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august 2018
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REAL ESTATE AGENT & ATTORNEY A UNIQUE PROFESSIONAL SKILL SET
Judy Zimet, Esq., REALTOR® 480-440-3015 • Judy@JudyZimet.com Residential & Commercial Agent JudyZimet.com
OWNING YOUR OFFICE IS OFTEN LESS EXPENSIVE THAN RENTING Newly Remodeled Carefree Professional Office with Reception and Production Space: $110,000 7301 E. Sundance Trail D102, Carefree, AZ 85377
LIST LOCAL. SELL GLOBAL.
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VOTED #1 SCOTTSDALE REAL ESTATE TEAM FOR 2018
Rio Verde Foothills
Offered at $899,000.00 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3,890 SF
16915 E Desert Vista Trail Rio Verde AZ 85263
Peaceful, private luxury estate surrounded by expansive mountain views and lush desert landscape. Enter through a gated courtyard to the gorgeous 9 ft Iron and feathered glass door. This elegantly designed custom home features an open floor plan perfect for entertaining. Soaring coffered ceilings and large windows naturally brighten kitchen and main living areas. Gourmet kitchen features Viking range & oven, custom cabinetry, built in fridge and lots of counter space. N/S exposure, observation deck, resort style negative edge pool & spa offers the perfect environment for gathering. A MUST SEE! Horses welcome!
Andrew Bloom REALTORÂŽ, Senior Partner Andrew@BVOLuxury.com
Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated
480.999.5460 | www.BVOLuxuryGroup.com august 2018
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Writer Amanda Christmann
Writer Amanda Christmann
Writer Amanda Christmann
JAMES MUIR
THE ART OF PRESERVATION
DAVID COURT Photography by Scott Baxter
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Writer Amanda Christmann
Writer Amanda Christmann
COMMUNITY EVENTS
NATIVE PRIDE
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CHICKEN & QUINOA STUFFED POBLANOS Writer Kyndra Kelly
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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence
MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Christmann
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Mitchell
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lynette Carrington Amanda Christmann Sue Kern-Fleischer Kyndra Kelly Shannon Severson
PHOTOGRAPHERS Scott Baxter Bryan Black Kyndra Kelly Loralei Lazurek
ADVERTISING SALES Tatum Williams 480-280-9490 tatum@imagesaz.com
Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com
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It takes only a cursory glance at the news or at social media to know that, possibly now more than any other time in my lifetime, we are a nation divided. That’s why it’s so important to speak the language that unite us all. I believe that language can be found in our common sense of community, which is often conveyed through our thriving visual and performing arts, colorful shared history and in the inspiring stories of those among us who turn their passions into something we can all enjoy. These are the stories that our Images Arizona family works hard to share each month, and I’m proud once again to bring you some of the best our Valley has to offer. Good writers and photographers are storytellers. They weave words as colorful as the brightest tapestries and capture moments through photographs that are felt more than seen. They take us on a journey to understand and connect, and I believe our talented team of writers and photographers has, once again, brought us one step closer to one another.
Submission of news for community section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 5th of the month prior to publication. Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2018 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.
Local First A R I Z O NA
Enjoy this month’s issue, and remember to thank the many businesses and individuals whose advertising has made it all happen. We can’t do it without them, and we can’t do it without you. Together, we are strong. Cheers! Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221
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august 2018
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Writer Amanda Christmann Photographer Bryan Black
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W
Walking into the art studio of James Muir’s well-appointed Sedona home, I can’t help but feel a sense of reverence. Gentle music is playing in the background, and deep fabrics and rich woods surround us. Collections of books and art, including many of his own beautiful bronze sculptures, are thoughtfully displayed, and a large picture window ushers in natural light and a magnificent view of majestic red mountains. Muir is world-renowned for his gripping bronze work. This year, the 33-foot-tall, “Christ of the Holy Cross” was installed at Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross, and a life-sized installation called “Children” is on permanent display in the Auschwitz – Birkenau Holocaust Museum in Poland, to name just two of his many eminent works. He is one of Sedona’s most celebrated artists, and I’d had an opportunity to see a large selection of pieces at Goldenstein Gallery. We sit slightly facing each other on solid yet comfortable leather chairs, and I dig into my satchel for a notebook and pen. I begin with the most obvious of questions. “Tell me when you began your career in art,” I say. He shifts in his chair, his piano fingers intertwined but restless, and a look of reproach plays in his eyes. I sense reluctance as, for the next few minutes, he talks about the beginning of his journey. An attendee of West Point and self-described historian who grew up in Indiana, he walked away from a traditional career path at the age of 35 in search of something more. Growing up, he explains, Muir had never been interested in art, but once he found his way to Sedona, he was drawn to the bronze sculptures on display at a local gallery. They were good art, he conceded, but as he looked closer, the avid horseman noticed inconsistencies in their depiction. A horse’s ears were not in the position they would be in, for
example, or the buttons on a Civil War soldier’s jacket were not historically accurate. Still, he was mesmerized, and in a story nearly too implausible to be fiction, Muir experienced what he believes is divine guidance into the world of bronze art. Having never touched a piece of clay outside of primary school art class, he began carving his first mold at 9 p.m. one fateful evening. By 3 a.m., he’d completed his first piece, titled “Parting Shot,” a small bust of a Cavalry soldier cocking his M1860 Colt .44 over his shoulder, the way it was done to keep the spent cap from becoming jammed. Muir took the clay original to the foundry where he was working and set it on a shelf, waiting until the end of the day when his work was done to cast it in bronze. As it sat, the foundry owner stopped by with a friend, and without even trying, he’d sold a limited edition of his first artwork. Muir shared that story, then reached onto a shelf to present me with the original piece. His eyes smiled as he examined it, as if he were admiring it for the first time. Then he shifted again in his chair, uncrossing and crossing his legs in the opposite direction, and his eyes wandered out the window. “But I hope you’re not going to write any of that,” he says. It is rare to find subjects who are not interested in talking about themselves. I was confused, and my face must have betrayed my thoughts. He looked me in the eye for the first time since I’d arrived. “It’s not about me,” he says. “It’s about my work and what it says—the stories behind it.” And with that, the real interview began. “The thing that pervades all my life, and getting into this, is divine serendipity. The guidance I have received …” At a loss, his words trail off.
