Tramonto Anthem Desert Hills New River
ECRWSS Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT NO. 3418
December 2019
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December 2019
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MAYNARD DIXON: A WESTERN ARTIST FOR THE AGES Writer Shannon Severson
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Photography Courtesy of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
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COMMUNITY EVENTS Writer Joseph J. Airdo
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SEASON OF ILLUMINATION Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Michael Wilson
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A RELAXING AND DELICIOUS RESPITE AT TERRA FARM AND MANOR Writer Shoshana Leon Photography Courtesy of TERRA Farm and Manor
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A LIFETIME OF ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT ED MELL Writer Shannon Severson
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PEPPERMINT MARSHMALLOW SQUARES Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly
P
Y! A D O T
S
U IGN
T H E S W E AT 1 2 - W E E K C H A L L E N G E S B E G I N
JANUARY 2020
INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH
FIRM AND INCREASE STAMINA
THE WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE
THE TONING CHALLENGE
YOU CAN DO THIS.
Whether your goal is to lose weight or tone and build muscle, SWEAT’S 12-Week Challenges provide all the tools necessary to get results. Several prizes will be given away plus one Grand Prize winner will win a one week vacation in Mexico!
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Tailored 23 Club coaching 1 to help keep you stay focused, motivated and on track
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23 Club coaches provide 3 12 weeks of meal planning and nutritional guidance
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12-WEEK CHALLENGES INCLUDE:
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InBody measurements, 2 a medical-grade system to track and analyze your results
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Support 4 through meetings and outside events throughout the 12-Week Challenge
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See before & after 12-Week Challenge photos on our website. Call 623.551.5753 today!
3655 W. Anthem Way, Suite A129, Anthem, AZ 85086
|
623.551.5753 | sweatchallenge.com
Choose a gym membership package and add $200 for a Challenge. Challenges are quarterly in January, April July and October. Late registrants are accepted until the 15th of the starting Challenge month. December 2019
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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence
MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Christmann
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Hanie
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joseph Airdo Amanda Christmann Sue Kern-Fleischer Kyndra Kelly Shoshana Leon Shannon Severson Fadi Sitto
PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Black Kyndra Kelly Loralei Lazurek Carl Schultz
ADVERTISING SALES Cooper Langston 480-544-8721 cooper@imagesaz.com
Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com Submission of news for community section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 5th of the month prior to publication. Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2019 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Every year at about this time, I find myself caught in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Whether it’s meeting deadlines early due to holiday printing schedules or scrambling to find the perfect gifts for those I love, it’s easy to get caught up in the everyday demands that inevitably come along this time of year. This evening, I locked up the gallery and headed toward my car with my grocery list and other things to do swirling inside my head. With my own thoughts far away, I was brought back into the moment by the unmistakable sound of Christmas carols as they joyously emanated from a passing car. Hearing these sounds I’ve enjoyed since I was a child was nurturing, and it gave me pause to step out of my busy-ness and into something much more meaningful. As I drove to the store, my thoughts wandered back to holidays gone by. I thought of Christmas mornings in front of the tree, my now-adult children full of excitement as they opened Santa’s gifts in their pajamas, and me struggling to keep my eyes open after spending hours the night before wrapping presents as they slept. I also remembered sharing gifts and appreciation with a once-tiny Images Arizona family of writers and photographers who, like our current contributors, worked hard to put stories together while balancing busy lives, simply because they loved and believed in what we were doing. These moments are among those that have given me the deepest joy, and remembering them is a gift in itself.
Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.
Local First A R I Z O NA
There is so much that each of us has to be grateful for this holiday season. I am deeply thankful for my family, my friends, and my community, and for the 20 years of opportunities I’ve had to share it all with you through Images Arizona magazine. Happy holidays! Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221
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i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m De c e m b e r 2 019
Schedule Today! Insurance benefits expire December 31st, 2019!
New Patient Offers
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www.MyAnthemDentist.com
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623-551-9200
42104 N. Venture Drive Building E 103 Anthem, Arizona 85086
December 2019
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ANCIENT + OLD TRUNK SHOW Wed. & Thur. 8
| Dec. 4–5 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Grace Renee Gallery | 480-575-8080 | GraceReneeGallery.com
i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m De c e m b e r 2 019
ANCIENT + OLD TRUNK SHOW Wed. & Thur.
| Dec. 4–5 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Grace Renee Gallery | Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ December 2019 imagesar iz ona .c om
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Cloud World, 1925, oil on canvas; Courtesy of Adrienne Ruger Conzelman
Writer Shannon Severson
i mCourtesy a g e s a r i zof o nWestern a . c o m Spirit: De c eScottsdale’s m b e r 2 019 Photography Museum of the West 10
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Even if you’ve never heard the name of artist Maynard Dixon (1875-1946), you’ve seen his work. Dixon’s original drawings heavily influenced architect Irving Morrow’s ultimate design of the Golden Gate Bridge. He even chose its distinctive color. In fact, Dixon recommended Morrow for the job.
MAKING MEMORIES H WESTERN STYLE
OLD WEST SPIRIT NEW WEST TALENT
This impactful tidbit is just one in the fascinating story of an artist whose life and work spanned the years that most shaped America and the world in the 20th century, and whose paths crossed with some of the most influential figures in the history of the American West. Much of it is on display at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West’s Maynard Dixon’s American West, the world’s most comprehensive retrospective showcasing Dixon’s life and artistic career. The exhibition is the first of its kind in Phoenix, with 250 works, including some of his most historically significant paintings: Cloud World, Earth Knower, Shapes of Fear and Kit Carson with Mountain Men. “We’re honored to have received so many major Maynard Dixon works that are being seen together for the first time,” says Dr. Tricia Loscher, assistant director of collections, exhibitions and research at SMoW. “For Arizona and on an international level, for us, this is a watershed moment in the five-year history of the museum—not just the number, but the caliber of these paintings and drawings. “It’s the largest retrospective to date of Maynard Dixon and the first major retrospectives showing ever in Arizona. We have so many iconic pieces.” Part of what makes this remarkable exhibition so impactful is the deep well of information that defines Dixon’s place in both Western and American history. That context is courtesy of the museum's partnership with Dr. Mark Sublette, who was Loscher's co-curator for the exhibition.
6130 East Cave Creek Road • Cave Creek, AZ
www.lastiendascavecreek.com December 2019
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Black Weasel, 1917, oil on canvas; Tia Collection, Santa Fe, NM. Photo: James Hart Photography.
Kit Carson with Mountain Men, 1935, oil on canvas; Courtesy the Peterson Family Collection. Photo by Loren Anderson Photography.
Two Eagles, 1932, oil on canvas; Tia Collection, Santa Fe, NM. Photo: James Hart Photography.
Watchers from the Housetops, c. 1931, oil on canvas; Collection Phoenix Art Museum, Museum Purchase with Funds Provided by Western Art Associates.
Edith Hamlin, Maynard Dixon, Painter of the Desert, 1940, oil on canvas; Collection of the Oakland Museum of California. Gift of the artist.
Wild Horses of Nevada, c. 1927, oil on canvas; Karges Family Trust.
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Sublette is the owner of Tucson’s famed Medicine Man Gallery and Maynard Dixon Museum, and he is a dedicated scholar of Dixon. His 525-page masterpiece book, “Maynard Dixon’s American West: Along the Distant Mesa,” serves as a foundational companion piece to this astounding display.
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“When I first moved to Tucson, someone came to sell me a Dixon painting,” says Sublette. “It was instantaneous. It was love at first sight.
At Last
“Over the last 25 years, I’ve assembled my museum collection in Tucson. I’ve bought and sold Dixons, too—many major, important paintings. It was time to bring some of those back home for this exhibit, and people were willing to loan them. We have studies that accompany larger, significant paintings that have never been shown together before.”
