a beer and wine garden, food trucks and more. Free. Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. canalconvergence.com

Nov. 2–4

ALEX SEPKUS JEWELRY Discover the wonderful world of New York fine jewelry designer Alex Sepkus, whose work reflects an irresistible playfulness and quirkiness and is celebrated for its understated elegance and intricacy. Explore a one-of-a-kind collection of hand-picked gemstone jewelry and other pieces of timeless, wearable art. Free.

Special sneak peek Thursday 4–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree.

480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

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Nov. 4

DAISY MOUNTAIN VETERANS PARADE Daisy Mountain Veterans will host its 19th annual parade.

9 a.m. Free. Anthem Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. daisymtnvets.org

Nov. 5

FALL YOUNG MUSICIANS CONCERT Arizona Musicfest will present a concert showcasing Arizona’s brightest young classical musicians, each with astounding technique and prodigious musicianship. $23.50. 1 p.m. MIM Music Theater, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Nov. 6

‘ELVIS: THE CONCERT OF KINGS’ Arizona Musicfest will present a concert that possesses the legendary power and presence of music’s greatest icon, Elvis Presley. $39+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Nov. 8

GET LIT BOOK CLUB Desert Foothills Library will host a happy hour discussion of “Several People Are Typing” by Calvin Kasulke. Free. 5 p.m. RSVP. See website for location.

480-488-2286; dfla.org

Nov. 9–11

AARON HENRY JEWELRY Meet the brilliant designer behind this marvelous American luxury jewelry collection and explore an exquisite selection of brilliant pieces, each one meticulously handcrafted to bring classical Old World quality to modern design. Free. Special sneak peek Thursday 4–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Nov. 10–12

‘ACOUSTIC AMERICA: ICONIC GUITARS, MANDOLINS AND BANJOS’ The Musical Instrument Museum will debut its latest exhibition, which tells the stories behind the rich and vibrant sounds of acoustic instruments in America. $10; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480478-6000; mim.org

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Nov. 11

ANTHEM VETERANS DAY CEREMONY Anthem Community Council will host its 12th annual Veterans Day Ceremony, honoring all veterans, active-duty men and women and their families. Free. 10 a.m. Anthem Veterans Memorial, 41703 N, Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. onlineatanthem.com

623.551.1305 az115@postnet.com postnet.com/az115

3655 W. Anthem Way, Ste A-109 Anthem, AZ 85086

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COMMUNITY November 2023 Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Nov. 11

FRANKIE AVALON Arizona Musicfest will present a concert featuring 83-year-old pop culture icon Frankie Avalon. $53+. 2 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Nov. 11 and Dec. 29 BARANS

Local band BARANS will perform a concert of instrumental, cinematic rock music. Free. 6–9 p.m.

Westgate Entertainment District, 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale. joebarans.com

Nov. 15–18

FESTIVAL OF TREES

Nov. 17

ARTRAGEOUS The Madison Center for the Arts will host a troupe of misfit artists, singers, dancers and musicians for a show that pays tribute to a variety of art forms, icons and musical genres, culminating in a gallery of fabulous, finished paintings. See website for prices. 7 p.m.

The Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-664-7777; themadison.org

Anthem Cares Through Service will host its second annual Festival of Trees fundraiser, which will begin with a benefit dinner followed by a three-day display of Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday decorations. All funds will go toward the nonprofit organization’s mission of helping Anthem residents in need. Dinner $55+ Wednesday 5–9 p.m. Display Thursday–Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Outlets North Phoenix, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix. 602-2282579; anthemacts.org

Nov. 16

MAURA ALLEN Discover a collection of remarkably beautiful documentations of the American West that draw upon the continuum of its past and present during a special reception for artist Maura Allen. Like opening a forgotten trunk full of memories in an old attic, each of Allen’s works is full of intimate surprises. Free. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Nov. 16–18

FOPE ITALIAN FINE JEWELRY Explore a vast collection of elegant jewelry from this Italian goldsmith built on a tradition that keeps innovating. Instantly recognizable for its famous interlinked gold mesh, each piece represents a marriage of everyday luxury and technological innovation. Free.

Special sneak peek Thursday 4–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree.

480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

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Nov. 17

THE MUSIC OF BILLY JOEL AND ELTON JOHN Arizona Musicfest will present a concert featuring charismatic performer and musician Michael Cavanaugh, reinterpreting the modern pop/rock songbook of Billy Joel and Elton John. $39+. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

All New Music by Musical Theatre of Anthem, Operation Song and more! • New video tributes!

HONOR. SALUTE. SUPPORT.

Nov. 17–19 and Nov. 24–26 HIDDEN IN THE HILLS

Sonorant Arts League’s signature artist studio tour will feature 164 artists at 41 studios throughout Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. See website for participating studios. hiddeninthehills.org

Nov. 17–Dec. 30

‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’ Arizona Broadway Theatre will present its production of “White Christmas.” See website for prices and times.

Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400; azbroadway.org

Nov. 19 CANTUS

Arizona Musicfest will present a concert featuring men’s vocal ensemble Cantus. $50.50+. 2 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Nov. 22–Dec. 31

‘ELF: THE MUSICAL’ The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “Elf: The Musical.” See website for prices and times.

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

Nov. 22–Jan. 14 ZOOLIGHTS

Phoenix Zoo will present its annual holiday lights display, featuring the tallest floating tree in North America, an interactive Glow Garden and an immersive 200-foot-long light tunnel. 5:30–10:30 p.m. $30+; member discounts available. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix.

602-286-3800; phoenixzoo.org

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY NOVEMBER 11, 2023

Anthem Veterans Memorial 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway Anthem, Arizona • Exit 229 off I-17

Breakfast available for purchase: Vietnam War Era and Surviving Spouses 50th Anniversary Commemorative Pinning:

8:15 a.m.

Ceremony:

10:00 a.m.

9:15 a.m.

Brought to you by the Anthem Community Council Sponsors: AZ Dept. of Veterans’ Service grant, Dr. Anthony and Mrs. Shannon Gleckler

OnlineAtAnthem.com/AVM imagesar izona.c om November 2023

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COMMUNITY November 2023 Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Nov. 24–26 ‘ENCANTO’

The Phoenix Symphony will perform the score of “Encanto” during a special screening of the film. See website for prices and times. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-495-1999; phoenixsymphony.org

Nov. 24–Dec. 30

LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS Desert Botanical Garden will host its annual holiday lights display, which will also feature musical performances, entertainment and festive food and drinks. $39.95; youth and member discounts available. 5:30–9:30 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480941-1225; dbg.com

Nov. 24–Dec. 31

ENCHANT: THE MISCHIEVIOUS ELF Enchant will host an incredibly illuminated winter wonderland, featuring more than 4 million sparkling lights, creating an immersive walk-through, story-themed maze. The pop-up village will also offer ice skating, live entertainment, dining, holiday shopping and more. $34; youth, senior, military and group discounts available. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Resort, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. scottsdaleenchantchristmas.com

Nov. 24–Dec. 31

‘SISTER'S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM: THE MYSTERY OF THE MAGI'S GOLD’ The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold.” See website for prices and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.

602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

Nov. 18–Dec. 24

‘RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER’ Photo by Tim Trumble Childsplay will present its production of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” $20+. See website for times.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. childsplayaz.org

Nov. 24–Jan 7

GLENDALE GLITTERS The city of Glendale will host its annual holiday lights display. Free. 5–10 p.m. Historic Downtown Glendale. glendaleaz.com/glendaleglitters

Nov. 25 BARANS

Local band BARANS will perform a concert of instrumental, cinematic rock music. Free. 6–9 p.m. Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. joebarans.com

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Nov. 30–Dec. 2

NATURAL-COLORED DIAMONDS + RARECOLORED GEMSTONES Marvel at an exquisite and awe-inspiring selection of sapphires, rubies, emeralds and natural-colored diamonds during this special showcase of exclusive and one-of-akind pieces. Free. Special sneak peek Thursday 4–7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

RiseAboveRemodeling.com

Dec. 1

FOLLOW THE STAR Cross of Christ Church will host a community event featuring live re-enactments of the Christmas story, bounce houses, a petting zoo, crafts and food. Free. 5:30-8:30 p.m.. Cross of Christ Church, 39808 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Phoenix. anthemcross.org/star

Dec. 1–3

‘HOLIDAY POPS’ The Phoenix Symphony will perform a concert of holiday music. See website for prices and times. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-495-1999; phoenixsymphony.org

Dec. 2

APS ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE APS and the city of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department will host their 36th annual holiday parade.

Free. 7 p.m. Downtown Phoenix. phoenix.gov

Dec. 2

BOULDER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL BAND WINTER FESTIVAL

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Boulder Creek High School Band Boosters will present its first-ever Winter Festival, featuring a $10 pancake breakfast, musical performances, raffles, a toy drive, gift and craft vendors and a visit from Santa Claus. Free.

8 a.m.–Noon. Boulder Creek High School, 40404 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. bchs.band/festival

Dec. 4

THE TEXAS TENORS Arizona Musicfest will present a holiday concert featuring 2022 Texas Country Hall of Fame Inductees The Texas Tenors. $59+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Beautiful Bathroom

Remodels

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I

It seems like the thing that most binds Phoenicians is that so many of us are from somewhere else.

We hail from far-flung locales to create new lives and new bonds here in the Valley.

But, sometimes, there’s just no substitute for the flavors of home — whether it's the cuisine of other countries or just from other regions of the good ol’ US of A. Lucky for us, there’s a virtual road trip across the country or around the globe waiting right here in Phoenix if you know where to look.

This month, we’re zeroing in on locally-owned restaurants boasting bold regional flavors from the Midwest and South with a wide western swing to the Hawaiian Islands. All you need are your car keys, your wallet and a good appetite!