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Caduceus
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“I almost wouldn’t believe all of the things that fell into place had they not happened to me. All the while, I was being guided for a purpose—a purpose I never knew.” Soft-spoken and restrained by nature, Muir is not one of many words. He rises and stretches toward a nearby shelf, extracting a copy of his book, “Lanterns Along the Path: The Allegorical Art of James N. Muir.” This is the first time I’ve heard the term “allegorical art,” and as he flips through the pages sharing stories, I recognize that the phrase is entirely germane. The book documents, in chronological order, the evolution of his work. The first years of his art, he explains, carried the theme “Courage.” His early military training and West Point Code of Honor are prevalent in these works, which more often than not tell stories through scenes of war. They often portray heroism in one form or another, and an ideal repeated frequently in the annals of history. “Rescue Under Fire,” for example, was created in 1980. It depicts a Cavalry soldier on foot being rescued by another soldier on horseback. They are taking fire and fighting valiantly. In 1983, he cast “The Last Embrace,” a stoic husband and an emotional wife entwined for the last time before he goes off to war. His horse stands patiently behind them, his head bowed, seemingly aware of the moment. Both are nods to the depth and breadth of human emotion, but they are also metaphors for Muir’s own spiritual journey. Muir is nothing if not pragmatic, and I sense he is most comfortable letting his art speak for him. Still, he attempts to explain. “Humanity—you and I and everyone else—functions on a day-to-day basis on automatic programming,” he says. “We have august 2018
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put these programs in ourselves and we tell ourselves they are true.” He pauses, measuring his words carefully. “The things we tell ourselves about life are limiting. We are held back in our spiritual lives by not recognizing that. “I don’t care if you are a homeless person struggling on the streets or a mega-millionaire, we all experience the same emotions: apathy, grief, fear, lust, anger and pride. To go beyond these emotions takes courage. To go beyond those emotions is to step into the spiritual world.”
Old West Spirit. New West Talent.
That “going beyond” is what now defines his work. “Every piece I capture is something allegorical: something positive and uplifting to the human race. I never do anything dark. The silver thread that runs through all of my work is truth.” His face is animated, and his whole body relaxes as he explains: That truth, he says, must transcend common definition.
Chef Bryan Dooley
Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue
“Truth must be heart-centered. We have to question the beliefs we have and ask ourselves, ‘Is it really valid?’ Our entire political and socioeconomic system has developed on what we have been told is true, and to question that takes courage.” Looking at Muir’s work, from his 12-feet high “Caduceus” to “The Holy Grail,” a stunning sculpture that depicts mediation and prayer (“The longest journey is the journey within,” Muir says of this work), there is an overarching energy of love. His message delves deeply into spirituality. The ideals of liberty, justice and peace are all intertwined in connection with each other, and with divine source. “Robert Schumann said, ‘To send light into the darkness of men’s hearts—such is the duty of the artist,’” Muir said with an easy smile. “Thirty-seven years ago, I never thought I would get to a point that, allegorically and symbolically, I was helping to bring light into
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the darkness, not from a hubristic sense, but through my struggles as a person.”
the art of organization
As if they were children, Muir doesn’t claim to have favorite pieces, but one that strikes him— and me—as particularly meaningful is a sculpture with a surprisingly recognizable face: that of Muir himself. At first glance, “Fences” looks like the depiction of a rancher taking a break from building fences. The truth is in the details. Looking closely at his fencing tool, it isn’t the hammer side he’s been using; it’s the claw. “He’s not building fences,” Muir says with delight. “He’s taking them down!” Beyond tremendous details like the infinity wedding ring, the grain and texture of cowhide in the chaps, and the knots in the fencepost, “Fences” stands out among Muir’s other sculptures. While his other pieces subtlely reflect his spiritual journey, “Fences” is an allegory for his role in this life. As music flows through the house, we take a brief tour so he can show me some of his favorite pieces. There is a peace about him now that was hidden when I arrived and I feel like I’ve learned what I needed from James Muir. After all, this is the message he wanted to tell all along. goldensteingallery.com
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COMMUNITY
2018 AUGUST
Writer Amanda Christmann
ta
Aug. 3
ke a dri
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VISIT SEDO
NA
FIRST FRIDAY IN THE GALLERIES s
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Browse Sedona Gallery Association galleries and meet highlighted artists, take in special exhibits and fun art events. Enjoy light refreshments and begin your weekend with an exploration of Sedona’s exciting art scene! Free. See website for featured locations. 5–8 p.m. sedonagalleryassociation.com
Aug. 1
Aug. 1–12
Aug. 4
Kids ages 5 to 11 are invited to bring
Phoenix Art Museum has rummaged
Verde Canyon Railroad presents the
their creativity and build geckobots,
through the storage rooms to
Grape Train Escape as a tribute to
snap circuitry, K'Nex, marble mazes
assemble this show from the
great wines of the Grand Canyon
and more. Mathnasium of Cave
permanent collection, featuring
State. Enjoy a sampling of Arizona
Creek will host stations from 2–4
about 50 works by women artists
Stronghold wines and enjoy
p.m. RSVP. Free. Desert Foothills
in the 20th and 21st centuries,
complimentary specialty dishes
Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd.,
including Frida Kahlo and Georgia
and hors d’oeuvres. $99. 300 N.
Cave Creek. 1–4 p.m. 480-488-2286;
O’Keeffe. $18; discounts available
Broadway, Clarkdale. 1 p.m. 800-
desertfoothillslibrary.org
for students, seniors and children.
582-7245; verdecanyonrr.com
CREATESPACE & MATH GAMING DAY
IN THE COMPANY OF WOMEN
1625 N. Central Ave. 602-2571222, phxart.org
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GRAPE TRAIN ESCAPE
Aug. 4
PAYSON FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL Head up to Rim Country for a weekend of fun as ASU football touches down in Payson. The Payson Food Truck Festival features dozens of food trucks with something for everyone, live music, a kids’ zone and more. Free. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Green Valley Park, 1000 W. Country Club, Payson. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. 928472-5110; paysonrimcountry.com
Aug. 4, 5
69TH ANNUAL NAVAJO FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CULTURE Flagstaff’s Museum of Northern Arizona presents work from more than 70 Navajo artists, storytellers and cultural interpreters from many clans. Meet basket makers creating works on-site, join rug weavers, silversmiths, potters, painters and storytellers to learn about the Navajo way of living in harmony and hike with a Navajo ethno botanist. There’s plenty to do for the whole family. $8–$12. 3101 N. Fort Valley Rd., Flagstaff. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 928-774-5213; musnaz.org
Aug. 5
TEDDY BEAR TEA Little ones and their favorite bears are invited to join Goldilocks for storytime at this fourth annual tea party. Afternoon tea for adults, nursery tea and gift bag for littles are included. Adults $25; Children $15; Bears free. RSVP. English Rose Tea Room, 201 Easy St., Carefree. 3–5 p.m. 480-488-4812; carefreetea.com
Aug. 8
A WALK IN THE PARK Cave Creekers Paul Diefenderfer and Kerry Ecker hiked down the tanner trail in the east portion of the Grand Canyon. Six days and 120 miles later they exited the South Bass Trail. Come experience the story through their own words. RSVP by phone. Free. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek. 2:30–4 p.m. 480-4882286; desertfoothillslibrary.org
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Aug. 11
MILE-HIGH BREW FESTIVAL Savor beer samples from some of the Southwest's finest craft breweries, take in live music, and taste from local restaurants and food trucks, all in the pleasant air of a Prescott summer. $40 general admission; see website for ticket options. Downtown Prescott. 4–8 p.m. 928-776-8686; milehighbrewfest.com
Aug. 9–11
31ST ANNUAL AZ COWBOY POETS GATHERING
Aug. 10–26
Aug. 16–18
If you haven’t seen Newsies, you’re
It’s the world’s oldest continuous
NEWSIES
PAYSON RODEO
missing one of the most exciting
rodeo, and it’s right here in Arizona!