Maynard Dixon, 1935
At last
I shall give myself to the desert again; That I, in its golden dust, may be blown from a desert peak, broadcast over the sun-lands. If you should desire some news of me, go ask the little horned-toad whose home is the dust,
“
or seek it among the sage-brush,
or question the mountain juniper –– and by their silence,
they will truly inform you.
At the entrance to the exhibit, a life-size photo of Dixon and his third wife, artist Edith Hamlin, is the background for his actual easel. Along the wall is a detailed timeline of his life, punctuated by photographs and early works. Visitors are invited into the world of a man with a love of the unspoiled landscapes of the West running through his veins and artistic talent that would take nearly every form during times of massive social and economic upheaval in the world. “The great thing about Dixon was that he was so good about documenting places, events and time,” says Sublette. “As a biographer, it makes him easier to write about.” At the very beginning of the exhibition is a small sketch of an elderly woman that started it all. As a teen growing up in Fresno, California, often stuck indoors due to crippling asthma, Dixon sent his sketchbook to his idol, Frederic Remington—and Remington wrote back. In one corner of the page, a notation reads, “This is a good study,” in Remington’s own hand. It was 1891, and encouragement from Remington caused Dixon’s mother, Constance, to move him closer to San Francisco so he could receive formal training at California School of Design. As it happened, Dixon was more boots, dust and great outdoors than cosmopolitan formality and enclosed classrooms. He didn’t stay in art school, preferring to study on his own, but he was always determined to make his living as an artist. “There’s nothing else he could do or would do,” says Sublette. “He was a humble man, but the proudest thing he said about himself was that he made his entire life as an artist. It’s a hard thing to do.” His first paying job was in illustration for a San Francisco newspaper, but being cooped up in the city didn’t suit his spirit.
December 2019
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Navajo Riders, 1915, oil on canvas; Gift of the Roath Collection at the Denver Art Museum. Photograph courtesy of the Denver Art Museum.
Beginning in 1900, Dixon began a series of extended, months-long visits throughout the West and Mexico. Arizona and New Mexico were the first destinations in what would become a pattern of visiting and living among the people and environments he would go on to depict in a detailed manner true to life. “Dixon was such a good ethnographer,” says Sublette. “When he painted Native Americans, he used the right clothing and their names. He meant his paintings to be the real essence of the people at that time, in that place, which was unusual for the era. He lived with the Hopi for five months. He would immerse himself in the culture to see what it meant to be a part of it.” Sublette has collected letters and studied newspaper clippings of the many interviews Dixon gave over the years, studying the external influences that shaped his life and art. As the century turned, the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906, both world wars, the influenza pandemic of 1919 and the Great Depression all greatly impacted Dixon. He wrote poetry, illustrated novels, created murals in public and private buildings, and documented the construction of Boulder (now Hoover) Dam; he worked, explored, struggled, triumphed and chronicled the times in art and letters.
EXPERIENCE Maynard Dixon’s American West Through Aug. 2 | See website for hours | Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West | 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale $15 Adults | $13 Seniors (65+) and Active Military | $8 Students (Full-time w/ID) and Children (6-17 years) Members and Children 4 and Under, Free | Free on Thursdays (Through April) for Scottsdale residents with proof of residence i m a g e s a r i z| oscottsdalemuseumwest.org n a . c o m De c e m b e r 2 019 14480-686-9539
Dixon was influenced by his relationships with prominent artists, authors and merchants of his time and by his three talented wives. His second wife, documentary photographer and photojournalist Dorothea Lange, was the most well-known. Her striking photographs placed a powerful spotlight on the suffering wrought by the Great Depression. Dixon’s Forgotten Man series was his venture into social commentary on the events of the time. “I’ve said that Dixon was like the Forrest Gump of art,” says Sublette. “When you think about all the people he interacted with and knew who were historically important –– [journalist] George Lummis was a father figure to him, Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Buffalo Bill, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Lorenzo Hubble, who owned a crucial trading post on the Navajo reservation. He’s one of the few great Western artists who was actually born in the West.” Dixon passed way in Tucson on November 13, 1946, just days after completing his final mural commission, a massive painting of the Grand Canyon for the Santa Fe Railroad’s Los Angeles ticket office. He had completed it while suffering terribly from his asthma, only able to work for a few hours each day. While tragic, his death was emblematic of his drive to create and to communicate the natural beauty of the region that was part of his soul. It lives on in this exhibition. scottsdalemuseumwest.org
December 2019
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H A N D S C O R E D P I G M E N T PA I N T I N G S
R. Nelson Parrish R. Nelson explores the symbolism of the United States’ flag in his series entitled 21 Flags. There are 11 flags available and now on display at Grace Renee Gallery.
Bold. Captivating. Resolute. Free-Spirited. Resilient. Vibrant. Whimsical. Fearless. THE 11 FLAGS
Cesar Dawn Francis Georgia Jasper Mark and Ray Marboro Man Patsy, Loretta and Dolly Rockwell Rosco Shelby Each flag has a compelling story. Grace Renee Gallery is a refreshingly beautiful way to explore fine contemporary art and jewelry.
COLLECTORS OF R. NELSON PARRISH:
Andrew Firestone The Hermes Family John Legend Robe Lowe Ray Scherr Belinda Stronach
Historic Spanish Village # 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377
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GraceReneeGallery.com
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480.575.8080
December 2019
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COMMUNITY
2019 DECEMBER
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Dec. 6 and 7
DANCING DIAMONDS Grace Renee Gallery will feature the nearly magical jewelry of Jacqueline Earle, with diamonds that are strung rather than set. The extremely intricate process allows each stone to capture light in a fun and playful manner. Free. Friday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. with wine and appetizers 4–8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday. Grace Renee Gallery, 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd., #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com
Dec. 5–15
THE LITTLE MERMAID JR.
The Carefree Desert Gardens will
7 p.m. Christ the Lord Lutheran
also be illuminated with thousands
Church, 9205 E. Cave Creek Road,
of twinkling lights for the first time
Carefree. 480-488-2081; ctlcarefree.org
during the holiday season. The
Journey under the sea with Ariel and
ceremony will include a performance
her aquatic friends in “The Little
from Cave Creek Unified School
Mermaid Jr.,” Musical Theatre of
District student choirs, a visit
Anthem’s adaptation of Disney’s
from Santa Claus and a screening
Broadway production and the
of the movie “Elf.” Free. 5 p.m.
popular animated motion picture.
Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101
Nicholas as well as a performance of
$16+. See website for times. Musical
Easy St., Carefree. 480-488-3686;
“Sing! Sleigh Bells Ring!,” a holiday
Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st
christmasincarefree.com
celebration in song featuring talented
Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org
Dec. 6
A CAREFREE CHRISTMAS
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Dec. 7
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Enjoy a morning meal with St.
area youth. The event will be held
Dec. 6
LIVING MUSIC PERFORMANCE SERIES
in conjunction with Rural Metro Fire’s holiday toy drive and proceeds will benefit Foothills Food Bank. Attendees may bring a new toy, canned good or a suggested donation
Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda
of $5 per person for admission. 9–11
The town of Carefree will officially
will perform as part of Christ the
a.m. Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101
kick off this year’s holiday season
Lord Lutheran Church’s Living Music
Easy St., Carefree. 480-488-3686;
with the lighting of a 25-foot tree.
