Images Arizona: Carefree March 2017 Issue by Images Arizona Magazine Carefee/Cave Creek Edition

Desert Mountain

ECRWSS Local Postal Customer

Carefree

Cave Creek PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT NO. 3418

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ANDREW BLOOM SENIOR PARTNER

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SEDONA VISUAL ARTISTS' COALITION: OPEN STUDIOS TOUR

NO SHORTAGE OF FUN AZ SHORTCOURSES

DEBARTOLO ARCHITECTS

By Greg Granillo

Cover photo by Bryan Black

ARIZONA WILDFLOWERS

BREAKFAST PIZZA

By Grace Hill

By Monica Longenbaker

By Katherine Braden

By Grace Hill

14 COMMUNITY EVENTS By Grace Hill

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! dule ouse e h c S nH ouse m/Ope H n o Ope sdale.c day t n u S Scot l l i dm Win

20 Acres. 8 Homes. 1 Unrivaled Designer.

An enclave of homes designed by Bob Bacon – “Master of the Southwest” with interiors by Gail Archer. Windmill is a custom neighborhood of western ranch homes ranging from 3,500 to 5,200 square feet. Each is carefully oriented on its site, and carefully located in relation to its neighbors. Although every home bears a family resemblance, each features a unique floor plan and elevation. The uniqueness of the neighCreek

borhood has already attracted buyers who appreciate homes

Stagecoach Pass Rd

Pima Rd

Cave

reflecting Bacon’s signature high levels of architectural artistry, quality, and careful attention to every detail. For a private tour,

Windmill Rd

call Davis Driver at 480-788-0401.

www.WindmillScottsdale.com

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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

EDITOR/CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jenn Korducki Krenn Amanda Larson

ART DIRECTOR/PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANT Jennifer Satterlee

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ana Petrovic

STAFF WRITER Grace Hill

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tom Scanlon Beth Duckett Monica Longenbaker Kenneth LaFave Gregory Granillo Shannon Severson Katherine Braden Lara Piu

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Black Loralei Lazurek Monica Longenbaker

ADVERTISING SALES Loren Sheck 480-309-6410 loren@imagesaz.com

It’s that wonderful time of year! Our rugged mountain vistas are dotted with a carpet of Mexican poppies and lupines, and the entire desert seems to have come alive with gorgeous color! This month, our writers and photographers have done a beautiful job of helping us remember why we live here by sharing inspiring stories of the people, locations and sights that make our community unique. From inspiring young people, to amazingly talented artists and musicians, they remind me once again how fortunate we are to live in a place where so many aspects of community life are supported, embraced and encouraged. This month is especially outstanding because we are featuring photographers Paul Gill and Lori A. Johnson. Right now, their work is a gorgeous reflection of what we are seeing all around us, but in another month or so as temperatures rise, it will be a reminder of exactly why we endure the heat to call this place home. So here’s to all of us! Grab a cold treat and relax, and enjoy all we have to offer! Cheers! Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine

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

shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221

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 © 2017 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

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Local First A R I Z O NA

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty would like to congratulate the following sales associates from our Carefree office for their contribution to an outstanding 2016! Together with their colleagues they have once again proven that Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is the undisputed luxury market leader.

Lyon’s Elite

Chairman’s Board

President’s Club

Jill Anderson Barbara Miller Debbie Omundson Stacy Paluscio Courtney Woods Olson

Katie Atkison Dominick Cole Mark Hazelton Gregg Munson Lesley Vann Preston Westmoreland

Debbie Beede Stacey Mayes Donna Taylor Patrick Thornton Judith Traynor Erika Willison

WE ARE | SUCCESS

www.russlyon.com

480.488.2400

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SEDONA VISUAL ARTISTS’ COALITION

Open Studios Tour

Writer Grace Hill Artists Barbara Donahue, Cheryl Waale and Terry Israelson

Iridescent glass work, delicate ceramics, masterful paintings and imaginative hand-crafted jewelry — just a few of the many creations that will compete with the magnificence of the surrounding red rock buttes during the Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition’s (SVAC) 14th annual Open Studios Tour. On April 28–30, this free, self-guided tour returns with more art to uncover in the areas of Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, Cornville, Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Camp Verde. As guests enjoy a relaxing day perusing artwork of excellent craftsmanship, they will also delight in the opportunity to observe and interact with working artists from over 40 studios.

Barbara Donahue "You've Got Mail," oil on canvas, 14"x11"

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This year, the tour welcomes three returning artists: painter Barbara Donahue; mixed media painter Cheryl Waale; and glass artist Terry Israelson.

Barbara Donahue Barbara Donahue hopes her paintings transport the viewer to the place that inspired each image. Through her skill depicting natural light and her application of color, she effortlessly achieves this. However, it boasts of more than her skill. Emotions that run through Donahue while she creates consequently materialize within her paintings, becoming an essential element in her work. “When I observe something interesting, I feel a connection and a lifting of my spirits with a warmth and joy along with a desire to share the feeling with others,” explains Donahue. “It is important to me to have others enjoy and feel the same things that I feel when creating.”

Barbara Donahue "Taos Winter," oil on canvas, 30"x40"

Connecting through creativity has been important to her since she began drawing and painting as a child. Growing up on a farm in Ohio, nature became her close companion and her main source of inspiration. It would have been easy for Donahue to focus on more pressing tasks, like cooking for the field hands. Yet, she still made sure to create, and through her art she brought joy to those who worked tirelessly around her. Barbara Donahue "Summer Blooms in Taos," oil on canvas, 14"x11"

As a senior in high school, her family moved for her mother’s health. And so, she left her beloved farm for the Arizona desert, but this would bring new inspiration to Donahue. “I loved the Southwest as soon as I saw the beautiful skies and mountains. My first sunset really sold me,” says Donahue. “The scenery seemed to satisfy a need in me to express my feelings in a painting.” As she grew as an artist, she experimented with other mediums. However, painting was her first love and she always returned to it. During the Open Studios Tour, as guests experience Donahue’s paintings, they will sense that love and all the other emotions that flow from it.