Head on up to Prescott where
musicals today! Valley Youth Theatre
There’s nothing like the Payson
more than 40 of the country’s best
presents this tale of a charismatic
Rodeo! See website for performance
speakers and singers take the stage
turn-of-the-century teenaged newsies
schedule, and don’t miss the rodeo
for this renowned gathering and
fighting the titans of publishing.
after-party dance Aug. 17 and 18.
tribute to the American cowboy.
$20.50–$39.50. Herberger Theater
Online adult tickets $18; Seniors
Ticket prices and schedules online.
Center, 222 E. Monroe, Phoenix. See
$16; Children 8–12 $10; Free for
Yavapai College Performing Arts
website for performance schedule.
children 7 and under and active
Center, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott.
602-254-7399; herbergertheater.org
military. Tickets $20 at the gate.
928-776-2000; azcowboypoets.org
1400 S. Beeline Hwy., Payson. paysonrimcountry.com
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Integrity. Vision. Results.
MICHAEL KRAHE Councilman
JOHN CRANE Vice Mayor
CHERYL KROYER Councilwoman
LES PETERSON STEPHEN HATCHER Mayor Councilman
OUR COMMITMENT TO CAREFREE RESIDENTS M M I T ME N
TY
I
S
I N T E GR
V I S I ON
T
CO
As your current Mayor and Town Council team members, we are focused on enhancing and sustaining the quality of life for all Carefree residents. With your VOTE, we will continue to build upon our proven track record and keep the positive momentum going.
R E S UL T
— VOTE THIS AUGUST — Paid for and authorized by the Les Peterson for Mayor Committee | P.O. Box 3434, Carefree, AZ 85377 | 2018 Peterson4Carefree.com august imagesar iz ona .c om 19
Aug. 16
ELIANE ELIAS AT MIM Grammy-winning pianist, singer and songwriter Eliane Elias blends her Brazilian roots and sensuous, alluring voice with virtuosic instrumental jazz, classical and compositional skills at MIM. $33.50–$48.50. 4725 E. Mayo, Phoenix. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. 480-478-6000; mim.org
Aug. 18
Aug. 18, 19; 25, 26
Aug. 19
Come celebrate Arizona’s own
The Desert Awareness Committee
There’s always something fun going
unique incredible, edible dessert,
will offer a 32-hour course covering
on at English Tea Room, and this
the prickly pear! A foraging hike,
the history, definition and principles
month is no exception. Learn to turn
margarita shake-off, vendors, a
of desert interpretation. Ideal
straw hats into masterpieces worthy
pageant, music, food and more!
for anyone interested in refining
of Ascot or Kentucky with milliner
See website for schedule. Free. 199
their techniques or in becoming a
Jeanne Bjorn. Upcycled straw hats,
N. Lobb, Superior. 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
volunteer guide at Desert Botanical
tea and scones will be provided.
superiorarizonachamber.org
Garden, the Phoenix Zoo, MIM,
Bring accessories, trim and threads.
local museums and other area
Seating limited. RSVP early. $35. 201
parks and attractions. Registration
Easy St., Carefree. 2–5 p.m. 480-488-
$230; Certification $150. Holland
4812; carefreetea.com
PRICKLY PEAR FESTIVAL
DESERT GUIDE TRAINING
Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Bldg. B, Scottsdale. Register by email: dvaszily@deserteducation. com; 480-532-6423; interpnet.com
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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE HAT
WINECELLAREXPERTS.COM 15979 N. 76th St., Suite A, Scottsdale
480-922-WINE august 2018 imagesar iz ona .c om
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Aug. 25, 26
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEONARD BERNSTEIN! Musical Instrument Museum is celebrating 100 years of Leonard Bernstein with musical performances, talks, workshops, film screenings and more. Come explore the life and works of this most accomplished of musicians and composers. Free with museum entrance. 4725 E. Mayo, Phoenix. 480-4786000; mim.org
Aug. 23
CLARISSA BURT HEALTHY LIVING CLASSES
TA BURROWS, LEGENDS OF SONG Desert Foothills Theater presents an
Internationally renowned
audience favorite in this engaging
supermodel, award-winning actress,
and powerful performance. From
television/radio producer, public
his award-winning role as Hoke
speaker, author and survivor of
in “Driving Miss Daisy” to his
“Celebrity Survivor” TV show
energetic cabaret performance, TA
Clarissa Burt teaches you (live!)
Burrows will delight the whole
how to make sumptuous Italian
audience. $29.50. 34250 N. 60th St.,
gluten-free meals from 11 a.m. to
Scottsdale. 7:15 p.m. 480-488-1981;
12:30 p.m., then returns at 2 p.m. to
dftheater.com
teach you how to take toxins out of your beauty regime. RSVP required. Each class is $20. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; desertfoothillslibrary.org
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Aug. 26
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DEAR LISTENER: THE WORKS OF NICHOLAS GALANIN The Heard Museum presents Dear Listener: Works by Nicholas Galanin, a retrospective of the contemporary Native Alaskan artist. The exhibition encourages dialogue about what it means to be indigenous, and addresses topics like colonialism and cultural appropriation. Open through Sept. 3. $7.50–$18. 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-2528840; heard.org
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JOI PRATER INTERIORS OPENS DOORS Joi Prater Interiors, one of the newest North Valley design studios, has opened its doors. Use the website to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation or sign up for a free Kitchen Remodeling 101 event to learn about possibilities, as well as cost and what to expect. 748 Easy St. #9, Carefree. 602-930-8679; joipraterinteriors.com
ta k
e a d r
iv e
VISIT
SEDON
A
THE CURRENT
Goldenstein Gallery in West Sedona
KIWANIS DONATES TO LOCKS
Desert Botanical Gardens is the place
presents The Current, an exhibition
Kiwanis of Carefree has donated
to be when it comes to enjoying all
that celebrates a stunning array of
$4,000 to the Lowell Observatory
the natural desert has to offer. Join
art from artists who have captivated
Curriculum for Kids (LOCKs) at
expert birders along the trails each
and inspired collectors from around
Cave Creek Unified School District’s
Monday morning to learn names
the globe. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Child’s Play Preschool. The donation
and sounds of our favorite feathered
150 SR 179, Sedona. 928-204-1765;
will provide supplies for the 2018-
friends. Everyone is welcome. Bring
goldensteinart.com
19 school year for the preschool at
binoculars if possible. Admission
Horseshoe Trails Elementary School.
s
MONDAY MORNING BIRDING
u
m
me r 2018
$12.95–$24.95. 1201 N. Galvin
They matched that $4,000 donation
Pkwy., Phoenix. 7 a.m. 480-941-
to provide the Annunciation Catholic
1225; dbg.org
School kindergarten with a similar gift for their LOCKs program.