Performance Series. Free Will Offering.
christmasincarefree.com
i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m De c e m b e r 2 019
Dec. 7
HOLLY JOLLY JAZZ Vicki McDermitt and Chirp, featuring Jerry Donato, will take the stage with an evening of jazzy holiday harmonies. The concert will be preceded with a performance from the Cactus Shadows High School Jazz Band. Presented in partnership with Spirit in the Desert and Music Serving the Word Ministries, attendees may bring non-perishable food donations to benefit Foothills Food Bank. Free. 6 p.m. Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St., Carefree. 480-4883686; christmasincarefree.com
Dec. 8
CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS CONCERT Celebrate the season with the Carolyn Eynon Singers as they perform a selection of new and popular holiday songs. Bring a canned food donation to benefit the Foothills Food Bank. Cookie reception to follow. Adults $20+; Youth Under 18 $10; Children Under 5 Free. 4 p.m. Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, 7415 E. Elbow Bend Road, Scottsdale. 480-529-2630; carolyneynonsingers.com
Dec. 8
HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Step back in time to Christmas Eve 1944, and experience a serviceman’s holiday celebration presented by Pinnacle Creative Arts. The swingin’ show will be a reminiscent flashback to the WWII era and the performances put on by Hollywood’s top talent for our men fighting overseas. $15. 2:30 p.m. Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St., Carefree. pinnaclecreativearts.com
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SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS Learn how to deal with grief during the holiday season, how to handle parties and invitations and how to prepare for surprising emotions during this seminar. $5. 2:30–4:30 p.m. RSVP. Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom
$129.00 Normally
Darlington Drive, Scottsdale. 480-488-3384; sue.palmer101@ gmail.com; griefshare.org/holidays
December 2019
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Dec. 8–15
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS CONCERT Scottsdale’s premier adult choir the Upscale Singers presents its Christmas concert, which will be reminiscent of an in-home holiday party with singalongs around the piano. Adults $20+; Children Under 13 $15. 5 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15 at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Scottsdale. Dec. 14 at ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. upscalesingers.com
Dec. 14
CHRISTMAS CHOIR CONCERT
be on-hand for a presentation of
Anthem. 3 p.m. Sunday at American
“Twas the Night Before Christmas,”
Lutheran Church, 17200 N. Del
featuring the full poem “A Visit from
Webb Blvd., Sun City. 623-326-5172;
St. Nicholas.” $5. Saturday 7 p.m.;
pmaz.org
Boulder Creek High School’s choirs
Sunday 3 p.m. Shadow Mountain
will perform a concert of Christmas
High School Performing Arts Center,
classics as part of Christ the Lord
2902 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix. 623-
Lutheran Church’s Living Music
980-4628; northvalleysymphony.org
Performance Series. $25. 4 p.m. Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, 9205 E. Cave Creek Road, Carefree.
MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM’S HOLIDAY SHOW Musical Theatre of Anthem presents
480-488-2081; ctlcarefree.org
JOY TO ALL THE WORLD CONCERT
Dec. 14 and 15
ProMusica Arizona Chorale and
and resident vocal director Jackie
Orchestra’s holiday concert spreads
Hammond. The concert-style
the musicians’ wings by including
performance will be filled with the
seasonal music from around the
sounds of the season, including
North Valley Symphony Orchestra
world. A medley of Christmas carols
classic carols and popular holiday
spreads holiday cheer to the
from diverse cultures is a highlight
music. $15. 7 p.m. Musical Theatre
community with its Christmas Pops
along with traditional and classical
of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive,
concert, which will include pieces
selections. $24. 7 p.m. Saturday at
Anthem. musicaltheatreofanthem.org
from a number of holiday classics.
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church,
An actor from Brevity Theatre will
39808 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway,
CHRISTMAS POPS CONCERT
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Dec. 14 and 15
Dec. 19
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its annual holiday show, directed by producing artistic director
Upcoming Community Events The following events are free and open to the public. Please join us! STAR PARTIES Jan. 23, 2020 Feb. 20, 2020 Mar. 19, 2020 Apr. 16, 2020
More Info:
JAZZ CONCERT STEAMtastic Apr. 16, 2020 Mar. 5, 2020
paradisevalley.edu/blackmountain 34250 North 60th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85266 602.493.2600
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or national origin in their programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information visit: http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.
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AIR CONDITIONING • ELECTRICAL • PLUMBING • WATER TREATMENT December 2019
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Dec. 23
HAPPY HANUKKAH Celebrate Hanukkah with the North Valley Jewish Community Association. A traditional buffet dinner will follow cocktails, candle lighting ceremony and service. A cash bar will be available. Adults $30. Children 3–10 $15. Children Under 3 Free. 5 p.m. RSVP by Dec. 16. Anthem Country Club’s Ironwood Grille Room, 41551 N. Anthem Hills Drive, Anthem. 623-322-0957; fkesselman@cox.net
Dec. 22–29
HANUKKAH MENORAH LIGHTING
available. Tuesdays 7–8:30 p.m. Christ
Tucker during a Nov. 11 Veterans Day
Anglican Church’s Dorothy Hall,
Ceremony. Admiral Tucker has served
35500 N. Cave Creek Road, Carefree.
as a master of ceremonies and a keynote
602-545-7330; 247sobrietysuccess.com
Congregants from Temple Chai as
speaker during the annual ceremony
well as members of the Jewish Social
at Anthem Veterans Memorial. He is
Group of Cave Creek and Carefree
also a member of the Arizona Veterans
FROM ANTHEM TO NEW YORK CITY
will gather to light the menorah
Hall of Fame and has raised more than
Twin Musical Theatre of Anthem
every evening during Hanukkah.
$2 million in Arizona and $54 million
performers Noelle and Lennon
Local groups and families of all
nationally toward the restoration of the
Hammond have been selected to
denominations and faiths are invited
Pearl Harbor Visitors Center in Hawaii.
perform alongside a host of Broadway
to attend the services, which will
onlineatanthem.com/avm
stars in “Fun Home,” inspired by
begin with a special ceremony on
Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel/memoir
Free. 5:30 p.m. Sanderson Lincoln
ASSISTANCE FOR ADDICTIONS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Pavilion, 101 Easy St., Carefree. 480-
24/7 Sobriety Success is now offering
presented by Quintessence of Dust
488-3686; christmasincarefree.com
education and support for addictions
Theatre Company, follows a young
and substance abuse disorder via
girl’s journey to accept the death of
weekly sessions in the Desert Foothills
her stern, closeted father while coming
area. Course participants will
to terms with her own sexuality, all
The Anthem Community Council
have access to an individual online
set around the family’s funeral home.
presented the Anthem Veterans
curriculum. $60 with scholarships
musicaltheatreofanthem.org
Sunday, Dec. 22 that will include the Temple Chai Cantor and Choir.
ANTHEM VETERANS SERVICE AWARD
22
Service Award to Rear Admiral Ron
i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m De c e m b e r 2 019
of the same title, Dec. 19 at the Plaza Jewish Community Chapel in New York City. The reading, which will be
P A I N T I N G S B Y
M
I C H A E L
My abstract compositions or are all born in moments of intuition and improvisation, through a dance of design. Specializing in home visits for all the Phoenix Valley and Sedona, I can help you find the perfect ‘Mckee Original Painting’ that works best in your home. We can also talk about creating a special commission piece just for you. Please visit my website to see more of my work and contact me to schedule an appointment. Your friend in Art - Michael
m i c h a e l m c k e e g a l l e r y. c o m Call for a home visit; 630-779-3793 December 2019
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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant Photographer Herbert Hitchon
C
Christmas across Arizona does not look like it did a few decades ago. As is the case with just about anything, the way we celebrate the holidays has changed quite dramatically over the years. Many cherished Christmas traditions have fallen by the wayside, paving the way for new holiday events that oftentimes stray far from the ancestral values of our state. Having lived in New River my whole life, I have witnessed the copious changes to our North Valley communities’ Yuletide traditions over the last few decades first-hand. Memories of the down-home Christmas gathering I attended as a child at New River Station have remained the unattainable standard of celebration for which I strive each holiday season. We jingled bells from the back of a hayride to spread holiday joy to our neighbors. There was also a visit from Santa Claus and the lighting of a little tree, around which we sang Christmas carols together as a close-knit community. As I grew older, that simple gathering of neighbors ceased to exist. Fortunately, some long-standing holiday traditions continued—such as Christmas at the Stables, a live re-enactment of the Christmas story at a New River resident’s small ranch—and new events were introduced to occupy my attention.