Belle's Nashville Kitchen // Photo by Sydney McFadden

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Belle's Nashville Kitchen // Photos by Sydney McFadden

Writer Shannon Severson

BELLE’S NASHVILLE KITCHEN Walk down the tourist-filled streets of Old Town Scottsdale and keep your eyes peeled; if you blink, you’ll miss a hole-in-the-wall treasure.

Belle’s Nashville Kitchen is a honky-tonk-style spot with delicious food and live music six nights per week. Coowners Mike Haley and Nick Esposito offer an inventive menu featuring authentic Nashville hot chicken, KoolAid fried pickles, barbecue sliders, burgers, vegetarian options and a weekend brunch menu, accompanied by a selection of libations that includes craft cocktails and infusions in flavors such as strawberry vodka, apple pie whiskey and pineapple and jalapeño tequila.

“Patrons rave about our food and that was one of my visions from the beginning,” Haley says. “I am blown away by how [Belle’s] has exceeded my expectations. I eat there almost every day, and I’m still not tired of our menu.”

The Haley and Esposito families are proud of the restaurant’s status as a popular local hangout. A big reason for that is a calendar of weekly events. In addition to weekday happy hour specials, Tuned Up Tuesday is a BYOG (Bring Your Own Guitar) open mic night for singers and songwriters ages 14 and up. Whiskey Wednesdays feature the in-house mixologist’s curated selection of hard-to-find whiskeys and bourbons, in addition to whiskey infusions, live music and food specials.

New for summer is Beauties at Belle’s ladies night with 20% off food and craft cocktails and $30 buckets of bubbles — which include four splits of Prosecco or Rosé — as well as live music, a tasting menu and a history of the area and the building. Dueling piano nights and specialty Bourbon dinners are also in the works.

“We’ve toyed around with the idea of Nick and I bartending and serving the guests one night,” Haley says. “It’s fun for us to work together and I think the fun and energy we have really resonates with the guests.” bellesnashvillekitchen.com imagesar izona.c om November 2023

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Photo by Simona Wong

Photos by Leland Gebhardt Photography

CHICAGO HAMBURGER CO. The availability of Chicago’s vaunted cuisine, from Italian beef to deep-dish pizza, is one of the best things about living in the Valley. Chicago native Bob Pappanduros grew up helping his dad at the family’s South Side hot dog restaurant.

While Pappanduros earned degrees in sociology and psychology, cooking in restaurants was always a reliable fallback for him. In 1989, he purchased Chicago Hamburger Co., which has stood on the southwest corner of 38th Street and Indian School Road since 1975.

The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and stays open until 7:30 p.m. for dinner the latter four days of the week. The limited hours and a small team of dedicated employees, all of whom have been there for at least 16 years, have given Pappanduros the chance to spend quality time with his wife and children –– something his father was never able to do.

“Phoenix had a population of 350,000 when I moved here,” Pappanduros recalls. “I wanted to move out west. I knew I’d be most comfortable doing what I’d grown up knowing. I’m a much happier guy in a T-shirt than in a chef’s coat. I inherited my customer service sense from my pops. I very much enjoy it. I made a life out here and it turned into a good life.”

So what, exactly, is a Chicago burger? It’s a tasty slider grilled atop onions and topped with Dusseldorf mustard, ketchup, pickles and cheese, if you’d like. They’re Pappanduros’ No. 1 seller.

A close second is the Vienna Beef hot dog prepared Chicago style with authentic toppings imported from the Windy City –– those sport peppers that burst in your mouth with a spicy pop, the neon green relish, as well as the pickles.

The beef for Pappanduros’ Italian beef sandwiches also comes from Chicago. He even uses family recipes — like the one for his mom’s tuna salad — and makes milkshakes the old-fashioned way.

So, as it turns out, Pappanduros is using those sociology skills after all. He is having a great time giving people what they want, he’s found a work/life balance ideal for his family; and he and his team are turning out delicious food that draws a crowd decade after decade. chicagohamburger.com

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Coabana // Photos by Juntos Media

COABANA Coabana is a 50-seat bar at downtown’s Cityscape that serves Cuban-inspired cocktails and tapas. The interiors are light and breezy, like dipping into a Miami dream without the humidity or plane fare. The green-tiled exterior and wood-framed windows that open to the outdoors announce that you’re already headed for a different zip code –– at least in your mind!

“Coabana was inspired by the fun and tropical vibes found in the Miami food and beverage culture,” says owner Kyla Hein, whose other venues –– Pigtails’ Cocktails, Rough Rider/Teddy’s Preserve and The Whining Pig — have met similar success. “Fresh and lively cocktails, delicious and savory tapas-inspired food menu, and the bright colors and vibrance are what you can find inside our humble bar, and all the warm hospitality to go along with it.”

Tropical decor, greenery, warm white walls and pink trimmed banquettes lend a playful, Little Havana attitude to the precise but refreshing menu. On offer are crisply fried ham and cheese croquetas served with a mustard dipping sauce; pressed Cubano sandwiches stacked with roasted pork, smoked ham, pickles, Swiss cheese and mustard; and the national dish of Cuba, ropa vieja –– a plate of braised beef, onions and bell peppers accompanied by black beans and cilantro lime rice.

There are some Cuban twists on familiar favorites, too. Pork masitas is a hearty take on classic guacamole, topped with roasted pork and served with a side of plantain or tortilla chips. There is also a ceviche of shrimp in lime and orange juice with onions, peppers and chiles. For a taste of sweet heat, a spicy chipotle dipping sauce is paired with guava and cheese empanadas.

As for the drinks, no Cuban bar would be complete without mojitos, and Coabana (which means “the good place” in an indigenous Caribbean language) doesn’t disappoint with its Craft Your Perfect Mojito option. Rum stars heavily in drinks like The Movie Star with a blend of Rhum JM, house hibiscus grenadine, vanilla, pineapple and lime or The Sun Also Rises with Banks 5 rum, noyaux (an liqueur extract traditionally made from apricot kernels), honey, grapefruit and lime. There are also coladas, daiquiris, wine, beer and Cuban coffee made with Demerara sugar and milk “A visit to Coabana is an escape,” Hein says. “You’re transported instantly to vacation mode.” coabanaphx.com imagesar izona.c om November 2023

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HULA’S MODERN TIKI The Hawaiian Islands have always held a certain allure. The tiki culture –– its art, music, entertainment and cuisine –– dates further back than the midcentury kitsch most associated with the style.

More than 100 years ago, Americans became enamored with the stories of Robert Louis Stevenson and legends of the South Seas. The trend began in earnest during the Great Depression when Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt –– also known as Donn Beach –– opened Hollywood’s Don the Beachcomber restaurant.

HULA's Modern Tiki // Photos Courtesy of HULA's Modern Tiki

Then there was the advent of the mai tai, created by Victor Jules Bergeron, Jr. at his legendary Trader Vic’s in San Francisco. What endures today is the thread of playful fun and tasty drinks that are a taste of high-seas adventure from the comfort of a bar stool or dining booth.

Enter HULA’S Modern Tiki, with locations in North Phoenix at High Street, Uptown Phoenix, and Old Town Scottsdale. Since it first opened in 2009, the restaurant has sold nearly 500,000 mai tai cocktails. That’s a lot of rum!

"HULA'S Modern Tiki is a locally-owned, modern, urban twist on the classic tiki bars and restaurants of the 50s and 60s,” says owner Dana Mule. “What makes it truly unique is that the atmosphere, cocktails and service allow a guest to get away (to enjoy a tropical reprieve), without actually leaving Phoenix.”

New takes on old favorites like crispy coconut shrimp rolls, chicken wings with spicy Asian barbecue sauce, loco moco and luau pulled pork with soy glaze share star billing with fresh fish, burgers, chicken, steak and vegetarian options prepared with Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Polynesian and Caribbean flavors. Of course, there are also tacos of every type –– made with white fish, ahi, shrimp, pork, steak and tofu.

HULA’S Modern Tiki weekend brunch menu has specialties like Island Eggs Benedict that can be prepared with ham, linguica sausage or fried spam, and French toast made with Kona coffee-battered bread and topped with a house-made compote of apples and plantains.

On the cocktail front, there’s a vast array of signature cocktails and mocktails, with many guest appearances by rum, coconut, pineapple, passion fruit and the blue curaçao one comes to expect at any tiki bar worth its salt. A standout crowd favorite is the giant Scorpion Bowl, a rum and tropical punch-style drink that serves 2–4 and is presented with a flaming overproof rum float.

At the uptown Phoenix location, hidden behind an unmarked door, is HULA’S Captain’s Cabin — a wood-paneled, nautical sailor bar that was named one of the 50 best speakeasies in North America by Yelp.

Serving the Uku Nui premium cocktail menu and high-end rums, it’s open Thursdays through Saturdays, 6 p.m.–Midnight. hulasmoderntiki.com

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PHAT TURTLE BBQ What does a turtle have in common with barbecue? If you ask Phat Turtle BBQ owner Mike Sloan, he’ll point you to his restaurant’s logo, which reads, “Low and Slow.”

Mike and his wife Kelly are proud to own the only Kansas City barbecue restaurant in Phoenix, which celebrated its third anniversary this summer.

The Cave Creek residents have since added a successful billiards hall next door with eight Diamond pool tables where they regularly host pool tournaments and league play.

Pass through the doors of Phat Turtle BBQ and you’re instantly transported to Kansas City. Naturally, there is team memorabilia from the Chiefs and Royals and the tables are printed with photos of the locale. In fact, the restaurant was featured on four different Kansas City news stations during the Super Bowl and included a live broadcast.