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august 2018
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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Courtesy of Creative Gateways
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I
It’s the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. Every one of us is in the midst of a global conversation on a scale never before experienced in history. For the first time, thanks in large part to technology, we are seeing and hearing voices and perspectives of people outside our own echo chambers of experiences and ideas, and it is changing our political and cultural landscapes. Whether we are living in a village in rural Africa or sitting in a corner office on Wall Street, every one of us is feeling the influence of globalization. In many ways, it’s a boon of opportunity, but on the flip side is a quest to maintain cultural identity. In life and in art, Gerry Quotskuyva is approaching that paradox with one foot stepping toward the future, and the other firmly planted in tradition. A member of the Bear Strap Clan from the Second Mesa Village of Shungopavi on the Hopi Reservation, his quiet demeanor and calm presence belie the importance of his accomplishments. By trade, Quotskuyva is an acclaimed artist, but what he really does is plant seeds. Quotskuyva follows the agricultural path of his ancestors, coaxing beans, squash, gourds or corn out of the same soil as generations before ran their own fingers through at Verde Valley Ancestral Garden. He also nurtures kernels of peace through art. His katsinam (Anglicized as “kachinas”—there is no “ch” sound in the Hopi language), bronze work, painting and glasswork channel the wisdom of the ages revealed to him through dreams and visions. More often than not, his creations blossom in unexpected ways. Hidden meanings emerge long after a piece is completed, and doors to understanding are unearthed and discovered. “My work is really special when it comes to being Hopi,” he says from behind a tidy desk at Sedona’s Creative Gateways, his newest workspace. “A lot of times, I do not understand what I’m doing until it’s finished.” To illustrate this crux, he points to a tower forged in bronze. On it is a small metal plaque with the title “Cultural Fortitude.” “I had this idea of doing a kiva. That’s where we go to learn respect for our culture and ceremonial practices,” he begins, carefully measuring his words. “I carried the idea around for
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Experience The Art of Gerry Quotskuyva Kuivato Glass Gallery 336 Hwy. 179, Tlaquepaque, Suite B-125, Sedona 928-282-1212 kuivatoglassgallery.com Creative Gateways 45 Birch Blvd., Sedona 928-862-4440 creativegateways.com
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years. Then I had an odd exchange with a couple at the Washington Monument in Washington D.C. “The shape of the Washington Monument is an obelisk, which can be found in petroglyphs and in other parts of the culture of Pueblo people. It occurred to me that, what was part of the past for us is now a permanent symbol of who we are in the United States.” Quotskuyva planted that idea far away from his rational mind and let the creativity flow. What emerged was an obelisk with a round kiva top, much like Puebloan buildings in the pre-Spanish era. Corn, the foundation of Hopi agriculture and spirituality, grows up the front, and a prayer for peace is depicted in petroglyphic symbols. The back conveys earthen bricks, a fortress of sorts, which, over time, Quotskuyva realized symbolized the tightly held secrets of the Hopi world. “It’s interesting how it comes together for me,” he said, as if he were more of an observer of his process than an active participant. In many respects, Quotskuyva is building bridges. He is part of a new generation of Hopis, and the journey he is on is largely unchartered. For as long as anyone can remember, history, religion and many other aspects of Hopi culture were guarded from corruption by outside influences through secrecy;
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only a chosen few were trusted with many of the stories and ways that define what it means to be Hopi. Today, though there are still ceremonies and beliefs that are kept hidden away from the Western world, a new school of thought is evolving. By sharing pieces of tradition, the world outside of the 2,500-square-mile Hopi Reservation can begin to gain an understanding—ergo an appreciation—for the importance of preserving a disappearing way of life. Quotskuyva’s role seems to have chosen him for the job, rather than the other way around. At the age of 35, after working in food service for Hollywood and holding various jobs in radio, he had a dream that changed the course of his life. In the dream, Corn Maiden, a spirit who symbolizes the gift of bountiful harvests, came to him. Katsinam flew from the corn, and husks turned into her robes. When he awoke, he knew he had to carve her image.
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He showed that first carving, “Corn Maiden,” to his grandfather, who was himself a famed carver. His grandfather was impressed. From that moment forward, Quotskuyva knew he had found his path. Along the way, he realized that he did not have to sacrifice authenticity to form a connection between his Hopi roots and the outside world. He still listens to the roots of the cottonwood tree to discover what they want to become, and he has remained true to the teachings he’s learned in his clan’s kivas. At the same time, he has ventured out within the rules to express himself as an artist, infusing traditional images with contemporary styles. For example, is forbidden to forge katsinam from bronze in the Hopi culture, so instead, Quotskuyva has created other bronze figures, such as a striking bust of an eagle, titled “Tutuvena.”
He’s also embracing his newest passion, glass, as a medium. “They never said we couldn’t do katsinam in glass,” he said with a wry smile. “What better way to bring something to life than with light! Glass brings so much depth and color. It’s really something.” No matter his medium, museums, galleries and dozens of collectors have gained a solid appreciation for his work, and for the cultural lessons it holds. His next project is perhaps his opus. A raw chunk of cottonwood root stands four-feet tall and two-feet wide inside his Sedona office. Its arms are intertwined, beautifully fused together in an earthen harmony that is art in and of itself. This root, which has been carefully cured for about 14 years, has big plans in store for Quotskuyva. Eventually, it will become an epic nod to the matriarchal culture in which he grew up, with several individual katsinam and faces carved into the wood. The work begins this month in Santa Fe, where Quotskuyva has secured a Rollin and Mary Ella King Native Artist Fellowship hosted by the School for Advanced Research. There are also plans to document his work on video. Like the rest of the lessons he learns and imparts, this, too, will become part of preserving traditions so that they are not lost. After all, in a rapidly changing world, there is no better medium than art to ensure that the important things remain. creativegateways.com kuivatoglassgallery.com
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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Loralei Lazurek and Courtesy of Larry Fitzgerald
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Centuries ago, according to legend, the French writer, historian and philosopher Voltaire is believed to have said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” If he were to glance down from his heavenly abode (or wherever it is that his soul has been all these years), he could hardly find a better example of his words in action when it comes to the Valley’s own Larry Fitzgerald. It isn’t only his skills on the gridiron that make Fitz a community hero. He is known for his unblemished integrity, and for using his fame and position to create opportunities for Arizonans and people in his native Minnesota, and for people all over the globe. Fitz takes that responsibility seriously. After all, it’s something that he grew up with. “My parents met in high school and got married after college,” he said. “My dad was able to follow his dream to be a sports journalist, and my mom was a teacher. “My dad is an honest, truthful man, and he and my mother taught my brother Marcus and me love and respect. Neither of them took short cuts when it came to anything we did. My mother was highly involved in charitable endeavors, and they were both loving parents. “We had great balance in our lives because of my parents. We got to see sports, and we also got to see genuine compassion and caring through both of them,” Fitzgerald added.