Barbara Donahue "Old Payson Barn," oil on canvas, 16"x20" Apri l 2017

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Cheryl Waale From a young age, Cheryl Waale had a desire to create. Whether sketching wildlife outside or painting horse murals on her bedroom wall, she found a need to make any blank surface reflect the energy that painting gave her. As an adult, the opportunity to commit to her passion full-time didn’t often present itself. However, no matter the day job, there was no taming her creative side as it always emerged in some form of her work. Then in 2006, after encouragement from her women’s group, she finally committed to full-time painting.

Cheryl Waale "Material Girl," mixed media on canvas, 30"x24"

“When I started painting again after years away from it, they said, ‘When you talk about it, your energy increases. This is what you should be doing!’ It felt like I was finally given permission,” says Waale. “It also helped to have a very supportive husband. I have to add, there are plenty of times when I get discouraged. But one thing I’ve learned, the only way through those times is to keep at it. You can’t think your way through them. It takes brush mileage.” While her brush has traveled many miles, it shows no sign of slowing down. For Waale, the energy necessary to continue through the challenges of her acrylic and mixed-media work has come from being constantly inspired. “My favorite things to paint have been trees, barnyard animals and certain birds,” says Waale. “And, lately it’s been the female form in abstraction. I love abstract works. They are so personal, and they’re more difficult to do well. This has been my latest challenge. Learning how to sell an idea with less information takes a lot of skill.” Less information, though, doesn’t mean guests of the Open Studios Tour will experience simple paintings. Rather, they will discover complex images made by beautiful layers of color, texture and material, reflecting Waale’s artistic energy. Cheryl Waale "Tapestry," mixed media on canvas, 40"x30"

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Shop, Dine & Relax! NE CORNER, PINNACLE PEAK & PIMA From casual brick oven pizzas, fresh salads, great happy hour offerings, Asian cuisine to ﬁne dining, La Mirada has great options for every taste! Stroll through La Mirada and enjoy a chic collection of boutiques and galleries as well as ﬁtness, salon, nail and spa options, dentistry and vet services, tutoring, professional travel services and so much more!

Home & Personal Fashion

Adornments Baudine’s Mad About Shoes Cuddles by goochie goo garbs del Adora Fine Linens Desertique Boutique The Dress Essenza Boutique High Desert Rugs & Furnishings Sunny & Chair Zuva Gallery

Dining

Al Hamra Bodega 13 Jade Palace LAMP CAFÉ Lamp Wood Oven Pizza Mastro’s Steakhouse Pane e Vino Starbucks Coffee Co.

Education

Kumon Math & Reading Premier Martial Arts

Health, Wellness & Beauty

Pinnacle Fitness Pinnacle Peak Dental Care Premier Pilates & Fitness Roma Barber Shop Skin Enrichment Trucco & Cappelli Salon Suites The Hills Salon & Spa Walgreens

Services

Bank of America Cameo Cleaners Data Doctors Farmer’s Insurance Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch Kolton Consulting Pima North Animal Hospital Russ Lyon Sotheby’s The UPS Store

Specialty Retail

Clickchick Photography Hyde Park Interiors Parson Interior Design ProTravel International

La Mirada

8852 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255 | LaMiradaCenter.com Apri l 2017

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Terry Israelson Terry Israelson spent most of his adult life creating wood furniture and cabinetry. With a successful business and the ability to experiment within his craft, Israelson was in a comfortable place as an artist. However, feeling that he had done all he wanted with wood, he was ready to travel a less comfortable road. It was time for a new creative endeavor. After asking the powers that be for direction regarding a new medium, he thankfully only had to wait two days for a response. When Israelson read a Facebook ad that said, “glass artist seeking studio assistant,” he felt it was the natural next step, as many of his woodworking

Terry Israelson “Navua,” mixed media glass, 9"x18"x4"

Terry Israelson “Lune,” glass art, 14"x3"

Terry Israelson "Corn Bowl,” glass art, 9"x2.5"

Experience

Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition’s Open Studios Tour April 28-30 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free 928-239-9967 sedonaartistscoalition.org See website for a map of studio locations and list of participating artists.

Terry Israelson “Tekta,” glass art, 18"x3"

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skills applied to glass working. But he also found an excitement with glass that didn’t exist with wood. “Glass is a very seductive medium for me,” says Israelson. “What excites me the most about glass is using light and color. Glass can be either front-lit or back-lit, and one’s design must account for this. I am currently working on wall pieces and light sconces to encapsulate both considerations. I find the sconces the most fun because they have to work both ways: when they are off during the day, and on at night.” The opportunity to admire these gorgeous sconces and other works by Israelson will occur during the Open Studios Tour. In addition, the event will become a family affair as his daughter will join him as a participating artist. Getting to know Israelson and his daughter exemplify one of the main benefits of attending this event. Israelson says, “The SVAC Open Studios event is a rare and fantastic opportunity to see a plethora of art in Sedona, and more importantly, to meet the artists who create it. For me, hearing their story, seeing their work environments and learning of their artistic inclinations and inspirations always add depth to the work. A day or two in Sedona ain’t half bad either.” And what better motivation than the SVAC Open Studios Tour to make a little trip to Sedona. sedonaartistscoalition.org barbaradonahue.com cherylwaale.com terryisraelson.com

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COMMUNITY arts // announcements // culture Writer Grace Hill

APRIL 1 CWPP BOOTS ’N’ HOOTS FUNDRAISER The Creative Women of Pinnacle Peak (CWPP) will host a Westernthemed evening to benefit local charities that help women and children in need. Gourmet dinner, music by the Herndon Brothers Band and J. David Sloan, silent and live auctions and much more.

APRIL 1

$195. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Grayhawk Golf Club, 8620 E. Thompson

PHOTOGRAPHER PAUL GILL MEET AND GREET

Peak Pkwy., 480-502-1773, creativewomenofpinnaclepeak.com.

Meet photographer Paul

APRIL 1

Gill, whose work is currently

KIWANIS CLUB OF CAREFREE PRESENTS BRILLIANT FUTURES INITIATIVE

2017 ART FROM THE HEART AUCTION

April Wildflower Photo Essay,

The 2017 Art from the Heart

Gallery in Superior for a

Join Kiwanis Club of Carefree at

Auction will benefit Free Arts for

one-man wildflower gallery

Brilliant Futures Initiative, an open

Abused Children of Arizona, a

show. Gill is co-author of

space meeting to discuss what is

non-profit organization healing

the book, Photographing

necessary for community youth to

homeless and abused children

Arizona’s Wildflowers: A Guide

have a bright future. Refreshments

through artistic expression.

to When Where, and How.

and box lunch provided. Limited

Includes cocktail reception,

Free with arboretum entrance

space. RSVP to kiwanisosm@gmail.

appetizers, live music and hosted

fees. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Boyce

com. 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Holland

bar. $100. 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thompson Arboretum Gallery,

Community Center, 34250 N.