That authenticity is reflected in the eatery’s food. Each night at 7 p.m., the smokers are loaded with brisket, prime rib, ribs, chicken and sausage.

At 2 a.m., the meats are pulled from the smoker, wrapped in foil and returned to finish cooking. It takes a full 16–24 hours to smoke Phat Turtle’s famous briskets; and they must be constantly monitored so they’re removed at exactly the right moment.

The restaurant prepares all but a couple of items totally from scratch.

Mike gives Kelly the credit for developing the savory sauces and seasonings — which can also be purchased to take home — as well as the cheese sauce in the macaroni and cheese, prime rib gravy and sides such as brisket baked beans, mashed potatoes and coleslaw.

If you have any room left in your stomach after enjoying a Phat Turtle feast, the restaurant offers craveable desserts like peach cobbler and chocolate chip banana bread.

Phat Turtle BBQ // Photos by Mike Sloan

“We follow the culture and stay true to the flavor,” Mike says. “People tell me they feel at home; like they’re in someone’s dining room. We are the only restaurant [in Phoenix] to carry Boulevard [Brewing Co.] beers and 30–40% of our customers are connected to Kansas City in some way.”

As a guy with 45 years in the manufacturing industry, Mike is relentlessly devoted to turning out consistently tasty and fresh, high-quality food at the perfect temperature. In fact, he’s got it down to a science.

“We clock how long a plate can sit,” he reveals. “We have studied it and found that food drops in quality after 15–40 seconds. We keep oxygen off the proteins and it makes a huge difference.”

Mike has community engagement down to a science as awell. Along with pool tournaments in the billiards space, there are trivia nights, local fundraisers and an annual car show to benefit children’s charities. The restaurant even recently donated equipment to Cave Creek Rodeo and catered the event’s VIP lounge. phatturtlebbq.com imagesar izona.c om November 2023

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For Michigan resident Allyson Schwartz, being able to spend a week rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The photographer has always enjoyed the great outdoors.

Fishing, hiking, snowshoeing and boating are just a few of her favorite pastimes.

“I had hiked the Bright Angel Trail to the bottom of the canyon and spent the night at Phantom Ranch,” she recalls. “Rafting the canyon was something I always wanted to do.”

A few years before the pandemic, Schwartz and her then-partner, Dave, booked a self-guided oar trip. They traveled, with other independent rafters, in their own two-person raft that they paddled. Other adventurous travelers join tour groups on motorized rafts that hold between 14 and 24 people.

More than a dozen river outfitters are licensed to offer rafting trips through the Grand Canyon.

Tours depart from Lee’s Ferry, the official beginning of Grand

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“

Bright Angel, Phantom Ranch, Havasupai, the North Rim. Snaking along the river and looking up at those places, it’s just a whole different perspective. Dyana Hesson

Writer Rebecca L. Rhoades // Photography by Allyson Schwartz

Canyon National Park, and take guests as far as 280 miles alongside towering rock walls; through whitewater rapids; and past waterfalls, hidden caverns and ancient Puebloan dwellings. Food, sleeping amenities and safety gear are provided, but there is no internet service, and the bed is a sleeping bag in a tent or on the beach.

“The Grand Canyon is an amazing trip,” says Dean Knuth, marketing director for Arizona River Runners, which offers six-, seven- and eight-day motorized rafting trips as well as guided oar trips for those who are looking for something a little more physically challenging.

“Most of the people who take one of our trips have never been rafting before, and then a subset of those people have never been camping before. They really want to push themselves to do something amazing. In their normal lives, they don’t have the opportunity to do adventurous things like being at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and in the backcountry for seven or eight days.”

A large part of a rafting trip is being able to explore the surrounding landscape.

“There are some really amazing things to see and do in the Grand Canyon,” Knuth says. “Sure, we have days when we’re on the water, but it’s just as important to see the waterfalls, ruins, slot canyons and vistas. We try to do one or two daily side hikes on every single trip.”

Popular attractions along the river include Redwall Cavern, a massive amphitheater-style cave carved into the canyon’s limestone walls. American explorer John Wesley Powell once called it “a vast half-circular chamber, which, if utilized for a theater, would give seating to 50,000 people.”

The Nankoweap Granaries are 1,000-year-old ruins carved high on a cliff and were once used by Puebloan people to store and keep food dry. Deer Creek slot canyon leads to

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a hidden waterfall, and Nautiloid Canyon is filled with the fossilized remnants of the large snail-like nautiloids that lived there about 400 million years ago. And, in the spring, the normally dry gorge of the Little Colorado River is transformed into brilliant turquoise-hued pools.

while most of the river is smooth, some whitewater rapids can churn out large — and dangerous — waves. The rafts bob like toys through rapids with names such as Granite, Hermit and Crystal. Then there’s Lava Falls Rapid.

Rated a 9 out of 10 on difficulty, the 20-second run is brief but terrifying.

According to Schwartz, her trip offered plenty of relaxing free time.

“Your guide’s job is to keep you alive, but some of the rapids are very serious,” Hesson says. “But it doesn’t take physical fitness, just courage. I think most of the trip is like that. You just need to have an open mind and be ready for an adventure.”

“Some people walked up to Havasu Falls, while others went to see the petroglyphs,” she says. “Rafting puts you right down in the middle of all these places. You get to see things that you never would just from hiking down one side and back up again.”

Mesa artist Dyana Hesson has explored much of Arizona. She often can be found trekking the state’s far-flung trails or hunting for flowers on remote backroads. While she had hiked into the Grand Canyon numerous times, she always wanted to see it from the water.

“For me, it was a way to connect all the dots of the grand places that I had seen: Bright Angel, Phantom Ranch, Havasupai, the North Rim,” she says.

“Snaking along the river and looking up at those places, it’s just a whole different perspective.”

Hesson and her husband, Randy, set out on a guided eight-day motorized rafting trip at the end of May 2022. Initially, Hesson questioned her decision.

“I consider myself a pretty hardy girl, but it was hard,” Hesson says. “It was challenging. This experience is so outside of most people’s comfort zones.”

Heat, scorpions, rattlesnakes and constantly being wet are just some of the discomforts of the trip. And

Whether you travel with a group or take an independent trip, one of the most important things to remember is to leave no trace.

“We take that really seriously,” Knuth notes. “About 20,000 people raft the Grand Canyon every year, and you can go into any of these camps, and they look absolutely pristine. That’s the way we want to keep it. We pack up every little piece of micro-trash. When we pull away from a campsite, it looks exactly like it did when we pulled in.”

For Schwartz and Hesson, rafting the Grand Canyon enhanced their perspectives on life.

“It makes you realize how small you are compared with everything around you,” Schwartz says.

Hesson refers to it as a “cool fellowship” and “mountaintop experience.”

“In the end, you prepare the best you can, and you just commit,” the artist adds. “But now I can say, ‘I did that,’ and I’m so proud of myself. It was transformational.”

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Band Together

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Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Loralei Lazurek

When the practicing and on-field performances of fall marching band season conclude, the hard-working students and volunteers are still going strong. This year, Boulder Creek High School Band Boosters will present its first-ever Winter Festival.

“The community is very good to us, and we recognize that,” says Carrie O’Connor, Winter Festival chair and alumni band parent. “We hope this event is a benefit to the community.”

Scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2 at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem, the Winter Festival will kick off with a pancake breakfast featuring a visit from Santa Claus. Festival attendees can also check things off their holiday gift list as they peruse the offerings of local artisans, gift and craft vendors.

Musical performances will occur throughout the morning by students from after-school music ensembles, as well as by Rhapsody School of Music and Musical Theatre of Anthem ensembles. Raffle tickets will be sold for baskets of goodies and a toy drive will benefit the Salvation Army.

Boulder Creek High School Band Boosters is a nonprofit organization that endeavors to raise up to $25,000 per year to help bridge the gap between the school budget and music program needs. Among the many things this student- and parent-led group helps to fund are instruments, props, stage items, electronics, transportation, uniforms and on-site meals for the young musicians during long days.

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“

Band is not just playing an instrument. These kids work so hard together.

They learn about responsibility and teamwork. These kids are like a family.

Carrie O’Connor

“Our student leadership is second to none,” O'Connor says. “I get emotional about them. They are fabulous children and will be great humans as they grow into adulthood. It’s good for the kids to see us giving back at the Winter Festival. The students have organized food drives for St. Vincent DePaul and Christmas Angels for the last several years; they are very willing.”

O’Connor’s own children graduated from the program, but she and many other band alumni — parents and former students alike — have answered the call to volunteer alongside current booster parents and students to lend support.

“It’s a huge undertaking and the current board and parents do so much during the competition season,” O’Connor says. “I recruited a bunch of alumni parents and students, and they’ve agreed to join because the program is so important.

“Band is not just playing an instrument. These kids work so hard together. They learn about responsibility and teamwork.

These kids are like a family.” bchs.band/festival

Experience

Boulder Creek High School Band Winter Festival Saturday, Dec. 2 | 8 a.m.–Noon | Boulder Creek High School | 40404 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem imagesar izona.c om November 2023 Admission Free | Pancake Breakfast $10; youth and group discounts available | bchs.band/festival

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Tori Jane Ostberg

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Photographer Tori Jane Ostberg spends several weeks each year living on the road in pursuit of untamed skies, driving tens of thousands of miles to go wherever the weather leads her throughout the North American Great Plains and Midwest.

In the summer, she chases the “uniquely beautiful and vastly underrated” southwestern monsoon across her home state of Arizona, which she notes could not be more different than the weatherrelated events that occur in most other regions.