CAVE CREEK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
He is passing that sense of charity and compassion forward—in hundreds of ways. In 2005, Larry established the First Down Fund. His primary goals were to promote reading proficiency and technology access for children and their schools; and to help to fund the fight against breast cancer and to support survivors. Both were inspired, in large part, by his love for his mother, Carol, who lost her own extended battle with breast cancer during his freshman year of college.
Preschool Programs 2018-2019
Black Mountain Elementary – Child’s Play Preschool
New→ Desert Sun Academy – Global Beginnings Preschool Desert Willow Elementary – Spanish Immersion Preschool Horseshoe Trails Elementary – Preschool
New→ Lone Mountain Elementary – STEM Preschool
Like everything else he’s put his mind to, Fitzgerald has shown unwavering dedication to his First Down
480.575.2000
www.CCUSD93.org august 2018
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Celebrate
Fitz’s Supper Club 2018: Celebrities at Your Service for First and Ten Monday, August 27 6 p.m. Dominick’s Steak House 15169 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale $850 individual; $6,000 table (tax-deductible) larryfitzgerald.com
Fund. To-date, he has provided about $300,000 to over 200 vetted organizations working toward the causes he champions. This year, the First Down Fund is expected to contribute at least $600,000. A big portion of that funding will come from contributions from his annual fundraiser: Fitz’s Supper Club 2018: Celebrities at Your Service for First and Ten, held at Dominick’s Steak House. The August 27 dinner marks a decade of success for the First Down Fund, and gives the humble superstar an opportunity to reminisce some of the most unforgettable plays made both on the gridiron and off the field.
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Executive chef Marc Lupino kicks off the event with a menu of some of Larry’s favorite post-game favorites and cocktails, but the servers are the real stars. They include a roster of Larry’s AZ Cardinals teammates and other celebrity friends. It’s all part of Fitz’s drive to change the world by using the visibility he’s gained to motivate and empower those in need, in our community and beyond. In life as in sports, it’s always a team effort for Fitzgerald. This year, he teamed up with Microsoft in his native Minneapolis to provide Surface technology and a portable library of tablet devices that students can check out for use at home. It’s all part of an evolving set of partnerships with private and public businesses, organizations and individuals that allow him to increase the impact of his work. The First Down Fund has helped hundreds of partner organizations to purchase computers, books and playgrounds, and to fund chess tournaments to encourage kids to develop wholesome, intellectual strategies for life. Each year, the fund donates to the Plano Child Development Center, which provides vision screenings and glasses to children who would not otherwise have access to them. It’s another cause with seeds planted early in his life; Plano was founded by Larry’s late grandfather, Dr. Robert Johnson. In addition, every year the First Down Fund contributes to organizations that provide research, support groups and free mammograms for both men and women. In doing so, Larry hopes that other children will have the opportunity to grow up with mothers and grandmothers in their lives. It’s also part of his effort to impart his parents’ kindness and strong values on his own sons. “I want my kids to be healthy, honest people who grow up and contribute something positive in the world.” larryfitzgerald.com
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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography by Bryan Black
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Touchdowns, cheers and school fight songs—it’s as American as apple pie and the Fourth of July. Yet in Cave Creek, the sound of the band has been nearly non-existent in recent years. Budget cuts all but amputated funding for music, and the high school band program tapered down to a dozen or so students. Enter Kevin Brady. Hired in 2014, Brady is breathing new life into music programs at Cave Creek Unified School District. As director of marching, jazz and concert bands, and guitar teacher at the high school, he is the face and the beat behind public performances at football and basketball games, pep rallies, parades and competitions. The numbers may be small, but they are mighty. The high school concert and marching band now has 21 students and is growing steadily with the middle school feeder program Brady and a music educator Karen Dolezal are building. At Sonoran Trails, where Brady teaches concert band, 65 students are enrolled, with more signing up each year. “That’s been kind of a major win for us,” Brady said, his youthful face lighting up with the accomplishment despite a shy smile. “It’s still small and it’s going to be building for a while.” Of course, growing is a priority, but Brady is finding that there are some advantages to being a small band program. “It was small, and it’s still small, but one of the great things about the size of our band is that kids are so close,” he explained. “They refer to
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themselves as a family. They really have to work together in ways that don’t tear each other down.” Those relationships and skills are part of what drew Brady into music education to begin, and they’re a big reason he stays. A native of Ronkonkoma, New York, Brady’s parents emphasized the importance of music. “My parents decided when I was at a young age that I should at least learn some stuff,” he says with a laugh. “I started with piano lessons at 5 or 6 years old, and I learned a little piano. Then I started learning to play the trumpet, which was really fun—I took to that. I had friends who took to that, too, and when I was in elementary school, music was fun for me. It was cool because I was around other people who thought it was fun, too.” That “fun” turned into something more. “In high school, I was a pretty nervous and self-conscious teen. In band, I became more and more confident. I see that in my students now. Band is a place where they belong and fit in.” He went on to study trumpet at SUNY Potsdam, and graduated with bachelor of music degrees in music education and music business. Fresh out of school, he looked for a job near his Long Island home before Arizona came calling. “I’m just not that patient of a person,” he said. “I told myself that, if I could find a job anywhere teaching band full-time, I’ll go there. This was the first place I came to, and it seemed right.” It’s been good for Brady, who since met his fiancé Emily beneath the desert sun; but it’s been an even bigger win for his students.
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Though none of them had ever taken the field in marching band before, they fell into step and carried their tune well enough to earn a Superior rating at their first competition. They went on to bring home additional Excellent ratings for the school. They even worked their way to state competition in concert and jazz band festivals—not too shabby for a fledgling program with a brand new teacher at the helm! “Part of the beauty is that they have grown up with the program being the way it is,” Brady explained. “They’re one on a part, so every note they play stands out. They’re accomplishing these things that high-level bands are accomplishing, and they’re doing it because they have to.” Individually, students also seized the opportunity to shine. Four students played their way to regional band, and two joined the prestigious Phenom Drum and Bugle Corps. Another student auditioned for Young Sounds, a Phoenix-based elite youth jazz ensemble. The intrinsic value of teaching music-related skills is priceless, but even more valuable is the understanding that creating music, solely for the sake of music, is enough. For Brady, that passion that he sees in his students is the reward that means the most. “The way those kids come together and work together—they try, try, try, try, try. They have a super strong drive to be the best that they can be and to create something together, and that’s really exciting as a director.” ccusd93.org
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Writer Amanda Christmann // Photography by Scott Baxter
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Arizona is unique. Perhaps it’s the subtleties of the seasons that make us appreciate life’s moments all the more, or maybe it’s the resilient, scrappy people who live here despite the formidable desert heat, but the people who stay, whether for a decade or for generations, have more in common than we have differences.