Saks Fifth Avenue, 2502 E.

37615 U.S. Hwy 60, 520-

60th St., Bldg. B, 480-488-8400,

Camelback Rd., 602-258-8100,

689-2811, paulgillphoto.com;

kiwaniscarefree.org.

freeartsaz.org.

wildinarizona.com.

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featured in Images Arizona’s at Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Photo courtesy Paul Gill.

APRIL 2 ENGLISH ROSE “BEAUTY & THE BEAST” COSTUME TEA PARTY English Rose Tea Room celebrates the new “Beauty & the Beast” movie. Dress in character and celebrate! Special guest appearances, photo opportunities, crafts and sing-alongs. Tea, cakes, tea sandwiches and treats served. Reservations recommended. $30. 3-5 p.m. 201 Easy St., 480-488-

AUCTION APRIL 6TH & 7TH | SCOTTSDALE OVER 470 LOTS BEING OFFERED

4812, carefreetea.com.

APRIL 2 NVSO MUSIC DIRECTOR TO GUEST CONDUCT SEDONA ORCHESTRA Kevin Kozacek, music director for North Valley Symphony Orchestra, will guest conduct for the Verde Valley Sinfonietta’s Emerging Artist concert, featuring award-winning 15-year-old violinist, David Kwak. $60. 2:30 p.m. Sedona Performing Arts Center, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Rd., 928-282-3066, vvsinfonietta.org.

APRIL 2 DESERT HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CELEBRATES 50 YEARS Desert Hills Presbyterian Church will celebrate their 50th Anniversary with prayer, fellowship and music. 3 p.m. 34605 N. Tom Darlington Dr., 480-488-3384, deserthills.org.

FRITZ SCHOLDER | CHIEF #1 Acrylic on canvas | 60 by 48 inches | Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000

VIEW ONLINE CATALOG AT WWW.ALTERMANN.COM OR CALL ALTERMANN GALLERIES FOR INQUIRIES (855) 945-0448 Auction taking place at Venue 8600 8600 East Anderson Drive, North Scottsdale

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APRIL 2, 23

APRIL 12

SCOTTSDALE’S MUSEUM OF THE WEST HIGHLIGHTS YELLOWSTONE

ARCHAEOLOGICAL FAKES AND FRAUDS

April 2, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West presents “America’s Yellowstone,” a film featuring the oldest and largest national park. April 23, the film “Grizzly” will follow the journeys of two Yellowstone grizzly bears. Free with museum admission. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 3830 N. Marshall Way, 480-686-9539,

Arizona Archaeology Society’s Desert Foothills Chapter welcomes PhD. Matt Peeples, assistant professor and archaeologist in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University. Peeples will present “Archaeological Fakes and Frauds in Arizona and Beyond,” which looks at the claims of ancient extraterrestrials,

scottsdalemuseumwest.org.

lost civilizations, giants, and

APRIL 6

specifically claims originating in

SIPS AND SOUNDS PRESENTS MARMALADE SKIES The Shops Gainey Village brings back the Sips and Sounds concert series just in time for beautiful spring weather. Live

widespread scientific conspiracy, Arizona. The public is welcome at all meetings. Free. 7:30-9 p.m. Refreshments begin at 7 p.m., The Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, 6502 E. Cave Creek Rd., azarchsoc. wildapricot.org/desertfoothills.

Beatles covers from Marmalade Skies. Free. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 8777-8989 N. Scottsdale Rd., theshopsgaineyvillage.com.

APRIL 6 LADIES’ BUNCO NIGHT Soroptimist International of Saguaro Foothills hosts fun bunco games, refreshments and prizes. Proceeds will support scholarships for women returning to school, holiday gifting for families in need, and backpacks filled with supplies for local students. Tickets available from club members or at the door. $20. 6-8:30 p.m. Coolwater Christian Church, 28181 N. 56th St., 480-8614188, sisaguarofoothills.org.

Events

Photo courtesy Arizona Archaeology Society.

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APRIL 6-7 ALTERMANN GALLERIES 2017 APRIL AUCTION Altermann Galleries & Auctioneers Scottsdale will auction 470 lots of unique art at Venue 8600. Interested buyers can preview auction pieces on Altermann’s website. Venue 8600, 8600 E. Anderson Dr., 855-945-0448, altermann.com.

APRIL 7-8 PROMUSICA ARIZONA HENRY HICKLEBEE CONCERT ProMusica Arizona presents “The Unpredictable Adventures of Henry Hicklebee,” an exciting and interactive concert allowing the audience to choose plot development and music via cell phones. Held April 7 at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale at 7:30 p.m.; April 8, held at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Anthem at 7:30 p.m. pmaz.org.

APRIL 8 CAREFREE DESERT GARDENS WELCOMES SCOTT MCMAHON Scott McMahon, manager of the Desert Botanical Gardens’ cactus collection, will present at the final 2017 season program. Seating is limited. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, camera and walking shoes. $5 or more donation. 9:30 a.m. to noon. Corrado's Cucina Italiana, 100 Easy St., 480-488-3686.

APRIL 8 ART IN THE GARDEN Co-sponsored by Cave Creek Unified School District’s Education & Community Services department and Kiwanis Club of Carefree, Art in the Garden features arts and crafts, performances, storytelling, and much more for all ages. Carefree Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast costs $5 for children and $8 for adults. Free admission. 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Carefree Desert Gardens and Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St., 480-575-2440, ecsforall.org. Apri l 2017

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APRIL 13 UNITED METHODIST LENTEN SERVICES Local United Methodist Churches (UMC) invite the community to participate in April Lenten Services. The schedule is as follows: April 13: Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. at Cross in the Desert UMC; April 14: Good Friday - Stations of the Cross service at noon at Desert Mission UMC; April 14: Good Friday Cantata Service at 7 p.m. at North Scottsdale UMC; and April 16: sunrise service at 7 a.m. and traditional/ contemporary services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. at Desert Mission UMC. For more information, call 480-595-1814 or visit desertmissionumc.org; crossinthedesert.org; nsumc.com.