“Every so often, I see plains chasers come out, thinking that it will be easy-peasy, only to quickly get frustrated,” Ostberg says. “You cannot chase out here like you do in the plains. It is a very different beast, and it is incredibly unique. The only other place on this entire planet that gets a monsoon season is South Asia. We get our very own monsoon pattern here in our little corner of the desert. Lucky us!”

This month, Images Arizona is grateful to be able to showcase some of the storms that Ostberg has chased and photographed around Arizona, many of which were part of this summer’s monsoons.

Although the National Weather Service’s official recording of just 0.15 of an inch of rainfall at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport marks the Valley’s driest summer ever — accentuated by a record-breaking 55 days at or above 110 degrees, 31 of which were consecutive — Arizona’s monsoons still managed to wreak havoc around our state this season.

Characterized by electrifying lightning, tumultuous winds, blinding dust and microbursts of rain, Arizona’s monsoons are certainly scary sights to behold — and even scarier to experience. Yet Ostberg runs eagerly toward them in an effort to capture these riders in the sky forever on camera — the epitome of catching lightning in a bottle.

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Tempest Teachings

Tori Jane Ostberg says that storm chasing and photographing extreme weatherrelated events have taught her patience and extreme perseverance.

“They have taught me that I am absolutely able to handle even the most stressful situations,” Ostberg explains. “Every single chase season, there are at least a couple of minor disasters to be taken care of; and, so far, I have been able to handle every last one of them.

Ostberg adds that her hobbies have also taught her an incredible amount about the amazing natural processes of our planet’s atmosphere, as well as the beautiful, fleeting nature of life.

“No two storms will ever be the same and no one storm will ever happen again,” the photographer acknowledges. “We need to witness these processes with the understanding that we are experiencing something incredibly unique.

“Doing this has taught me to appreciate all of that — and, of course, to always make sure that I have my SD cards with me.”

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‘It’s A Twister!

It’s A Twister!’

Storm chaser and photographer Tori Jane Ostberg will never forget her first-ever big-leagues tornadochasing adventure.

“It was May 7, 2016,” Ostberg says. “To say it went well would be the understatement of the century — except, in this case, my definition of ‘it went well’ is that my friends and I lingered a little too long after a beautiful Colorado tornado touched down and we ended up being the ones getting chased.

“It followed us very closely up the highway until we were able to find an eastbound road and whipped around onto it, narrowly avoiding being hit ourselves, while we watched it destroy a house and cross the road right behind us. It was eventually rated a highend EF2.

Later that year, one of the photos that Ostberg took of the tornado placed second in National Geographic’s Nature Photographer of the Year competition.

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About the Photographer For as long as she can remember, Arizona native Tori Jane Ostberg has been hopelessly obsessed with extreme weather.

“As a kid, I would turn The Weather Channel on and let it play for hours,” says Ostberg, who recalls going door to door at the apartment complex at which she lived to warn her neighbors about incoming storms. “Never mind that we live in the desert so it was never like there was a hurricane coming.”

While in high school, Ostberg — whose childhood hero was Tucson storm chaser and photographer Warren Faidley — realized that by incorporating photography into her obsession, she could keep the storms that she experienced with her long after they passed.

“However, to this day, it is first and foremost about the storms for me,” she says. “If I forget my camera at home, it is mildly annoying but, ultimately, what I care most about is being in the storm. The photos are my trophies that I get to keep forever as a record of the storms I track down and hunt successfully.

“Of course, the art of photography is now deeply ingrained in me as well and I find that, like any photographer, I am also very motivated by creating beautiful imagery. My photos are quite literally little pieces of my soul imprinted in pixels forever; beautiful little pieces of everything I have ever wanted to do and everything I have ever hoped for all rolled into extraordinary — and at times extreme — imagery.

“I hope to share the incredible, sublime beauty of severe weather with the world as I see it: as equal parts beautiful, humbling and frightening; and as much a grand spectacle as a force to be respected and revered.” copperstatestormchasing.com

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo

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Retired Chief Warrant Officer Michael Tapp has been to parts of our planet’s oceans that most people do not even know exist and very few people ever get to visit. He has also gotten to do things and see sights that some people pay an awful lot of money to experience, all while having the adventure of a lifetime, making lifelong friends and earning a superabundant sense of pride that less than 10% of Americans will ever feel.

Having served in the United States Coast Guard for 27 years, Tapp’s assignments at stations around the country included search and rescue, law enforcement and boarding officer.

In addition to saving numerous lives, Tapp has served on the high seas aboard Coast Guard cutters and naval vessels where he led military and homeland security operations as well as illegal drug and migrant interdiction operations while enforcing U.S. law and international treaties.

Anthem Veterans Memorial // Photo Courtesy of Anthem Community Council

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“

The Coast Guard will always be my home. But between the natural beauty and the way that the community values service members, Anthem has become my home away from home. Michael Tapp

He has also held command of Coast Guard units charged with establishing and maintaining the nation’s navigation-aid infrastructure domestically along the West Coast and the Great Lakes.

Today, Tapp lives in Anthem with his wife, Laura, a kindergarten teacher at Gavilan Peak with whom he shares four adult children. Having this year taken the baton from longtime Daisy Mountain Veterans president Dennis Salisbury, Tapp has a long volunteer service record in Anthem and, this fall, will deliver the keynote address during Anthem’s 12th annual Veterans Day Ceremony.

DEEP ROOTS The foundation for serving in the U.S, Coast Guard had been in Tapp’s life from the moment he was born.

“I am the third generation of my family to have served in the U.S. Coast Guard,” Tapp reveals. “So I have some deep roots.

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“My grandfather, [Howard Crocker], retired as a warrant officer, having served in the Coast Guard during World War II. Unfortunately, he passed away when my mom was still just a little girl. She was actually born near the Coast Guard base in Ketchikan, Alaska. I then have a step-uncle who had served in the Lighthouse Service, [whose duties were later assumed by the Coast Guard].”

Unsure of what he wanted to do after high school, Tapp attended community college in the Washington D.C. area for the sake of exploring his options. It was at that time that he discovered his interest in federal law enforcement.

Photo Courtesy of Anthem Community Council

“I had a high school friend whose father was an ATF agent,” he says.

“I came out to Phoenix to visit them. Her father and I were driving out in the desert during a monsoon to see the flooding and everything that happens, and I mentioned to him that I had been thinking about going into federal law enforcement.

“He said, ‘If you want to do something like that, you are going to need to have some type of prior experience in order to get hired.’ It was literally the next week that I went and spoke with the Coast Guard.

And I can honestly say that I have been able to do everything that I ever wanted to do as a result of that decision.”

On the search and rescue side, Tapp was stationed on the Great Lakes on three separate occasions — two of which were at search and rescue stations that act similar to fire stations.

Michael Tapp

“You stay on duty for two or three days’ time and are available for calls,” he explains. “Then, when someone is in distress, you launch a boat and effect a rescue. And there are protocols in place to ensure that the closest asset is called out, [regardless of which side of the international line the emergency lies]. That is the best part of the job — putting aside all differences and working with other countries for the purpose of saving human lives. That is when you see humanity at its best.”

On the law enforcement side, Tapp spent time stationed on every coast of the U.S., with the exception of the Gulf Coast.

Michael Tapp

“Our largest ships are national security cutters,” Tapp says. “They frequently patrol areas that are the size of the entire continental United States — particularly the Pacific Ocean, where I used to be stationed.

People do not understand how vast the Pacific Ocean is until they get out there. I also did a Bering Sea Patrol near Alaska in the wintertime.

That was a great experience.

“As a boarding officer, I led a team of law enforcement officers who did boardings at sea — many in connection with domestic law enforcement, such as boating under the influence, but also many in the international arena, enforcing international law, U.S. treaties and maritime domain awareness.”

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Tapp adds that most people assume that the U.S. Coast Guard’s service is strictly domestic, but it in fact patrols and is stationed all around the world and even assists other countries that are not able to enforce their own economic zones.

Tapp also spent time in command of several Coast Guard units whose predominant mission was to maintain the Aids to Navigation infrastructure — everything from lighthouses to minor lights, day beacons, range lights, sound signals and buoys.

“It was actually really cool to be able to carry on that history as basically a modern-day lighthouse keeper,” Tapp says.

Having completed an undergraduate degree in Homeland Security Studies at American Military University, Tapp in 2022 completed his graduate work in Leadership and Human Resources at Michigan State University. After a 27-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, he retired and entered the civilian workforce, taking a position with the judicial branch of Arizona in emergency and threat management.

In addition to receiving certification as a permanent Cutterman for his years of service abroad and at sea, Tapp has also been formally awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

11:11 ON 11/11 Taking place over the first two Saturdays in November, Anthem’s Veterans Day celebrations begin Nov. 4 with the 19th annual Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade. imagesar izona.c om November 2023

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Anthem Veterans Memorial // Photo Courtesy of Anthem Community Council

“It starts at 9 a.m. with a parachute jump on the Anthem soccer fields,” says Tapp, encouraging families to arrive early for a chance to see the exciting spectacle and meet the parachuters, who will then present an American flag that has flown over Anthem to the Daisy Mountain Fire Department Color Guard, “That is the flag that then leads our parade at 10 a.m.”

The celebrations continue the following Saturday, Nov. 11, at Anthem Veterans Memorial, where families can enjoy a morning of activities leading up to the community’s 12th annual Veterans Day Ceremony.

Tennessee Grill owner and USMC veteran Ryan Ladiser will sell light breakfast food and beverages starting at 8:15 a.m. ahead of a 9:15 a.m. presentation during which Vietnam War-era veterans and their surviving spouses will be awarded 50th Anniversary Commemorative Vietnam War pins.

Pre-ceremony attendees will also be invited to help decorate holiday cards and care packages that Youth for Troops plans to send to our troops stationed overseas. Therefore, attendees are encouraged to bring and donate small puzzle and Sudoku books, card games, candy canes and lip balm to assist the nonprofit organization’s effort.