CHILDREN In 2013, the Mesa Tourism Bureau hired Baxter to photograph people and events on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, a tiny 950-member Native American tribe whose reservation is located 35 miles from Phoenix. The children pictured were originally photographed in the tourism shoot, but Baxter saw an opportunity to capture something special. In his trademark fashion, something much deeper than childhood comes out in his pictures.
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Edward S. Curtis was perhaps the most prolific photographer to have focused on Native American cultures. He spent 30 years in the late 19th and early 20th centuries documenting the lives of people from tries across the country and north into Canada and Alaska, amassing some 40,000 pictures along the way.
CHILDREN The Fort McDowell Yavapai people once roamed over 12 million acres, but were forced by a 1903 executive order to locate to a 40-square-mile reservation in northeastern Maricopa County. In the 1970s, the tribe had to fight when the proposed Orme Dam project was slated to be built adjacent to their land. Had it been built, it would have flooded many homes and farms. The Fort McDowell Yavapai won their fight in 1981, and each year, they hold a fair and rodeo to celebrate their victory. Today, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation owns the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort and Conference Center, Fort McDowell Casino, Fort McDowell Adventures, Eagle View RV Resort, WeKoPa Golf Club, Fort McDowell Farms, Yavapai Materials and Sedona’s Poco Diablo Resort. august 2018
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Today, the lines are often blurred between Arizona’s cultures, religions and heritage. For millenniums, Native American people hunted, farmed and prospered here. Their oft-neglected stories form the foundations of how we all came to survive in the harsh, arid desert, and how our economy, our agriculture, and even our political boundaries evolved into what we now know.
In Arizona, there are 21 recognized Native American tribes. Tribal lands make up over 27 percent of the state’s area. The name “Arizona” was derived from a Tohono O’odham word that translates to “little spring.”
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HORSES For Navajo people, Jones Benally and his family are nearly legends. They are world-famous hoop dancers, and their horsemanship skills and innate equine talents are widely regarded. His son Clayson (shown left) is a horse trainer, an environmental activist and member of the Navajo band Black Fire. The photographs in this portion of Baxter’s series were taken at the base of Doko'oosliid, the Navajo word for Flagstaff’s San Francisco Peaks. Some of Clayson's clothing was contemporary, but some very traditional, a testament to the dual existence of Native philosophy and Western influence within his life.
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SHEEP Navajo churro sheep are used for both wool and food. Brought by Spanish settlers in the 16th century, Pueblo people were hired and enslaved to herd sheep and weave textiles, and they were a food and clothing staple for both the Spanish and area tribes. In the mid-1800s, Navajos began to resist occupation by the miners, ranchers and other settlers who’d begun encroaching in large numbers on Diné homelands. Kit Carson and John Carlton were ordered by the U.S. Government to raid Navajo villages and destroy their orchards and flocks. This military action led to the Long Walk of the Navajos, in which an estimated 9,000 Navajo people were forced on a 300-mile trek to an interment camp at Bosque Redondo, New Mexico. There is no official number of the people who died along the way, but the human and livestock toll was immense. Some Navajos who escaped were able to hide in remote canyons with their sheep, and survived that terrible chapter in history. Three years after it began, Navajos were allowed to return to their native lands and were issued two sheep per person—considered enough to survive, but not enough to thrive.
For decades, freelance photographer Scott Baxter has captured moments in time and traces of Arizona history. Along the way, he’s connected with many indigenous people whose stories he’s managed to tell through photography.
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Scott Baxter About the Photographer I was born in Hartford, Connecticut. I grew up near Princeton, New Jersey, and I moved to Phoenix in 1982. I currently live in Carefree. I have been a professional photographer since 1986. I was teaching school and one of my ninth grade English students taught me how to process black and white film. I decided then that I wanted to become a photographer instead of going to law school. I am inspired to photograph Native Americans because of their reverence for our world. Photography is very subjective. I have always thought that you can tell a lot about a person by viewing their photographs. It's really pretty simple; I try really hard to make my photographs straightforward, simple and honest. scottbaxterphotographer.com
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Often photographs portray an instant—a smile, a celebration or a small piece of a day. It is the rare photographer who has the ability to find that crack of light between the real and the spiritual, penetrating the very soul of a subject. Scott is such a photographer. His photographs reveal an esoteric connection to what was, what is, and what will be, and they are often as breathtaking as they are resonant.
PEOPLE Photographing indigenous people comes with unique challenges. Baxter avoids contrived narratives, but he also knows that, for many of the native people he has come to know, there is great pride in wearing traditional ceremonial clothing. “I don’t treat Native Americans any differently than when I’m shooting cowboys, when I’m shooting kids, when I’m shooting other friends, or when I’m shooting my daughter. They show up, and my job is to make a connection. “For me its more about the person—how you relate to that person, and how they relate to you. It’s getting something deeper from them. “I’m particularly conscious of being respectful, and there’s so much that I don’t know. I become a conduit in a sense, but it’s not about me. I just hope that they trust me enough to be authentic.”
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POTTERY Nestled in eastern Arizona’s South Fork Canyon near the sleepy town of Greer is Little Bear Ruins. From about 500 to 900 A.D., ancestors of both the Hopi and Zuni people thrived in this former village. Today, blessings are still performed here, and people have the opportunity to explore the past. The pottery and shards are real, and one can’t help but wonder about the hands that created them. Lost in the unwritten annals of time, gone too are the dreams, thoughts and memories of these people who came before.
We are happy to share some of his work in this month’s Images Arizona photo essay, and hope it inspires you to look deeper into the cultures that have become part of who we are as Arizonans.
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LMTN Images August 2018
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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography by Scott Baxter
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In the aisles of Desert Foothills Library, David Court is a rock star. Though he lacks a swagger and the buttonup shirts he wears are far from flashy, when he steps inside this building, he’s a hero. This is not the library of 20 years ago. For the last eight years, Court has championed the library, once dubbed the “Little Library that Could,” and turned it into a trailblazer. Thanks in large part to his direction and efforts, the Cave Creek library has evolved into a repository of over 50,000 books, DVDs, music CDs and audiobooks, and also into an event center, a social hub and a place to learn everything from bridge to Spanish.