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“
Having lived in New River my whole life, I have witnessed the copious changes to our North Valley communities’
“
Yuletide traditions over the last few
decades first-hand.
But nothing has ever been able to truly take the place of that down-home Christmas gathering from my early years. Even the Outlets at Anthem’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony and Carefree Christmas Festival’s electric light parade have gotten smaller with each passing year, or have disappeared from the holiday calendar altogether.
HUMBLE GRATITUDE Arizona’s official state historian Marshall Trimble says that Christmas has gotten much more commercial than it was when he was a child eight decades ago. “I was born in 1939 on a farm south of Tempe,” says Trimble. “Christmas was a simple affair as the Great Depression was still with us.” Trimble recalls what few toys he received as gifts being made of wood due to use restrictions and shortages of rubber, tin and steel during World War II. There were few radio station options and no television back then, so 24/7 Christmas music stations and holiday specials like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman” were not yet established as the classic customs they are now. At school, Trimble and his classmates drew names for a gift exchange with the spending limit being capped at a quarter. His school would also host a holiday program in which the children in each class would perform a Christmas song. One of Trimble’s fondest memories is that of his family’s holiday trips to the top of Bill Williams Mountain where they cut down a small pine tree. It was an event to adorn it with decorations that they’d made themselves. “Christmas was always lean for us,” Trimble says. “Still, I enjoyed the season. Christmas brought good cheer and hope for a better life.”
SOUTHWESTERN SPIRIT Arizona’s official state balladeer Dolan Ellis moved to Phoenix in 1959 from the Midwest, where Christmas celebrations were cemented in European traditions. “I came here for the Southwestern lifestyle,” Ellis says. “I liked to attend services, missions and things like that to help me get into that to Southwestern spirit. I used to spend a lot of Christmas Eves in the desert. We would sit around a campfire in our ponchos, enjoy the sunset and eat green corn tamales.” For a few years, Ellis even swapped out a traditional Christmas tree for a cholla cactus skeleton strung with ornaments and lights—an example of the Southwestern spirit that he believes has become somewhat of an endangered species over the years. “I think that one of the most outstanding things that I have noticed is the disappearance of red chili pepper lights,” Ellis adds. “They used to be on every street corner in the Phoenix area around Christmas time. “We used to hang them on our front porches and other places at Christmas as part of our holiday decorations. You still see them a lot in the Santa Fe area, but you just do not see them around here anymore.” One Southwestern tradition that has sustained at least three decades, though, is the mysterious decoration of a small juniper tree between the northbound and southbound lanes of I-17, just north of Sunset Point. “Someone has been sneaking out there at Christmas time for at least 30 years and decorating it for the holidays,” Ellis says. “Nobody knows who does it—and if they do, they are not talking. There have been hundreds of thousands—maybe even millions—of people who have seen that decorated tree year after year.”
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Winter of 1949 in Ash Fork - Photo Courtesy of Marshall Trimble Scrubby - Photo Courtesy of Dolan Ellis
Miracle of the Roses 1 - Photo Courtesy of Old Adobe Mission History Committee
The tree has become so much of a folk legend in our state that Ellis wrote a Christmas carol about it. Believing it needed a personal moniker, he named it Scrubby due to its bushy appearance, and he now sings of its tale each holiday season. In fact, the tree has become so important to Ellis that he occasionally visits the area to water it—an especially critical undertaking after this summer’s brushfires endangered its existence. “I just think that it is amazing that that tradition has survived through the change of culture that has happened here in Arizona,” he says. “It is really cool. I think that it is neat that whoever is doing this has carried the tradition on this long and I hope that it continues for many more years.”
A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE Lois McFarland, a Scottsdale Historical Society Hall of Fame inductee, says that one of the most recognized holiday traditions in the history of Scottsdale is the Miracle of the Roses procession that was organized on the Saturday nearest to Dec. 12 of each year by Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church—now Old Adobe Mission. Miracle of the Roses refers to a December 1531 event on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico when Our Lady of Guadalupe is said to have visited a humble boy. She tells him of her wish for a church to be built on the hill where she would make known her love and compassion by aiding and protecting her people.
EXPERIENCE Miracle of the Roses Saturday, Dec. 14 | 4 p.m. | Old Adobe Mission | 3817 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale | Free | 480-947-4331 | oldadobemission.org
Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant a g e s8a r| i7z op.m. na.co m DeCross c e m b eRanch r 2 019 | Spur | 43993 N. Spur Cross Rd., Cave Creek | Free | 480-544-2290 | foothillschristmaspageant.com 26Dec. 7i mand
Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant Photographer Herbert Hitchon
Our Lady of Guadalupe later sent the boy to collect roses from a nearby rocky mountain—where roses had never grown before—to convince the town’s bishop of her authenticity as Mary the mother of Jesus. “In the 1950s, the Miracle of the Roses procession began at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. Members of the Hispanic, Yaqui, Pima, Apache and Mohave communities joined in the colorful celebration,” McFarland says. “At one time, I know they ended up at Scottsdale High School—where a Christmas pageant took place.” Unfortunately, like many other holiday traditions, the Miracle of the Roses procession ceased to exist in the 1970s due to increased traffic congestion and the advancing ages of the pageant’s performers. The tradition was renewed—albeit smaller in scope—in 2007 after the complete restoration and reopening of Old Adobe Mission, 3817 N. Brown Ave. in Scottsdale. This year’s Miracle of the Roses event is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at the church. Nonetheless, Ellis sees a decrease in the number of Nativity scenes and religious events like the Miracle of the Roses procession also being evident of our state’s cultural shift, although he acknowledges the rest of the country shares that symptom. “But I think it reflects differently here because of the Hispanic influence and Catholicism being so important to Arizona’s traditional culture,” Ellis adds. “Nativity scenes used to be on a lot of lawns but you just do not see them that much anymore.”
A TRADITION ENDURES Some Valley Yuletide traditions have beaten the odds and survived through the decades, though, with the Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant—scheduled this year for 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8—also proving that humble gratitude, Southwestern
spirit and religion continue to play a big part in Arizona’s holiday celebrations. The Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant is a non-denominational re-enactment of the Christmas story that is presented by Cactus Shadows High School thespians in a rural area of Cave Creek near Spur Cross Ranch. Cave Creek’s 4H Club hosted the first Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant, then titled Oh Holy Night, in 1952. The original production took place among the rocks at the base of Black Mountain in an area known as Tse Bonita. The 4H Club eventually passed the baton to another association that supported the event until it disbanded in 2002. With no one willing to take it over, it appeared as though the Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant would go the way of so many of Arizona’s other cherished holiday traditions. Records and memorabilia were handed over to the Cave Creek Museum to rest alongside the many other relics of yesteryear. However, two years later, Cave Creek resident Toby Payne asked Foothills Community Foundation to support the resurrection of the pageant. He had been a volunteer for the event since 1992, enhancing it with lighting and sound. The foundation agreed and the Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant once again became a part of the community’s holiday festivities. “It is what was created 67 years ago,” Payne says. “The angels are on top of a mountain, the kings ride in on horseback, there is a live choir and the script is the same one that we have used for at least 35 years. “We have fourth-generation people now involved in helping to preserve it. We have people who have continued to be in it as well as people who have gotten their own families and now have children in it. You get a lot of holiday events that start up and go a few years, but this Christmas tradition has continued all this time.”