Daisy Mountain Veterans will also be collecting stocking stuffers as part of its Holiday Helpers program, which provides holiday meals and gifts for local children and families in need. Patriotic music and videos will be played on large LED screens throughout the morning.

The ceremony itself starts at 10 a.m., honoring all veterans, active-duty men and women and their families. This year, special tributes will be given to the United States Coast Guard, the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the 70th anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War and 50th anniversary of U.S. Naval Women Aviators.

Musical performances will be provided by Musical Theatre of Anthem’s outreach group as well as in partnership with Operation Song — a nonprofit organization that empowers veterans, active-duty military members and their families to tell their stories through the process of songwriting.

Accompanying the music will be photo montages prepared by Boulder Creek High School’s TV media production students, under the supervision of teacher and U.S. Army veteran Christy Johnson. A marker commemorating the 250th anniversary

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of the United States — donated and presented by the Ocotillo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution — will also receive its official dedication during the ceremony.

The celebrations will then culminate at exactly 11:11 a.m. — at which time the sun’s rays will pass through the ellipses in each of the military branch pillars to cast a perfect solar spotlight on a glass mosaic of The Great Seal of the United States, surrounded by 5,400 veteran commemorative pavers in the newly expanded Circle of Honor.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME Tapp says that, for starters, his keynote address during Anthem’s Veterans Day Ceremony will relay the sheer joy that he felt while serving our nation.

“It is, in my opinion, the highest calling,” Tapp explains. “It certainly also leads you to experiences that you cannot get any other way. I will also talk about the transition into being a veteran and what that means. A lot of us struggle with that, including myself. When you have done something that you are so passionate about for almost 30 years, it can be a bit of a loss of identity.”

Tapp adds that joining organizations such as Daisy Mountain Veterans, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, eases that transition by providing continued camaraderie with people onto whom you can always lean.

“Lastly, I will talk about my role with Universal Health Services’ Patriot Support Program, which provides resources for active duty military

and veterans,” says Tapp, noting that programs and services are specifically designed to address the effects of combat stress, post-traumatic stress, depression, substance abuse and other behavioral health issues.

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Tapp adds that he is grateful to be a part of a community that celebrates and so strongly values veterans.

“When my wife and I started dating, during one of my first trips here as I was preparing to depart my active service, she brought me to Anthem Veterans Memorial,” Tapp says. “The emphasis that the community puts on recognizing the acts of those who served was one of my first indicators of the type of community that Anthem is.

The retired CWO adds that he never misses an opportunity to show off Anthem Veterans Memorial to his former shipmates during their visits.

He also commends the community’s residents and business owners as well as Anthem Community Council for their unwavering support of the memorial, its two annual ceremonies and the parade.

“The Coast Guard will always be my home,” Tapp says. “But between the natural beauty and the way that the community values service members, Anthem has become my home away from home. I say this with a lot of history, having traveled and lived all over the country and the world: Anthem is one of the most patriotic communities that I have ever been a part of.”

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Daisy Mountain Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Nov. 4 | 9 a.m. | Anthem Community Park 41703 N, Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem | Free | daisymtnvets.org

Anthem Veterans Day Ceremony Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m. | Anthem Veterans Memorial 41703 N, Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem | Free | onlineatanthem.com

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A

A true reflection of the creative diversity among Arizona’s artists, Sharon Albrektsen, Jacki Cohen, Carol McDonald and Kelly Charveaux may each work in different mediums and with different materials, but they all have one thing in common.

Fueled by their imagination, they are driven to create.

The four exceptionally talented women also share the distinct honor of having had their work selected to grace the cover of the directory for this fall’s 27th annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour. Coordinated by the Sharon Albrektsen’s imaginative, playful “Bee Free” ceramic sculpture graces the front cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory. // Photo by Jules Lafferty nonprofit Sonoran Arts League, 164 artists will participate in this year’s highly anticipated event, which will be spread across 41 studios throughout the scenic Desert Foothills communities of Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale.

Showcasing both nationally recognized and emerging artists, the popular art tour attracts thousands of patrons who appreciate fine art and seek a variety of mediums, styles and price ranges. With the event taking place the weekends before and after Thanksgiving, the tour also attracts holiday shoppers who want to find an original, unique gift.

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For art enthusiasts who return to Hidden in the Hills year after year, the artist directory has become quite a collectible. For participating artists hoping to gain more exposure, being selected as a featured cover artist is often an honor that adds more prestige to their professional achievements.

DAYDREAMS WITH CLAY Sharon Albrektsen grew up in Chula Vista, California, in an artistic family that encouraged her to explore her imagination. Her mother was a professional clown and a seamstress, and her grandfather helped spark her imagination as they played with Play-Doh. Being dyslexic, she struggled to read, but she thrived in her art classes. She loved working with clay so much, she earned the nickname “Muddpuppy” from her family.

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

Writer Susan Kern-Fleischer

Later, as a college student, Albrektsen realized that she wanted to use clay to share stories rather than create functional pottery.

“I started making pots and I always wanted to alter them,” she says. “It’s about daydreams for me ... that’s how my mind works.”

Finding her inspiration from nature, fantasy and journeys imagined or real. Sharon Albrektsen will exhibit and sell her work during Hidden in the Hills at glass artist Sandy Pendleton’s Studio No. 22 in Cave Creek.

Albrektsen earned her Bachelor and Master of Arts from Adams State College in Colorado, and Master of Fine Arts at Fort Hays State University in Kansas.

She spent more than four decades living in Colorado, where she owned and operated a coffee house. She also taught art in grades from kindergarten through college.

A few years ago, Albrektsen reconnected with a high school friend and moved to Scottsdale to start a life with him.

They married last year.

“I am a narrative artist who is in love with clay,” Albrektsen says. “Clay gives me the placidity to capture my thoughts when it is wet and permanency of the form when fired. My work is layered with meanings of who I am now and who I was.”

Using borrowed symbols from the Christian religion, other cultures visited in her travels, and those from history, she combines all to make her own personal symbolism.

“Previously, I made a vague reference to the figure in my imagery,” she says, adding that the costuming on her figures pays homage to her mother. “Lately, the figure has become of grave importance to the story-telling nature of my work.”

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HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

Left: Sharon Albrektsen's "High Horse'' Above: Sharon Albrektsen's "Glory Be"

Albrektsen finds her inspiration from nature, fantasy and journeys imagined or real. She is also influenced by her favorite two-dimensional artists, including Salvador Dali, Hieronymus Bosch and Remedios Varo.

“I see their work in my mind as 3D,” she says. “There’s also a bit of Dr. Seuss in my work, and I am also inspired

by James Cameron and Tim Burton.”

A Christian with two adult children and four grandchildren, she often pokes fun at religion and other societal topics.

“Sarcasm is a way of life for me, and satirical humor is a major portion of my narrative vocabulary,” she says.

“It makes the sarcasm a little easier to digest. My work, although seemingly fantasy, is a reality for me.”

Using a hand-built method, Albrektsen often works in the moment, letting the clay guide her, but sometimes she will create a thumbnail of the piece or doodle her ideas on paper. She fires her work up to five times in an oxidation kiln and she uses underglazes, glazes, stains, oxides and gold luster to give each sculpture its desired visual depth.

Color is of the utmost significance in her work.

“The layering of bold, vibrant colors invites the viewer to take a closer look,” she explains. “It is not my intention to give up my whole story, but to entice the viewer to make up their own.”

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“

The layering of bold, vibrant colors invites the viewer to take a closer look. It is not my intention to give up my whole story, but to entice the viewer to make up their own.

Sharon Albrektsen

Seven years ago, Albrektsen was invited to be an artist in residence for three months at the Yingge Museum of Ceramics in New Taipei City in Taiwan.

“It was an amazing experience,” she says. “I was working with Japanese porcelain, which was like working with cream cheese ... it was so good. I taught workshops and created so much work there. Two of my pieces are on permanent display in their sculpture garden.”

Albrektsen’s imaginative, playful “Bee Free” ceramic sculpture graces the front cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory. She started her bee series when she was working towards her MFA degree.

“I was amazed that bees can fly with such big bodies and small wings,” she says. “But I was also affected by messages that said, ‘bee kind,’ ‘bee grateful’ and ‘bee blessed,’ and I thought, ‘What would it look like to bee free?’”

This is Albrektsen’s first year participating in Hidden in the Hills. She will exhibit and sell her work at glass artist Sandy Pendleton’s Studio No. 22 in Cave Creek.

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Emitting an energy that captivates its viewers with many subtle textures, Carol McDonald’s abstract acrylic painting, “Power From Within,” is one of three works featured on the back cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory.

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

GOING WITH THE FLOW OF ABSTRACT ART Carol McDonald never thought of herself as a creative person until much later in life. As a child growing up in a suburb of New York City, she excelled at English, math and science. While she enjoyed drawing and coloring, it was never a focus. As an adult, art was more something she appreciated and collected rather than created.

It wasn’t until 2018, when she was approaching retirement from her left-brain, analytical, business administration career, that she began to pursue a newfound passion for painting. Spending time at art galleries and events, her husband saw something in her and told her she “needed a hobby in retirement.”

“That Christmas, my husband bought me an easel, art supplies and a video of one of my favorite artists, Bruce Marion, and encouraged me to ‘go play,’” says McDonald, who lives in Chandler. “That was all it took to re-ignite that creative spark and I have been painting ever since.”

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Carol McDonald's "Coming to Fruition" During Hidden in the Hills, guests can find abstract artist Carol McDonald and her work at mixed media painter Bela Fidel’s Studio No. 26 in Scottsdale.