Know Your Library At the Desert Foothills Library, you can find:
• Life-long learning programs for all ages. • Literacy programs for children. • Club 1117, a teen center equipped with technology, games and a great meeting or study space. • More than 50,000 books, 8,000 DVDs and 3,500 audio books for checkout. • A digital library complete with eBooks, music, magazines, languages and research. • Beautiful meeting and study rooms for business and social events. • A botanic garden in partnership with the Desert Foothills Land Trust. • The area’s largest used bookstore, Chapter 2 Books. • A patio with a waterfall and beautiful landscaping—perfect for weddings and more! • Homeschool and gifted child resources.
“It’s so much more than a library,” he says with the non-rhotic accent of his native United Kingdom. “The library has become a meeting place for the whole community where people can come and check out all kinds of items, but they can still meet for all sorts of reasons,” Court said. “It’s a safe and quality environment to go to, and it’s available to everyone without exception.” As if on cue, a line of people files in, heading toward a large, partitioned meeting room. “It’s movie night,” Court explains. Inside the room are about 30 people just getting seated for the weekly event. These are among the approximately 100,000 people who will visit the Desert Foothills Library this year, a number that is growing annually. It’s not a small feat in an age when print books are rapidly being replaced by digital media. Court has managed to anticipate the changes, while at the same time, keeping his finger on the pulse of the unique community he serves. Though eBooks are becoming increasingly popular (the library saw an 11 percent increase in eBook downloads last year), Court recognized years ago that, in order to survive, the library needed to create an entirely different identity for itself.
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Did You Know? Desert Foothills Library has two popular special collections. The first is the Mystery Collection; the second is their Southwest Collection, which features hundreds of reference books on everything from Native American traditions, to desert plants, to hiking guides. Now, less than a decade after he began, his annual budget has grown from $569,000 in 2010 to $850,000 this year. That doesn’t include the $2.2 million expansion completed this year, money that was raised partly through a successful capital campaign. That campaign enabled the board to accommodate the most rapidly growing portion of the library: programming. Just as they embrace movie night, the community was so enthusiastic about the speaking engagements, musical presentations, classes and other special events that the library simply didn’t have room. The parking lot was overflowing, and regular patrons felt turned away. In addition, there were more potential presenters than the library could accommodate. Money raised in the capital campaign was used to expand the meeting space so that programs, such as the candidates’ forum that drew a crowd of 137 last month, could have a place at the library. In conjunction with this, an additional 50 parking spaces were added. Desert Foothills Library is unique in that it is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Unlike most libraries run by municipalities or library districts and funded by tax dollars, Desert Foothills Library runs nearly entirely on memberships and donations, save for a small percentage that comes from a county library fund. “While the library tries to provide benefits for the people who donate, Court believes that many people believe in the business model and the services provided. “If It’s important to people, and they donate. However, services are provided free for many people. I think that’s a really good model to follow.” Admittedly, it’s a model that’s not for everyone, yet the Carefree, Cave Creek, North Scottsdale and North Phoenix community the library serves has always come through. “If you were to pitch this library model up and put it in most places, it wouldn’t work. It wouldn’t have as supportive a community as it has here.” Part of the beauty is that, Court explained, the library is what you make it. “For some, it’s a place to get a book, but for others it’s
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a social place, or a place to learn new things and build a sense of community. It really is whatever you want to get out of it.” For Court, the success of the library has been an important chapter in his own life. Sixteen years ago, lured by the American dream, Court walked away from the commercial real estate management position in the South of England. His wife, Deborah, who is a nurse, took a job as clinical coordinator at Abrazo Central Campus, and Court obtained his real estate license here. If someone had told him he’d one day be executive director at the Desert Foothills Library, he’d have hardly believed them. “It certainly was a career change,” he said, “although I did volunteer at the library. I was part of the Thursday crew. “A lot of skills I had for my previous jobs have played a big part in what I do here.” Court’s business mind may be what has helped to propel the Desert Foothills Library into the future, but it’s something a little more esoteric that draws people to Court, and to this library. The library has become an embodiment of the passion that Court and the not-so-small army of staff and volunteers have put into building something wonderful for everyone to share. It’s more than a library; it’s a place where everyone can belong. desertfoothillslibrary.org
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Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Loralei Lazurak
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Musician, songwriter and producer Drew Tyler is home from Los Angeles for a brief visit when he sits down to talk with me. He’s got an easy smile and boy band good looks, but behind the made-for-an-album-cover exterior, Tyler has talent and a work ethic that have taken him from making a racket on his first drum set at age 2, to a 26-year-old who’s about to release an album of his own under the name “Fly Felix.” “I’ve played music my whole life and I was always surrounded by it growing up,” says Tyler. “I was lucky enough to have family members who were in the music business and who encouraged me. “I went in phases of liking different instruments—first drums, then guitar—and even tried making short films when I was younger. It wasn’t until high school that I took a songwriting class. That really had a huge impact on what I do today.” The North Valley native says those teen years, influenced by the sounds of The Strokes and Radiohead, were some of his most prolific in terms of songwriting. His style then was younger and definitely more pop than the indie rock sound of the Fly Felix project, “3 Gallons,” sonamed because the amount of bartending tips he saved to finance the production filled a three-gallon water jug. Its first song, “Beautiful Animal,” will hit the airwaves this October. Some of Tyler’s earliest influences were The Beatles and the 60s and 70s rock that his guitarist father enjoyed, along with his more recently appreciation of psych rock bands like Tame Impala and Half Noise. “When I went to NAU, I joined my first band, Flight of Ryan. I played lead guitar, but we eventually parted ways” says Tyler. “They’re still performing now and they’re good friends of mine. They were ready to leave school and launch out on their own, but at the time, I wasn’t convinced that I could make music my career. I decided to stay in school one more year to finish my degree. I figured I needed to fund my musical hobby.”