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Luxe, Modern and Exquisite! Own your own contemporary dream home! Not a single detail has been overlooked in this luxury 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home with over 4,300 square feet of modern elegance. Located on Anthem Country Club’s most desirable lots with breathtaking views from an elevated lot and privacy abound, this is one of the few homes you’ll find with just as much “wow” factor inside as it has in its outdoor spaces. More than $300K in Modern Luxe upgrades since 2017 make this home truly unique. There’s nothing cookie cutter about this fabulous find. Electronic retractable sunscreen and blinds, a gorgeous limestone shower and flooring, and its own coffee bar are just a few of the perks that make waking up in this home something special. Plus, coming home each night to a 1,200-bottle wine cellar with its own back-up cooling is a fantastic way to end the day! Leathered quartzite countertops, custom cabinetry, eye-catching metallic backsplashes, a 36” Wolf duel fuel range with a custom zinc and copper range hood, a fully plumbed Gaggenau steam oven and built-in coffee maker, and an inviting freestanding master bathtub are just a few of the outstanding features you’ll want to enjoy. Even the custom lighting adds a feeling of undeniable individuality with an avant-garde elegance to suit the most discriminating of tastes. The indoors opens up to the outdoors through retractable window wall, allowing you to fully enjoy the mild desert spring, fall and winter. Outside, a custom spa cascades into a sparkling pool that overlooks the Anthem Country Club awardwinning golf course. The evening hours bring a whole new element of serenity, as the valley below is aglow with the peaceful dance of distant lights. This home is made for those who want all life has to offer. Schedule your showing today!
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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Michael Wilson
Prescott is the Christmas city. The courthouse lights are a big part of the holidays for me. They are definitely fun to capture. Michael Wilson
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As the Arizona air is finally becoming a bit chillier, we are surrounded by colorful lights that signify the holidays are officially upon us. Believe it or not, the use of lights during the Christmas season actually predates the celebration of the holiday itself. Scandinavian and Germanic cultures and other northern European societies used fire as part of their winter solstice traditions. As people prepared for shorter days and longer nights, Yule logs, bonfires and candles were significant rituals during midwinter festivals. These traditions were seen to symbolize the rebirth of the sun, turning night into day and the dawn of the New Year. These typically pagan rituals were later incorporated into established Christian traditions quite naturally because fires and candles were necessary during the winter for heat and light. Christianity redefined these practical lights by connecting them to other symbols, such as the Star of Bethlehem. Early Christmas trees were lit with candles to perpetuate these symbols. Needless to say, this was a common cause of fires at one point in history. The invention of electricity further solidified the use of lights at Christmas, with Edward H. Johnson—an executive at Thomas Edison’s company—having revolutionized the tradition when he strung lights on a tree that he displayed in his New York City home during the holiday season of 1882. Others emulated him, but early electrical lights were also relatively unsafe. By the beginning of the 20th century though, safer bulbs were made available at more affordable prices, and the tradition of decorating with lights during the holidays spread. Photographer Michael Wilson appreciates this time of year, when the many communities that make up Arizona are suddenly transformed into magical, festive wonderlands in celebration of the holiday season. The lights that adorn our trees, cacti, buildings and other structures imbue us with feelings of happiness and hope. Images Arizona hopes that Wilson’s gorgeous photographs of the many colorful lights that illuminate our state cause that happiness and hope to wash over you, while also inspiring you as enjoy the decorating traditions that you have with your family and friends. Whether you choose to light up your neighborhood like Clark Griswold or prefer to light a simple candle in your window, may all of your days this season be merry and bright. December 2019
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Exposure Time Exposuretime timeisisdefinitely Exposure definitely You important. important. do not You to doblow not want to blow want out the lights outyou thehave lights and and got to you have have got to haveto enough enough exposure see exposure to dark see details details in the areas of in image. the dark areas of the the image. Michael Wilson
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Zooming in and out Zooming lights sometimes Inon and Out creates some
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you can see the situation that the lights are in, instead of just the You need to have enough ambient light available so that the image is not too lights themselves. dark. You want to be able to capture the entire scene so that you can see the Michael Wilson situation that the lights are in, instead of just the lights themselves. December 2019
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FINDING ORDER AMONG CHAOS Michael Wilson acknowledges that Mother Nature tends to be fairly messy. That is why the photographer is constantly on the lookout for subjects that have some sort of composition to them. “Trying to find something that actually makes sense when everything can be random is one of my favorite aspects of photography,” Wilson says. “The real fun part for me is trying to find some sort of order in the random chaos out there in the field.” Wilson believes that being a photographer has encouraged him to see the beautiful details in nature. “I really tend to notice the details and what might make a good image,” he says. “I am always looking around and searching for things that capture my eye—the ice in a pond, the flowers on a path, the leaves on the ground, the textures on a rock, how the weeds are backlit by the light. “Before being into photography, I used to just walk by these things without even thinking about them.” December 2019
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Having grown up in Prescott, Michael Wilson quickly learned to appreciate the area’s divine beauty. That is why, after graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in civil engineering, he moved back to the city and continues to make his life there. “I love to explore new locations throughout Arizona,” Wilson says. “There is a lot to see here, and I am a sucker for a beautiful landscape.” Although Wilson’s official full-time job is in soils engineering, he discovered a passion for photography about 10 years ago—affording him an avenue to share those beautiful landscapes with the world. “I think it was my geeky side that drew me to the technical aspects of photography, composition and post-processing,” Wilson explains. “However, it is the creative and artistic side of photography that has made it a real passion for me. When creating an image, my goal is to not only photograph the scene but to capture the way it made me feel.”
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Wilson is mostly self-taught, using the internet to guide himself through all he needed to know about what makes a good image. By scouring pictures on social media by other photographers and studying what makes them interesting, he discovered his personal preferences as an artist. “There is definitely a lot to learn on the internet,” Wilson explains. “I am constantly looking at photos and getting ideas by seeing what other people are doing. I think, along the way, that has trained me to see like a camera sees.” michael-wilson.com
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Chef James Porter left a successful career in the Valley to take a risk on a new adventure. The former chef of Tapino Kitchen and Wine Bar and Pettie Maison in Scottsdale wanted to do something different while sharing his passion for cooking and his love of Arizona. TERRA Farm and Manor opened earlier this year, offering an exceptional opportunity for guests to enjoy gourmet meals, receive culinary instruction from prominent chefs and experts, and participate in a variety of activities in a tranquil and beautiful setting. Located north of Prescott, TERRA is focused on highlighting the best of Arizona. “I really wanted to support Arizona’s culinary and agriculture industries,” said Page native Chef Porter. “I want people who live in Arizona and people from outside the state to have a truly unique Arizona experience.” TERRA provides an all-inclusive experience in which guests are immersed in a relaxing environment. TERRA is built around Chef Porter’s culinary passion with three- and five-day themed experiences. The manor also hosts weddings, private events and corporate retreats. The cost for a three-day experience starts at $2,250 for a single person and $4,000 for a couple. The price includes all meals, cooking instruction, accommodations and activities.
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Writer Shoshana Leon Photography Courtesy of TERRA Farm and Manor
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TERRA Farm and Manor is built around Chef James Porter’s culinary passion.
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The experience at TERRA includes beautiful multicourse meals and wine pairings, and the opportunity to participate in activities from massage and yoga to hiking and archery, customized to each guest’s desires. Guests can further explore Arizona by taking trips to Sedona or kayaking the Verde River.