During Hidden in the Hils, guests can find abstract artist Carol McDonald and her new work at mixed media painter Bela Fidel’s Studio No. 26 in Scottsdale.

“Abstract art has no agenda,” McDonald explains.

“It’s all about potential and what might happen next. In some ways, it’s a metaphor for my life, “I’m an observer in life. I watch and assess and then determine how I will respond. When I’m painting, I do the same thing. I start out with some basic shapes and then see where the painting wants to go.”

McDonald is drawn to how images flow and colors blend together. Some of her work is vibrant in color while others are more muted and soft. Many of her pieces have “S” curves within them, depicting movement and grace.

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

While she has done some realism painting, she always comes back to her first love: abstract.

“My mood often affects the colors I choose,” she says. “I start with dark neutral colors to create a general composition, and add color and glazes on top of it. It’s a bit of a dance and I’m never sure where it will end up. It’s never a conscious choice; I go with the flow.”

Working with acrylic paint, McDonald uses many different tools to achieve her effects, including silicon scrapers, palette knives and various brushes.

“I also love to explore different textures and materials to see how they impact a painting,” the artist says. “Every painting has its own unique energy. It’s not always something tangible; many times, it’s an emotional reaction and we’re not even aware of why a piece of art appeals to us — we just know that it does.”

Emitting an energy that captivates its viewers with many subtle textures, McDonald’s abstract acrylic painting, “Power From Within,” is one of three works featured on the back cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory.

During the tour, guests can find McDonald and her new work at mixed media painter Bela Fidel’s Studio No. 26 in Scottsdale.

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Featured on the back cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory, Jacki Cohen’s stunning fused glass wall panel, “Blaze,” was inspired by the beauty of Arizona’s sunrises and sunsets. // Photo by Jacki Cohen

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

CELEBRATING LIFE THROUGH FUSED GLASS Jacki Cohen discovered her passion for working with fused glass more than a decade ago; but just three years ago, she experienced what she calls a rebirth of her work and life.

“My mother was hospitalized with COVID pneumonia and was very ill,” she says. “This was before vaccines were available, and visitors were not allowed in the hospital, so she fought for her life alone. When she was released, she was like an infant ... basically helpless. I nursed her back to health with the help of my family.”

The experience had a profound effect on Cohen and she began to translate her emotions into her work.

“The art that I have been producing since her near-death experience has been all about life,” she says. “The joy of life, and the simplicity and complexity of nature. I have translated this realization with more color and more layers. Life has so many layers and I have been expanding my art to incorporate these many layers, textures, and details.”

A Scottsdale resident, Cohen is disciplined in her routine, and she finds she is most creative in the morning and she often sketches out her designs before getting started.

The process of fusing glass requires careful concentration. She begins by heating the glass to a minimum of 1,100 degrees to make it soft and pliable. Then she plans, cuts and pieces together the glass during the day, running her kilns overnight. Once the pieces have fused together, they must be cooled extremely slowly to avoid thermal shock.

In addition to incorporating circles and other symbols that celebrate life, she often mixes in dichroic glass, which is a metallic glass that sparkles and shines.

“The dichroic is layered to represent the deepness, layers and complexity of life,” she says.

An avid hiker, much of Cohen’s work is inspired by the beauty of her natural surroundings. Featured on the back cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory, her stunning fused glass wall panel, “Blaze,” was inspired by the beauty of Arizona’s sunrises and sunsets.

During the tour, Cohen will exhibit and sell her new work at Wesley Hartin Art Studio No. 8 in Carefree.

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ROBIN RAY RobinRayArt.com

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Appearing on the back cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory, Kelly Charveaux’s breathtaking cuff, “Mother & Child Reunion,” features sterling silver, black onyx, Mother of Pearl, Black Lip Mother of Pearl, a Tahitian pearl and abalone. Her title for the piece was inspired by the pearl — or the “baby” within the mollusk of the shell. // Photo by Herb Hitchon

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

JEWELRY GUIDED BY INTUITION Born in Faith, South Dakota, near the famous mineral-rich Black Hills region and adjoining Sioux Indian lands, Kelly Charveaux’s early collection of rocks and arrowheads evolved into a lifelong love of gems and jewelry.

She moved to Arizona in her early teens and immediately started collecting turquoise.

“Turquoise is my favorite mineral to work with,” Charveaux says. I love mixing it in with almost everything. The color variations from the greens to the blues and the variety of matrix makes turquoise so diverse.”

While working for a jewelry manufacturer, Charveaux left college to study at the Gemological Institute of America and furthered her education at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. She has also taken workshops from Jesse Monongya, an award-winning Native American inlay artist.

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She finds unique gemstones in a variety of places — including shops, gem shows, auctions and outside on the ground.

“When I’m shopping, I pay attention to the energy of the stones,” the jewelry designer says. “I’m drawn to their color and texture. The price tag is usually the last thing I look at.”

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

A Fountain Hills resident, Charveaux plays the bass guitar in her free time. She also paints and creates mosaic art but her primary passion is creating jewelry. She is best known for her bold styles and exquisite inlay designs. Inspired by her surroundings and the energy of the stones, she relies on her intuition to guide her as creates her designs in the moment.

Skilled at lapidary, Charveaux says that cutting stone can be somewhat therapeutic.

Hidden in the Hills attendees can meet Kelly Charveaux at painter Marless Fellows’ Studio No. 23 in Cave Creek, where she will exhibit and sell a variety of new, one-of-a-kind contemporary and whimsical pieces — including earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and bolo ties.

“Nothing is more fun than slicing open a rock and seeing what is inside,” she notes.

This will be Charveaux’s first year participating in the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour.

Appearing on the back cover of this year’s directory, her breathtaking cuff, “Mother & Child Reunion,” features sterling silver, black onyx, Mother of Pearl, Black Lip Mother of Pearl, a Tahitian pearl and abalone. Her title for the piece was inspired by the pearl — or the “baby” within the mollusk of the shell.

Tour attendees can meet Charveaux at painter Marless Fellows’ Studio No. 23 in Cave Creek, where she will exhibit and sell a variety of new, one-of-a-kind contemporary and whimsical pieces — including earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and bolo ties. hiddeninthehills.org

Art

27th Annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour

izona.c om November 2023 Nov. 17–19 and Nov. 24–26 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | See website for participating studios | Free | imagesar hiddeninthehills.org

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Writer Susan Kern-Fleischer

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It could have been exceptionally easy for Jan and Rick Griggs’ lives to never intersect.

Jan — a soulful, abstract fine art painter — grew up in Spokane, Washington, while Rick — an accomplished woodworker and photographer — was born on a United States Naval base in Canada and spent much of his childhood living in different states.

Four decades ago, they met at a party, and it was love at first sight.

“Rick asked me to marry him on our second date,” Jan says. “We got married six months later.”

"Cloud Story" by Jan Griggs Attracted by Arizona’s warmth and sunshine, the couple in 2012 moved to Scottsdale, where they continued their individual artistic paths and became members of the nonprofit Sonoran Arts League — whose signature Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour is set to take place during the last two weekends of this month.

Jan and Rick are two of 164 artists at 41 studios throughout Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale that will be participating in the popular event, which — now in its 27th year — is the largest and longest-running artist studio tour in Arizona.

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Jan has always been passionate about art. She has fond childhood memories of playing the scribble game with her father, and she credits an older cousin for inspiring her to explore her creativity.

“My cousin was a talented artist who taught art in high school,” she says. “I was in awe of him, and he had a definite influence on me.”

"Softly" by Jan Griggs

Early in her career, Jan created wildlife illustrations for a company that produced giftware for the Alaskan cruise industry. She also painted pet portraits in pastels and took a few watercolor classes.

Calling herself a “late bloomer,” Jan discovered her passion for abstract art not long after she and Rick moved to Scottsdale. She took a special week-long mentoring session with renowned artist Gwen Fox in Taos, New Mexico that challenged her to be intuitive and spontaneous as she painted. That was 13 years ago and, since then, she has been laserfocused on creating abstract art.

“Abstract painting is freeing and complicated at the same time,” she explains. “There are no limits or rules as to what you can or can’t do.

The workshop in Taos opened a direction I wanted to pursue, but didn’t know how to do it.”

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

A NEED TO PAINT & EXPLORE

Now, Jan has more confidence in her work and believes that painting abstracts is her calling.

“I find that I actually need to paint and explore, so my style is constantly changing,” she says.

While much of her work is inspired by the beauty of the desert, Jan continues to be influenced by the cool grays, blues and greens of the Puget Sound area, where she and Rick spend their summers.

“When I paint in Washington, my colors tend towards cool blues and grays,” she says. “Inspiration comes from the water, mountains, sky and clouds. In Arizona, I’m influenced by the desert, warm neutrals, and desert plants.”

Energy, color, light and intuition are the elements that characterize her paintings. She works with acrylics on canvas or heavy watercolor paper, with a variety of tools to move and manipulate the paint.

“I like water media because it dries fast, and I can work quickly,” Jan says. “I prefer to paint on large canvases. It’s much easier to use large brushes and movements.”

Her artistic process is intuitive and spontaneous.

As Jan Griggs paints, she arranges and re-arranges colors and shapes to create the feelings and emotions coming from within her.

“My work is a collection of places, feelings of color, light and dark, movement and stillness that I translate into abstracted forms,” she says.

“When I begin a painting, I’ll decide first if I’m painting an abstract floral or landscape or pure abstraction. I don’t use reference photos as I paint, instead drawing from my memory.” imagesar izona.c om November 2023

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"Storm Before the Calm" by Jan Griggs

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

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Abstract painting is freeing and complicated at the same time. There are no limits or rules as to what you can or can’t do. Jan Griggs

As she paints, she arranges and re-arranges colors and shapes to create the feelings and emotions coming from within her.