Fine Art

APRIL 13- MAY 3 MARSHALL GALLERY’S FRANK BALAAM EXHIBITION The Marshall Gallery of Fine Art hosts new paintings by British artist Frank Balaam from his “Edge of the Forest” exhibition. As a classically trained fine artist, Balaam masterfully depicts his beloved English woodlands in this exhibition. On April 13, from 7-9 p.m., Balaam will talk about his art and tell stories about his global adventures. The Marshall Gallery of Fine Art, 7106 East Main Street, 480-970-3111, themarshallgallery.com.

I M AG E S A R I Z O N A . C OM AprFrank il 2 017 Balaam “Edge of the Forest.”

APRIL 15 SONORAN ARTS LEAGUE ART PARTY The Sonoran Arts League, in partnership with The Boulders, will hold their monthly art party featuring culinary, visual and performing arts. Free. 1-4 p.m. The Gallery at el Pedregal, 34505 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480575-6624, sonoranartsleague.org.

APRIL 16 HYATT REGENCYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EASTER BUFFET & CELEBRATION Hyatt Regency will host an Easter brunch buffet, including live music, a larger-thanlife Easter egg, Mr. and Mrs. Cottontail petting zoo. Gondola boat rides available from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for $10. Buffet costs: Adults $90; with champagne $100; children 6-12 $42.50; children 5 and under free. All prices exclude tax and gratuity. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch, 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., 480-444-1234, scottsdale.regency.hyatt.com.

APRIL 20 DESERT FOOTHILLS LIBRARY PRESCHOOL SENSORY PLAYDATE Desert Foothills Library presents Fuzzy Rainbows Sensory Playdate for preschoolers ages 3 to 6. An occupational therapist will lead various sensory experiences for children with sensory needs. The event also includes parent education and social interaction. Registration required. Free. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., 480-488-2286, desertfoothillslibrary.org.

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APRIL 21 PINNACLE CONCERT SERIES: ORGANIST JONATHAN RYAN April 21, multi-prizewinning organist Jonathan Ryan performs J.S. Bach's Clavierubung III to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Co-sponsored by the Central Arizona Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Premium seating $35; general admission $20; students free. 7:30 p.m. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Rd., 480-303-2474, pinnacleconcerts.com. Photo courtesy Pinnacle Concert Series.

APRIL 21-23 MAGIC BIRD FESTIVALS ARTISAN MARKET Artisan Market features 70 artists and exhibitors showcasing photography, pottery, metal art, home dĂŠcor, wearable art, boutique designs and more. Live entertainment, delicious food and adult beverages at nearby restaurants. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd., 480-488-2014, carefreeazfestivals.com.

APRIL 22 CAR CORRAL AND SWAP MEET Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church, Hagerty Insurance and Core Fitness host Car Corral and Swap Meet. Sell or buy a vehicle with no sales tax and get an up-close vehicle inspection. Proceeds go to the OLOJ preschool and other charities. Free. To sell: $45 per single show space; RV, boats and larger vehicles, additional $15. 8:30 a.m. to noon. Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church, 36811 N. Pima Rd., 480-4882229, carcorralscottsdale.com.

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APRIL 22, 29 NAZI STOLEN ART: PORTRAIT OF WALLY Mary F. Cook, award-winning author and international lecturer on stolen art, shares an intriguing story about Egon Schiele’s “Portrait of Wally” painting. Owned by a Jewish art dealer named

LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED

HIGH-END, LOW-VOLTAGE, OUTDOOR LIGHTING EXPERTS

Lea Bondi, the painting was stolen from her by Nazi soldiers. Hear what happens next! Registration required. Proceeds benefit the library. $5. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., 480-4882286, desertfoothillslibrary.org.

APRIL 23 PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN ART INSTALLATION RECEPTION The public is invited to “Along

THINKING ABOUT OUTDOOR LIGHTING?

DON’T SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS

THAN THE BEST www.lettherebelightllc.com (480) 575-3204 | info@lettherebelightllc.com

the Path,” a Lenten spiritual art project developed by Pinnacle Presbyterian Spiritual Art Committee and inspired by the work of fiber artist Katharina Krenkel. This artistic altar cloth will be displayed in the sanctuary. 3-5 p.m. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Rd., 480-585-9448, pinnaclepres.org.

APRIL 23 CTL JAZZ CONCERT Christ the Lord Lutheran Church’s Living Music Performance Series presents the Scottsdale Community College Faculty Jazz Ensemble featuring jazz star, singer Dennis Roland, who has shared the stage with Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Joe Williams and Tony Bennett. Discounts available for multiple tickets purchased in advance. $25. 4 p.m. Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, 9205 E. Cave Creek Rd., 480-488-2081, ctlcarefree.org. Apri l 2017

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APRIL 23 CENTER DANCE ENSEMBLE PRESENTS AMERICAN VOICES Center Dance Ensemble presents American Voices. Includes performances by Dance Theater West's Storybook Dance Theater and readings by high school poets from the Poetry Out Loud regional competition. Adults $16; seniors $13; students $10. 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Herberger Theater Center Kax Theater, 222 E. Monroe St., 602-527-5180, centerdance.com.

APRIL 27-30 SANCTUARY DEBUTS CULINARY FESTIVAL Nirvana, a star-packed culinary festival, brings delicious food and drinks to Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. Tastings, special meals and a celebrity golf tournament. Chefs include Todd English, Robert Irvine, Scott Conant and Sanctuary’s Beau MacMillan. A portion of proceeds will benefit HopeKids, an organization supporting children with serious medical conditions. nirvanafoodandwine.com.

APRIL 28 WE ARE UNITED 2017 FEATURING GEENA DAVIS

Experience APRIL 29

Davis will speak at We Are

BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND’S SPRING BUTTERFLY HIKE

United, a fundraiser luncheon

Enjoy an easy hike to Sears

presented by the Women’s

Kay Ruins and Rackensack

Leadership Council of the

Canyon. Hikers will get an

Valley of the Sun United Way.

up-close viewing of Arizona’s

Honorary chairwoman of event

beautiful spring butterflies.

will be Arizona’s First Lady

Bring a sack lunch, camera,

Angela Ducey. Proceeds benefit

hat, water, sunscreen and

Breakfast in the Classroom.

comfortable hiking shoes. $10

$125. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

per person. 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Phoenician Resort, 6000 E.

Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E.

Camelback Rd., 602-240-6335,

Via de Ventura, 480-800-3000,

vsuw.org/wlclunch.

butterflywonderland.com.

Academy Award-winner Geena

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APRIL 29 DESERT FOOTHILLS FAMILY YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY Healthy Kids Day includes healthy eating activities, arts and crafts, face painting, a bounce house, food vendors and more. The event also showcases summer camps and offers a one-day-only membership special. Free. 9 a.m. to noon. Desert Foothills Family YMCA, 34250 N. 60th St., 602-212-6293, valleyymca. org/desert-foothills.

APRIL 29 SONORAN STARS 2017 Take an Old West adventure under the stars. Includes cocktail reception, mystery bag raffle and release of a rehabilitated wild owl. Enjoy a catered dinner, entertainment and a live auction. Proceeds benefit the Desert Foothills Land Trust. $250 per person. 5 p.m. The Opera House at Carefree Resort and Conference Center, 37220 N. Mule Train Rd. 480 488-6131, dflt.org.

APRIL 30 HERBERGER THEATER’S ANNUAL PLATED & STAGED Herberger Theater Experience presents the second annual Plated & Staged fundraiser. A cocktail reception and silent auction will precede a threecourse meal at a fine dining restaurant. Event proceeds benefit the Herberger Theater’s youth outreach programs. Table of 8 $1,800; single ticket $225; cocktail reception/ silent auction only $50. 5 p.m. Herberger Theater, 222 E. Monroe St., 602-254-7399, herbergertheater.org.

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MAY 3 JEWISH FEDERATION B&P HOSTS CORNER OFFICE Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix Business & Professionals Groups invites business professionals and students to “Corner Office: Lessons Learned from Jewish Business Leaders.” Panelists include Rory Carder, president of DAVIS; Mitch Ginsberg, CEO of CommLoan; and Josh Simon, president of Simon CRE. Adam Goodman, president & CEO of Goodmans Interior Structures, will moderate. Cocktail reception and hors d’oeuvres are included. Registration required. Professionals $36; students $18. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Phoenix Plaza, 2929 N. Central Ave., 480-481-1754, jewishphoenix.org.

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Donating DESERT FOOTHILLS LIBRARY LAUNCHES CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Desert Foothills Library, a non-profit community-funded library, is launching “Investing in Our Community” to raise $1,150,000 to fund a redesign and expansion of the library. All Maricopa County residents, visitors and lovers of libraries are encouraged to participate by giving a tax-deductible contribution. Desert Foothills Library, located at 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd. in Cave Creek, serves the community seven days a week through culturally enriching programs, educational events and quality services. 480-488-2286. dfla.org.

SATURDAY APRIL 29 9a-12p

The Best Summer Ever Starts at

HEALTHY KIDS DAY!

Photographer Bryan Black

DESERT FOOTHILLS YMCA 60th St & Carefree Hwy 480-596-9622 valleyYMCA.org

Come and Experience Summer at DFFY FREE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: * Face Painting & Bounce House * Sand Sculpting with Ray Villafane! * Summer Camp Field Trip Experiences * Outdoor Rockwall * and MORE!

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SOROPTIMIST AWARD RECIPIENTS Soroptimist International has awarded the Live Your Dream Scholarship, given to headof-household women needing financial assistance to achieve educational and career goals, to Livia McEachern; first runner up, Lydia Negron; second runner up, Joy McDaniel. Violet Richardson Awards, recognizing young women bettering the community through volunteer work, were awarded to Hannah Martin and Mikaela Morris. Ruby Awards, honoring women who improve the lives of women and girls through their profession and/or volunteer work, were awarded to Gail Coronato, AZ Helping Hands; Robin Ray, Art Ambassador; and Katie Smetana, YMCA Programs. soroptimist.org.

Introducing THE MISSION OPENS AT KIERLAND COMMONS

The Mission Restaurant is now open at Kierland Commons. The menu features starters like Almejas Al Vapor Peruvian

Clam Stew; entrees like Chorizo Porchetta and Green Chile Duck Confit; and desserts like Espresso Churros and Pumpkin Bread Pudding. The Missionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wine, cocktail and tequila menu includes over 55 premium tequilas and a selection of hand-pressed cocktails. Lunch and dinner served daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; weekend brunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The Mission Kierland, 7122 E. Greenway Pkwy. #140, 480292-7800, themissionaz.com.

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Writer Beth Duckett Photography courtesy Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, now in its twenty-first season, has broken ground time and again with a pioneering repertoire of contemporary-classic performances, emerging choreographers and talented dancers. This self-labeled â&#x20AC;&#x153;jewel of a dance companyâ&#x20AC;? performs for two evenings in April at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts before heading east again on a national tour. Both nightly performances offer an eclectic arrangement of commissioned and non-commissioned work, comprised of three ballets by different choreographers.

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Executive director Jean-Philippe Malaty describes the company’s overall mission. “We really believe in the essence of dance and moving people emotionally,” he says. “The physical beauty and the sheer athleticism of the dancers should be enough to move you as an audience member.” The poignant, abstract presentations of the ballet’s 11 classically trained dancers are best witnessed on the stage. Even Malaty, a dancer-turned-administrator who is verbose in his knowledge and enthusiasm for the craft, encourages dance enthusiasts to look beyond written and verbal descriptions and experience the show live, in person. “We believe in the visceral power of dance,” he elaborates. “It’s something you should see for yourself. There’s nothing much to understanding it. You come and are moved because of the beauty of the human spirit.” “Huma Rojo,” or “red smoke,” premiered in February 2016 and is the company’s newest ballet. Choreographed by Barcelona-born Cayetano Soto, the high-energy performance features Latin-inspired and diverse music by greats such as Ray Barretto, Nat “King” Cole, and Abbe Lane. The second ballet-commissioned work, “Silent Ghost,” is an emotionally charged performance with tinges of romanticism and kindness, underscored by the palpable connection between dancers. Malaty describes it as “an abstract work; there is no storytelling. You can really see the emotions of love and loss.” Jorma Elo’s “1st Flash” is an acquired work created more than 10 years ago for a company in Holland. Featuring music by the late Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, viewers seeking a true ballet experience might appreciate this work above all.