The elegant and rustic manor has eight guest rooms, each with a queen bed and bathroom, and one master suite. Guests enjoy the manor’s library, wine cellar, game room and outdoor patio areas with expansive views of the bucolic grounds, all while taking in an intimate environment that feels as if they are guests in a friend’s home. The experience at TERRA includes beautiful multi-course meals and wine pairings, and the opportunity to participate in activities from massage and yoga to hiking and archery, customized to each guest’s desires. Guests can further explore Arizona by taking trips to Sedona or kayaking the Verde River. The most exceptional experiences at TERRA are the intimate hands-on cooking classes with Chef Porter and guest chefs like Wrigley Mansion’s James Beard Awardwinning chef, Christopher Gross. TERRA’s on-site cooking school features state-of-the-art tools and equipment. The courtyard offers guests the opportunity to get instruction and experience using a wood-burning oven, barbecue pits and an open fire cooking area. Earlier this year, Chef Gross and Chef Porter led a three-day experience at TERRA covering French food and wine, from soufflé to Burgundy. Another recent experience highlighted tequila tasting and pairing with an expert from Corrido
Tequila. Guests also received instruction on creating dishes featuring tequila. Other 2019 courses at TERRA have included Cowboy Cooking with special guest Arizona winemaker Sam Pillsbury, where guests learned about barbecue techniques and wood-fired oven cooking. Certified Master Baker MJ Coe taught the Art of Bread course, and in November, renowned chef and author Francois de Melogue led a course highlighting a variety of truffles, using them in fresh pasta and salads. TERRA’s farm grows nearly 200 varieties of vegetables, grains and herbs, and is home to rare livestock, including French black copper Maran chickens, Iberico pigs and Wagyu cattle. Whatever is not available on-site is procured from the highest quality suppliers and sourced locally whenever possible. Managing a farm and manor is a lot different than running a restaurant, but Chef Porter has immersed himself in farm life from tending to the livestock to driving a tractor. "There are many multilayered aspects to this business, from the restaurant, to the hospitality to the livestock,” said Chef Porter. “It’s challenging, busy and fun. The key is surrounding yourself with talented people who love what they do.” Guests have given rave reviews in the time that TERRA has been opened.
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the art of organization
“We have been overwhelmed by the amazing feedback from our guests,” said Chef Porter. “Both Arizonans and people coming from out of state are wowed by this part of Arizona and are excited to share their experience with others.” After cooking at restaurants around the country, Chef Porter, his wife and their young daughter are very happy to be right where they are at this point in their lives. They enjoy their surroundings and the lifestyle, and the opportunity to create amazing experiences for their guests. “Opening TERRA has been phenomenal,” said Chef Porter. “It’s been a lot of hard work and learning, but it’s amazing to give our guests an experience that they can’t get anywhere else.” terrafarmandmanor.com
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Writer Shoshana Leon Photography Courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho, Mastro's Restaurants, Mountain Shadows, Omni Montelucia and The Hermosa Inn
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The holidays are indeed the most wonderful time of the year with beautiful and bright decorations, nostalgic songs, decadent food, festive celebrations and most importantly, cherished time with family and friends. Cocktails are often part of holiday celebrations. Like the festive foods enjoyed during the season, holiday cocktails offer flavors that evoke feelings of warmth and celebration. “To make a unique holiday drink, combine unexpected flavors with traditional holiday flavors,” said Jim Gallen, food and beverage manager at Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows in Paradise Valley. “When in doubt, always add bubbles.” Like many Valley restaurants and resorts, Mountain Shadows has created a signature cocktail for the holiday season. Offered throughout December for $14, Rudolph's Sparkle includes spiced strawberry, red wine and sparkling wine.
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“I was going through the process of researching cocktails that are unique for the holidays, and I wanted to do something that wasn’t overly sweet,” said Gallen. “I came across several cocktails that blended savory ingredients with sparkling wine, which inspired me to create the spiced strawberry syrup and red wine mixture that juxtaposed perfectly with sparkling wine.” Gallen suggests pairing Rudolph’s Sparkle with a few items on Hearth ’61’s seasonal menu. “The savory nature of the red wine pulls out the earthy flavors in the Sardinian stuffed pasta, and the bubbles clear the palate and allow the octopus flavor to shine through,” he said. “Also, the quinoa and lentil stew is a great pairing due to the fruity and spiced nature of the cocktail, which plays well off the richness of the dish.” Another sparkling cocktail perfect for holiday celebrations is Berried Bliss, which is available at FLINT by Baltaire, a new restaurant focused on wood-fired dishes at The Esplanade in Phoenix’s Biltmore neighborhood. Berried Bliss is $12 and features sparkling rosé, raspberry St. George, pomegranate and lemon. Although Phoenicians celebrate the holidays in a mild desert climate, many resorts and restaurants offer holiday cocktails with warm flavors to reflect the winter season. Hotel Valley Ho in Old Town Scottsdale offers Mezcal Mistletoe for $16 through January 2, featuring locally made mezcal, Carreño Tobala, Cointreau, Borghetti espresso liqueur, fresh-brewed espresso, steamed milk and Nitro Irish cream with chestnut. "I love the combination of the smoky mezcal with the liqueur, cream and coffee. It provides such a warm and cozy feeling that fits so appropriately with this time of year," said PJ Baron, beverage ambassador at Hotel Valley Ho's recently redesigned ZuZu restaurant. “I’m a big fan of Mezcal Carreño. It's an esteemed local brand, and I wanted to find a way to incorporate that into the cocktail and make it festive." Baron recommends a few pairings on ZuZu's menu.
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“The oxtail pappardelle pairs magnificently with the Mezcal Mistletoe due to the rich and savory aspects of the oxtail and the foie gras, that blends perfectly with the robust smokiness of the mezcal," he said. “Another option is the organic Maktoom dates, which is a signature small plate on our menu. The sweetness of the walnuts and the pungency of the blue cheese fondue makes it the perfect complementary dish for the cocktail.” The Icicle at Marcellino Ristorante in Old Town Scottsdale, available through February for $15, brings a touch of winter to the Valley with white chocolate liqueur, vodka and sweet cream served in a coconutrimmed martini glass. Mastro’s Restaurants’ Holiday Cheer is made with Tito’s vodka, Kerrygold Irish cream, Kahlua and Licor 43 served in a martini glass and garnished with a cinnamon and sugar graham cracker rim. It is $22 and available throughout the month of December. In addition to warm flavors, classic holiday flavors like cranberry, apple and cinnamon add brightness to seasonal cocktails. “It’s important to tie in familiar nostalgic flavors while adding a signature spin to the cocktail,” said Baron. “The perfect holiday drink should have the right balance of classic flavors without being overly sweet.” One local holiday cocktail that offers a perfect combination of sweet and spicy is the Cinnamon Margarita at CRUjiente Tacos in Phoenix, which just celebrated its third anniversary. Made with reposado tequila, fresh cinnamon, house-made agave simple syrup, house-made cinnamon simple syrup and fresh-squeezed lime, it is a seasonal favorite available throughout December for $9.
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Taqueria Centro at the Omni Montelucia in Scottsdale offers an Apple Pear Whiskey Sour featuring Barmalade Apple Pear, an all-natural fruit mixer, with Maker’s Mark bourbon and lemon for $15. The restaurant also offers an Apple Spice Sour mocktail for $14. Presentation is key for a festive holiday cocktail. The Ornamentini at LON’s at The Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley is served in an ornament. The drink is made with Purity vodka, fresh lemon juice and the robust holiday flavors of cranberry, cinnamon and orange. It is available through the end of the year for $14. While it’s delicious and decadent to experience holiday libations from the Valley’s top mixologists, it is fun to experiment and create your own holiday cocktails at home. “Simplicity goes a long way,” said Baron. “It’s best to stick with the basics that you know will taste good and have the right type of balance. It’s also important to test out your cocktail before serving it to your guests, and it’s always helpful to get a second opinion.” Whether you create your own holiday cocktail or sample festive libations around the Valley, this is a special time of year meant to be celebrated with family and friends. Cheers!