“My parameters are the color palette I choose and the shape and size of the surface I am painting on,” Jan says.

“I have a very basic idea of what I want to create and let the flow of color and paint guide me. Sometimes I listen to upbeat, energetic music while I paint. Other times, I get in a zone and silence helps me.”

Sometimes she chooses to take the painting in a different direction.

“I end up painting over pieces that aren’t working, or I cut them apart and use them in my deconstructed abstract series,” Jan explains. “One of my favorite pieces is called ‘Into the Desert,’ because that’s where it went, with a long garden hose and a power spray nozzle. I sprayed and washed off layers of paint and was left with an interesting, gritty texture that was the base for the new painting.”

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HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

ALIVE WITH PATTERNING & COLOR Rick Griggs started his career in radio. While he enjoyed woodworking as a hobby, he didn’t pursue his passion for creating natural edge wood creations until later in life.

Growing up, Rick was surrounded by creative family members. His mother painted and created crafts. He credits his grandfather and his uncle, both talented wood carvers, with teaching him some of the basics of woodworking.

“The calmness and serenity my grandfather had when he was whittling was mesmerizing,” Rick says. “I could watch him endlessly. My uncle was more of a sculptor. The intrigue with him was his ability to create things out of a piece of wood. Later, I was inspired by acclaimed woodworker and architect, George Nakashima. The sleekness of his work with flowing lines and angles is amazing.”

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Early in his broadcast management career, Rick worked for Barry Ackerley, who owned radio stations and the Seattle SuperSonics.

“Jeff Smulyan had just started an all-sports station, WFAN, in New York,” Rick recalls. “I was intrigued by it and convinced Mr. Ackerley that we should take KJR to all-sports. We were one of the first stations to do sports.

It was exciting but challenging because there was no blueprint for it.”

Once the concept took off, Rick kept getting inquiries from people who wanted to replicate the format. That prompted him to start his own sports radio consulting firm, which he still has today.

“I have been fortunate to work with so many great people,” Rick says. “My clients were across the country and internationally, including ESPN and Fox Sports.

During that time, I began doing more woodworking, but nothing like the tables and wall pieces I create today until about eight years ago. I also did photography, showing my work in several galleries and at the Lishui International Photo Festival in China.”

About nine years ago, Rick began doing turning, which evolved into live edge slabs as tables and wall art. Live edge wood is the original shape of the tree along at least two of the edges.

Kathi Turner

#15

31616 N. 70th Street, Scottsdale 775-304-6756 HighDesertCreations.com

Judy Paxton Bruce 7162 E. Stevens Rd., Cave Creek 480-437-9995 JudyBruceArt.com

“Like everything, the more you do something, the more you learn and the better your work becomes because you challenge yourself to grow,” Rick explains, “Putting the pieces together is like a puzzle that has multiple answers.

There is no right or wrong way. There are options that create different experiences and points of view.”

Rick’s studio is in his garage, where he uses basic tools to create his furniture — including chisels, sanding blocks, a jigsaw and table saw and a rotex sander, which he says is invaluable.

“One of the instructors I had in a woodworking class had the best advice I have ever heard when using equipment,” Rick notes. “He said, ‘Become one with whatever you are working with.’ The equipment is an extension of you, making it easier to focus and concentrate on your work.”

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"Golf Table" by Rick Griggs

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Rick Griggs often counts on the wood to guide him in a certain direction.

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

That’s exactly what fuels Rick’s passion for woodworking.

“Working with wood is therapeutic for me,” he says. “Plus, after years of creating content in radio that essentially disappears into the air, it was rewarding to see the results in a tangible product. Each piece of wood is a life form and, like people, each has unique characteristics. I really love that aspect.”

Many of Rick’s pieces include precious stone inlay that enhances the wood’s natural beauty.

“I use all types of stone and stone powder in the voids of the wood,” he says. “Chrysocolla is one of my favorites because the array of color is spectacular. Azurite, jaspers and turquoise are all great as well. I also like to use copper inlay.”

He often counts on the wood to guide him in a certain direction.

“I enjoy working with all woods, but I especially love working with burls,”

Art

Rick says. “They are so unique, with rich character in the patterning and color of the wood. I also love oddshaped pieces and putting them together as a unique artwork.”

Depending on the type of wood, the hardness can be a challenge. A lot of wood from tropical areas is very dense and sometimes oily, making it difficult to work with.

“Here in Arizona, because it is so dry, I have to make sure the wood has a moisture content of around 6%,” Rick adds. “Otherwise, it can crack or split when I’m cutting or sanding it.”

Rick finishes his pieces with a natural tung oil because it seeps into the wood and helps bring out the natural beauty.

Rick will showcase his live edge wood tables and wall pieces at Toni Perrin’s Studio No. 10 in Carefree.

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

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Putting the pieces together is like a puzzle that has multiple answers. There is no right or wrong way. There are options that create different experiences and points of view.

Rick Griggs

Jan says that, after 41 years of marriage, she appreciates being able to tap into Rick’s creative insight.

“We value each other’s opinion and often ask each other for advice and critiques,” the painter explains.

Rick agrees, adding that it is good to have another perspective that he trusts.

“Jan offers a lot of good insight and points out things I may not have thought of,” he says. jangriggsfineart.com naturalwoodedge.com

TRADING INSIGHT & PERSPECTIVE Guests to Hidden in the Hills will find Jan with her abstract paintings, abstract florals and deconstructed abstracts at Kathi Turner’s High Desert Creations Studio No. 15 in Scottsdale. Meanwhile,

27th Annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour

izona.c om November 2023 Nov. 17–19 and Nov. 24–26 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | See website for participating studios | Free | imagesar hiddeninthehills.org

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As travelers headed north roll into Payson on the Beeline Highway, they’re greeted by a rather nondescript single-story brick building with a Dutch gable roof.

The structure — which once housed the popular Lasso American Kitchen — now stands empty, its lights off and its parking lot vacant.

But eagle-eyed drivers will notice a splash of color on the side of the otherwise drab brown exterior.

Brilliant pinks, purples, yellows and blues serve as a backdrop for fantastical, dreamlike images. A bold, smiling sunflower blossoms from a young girl’s head. A spaceman and cyclopic balloon float in the background.

Showcasing a world of imagination, the more than 50 murals that Isaac Caruso’s has painted around Arizona are now featured in his new children’s book, “Sam & Sara.”

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I think of this project as my love letter to Arizona. Isaac Caruso Writer Rebecca L. Rhoades

Complementing the playful scene, in white calligraphy, are the words: “It felt like home when she arrived that day / and loved it so much, she decided to stay. / Becoming the figment of her old persona … / A beautiful sunflower from Arizona. / Just like the ones that’d blossom and grow / at her old house, outside her window.”

The mural, which was created by Phoenix-based artist Isaac Caruso, showcases a world of imagination.

It’s just one of more than 50 he’s painted around the state that are now featured in his new children’s book, “Sam & Sara.”

Illustrated entirely with Caruso’s mural art, the book tells the story of a daydreamer who enters a land of dreams and make-believe. She loves it so much that she decides to stay and becomes what Caruso calls a “figment.” She has a daughter, Sara, who hears stories about her mom’s hometown of Phoenix and decides to go on her own adventure by land, sea and air to discover the beautiful desert destination.

Photo by Lori Bentley

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“Before I did this book, I had no idea that sunflowers are indigenous to this part of the world,” Caruso says. “They’re these worldwide icons of beauty — van Gogh painted them. But nobody knows they’re from here. I think our community gets slept on as a place with real creative potential. And we’re more influential than we even know. We need to recognize our own abilities. So I use sunflowers as a symbol for creativity.”

The lovely yellow blooms also represent the contributions and possibilities of the neurodivergent community — one that’s especially significant for Caruso. The artist, who grew up in the Valley and went to college at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, has attention deficit disorder.

“A big theme in my work is people who are neurodivergent,” Caruso notes. “And I belong to that community. So for people with ADD, ADHD and autism, it’s kind of embracing the way we think and seeing it not so much as a disability but as a superpower.”

ART FOR ALL Caruso has been creating murals and public art for more than a decade. His large-scale scenes can be found on the sides of businesses and walls throughout the Valley, from a stunning display of nature at the popular 1-1/2 Street alley located behind The Churchill in downtown Phoenix to a multistory-high psychedelic collage on the top floors of the Canopy Tempe hotel.

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APS, Free Arts, Scottsdale Public Art and Spaces of Opportunity are just some of the local companies and organizations that have commissioned artwork from him.

His work has even taken him to such exotic locales as Montevideo, Uruguay, and Norway’s Svalbard islands.

But growing up with a creative mind wasn’t always easy. Like the characters in his book, Caruso used imagination to cope.

“Growing up as a neurodivergent learner, I definitely butted heads with all my teachers,” Caruso recalls. “My outlet became art. It was a place where I could be free to express and think the way that I do — and I was just really good at it, and people liked it.”

Caruso first came up with the idea to do a children’s book while he was studying at NAU more than 10 years ago. The concept really began to take shape four years ago, when the artist received a commission in Tucson to teach children how to paint murals.

“I didn’t know anything about Tucson or anybody in Tucson, so I thought, ‘I’m just going to sit down and write this book that I’ve always been wanting to do,’” he says. “I spent the whole summer making it work and then making it rhyme. But I felt that it was an interesting way to turn the classic children’s book format on its head.”

Once Caruso had the passages and illustrations sketched out, he decided to reach out to small towns — many of which don’t have budgets for public art — and offer to create murals for them free of charge.