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Experience Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale April 13, 7:30 p.m. April 15, 8 p.m. $35 - $69 480-499-8587

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“It will probably satisfy their hunger because it has beautiful classical music,” Malaty explains. Two decades ago, Malaty joined with founder Bebe Schweppe and artistic director Tom Mossbrucker to form the dance company in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. From modest beginnings, the trio forged new ground with an “open, exploratory” style and approach to the medium that involved commissioning new works and hiring promising new choreographers, many of whom have since flourished in their careers. “We wanted to create a different style ballet company, a different model,” Malaty explains. “To this day, 20 years later, it is still our reason for doing things differently.” In 2000, the Aspen-based ballet merged with Santa Fe to offer a year-round season in both cities. In addition, the company now tours nationally and internationally, with a sizable annual budget and endowment to help maintain its distinctive vision. Malaty, originally from France, says the company’s mission is not to promote social justice or take itself too seriously, as some contemporary dance companies are prone to do (and many do well, he acknowledges). “That’s not our mission. That’s not our aesthetic. It’s not our artistic voice,” he says. “We believe in the entertainment value of dance. We don’t apologize by giving an entertaining evening.” With such an eclectic array of offerings, audience members in Scottsdale are sure to be entertained above all. 970-925-7175 aspensantafeballet.com

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Writer Greg Granillo

The 75-yard #7 “Jutty” at The Short Course at Mountain Shadows offers the course’s best views of Mummy Mountain.

As one of the PGA Tour’s most exciting events descends on the Valley, bringing hundreds of thousands of spectators and general revelers to the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, it’s hard to imagine that the game of golf is waning in popularity. The truth is, while attendance has been breaking records at the Waste Management Phoenix Open year after year, the total number of golf rounds played nationwide is down. This decline has experts scrambling to come up with anything to get people to play more golf, from shortening the course to just 12 holes to offering foot golf, which is played with a soccer ball and oversized holes. But for a lot of traditional golfers, a round of golf isn’t a round unless you play 18 holes. The problem is, most people just don’t have the time for a five- or six-hour round anymore.

it’s too expensive and it’s too difficult,” says renowned golf course architect Forrest Richardson. Richardson’s latest project, The Short Course at Mountain Shadows, aims to address all of the above. The course is scheduled to open in early March in conjunction with the highly anticipated Mountain Shadows resort. Redefining the Short Course The Short Course at Mountain Shadows is among a handful of high-end, 18-hole par-3 golf courses that have begun popping up across the country, along with Li’l Wick at Wickenburg Ranch, just north of the Valley.

A new twosome of high-end, par-3 courses hopes to shake up the Valley golf scene.

For Richardson, who has designed several resort courses throughout the Valley, including Phantom Horse Golf Club at Arizona Grand, Lookout Mountain, Wigwam and The Phoenician, the latest endeavor was more than simply revitalizing an existing executive course. He wanted to set a new standard for the par-3 golf experience.

“The knock on golf has always been that it takes too long,

“Most short courses are not at the level of traditional 18-

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hole courses,” he says. “The greens are usually not high quality, and often the holes have to be dumbed down. This course is going to be in top condition — intimidating, but not too difficult. Every green is different; every hole is different.” Situated on the north side of Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, and formerly known as Mountain Shadows Golf Club, the course was originally designed in 1961 by well-known golf architect Arthur Jack Snyder, under whom Richardson studied. In addition to the exceptional greens and distinct holes playing from 60 to 200 yards, each offers striking views of Camelback and Mummy Mountains, along with the scenic desert surroundings. “Our goal was to find the same beauty, harmony, function and innovation as Jack Snyder created more than 50 years ago,” says Richardson. “But we have done so in a way that fits the new Mountain Shadows resort. It’s been fun to watch the excitement build.” Part of the new Mountain Shadows includes a new respect for the land. The original course measured 33 acres, while the new iteration occupies just under 14 acres and uses 70 percent less water. “The trend of the past 35 years was to create wider, longer, bigger golf courses that were 7,000 yards, but that goes against land conservation and responsible water use in the desert,” says Richardson. “Today, we’re using less water and land, which is the right thing to do.” Tom McCahan, director of golf and club operations at Mountain Shadows, is no stranger to the bigger, longer courses. He spent 25 years at the 36-hole Boulders Resort in Carefree before deciding it was time for a change. McCahan was intrigued by working closely with Westroc, the developers of Apri l 2017

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Mountain Shadows and the management company for Hotel Valley Ho and Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort. But that wasn’t all. “There are no high-end short courses in the middle of the city with Camelback and Mummy Mountain right there,” says McCahan. “It’s the closest golf course to the most interesting side of Camelback, right underneath the Praying Monk. It’s also just 15 minutes from Sky Harbor and in the heart of Scottsdale’s restaurants and nightlife. The location is second to none.”

#1, The Short Course at Mountain Shadows

#7, The Short Course at Mountain Shadows

Another appealing factor for McCahan was the ability for golfers of all skill levels to complete 18 holes in just a few hours. The abbreviated playing time gives Arizona golfers a respite in the summer heat and allows guests to get a round in before a day of resort relaxation or desert exploration. “When guests can play a two-and-a-half-hour round of golf instead of spending five hours, they can fit in a spring training game, a hike, enjoy Old Town Scottsdale and whatever else they want to do,” says McCahan. Measuring 2,310 yards from the back tees, the par-54 course is available for daily play for both locals and resort guests. A Li’l Fun for Everyone Mountain Shadows isn’t the only Arizona player getting involved in the short game. The popular Wickenburg Ranch Golf Course, located an hour and 15 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix, recently opened Li’l Wick.

The 9-hole Li’l Wick at Wickenburg Ranch features four lighted holes for play well into the evening.