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i m12x12, a g e s aOil r i z oon n aLinen . c o mBoard, De c e2017, m b e Ed r 2Mell 019 Upheaval I, 48
Writer Shannon Severson
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The work of painter and sculptor Ed Mell has made an indelible mark on the art world. He’s been celebrated both here in his home state of Arizona and around the globe. January 18, 2020, Mell will receive further recognition of his achievements when he receives the 2020 Desert Caballeros Western Museum Lifetime Achievement Award at the Wickenburg museum’s annual heART of the West Gala. “Ed Mell’s command of subjects both large and small with an angularity of style, and his ability to excel in multiple venues and media, makes him incomparable,” says Desert Caballeros Western Museum executive director, Dan Finley. “He is, without a doubt, one of our state’s foremost living artists.” Mell grew up in Phoenix and eventually spent time in New York City as a graphic designer for heavy-hitting agencies Young and Rubicam and Kenyon Eckhardt. After spending two summers teaching art on the Hopi Reservation in the early 1970s, he was compelled to leave big city life and return to his Arizona roots. Since 1973, Mell has painted and sculpted the essence of Arizona’s landscapes, flora, animals and people with bold lines and colors that communicate movement and energy. His work reflects the heart of the state in an almost timeless manner and occupies important public spaces.
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i m ap. g e72x52, s a r i z of. n a73 . c ½” o m x De e mOil ber 019 1990, Ed Mell Two Petunias, 53 c ½”, on 2Canvas, 50
Ed Mell paints and sculpts the essence of Arizona.
“Jack Knife,” a bronze sculpture depicting a cowboy on a bucking bronco, is at the center of Old Town Scottsdale’s Main Street Arts District. The silver patina of his “Rising Phoenix” sculpture shines in Cesar Chavez Plaza, in front of Phoenix’s old City Hall. These embodiments of Arizona’s culture are present in the artist himself. Mell has seen Phoenix and the state grow and change over the years. Mell’s work is a record of the timely and the timeless. His talent for capturing vast Arizona skies, towering rock formations and fierce desert weather comes from many adventures on foot and by helicopter to remote corners of the state. His oil paintings often occupy large canvases, but begin as a series of smaller studies. Mell’s earlier works are more angular and reflect his graphic design background. He’s also ventured into theatrical productions. His paintings were the guide and backdrop for Arizona Opera’s production of Craig Bohmler’s “Riders of the Purple Sage,” inspired by the work of another Arizona legend, author Zane Grey.
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Entering Storm, Grand Canyon, 15x30, Oil on Linen, 2019, Ed Mell
Thunderhead, 20x30, Oil on Linen, 2006, Ed Mell
EXPERIENCE Ed Mell’s Southwest: Five Decades Dec. 21–March 8 | Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Sunday Noon–4 p.m. | Desert Caballeros Western Museum | 21 N. Frontier St., Wickenburg i m a g e s|a$10 rizon a . c o m (65+) De c e m ber 2 019 Seniors and AAA Members | Active military and guest free | Children 17 and under free | 928-684-2272 | westernmuseum.org 52$12 Adults
Southern Arizona Longhorn Study, Oil on Linen, 1992, Ed Mell
With this recognition, Mell’s diverse body of work will be celebrated as a whole—and the artist is pleased with the results. “It has been a pleasure to work with the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, putting together my first true show covering the full width of my fine art career,” says Mell. “The director, Dan Finley, curator Mary Ann Inga and the full staff have made it a pleasure to assemble.” The exhibition will remain on view in the Smithsonian affiliate’s Fisher Gallery December 21, 2019 through March 8, 2020. westernmuseum.org
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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Candytopia
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Imagine walking into a rainbow-filled room filled with flying unicorn pigs and confetti explosions galore. Right around the corner is an equally whimsical wonderland— an underwater-themed space with fantastical candycovered sea creatures.
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And did I mention the sugary sweet scent that fills the air? Chances are, you are pinching yourself because the fanciful world around you simply does not exist outside of a dream. But the pinch hurts, revealing that everything you are seeing is very much real. Then, just when you think all of your childhood fantasies have come true, you see something so quixotic that even your imagination couldn’t conjure it up—a humongous pit filled with more than 250,000 foam marshmallows into which you can dive.
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These are just some of the things that can be found at Candytopia, an interactive art installation at Scottsdale Quarter that celebrates the vibrant colors and flavors of our favorite sugary delights across more than a dozen environments. The pop-up exhibit, which runs through Dec. 29, was curated by television personality Jackie Sorkin, who has made a name for herself—the Candy Queen, to be exact—by appearing in a number of candy-themed reality shows. She is also CEO of fun food and dessert catering company, Hollywood Candy Girls.
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“Candy just happens to be my favorite medium,” Sorkin says. “I also love confetti, glitter, rhinestones, wrappers and metallics. But candy is my most favorite medium because it is endlessly versatile.” The founder and co-creator of Candytopia originally launched the concept in Taiwan and China in 2013 and 2017, respectively. The extraordinary success of those candy pop-up exhibitions—Hollywood Candy Queen's Kingdom and The Candy Darling—encouraged Sorkin to bring a similar concept to the US. “I was creating candy pop-ups before ‘pop-ups’ were popping up here,” Sorkin says. “Candytopia was created for the US market with all the same beautiful candy art, sensory overload and fun that took Asia by storm. The spark was knowing how universally beloved and appealing candy is.”
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EXPERIENCE Candytopia i m a gDec. e s a r i29 z o n| aMonday–Saturday . c o m De c e m b e r 210 019 a.m.–8:30 p.m. | Sunday 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m. | Scottsdale Quarter | 15147 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale 56Through
Sorkin adds that people tend to resonate with their favorite candy and sweets regardless of where around the world they reside. Therefore, it was only natural to use the love of that element that we all have in common to create art. “I have thousands of types of candy and colors to pick from,” Sorkin explains. “Hard candy, gummy, sours, jelly beans, licorice, rock candy... as an artist, the palette is never-ending. We manipulate candy and play with it to create shading, textures and life-like features. We eat a ton of it while working, too.” Candytopia features about 60 pieces of incredible custom candy art and sculptures. Each set requires two to three months to build. The exhibit has been traveling from city to city and, in just 19 months, has welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors.