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Cottonwood

“I always drove by these small towns and wondered, ‘What would it be like to live in Ajo or Chloride?’” he says. “I wanted to help cultivate interest in these small communities that are all special and diverse. I wanted to create a project that really tied the whole state together.”

From Tucson to Tubac, Winslow to Seligman, Payson to Patagonia, Caruso has traveled the state in his modified white Sprinter van, nicknamed Vanna White — with his adopted bull terrier, Gustavo, at his side — painting technicolor dreamscapes, complete with poetry, with spray paint and acrylic house paint.

Familiar images of Sonoran flora and fauna, as well as local landmarks, make frequent appearances. For example, in the mural painted at the Pinal County Historical Museum in Florence, Caruso added the town’s F Mountain into the background.

“I think of this project as my love letter to Arizona,” Caruso says.

Each mural, and each poem, connects to the next but also stands on its own.

“I wanted to make sure that every mural by itself was interesting, but then also interesting as a collective,” Caruso points out.

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BRINGING FIGMENTS TO LIFE This month, Caruso will bring the characters in his murals and book to life as part of an augmented reality activation during Canal Convergence in Scottsdale. A frequent contributor to the annual waterfront art festival, the artist will paint a 20-by-8-foot mural, and viewers, using a special app, will be able to interact with the characters.

“They’ll start to make noise and move around,” Caruso explains. “You can take a selfie with them and make it feel like a really immersive environment that you can walk into.”

Caruso is also creating two additional murals: one in Scottsdale Fashion Square and another at Scottsdale Civic Center. The project is a collaboration between the mall, Canal Convergence and apparel company Lululemon, which is holding its popular 10K race in the city on the last day of the public art event.

This month, Isaac Caruso will bring the characters in his murals and book to life as part of an augmented reality activation during Canal Convergence in Scottsdale.

As such, art lovers who wish to follow the story in person can view one or 10 or 50 murals in any order they choose — and they’re always guaranteed to come away from the experience with a new outlook and appreciation for everyone around them.

Jennifer Gill, deputy director for Canal Convergence, says that the trio of augmented reality activations will create an interesting narrative that takes on the imaginative component of play and the role that it has in our lives.

“Art and imagination allow people to push past whatever hurdles they may face,” Gill says. “By drawing from his own personal experience and his attention to the neurodivergent audience, there’s a level of acceptance.

He’s showing us that you can do anything, that you don’t have to be pigeon-holed into one place — whether you were putting yourself there or someone else was.”

For Caruso, his artwork and his book are ways to share his love for his home state and his nontraditional approach to life.

“I really hope that people will go out and look for the murals,” he says. “I hope that it’s a break from the norm.

I hope that people will become more interested in public art because of it.

And I hope that people will embrace the neurodivergent community more because of it.”

Miami Globe

samandsara.org isaacncaruso.com

Art

Canal Convergence Nov. 3–12 | Scottsdale Waterfront | 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale Free | canalconvergence.com

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Legacies of Valor

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Veterans Heritage Project

Each fall since 2004, teachers at schools across Arizona have guided their students as they interview some of the bravest men and women in our country.

Those interviews have resulted in numerous collections of war and peacetime service stories from veterans of all branches and eras that, written by students, are more real — and more resonant — than any history book.

With a two-pronged mission of fostering students’ character and honoring veterans’ service, Veterans Heritage Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary of building a better America while simultaneously preserving legacies of sacrifice, service, duty and loyalty.

CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH VETERANS Barbara Hatch was teaching history at the Judson School in Paradise Valley in 1998 when Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” was released in theaters. Eagerly talking about the epic war film that depicts the Normandy landings during World War II, Hatch’s students asked if she had seen it.

“I responded, ‘No, I do not like war movies,’” Hatch admits. “But, to be real to my students, I felt as though I needed to see it. After all, if I am going to teach world history, then I need to be able to look it in the eye and absorb it.

“So I saw the movie and, the next day, I told my students that they really should hear from the people who were there — the World War II veterans. I had always warned them to be careful of movies that claim to be historical fact when so much of them is historical fiction.”

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Veterans Heritage Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary of building a better America while simultaneously preserving legacies of sacrifice, service, duty and loyalty.

The teacher then wrote a letter to a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post, inviting World War II veterans to come to her class and address her students about the realities of the Normandy landings. She was eventually contacted

by Ralph George — a member of VFW Post 7507 in Fountain Hills, who offered to organize a group of veterans to speak in Hatch’s classroom.

Having found their presentation and discussion beneficial to all parties, including herself, Hatch continued to bring veterans into her classroom periodically over the next few years, even as she shifted to different school districts in the community — including Scottsdale and Cave Creek.

In 2004, having heard that Salt River Project was funding programs that documented Arizona’s history in celebration of the state’s centennial, one of Hatch’s students asked her if she would help organize a project that involved their veteran speakers. The teacher and her students then invited veterans to share their service stories via recorded interviews, which were then submitted to a national military history archive called the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. With Hatch's 20 years of experience as a yearbook advisor, she and her students authored and published a hardbound volume of veterans' stories in “Since You Asked: Arizona Veterans Share Their Memories.” Arizona

Heritage Project was officially born as an after-school club, publishing a new volume of “Since You Asked” annually.

Five years later, in 2009, parents Laura Byers and Donna Ward acknowledged the profound impact that the club was having on their sons’ character and academic focus and banded together with other parents and supporters to incorporate Veterans Heritage Project as a nonprofit organization, enabling the club to be replicated at other schools.

By 2013, Veterans Heritage Project had grown to 11 chapters, at which time Hatch retired from her 40year career as a teacher and began volunteering full-time as the nonprofit organization’s program director.

APPRECIATION & RESPECT Since then, Veterans Heritage Project has published 19 volumes of “Since You Asked,” with the 20th volume set to be unveiled at a free community reception and book signing in the spring of 2024. Subtitled “A Salute to Gold Star Families,” the volume will be dedicated to parents, spouses, siblings and children of members of our armed forces who died as a result of their service during a period of war.

The nonprofit organization also now facilitates after-school programs in 30 schools — including Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek, Chaparral High School in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix.

Since 2004, 2,683 veterans’ legacies have been preserved through the program. The nonprofit organization’s executive director Michelle DiMuro recently issued a challenge to school partners to interview and write the stories of at least 317 veterans this fall, thereby reaching a milestone of 3,000 veteran legacies preserved by this spring — a momentous achievement in celebration of Veterans Heritage Project’s 20th anniversary.

To help mark the occasion, Sanderson Lincoln is sponsoring the nonprofit organization’s At-TEN-tion Pays Raffle with a $10,000 cash prize. Tickets are priced at $100 and a winner will be drawn at Veterans Heritage Project’s March 2 fundraising event — the Saluting Stories of Service Gala.

Proceeds from the raffle will help the nonprofit organization serve more students and veterans by funding program technology, publishing, veteran recognition, teacher training and school outreach expenses.

Sanderson Lincoln brand manager Patrick Heigl says that the local, familyowned business has a long history of civic responsibility and is proud to be able to help connect students with our nation’s heroes.

“Veterans deserve our highest level of appreciation and respect,” Heigl adds.

“This program does just that.”

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A LOT OF LIVES TOUCHED Connecting students with veterans has led to 100% of student authors graduating, 95% pursuing college, a quarter of veterans telling their story for the first time and two-thirds of veterans finding the process cathartic. Since 2004, Veterans Heritage Project has also awarded $198,000 in scholarships to participating students.

Hatch says that witnessing veterans healing and students succeeding because of a program that organically expanded with parents’ faith in its mission has made her retirement a remarkably rewarding experience.

“I am extremely proud of what we created, and I am extremely satisfied with the work that goes into it,” Hatch adds.

“I have probably heard the stories of at least 1,500 veterans; I mean, really heard their stories.

“My heart absolutely jumps out of my chest with pride when I look at the master list and see [close to 3,000] veterans’ names on it; many of whom felt forgotten and found a new mission talking to kids because it validated their service.

“Then I look at all of the students’ names and I think, ‘That is a lot of lives that have been touched.’ It does not get any better than that — especially when you see them become amazing human beings.” veteransheritage.org

Experience

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Honor, Protect, Serve

i mages a r i zo nNov. a .c o m8 November 20 23 Wednesday, | 4 p.m. | Cochise-Geronimo Clubhouse | 10333 Rockaway Hills Drive, Scottsdale | Free | veteransheritage.org

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RECIPE

Pumpkin Pie Gooey Butter Cake Serves: 8

Ingredients: For the Spiced Butter Cake: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 large egg, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon apple cider or white distilled vinegar 1-1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt For the Pumpkin Pie Topping: 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) 2 cups powdered sugar 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of kosher salt Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

The biggest issue I find with pumpkin pie is that not everyone loves its texture. So switch it up this year and serve this cake to your Thanksgiving dinner guests. You’ll be everyone’s holiday hero! It’s a delicious spiced butter cake topped with a pumpkin pie mixture that, when baked, is out of this world!

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray the inside of a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, spices and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together butter and sugars, followed by egg, vanilla and vinegar. Pour in dry ingredients and use a rubber spatula to fold the batter together. Spread in the bottom of the prepared pan and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together cream cheese and pumpkin puree.

Whisk in powdered sugar one cup at a time, followed by vanilla, eggs, cinnamon and salt. Pour pumpkin pie topping over the spice cake batter.

It should self-level, so there’s no need to spread it.

Bake for 35-40 minutes. When the cake is fresh from the oven, carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to prevent it from sticking to the sides. Allow to cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then remove the springform ring and continue to cool to room temperature. Chilling the cake will speed up this process.

Once cooled, top the cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar, slice, serve and enjoy!

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thefancypantskitchen.com

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