Dubbed "a short-game park," the innovative and engaging nine-hole, par-3 course features the same stellar bentgrass greens and exceptional playing conditions that have propelled Wickenburg Ranch’s Big Wick course to success. The course winds through a picturesque canyon along the eastern flank of the Wickenburg Ranch development, giving it tons of natural beauty and character. Daily-fee guests can play Li’l Wick for just $25 per player. Or, they may include a visit to Li’l Wick before or after their rounds on Big Wick (27 holes of golf for $115). To play, it's first come, first served, with no tee times. Four of the nine holes are lit, allowing the fun to last well into the evening. Both Li’l Wick and The Short Course at Mountain Shadows boast a fun, relaxed atmosphere for families and those learning the game. It can be as friendly or as challenging as guests choose to make it. “This is a fun place where our members and guests can

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truly enjoy hanging out,” says Justin Henderson, head golf professional at Wickenburg Ranch Golf and Social Club. “We want to give them plenty of reasons to smile, laugh and build lasting friendships. We have everything from families and neighbors enjoying competitions to guys grinding over putts to settle bets.”

the art of organization

Richardson’s design philosophy has always been grounded in his belief that golf should be fun, and that the holes should be unique and interesting. “At the Short Course, every time you get up to the tee you have the chance to get a hole in one, which makes for a fun outing," he says. “But you don’t want it to be a dead giveaway. That’s part of the fun — hitting over water, dealing with two-level greens, a hole that runs along a stream. It’s not your average par-3 course.” Richardson has a message for serious golfers and traditionalists who love to hit their drivers off the tee: "Don’t underestimate the challenge of these short courses." “In reality, on a regulation course you are only hitting your driver 12 to 13 times per round,” he says. “The rest of your shots are iron or short game shots — it’s about shot making. That’s the value of playing these types of courses.”

Home Ofﬁces

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Plus, when the game is played in venues like this, it evens the playing field for couples, children and grandchildren. “The shorter the hole, the more the game is equalized,” says Richardson. “Around the greens, an 8- or 9-year-old kid can have the same advantage as a scratch player. It’s a lot more fun for golfers of all skill levels.” mountainshadows.com wickenburgranch.com

480-998-2070 www.closetfactory.com

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Writer Grace Hill Artist Robert Ransom

When asked to describe his large-format oil paintings, Robert Ransom doesn’t speak in great length about them. What might first appear as modesty reflects something beyond that: a belief that his paintings communicate their message in a language all their own. “It’s hard take a visual statement like a painting and transfer that,” says Ransom. “The paintings kind of speak for themselves.” And they do. With their bold lines, vivid colors and geometric figures, they don’t sit quietly in the corner waiting to be seen. They jump forth from the wall — begging the viewer to experience them, to hear their story. And to hear the story of the one who created them.

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"Mojave," acrylic on canvas, 50"x40"

Beginnings It was during Ransom’s grade school years when he first was introduced to art. Growing up on the west side of Los Angeles, he enjoyed the extensive art community that surrounded him. Often he gravitated toward the works of American realist painter Edward Hopper and the many WPA (Works Progress Administration) paintings in L.A. Ultimately these paintings would influence Ransom’s own style. However, his current style did not completely develop until he attended graduate school at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, where the mountains and the town’s cowboy culture surrounded him. “I went to graduate school, and that’s where I got the influence of the Western part of the arts,” says Ransom. “I

Left: "Zuma," oil on canvas, 72"x60" Above: "Asked to Leave Town," oil on canvas, 48"x60"

"Chili Bowl," oil on canvas, 48"x60"

have two things going on: the beach and the west side of LA where I was brought up, and then Flagstaff.”

for his artwork but also a salary, he finally had the ability to live out his passion full time.

And so, Ransom’s Americana pop art was born.

Now Ransom creates in his own home studio in Sacramento, spending roughly six to eight hours a day there.

Full-time Artist Ransom’s success as an artist came by way of encouragement from an unlikely place. While working as a volunteer art teacher for a senior citizens’ painting class, one of the students suggested that he should enter his paintings at the state fair. Thankfully he listened to that advice. “My paintings won first place, second place and best of show,” Ransom recalls. “The judge from the state fair came over to my house that evening and bought three of my paintings. From there, that took me to a different level of marketing my work.” He still needed to earn a living though, and did so installing wallpaper. But when a gallery not only offered him commission

Spontaneous Art For each piece, Ransom follows a similar creative process. “I think of an idea first, then I sketch it out in black and white on canvas, and then kind of adjust it at that time to get the ratios, like the arms and heads,” he explains. “Then I start adding the colors into those zones, and then keep adding colors and changing things until it’s finished.” He also uses the Flemish Technique from the 1500s. By following this technique, he creates a sort of glow by applying the varnish in layers.

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While the way he paints is more deliberate, his inspiration comes from a different place — a place all his own. “Just all spontaneous,” says Ransom of his work. “Subconsciousness. There’s no planning that kind of thing. It’s just what I think of at the time.” Appreciation But again, Ransom won’t explain what he was thinking. He will instead point in the direction of his painting. Standing before his work, feelings of familiarity and of memories of days gone by will arise in the viewer. A sense of mystery also creeps up, and a desire to know the secrets that hide in the faces of the men and women who lounge by the poolside or grill hotdogs on a hot summer’s day. Don’t be too quick to interpret it though. Wait and let the paintings speak for themselves.

"Barbeque," oil on canvas, 60"x48"

But who will speak of the artist? Understanding Ransom certainly creates a better understanding of his work. Mark Pascale, curator at the Art Institute of Chicago, describes him with precision. “Ransom’s appreciation and interpretation of the west is the main theme of his work,” Pascale says. “I consider Ransom to be the Andy Warhol of the American pastime.” For anyone who knows anything about art, that comparison says a lot. To view Ransom’s paintings in person, visit Wild Holly Gallery located at 22 Easy Street in Carefree, Arizona. robertransom.com wildhollygallery.com

"No Tell Motel," oil on canvas, 40"x50"

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When you keep hitting the wrong note... Strike a chord with us! Whether you need to let go of a single item you no longer need or something more, such as an estate, J. Levine is the easiest and most effective solution for consignment.

10345 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85253 Jlevines.com 480 223 1307

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Writer Grace Hill Photographers Paul Gill and Lori A. Johnson

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As Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winter comes to an end, our flowers get to work saying hello to the world, reminding us all to take a moment to appreciate the new life that bursts forth and that will soon follow everywhere else. What a bursting of color occurs this season!

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With the abundance of rain the grounds soaked up during the winter months, Arizona now boasts a glorious display of wildflowers, showcasing colors like pink, purple, yellow and blue, and all the different shades one could imagine. These flowers pour out intense hues â&#x20AC;&#x201D; brilliant hues frequently seen above us in our sunset skies, but that can now be experienced at our feet.