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He did get that biology degree, which met his passion for learning about all things in the natural world. He funded his way through college as a bartender (something he still does on weekends in West Hollywood), which was great for meeting people and getting his name out there; after all, you never know who you’ll meet. His mom always said that he’s a natural-born salesman and if he gets the interview, he’s certain to get the job. She’s been right all along, as moms usually are. As it turns out, that final year was the origin of what his music career is today. He became intent on writing and recording his own music and now plays guitar, bass, keys and drums, but he’s also intensely curious and collaborative. In 2015, Tyler moved to Austin, where he immersed himself in the music scene and decided to create the Fly Felix project. The name began as his DJ alias, a name that gave him freedom to experiment. It allowed him to write and produce pop/EDM tracks featuring different vocalists while he was still performing as Drew Tyler, including at an appearance at the famed SXSW festival. “Austin was a hugely transformational period for me,” says Tyler. “I moved there to discover my sound and to meet other songwriters and musicians. I went with an open mind, knowing that I wanted to be involved in something new. I learned so much there that the transition to Los Angeles was relatively seamless.” When he met then-15-year-old Maggie McDavid, who now performs as MAAGS, it was supposed to be for a single song, one that he wrote. They ended up writing 15 more songs together. “Within a few weeks of working with her, I fell in love with her voice and songwriting,” says
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Tyler. “She’s one of the most talented people I’ve ever met. She’s so young, but she’s an old soul. I didn’t want to stop working with her. “I became close with her family and I’m now managing her. She’s moving to L.A. and we’re taking a lot of those songs we wrote together for a four-song EP release in the fall.” Tyler produced that EP, titled “If California Calls You Home." It will add to two already-released independent singles, “Born to Shine” and “Love Someone,” which Tyler co-produced with David Marinelli. They were released on July 13 with a message of love as an antidote to violence. The radio-friendly pop is bright and inspiring, but listeners will enjoy another side of MAAGS when the more acoustic, reflective “Like A Feather” launches the EP. Tyler’s desire to work with many artists in multiple genres inspired him to create the Angel’s Collective, an umbrella under which he assembled producers, booking agents, bloggers, musicians, photographers and visual artists who wanted to help each other reach their industry goals with whatever strengths they possessed. Now, he’s brought the collective to Los Angeles, and with the help of business partner Eric McDermott, it will continue as a cooperative and as an independent music label, with goals to expand it to other creative pursuits. “We don’t want to limit ourselves to one genre or area of creativity,” says Tyler. “We’re starting with the music, but we want to release quality art that is inspiring. We want to grow something
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beautiful that’s not based on ego. We want to stay true to each other and have an equal distribution of talent and skill sharing.” Between leaving Austin and moving to L.A. on New Year’s Eve of 2018, Tyler spent months at his family’s cabin in Munds Park with only his instruments and recording equipment to keep him company. It was an incredibly creative time and the songs he wrote and recorded are the seeds of his upcoming album, “3 Gallons.” It’s an exercise in patience, but he’s learned to trust the process. “I’ve never worked so hard in my life because I want it to be perfect,” says Tyler. “I love performing live and for a long time it was hard to accept that this was going to be a long process. I’ve realized, though, that I have to appreciate the process, no matter how long it takes, because it will be worth it.” After the release of “Beautiful Animal” in October, he will continue with to release tracks successively in November and December, with the full seven-song EP coming out January 2019. One of the things that will shine through for listeners is the value Tyler places on the old way of recording albums. He loves the sound of instruments performing live together on a “real-sounding” album that can easily translate to being performed live on stage. “With all the technology at my fingertips, I’ve found that what I really want is stripped down authenticity,” says Tyler. “I’m really excited. A lot of these songs are near and dear to me. It’s like my life’s message and the way it’s recorded feels like my own. I know it will translate well to live performances.” flyfelixmusic.com @flyfelixmusic @MAAGSmusic
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ONE COLLEGE • TWO CAMPUSES Now it’s easy for you to earn your AA or AS degree close to home. PVCC at Black Mountain is here to help you reach your goals!
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PVCC at Black Mountain | 34250 North 60th Street | Scottsdale, AZ 85266 | 602.493.2600 | paradisevalley.edu/blackmountain 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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Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly
The perfect party appetizer to serve at your next get together or BBQ, these Tenderloin Bites are sure to be a hit! Prepare them up to two days ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before serving for an easy appetizer!
Tenderloin Bites Makes 20 to 24 bites Ingredients: 6- to 8-oz tenderloin 12 slices bacon (approximately) Marinade: 1/2 cup coconut aminos (similar to soy sauce) 3 tablespoons coconut or olive oil 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 1 teaspoon chopped garlic Directions: Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Cut tenderloin into 2-inch cubes. Place meat in marinade and refrigerate for 2 hours. Preheat oven to broil. Assemble the bites by taking one chunk of tenderloin out of the marinade and wrapping 1/2 piece of bacon around it, securing with a toothpick. Repeat these steps until all the tenderloin chunks are wrapped. Discard marinade. Place bacon-wrapped tenderloin on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 5 minutes for medium rare, or until desired doneness. I like mine a little crispier, so I let them broil for 8 minutes. Remove from oven. Serve alone or with a sauce. kyndraclaire.com
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PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS YOUR WAY ■ Restaurants
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For Home, Auto, Life and Business.
Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.
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Chicken & Quinoa Stuffed Poblanos Step up your taco game with these fun stuffed poblanos! I promise they are just as delicious as they look! Make this recipe your own by using as much or as little chicken and quinoa as you’d like!
Makes 2–4 peppers Ingredients: 1–2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 1–2 cups quinoa, cooked according to packaged directions 3–4 poblanos Taco seasoning Pepperjack cheese 1/3 cup salsa Lime Cilantro Queso fresco Avocado Corn Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut peppers in half and place on sheet pan lined with foil. Bake peppers for about 15 to 20 minutes while preparing quinoa according to package directions. In a medium skillet, shred chicken and season with your favorite taco seasoning. Pour your favorite salsa over the top and let simmer for a few minutes. Add 1 to 2 cups quinoa, depending on how many peppers you are making. Remove peppers from oven and stuff with chicken and quinoa mixture. Top with shredded pepper jack and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and top with avocado, roasted corn, lime, cilantro and queso fresco. Enjoy! kyndraclaire.com
Writer iand Kelly m a gPhotographer e s a r i z o n a . cKyndra o m aug ust 2 018
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dahl restaurants
cucinarustica.com 928-284-3010
dahlanddiluca.com 928-282-5219
pisalisa.com 928-282-5472
mariposasedona.com 928-862-4444 dahl restaurant group - Sedona, Arizona - dahlrestaurantgroup.com august 2018 imagesar iz ona .c om
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Live where others vacation!
North Scottsdale-Carefree Office 34305 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85266
P. 480-488-2400
The Boulders Community 480-488-7550 Bouldersrealestate.com for complete market information.
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$760,000 4b/3bath over 3500 sq ft with sparkling pool. Cynthia Rahrig 480-650-1401 Sandy Comacchio 480-440-6706
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$1,400,000 Boulders Custom Adobe Home Designed by Bill Tull Irma Kuhweide 602-579-6955 Katie Atkison 602-769-1910
Carefree Ridgetop - Panoramic Views, Resort Amenities, Chef’s Kitchen Debbie Omundson 480-375-1522 www.CarefreeProperty.com
Carefree Estates Bungalow. Charming w/ 2 masters, 2.5 baths, no interior steps, mountain views. $485,000 Laura Shutt 480-560-1730
Stunning N. Scottsdale High Tech Estate, Resort Backyard, 3 Bdrm + Casita Debbie Omundson 480-375-1522 www.CarefreeProperty.com
As an expert realtor specializing in
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It’s A Great Time To Sell!
Let’s review the current market and your house’s value, and get you on your way to your next perfect home!
Betsy Lynn, Realtor 480-773-1724
Over 14 years’ experience successfully selling luxury homes in the North Scottsdale, Carefree and Cave Creek