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“To think US audiences would respond so incredibly to the Candytopia concept is truly a dream come true,” Sorkin says. “I think we have truly proven that the world just wants to smile, feel good, be silly, take some great pics for their fave social media outlets and have some fun. Guests of all ages are tapping into their inner child once again and having some good, clean fun.” In addition to the pieces that can be seen at Candytopia’s pop-up exhibits across the country, the Scottsdale location features new elements inspired by local culture and landmarks unique to Arizona—including a candy portrait of the Grand Canyon, candy cacti, candy cowboys and more. Sorkin loves all of the elements that make up Candytopia equally, but she has a certain sweet spot for the exhibit’s candy gallery. “The candy gallery is a modern-day art gallery that screams candy and really highlights the beautiful candy artistry that my team and I have perfected for over a decade,” Sorkin says. “It is a beautiful, magical space full of crystal chandeliers, our mirrored throne and all of our fantastic portraits and some of our most highly photographed pieces.” The Candy Queen adds that she and the entire Candytopia team is proud to be in the “happiness business,” and they take fun very seriously. “People want to be happy now more than ever—and we all deserve it,” Sorkin says. “We stand for spreading joy and sweetness in a place where everyone belongs.” candytopia.com December 2019
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Writer Shoshana Leon Photography Courtesy of Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows
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Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows is a truly unique property. Opened in December 2016, the hotel is part of Hyatt’s boutique Andaz brand, which celebrates local communities by incorporating cultural aspects of the area into each hotel. To connect with the local area, Andaz Scottsdale reached out to the nearby Cattle Track Arts Compound to source local art several months before it opened. Over the years the relationship has grown into a strong partnership. “From the beginning, it was evident that it was very important to Andaz to connect with the area and local artists,” said Mark McDowell of Cattle Track. “They were adamant about using local resources. Over time, we have formed a cooperative and collaborative partnership. We work together on many projects and they really respect our input.” Cattle Track Arts Compound is a special place for artists to work, gather and collaborate. Home to several studios, Cattle Track was founded in the 1930s with a mission to recognize and celebrate Scottsdale’s cultural heritage by providing opportunities for artists to individually and collectively encourage and enhance their art forms. Cattle Track artists have been involved in many aspects of the development, design and evolution of Andaz Scottsdale, from providing furniture and art to creating on-site experiences, including opportunities for leisure and corporate guests to learn more about local artists and create art guided by Cattle Track artists.
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From the beginning, it was evident that it was very important to Andaz to connect
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with the area and local artists.
Mark McDowell
“The partnership with Cattle Track Arts Compound began at the resort opening when ownership was seeking out local art to embrace local artisans,” said Deanna Zuber-Galloway, director of sales, marketing and events at Andaz Scottsdale. “The majority of the art around the property has been sourced from Cattle Track, and a lot of the pieces were designed just for Andaz Scottsdale. “From the prints in the room to the mugs and plates in the restaurant, to the coffee tables in the suites, Cattle Track art is all around. The partnership has continued to evolve over the past three years, and we have even named 19 of our suites 'Cattle Track Suites' in honor of our relationship with them.” Andaz Scottsdale guests also have the unique opportunity to tour Cattle Track and meet the artists, explore their workspaces and see their creations, which range from paintings and pottery to fiber art and photography. Chance Phillips has a studio at Cattle Track where she creates fiber art using wool, paper and other materials. She created one of Andaz Scottsdale’s signature art installations at the check-in desk. She also created bracelets that are worn by all Andaz employees. Phillips enjoys the opportunity to provide demonstrations to Andaz guests. “I love working with other artists, and we love working with the people at Andaz,”
she said. “We have developed a great connection and ongoing collaboration over the years because of their focus and commitment to local artists.” In October 2019, Andaz Scottsdale launched a monthly artist dinner series. Partnering with Cattle Track was a natural fit. “The resort, from one corner to the next, is about design and art. We wanted to create a dinner that highlights the artists who are involved in the property,” said Andaz Scottsdale’s executive chef Nate Larsen. These intimate dinners are a true collaboration between local artists and the hotel’s food and beverage staff. They feature seasonal table décor, hand-drawn menus, live music and custom plates designed for each course. Dinners take place in the beautiful herb garden at Weft & Warp, the hotel’s restaurant. Each dinner starts with a cocktail reception where guests have the opportunity to meet the artists and learn more about their work. “The food is only a part of the night,” said Chef Larsen. “The setting itself is unique. We cook, plate and mix drinks throughout the evening under the stars. Many dishes are finished tableside, allowing guests the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the team.” The chefs and artists have a shared passion.
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“There are multiple similarities between a chef and an artist including the way that we use colors and texture to tell a story,” said Chef Larsen. “The artist who creates plates for us does beautiful work that is rustic and subtle. Her style very much matches the way that we cook and present our food.” Potter Mary Van Dusen, who has a studio in Cattle Track Arts Compound, has designed plates, mugs, bowls, candle holders and other items for the hotel since it opened. Many of her pieces are available in Andaz Scottsdale’s gift shop, along with works from other Cattle Track artists. Van Dusen worked closely with Chef Larsen to design plates and bowls in shapes, sizes and colors that enhance each dish and elevate the experience for Andaz Scottsdale Artist Dinner Series guests. “Our relationship with Andaz Scottsdale has a wonderful sense of camaraderie and also provides a great business opportunity,” said Van Dusen. “Working together, we help guests connect with the area and have experiences that are unique to our community and culture.” Whether you are a guest visiting Andaz Scottsdale or a local resident who is passionate about art, Andaz Scottsdale’s Artist Dinner Series is a special opportunity to enjoy elevated cuisine and connect with local artisans in an intimate and inspiring setting. scottsdale.andaz.hyatt.com cattletrack.org
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Baked Eggnog Cinnamon Roll French Toast This fun twist on a classic holiday recipe is a favorite in my family! Prepare the night before or the morning of! This recipe makes enough for four 4-inch individual ramekins or an 8x8 baking dish. You may have a small amount of custard left over depending on how fresh your bread is. It will soak up more custard if the bread is a day or two old.
Ingredients: 1 loaf brioche bread (can be found at Whole Foods) 1 cup eggnog 3 eggs 1 stick softened butter 1/3 cup sugar 1/3 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 4 ounces softened cream cheese 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray or butter your baking dish(es). Slice brioche loaf into 1-inch slices. Using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten each slice and set aside. In a small bowl, stir softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread each flattened slice of bread with the mixture and roll each slice up cinnamon roll style. Cut each roll into three equal sections and nestle the rolls into your prepared dish. They should be fairly snug. Place the dish(es) on a baking sheet. In a glass measuring cup, add eggnog and eggs, whisking until combined. Pour mixture over the cinnamon rolls, carefully filling each close to the rim. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon sugar (2 tablespoons sugar combined with ½ teaspoon cinnamon). Bake for 30-35 minutes for ramekins, or 30-45 minutes for larger dish.
Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly
kyndraclaire.com
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While rolls are baking, combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar and beat with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Spread over warm cinnamon roll French toast and serve.
S SA AN ND DE ER RS SO ON N L L II N NC CO OL LN N
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Peppermint Marshmallow Squares Once you start making your own marshmallows for hot cocoa, you will never go back to store-bought!
Ingredients: 3 cups granulated sugar 1-1/4 cups light corn syrup 3/4 cup water pinch of salt 4 packets of gelatin 3/4 cup cold water 1/2 teaspoon imitation vanilla extract 1/2 to 1 teaspoon peppermint, to taste Red food coloring Powdered sugar
Directions: Grease a 15x11 –or– 2 8-inch or 9-inch baking dishes and set aside. It’s okay to use a combination of pans; you want your marshmallows to be about 1-inch thick. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt and 3/4 cup water. Stir and turn onto mediumhigh heat. Cook until sugar mixture reaches 238 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 9 to 12 minutes. While you wait, pour 3/4 cup cold water in the bowl of a standard mixer and sprinkle all four gelatin packets on top. Stir and let sit. Attach whisk attachment. Once the sugar mixture reaches 238 degrees, the bubbles should be starting to pop more slowly. Remove from heat. Turn mixer to low and slowly pour sugar mixture over gelatin mixture. Gradually increase speed to high and let whip for about 12 to 15 minutes until light and fluffy. Add both extracts. For red swirl, drop in about 1 to 2 drops of red food coloring and let mix on LOW for about 5 seconds. Remove bowl and pour into pan or pans evenly. Squeeze a little red food coloring onto a plate, and using a knife, swirl through the marshmallows. Let sit for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly
kyndraclaire.com
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To cut: Sprinkle/sift powdered sugar onto a piece of parchment and turn your marshmallows out onto it. Oil your knife and cut into 1” squares. Serve alone or with hot cocoa on a cold night!
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