Photo by Paul Gill

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Photo by Paul Gill

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Photos by Paul Gill

However, with their days numbered - our summer sun will soon diminish their vibrancy - these wildflowers wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stick around to be admired! Now is the time to head outdoors for a vivid reminder that Arizona is more than just a monochromatic desert landscape.

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Paul Gill Hometown: Phoenix Current: Phoenix Photography experience: “I started shooting, processing and printing 35 mm black-and-white film at Scottsdale High School at age 16. I moved to medium format at Arizona State University, where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. After 17 years working and photographing in the graphic design business, I started shooting nature with a large format wood field camera and, finally, with digital cameras a decade ago in 2007. You can see my work in Arizona Highways magazine, National Geographic calendars and in the Smithsonian’s permanent collection of nature photography.” Favorite AZ wildflower location? “Bartlett Lake is my favorite local wildflower location that has a great showing in March. It is one of the only places in Arizona to view albino Mexican Gold Poppies.” Advice on capturing a great flower photograph: “If the carpets of color don’t show up, get close. Macro photography is a more intimate view of the beauty beneath our feet.” What drove you to wildflower photography? “Color! The desert Southwest is mistakenly thought of as a dull, colorless place. Every spring at this time I search the Sonoran Desert for the color explosion of new life and a new beginning.” paulgillphoto.com facebook.com/paulgillphoto wildinarizona.com

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Of course, the various types of wildflowers, like the Mexican gold poppy, desert marigold or Coulter's lupine, thrive depending on the location and the amount of rainfall that came down in individual areas. Luckily, many trails within and surrounding the metropolitan area provide enjoyable hikes right into the midst of the wildflowers. To find a specific type of flower, visit Desert Botanical Gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. In partnership with Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parks and gardens, Desert Botanical Garden makes the search simple by providing an online guide showing where wildflowers currently bloom.

Photo by Lori A. Johnson

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Lori A. Johnson Hometown: Omaha, NE Current: Phoenix Photography experience: “My first job out of high school was in a photo lab/camera store in Omaha, Nebraska. I bought my first Canon SLR at that time and never looked back. When I decided to move out of state for college, I chose Arizona State University after admiring the stunning landscape photos in Arizona Highways magazine.” Favorite AZ wildflower location? “While spring desert wildflower displays can be spectacular, they rely on seasonal conditions to be just right. However, the mountain meadows around Flagstaff are much more dependable and have a longer window of opportunity for photographers to catch late summer wildflowers at their peak.”

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Advice on capturing a great flower photograph: “Do your research and be prepared to drive many miles on short notice. Don’t be intimidated by photographers with expensive gear! Most smartphones are capable of taking impressive landscape photos, as well as close-ups. Tell a story by mixing wide shots with close-ups.” What drove you to wildflower photography? “The ephemeral beauty of wildflowers can dramatically change a landscape for a brief window of time. Capturing one peak bloom can make up for several lean years!” lajphotos.com instagram.com/lajphotos twitter.com/lajphotos

3 Miles South of Pinetop AZ

hon-dah.com 1.800.929.8744 Apri l 2017

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For those who do take that trip outdoors, this month’s photo essay photographers, Lori A. Johnson and Paul Gill, reveal the exquisite beauty that awaits. If these images don’t inspire you to grab your camera, sunscreen, walking shoes, water and hiking partner (safety first!) to spend the day admiring our breathtaking landscape, then you must be one of the unlucky ones suffering from seasonal allergies. In that case, we feel for you, and encourage you to stay allergy-free and enjoy the wildflowers through these stunning photographs. For the rest of you, hurry up! The heat is coming! It’s time to see the flowers! Share your wildflower photographs with our Images Arizona Facebook or Instagram pages using the hashtags #iamAZproud and #imagesAZ. Photo by Lori A. Johnson

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Photo by Lori A. Johnson

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Writer Beth Duckett

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David Kessler was a young graduate student at the San Francisco Art Institute when he was first introduced to the idea of photorealism. In the art movement, which gained popularity in the 1960s and ’70s, artists re-create photographs in a hyper realistic way, capturing even the smallest details of a photo on canvas. Kessler, one of a dozen students accepted into the graduate program there, was drawn to the style almost immediately. “In photorealism, basically whatever was on the slide went onto the canvas,” he says. “Once an artist picked the subject of the painting, he or she didn’t make any aesthetic choices for what would go on top of the canvas.” Forty years later, Kessler continues the tradition as the basis for his famous waterscape paintings. Now an Arizona resident, the artist relies exclusively on photographic slides that he takes at iconic places throughout the state, from Sedona to Greer in northeastern Arizona, where he has a second home. Shooting during the golden hour of photography, Kessler captures images of flowing eddies, swirling puddles and other slowermoving water bodies around the state. “I don’t pride myself on being an excellent photographer,” Kessler says, laughing. “I just shoot hundreds and hundreds of slides. I go through the slides until I see an image that strikes me.” “Maybe it just rained and there is a puddle off to the side,” Kessler describes. “I take a lot of my images from very small bodies of water.” It helps that the light in Arizona has a certain quality that you don’t see a lot in other places. “The clarity of the light here is just unbelievable,” he adds.

"Reeds in Cadence," 72"x48"x2"

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Since his days as a graduate student (he earned his master of fine arts degree in 1975), Kessler has refined the style of his work, which is featured in museums and galleries across the country. His paintings are a blend of abstract imagery and reality, captured inimitably over a surface of polished and abraded aluminum. After the slides are taken, Kessler visits an industrial metal supply shop in Phoenix and selects a very thin piece of aluminum, ensuring there are no scratches. “The only scratches I want on the metal are the ones I add,” he says. Kessler projects the slide images onto the piece of aluminum, using different tools, from a tiny jeweler’s brush to a drill, to create marks with different pressures. At that point, Kessler airbrushes paint onto the aluminum, either transparently or opaquely.

"Silvered Catsclaw," 48"x84"x2"

“I can do images where 70 percent of the image produced is by paint,” Kessler says, “Or I can do images where 70 percent is produced by refracted light.” The result? A unique, visual experience that reflects the ethereal quality of the surface of water, transcending the everyday “paint-on-canvas” look. “His work has a freshness and beauty that is quite grand,” longtime Kessler collector Dennis Frings remarks. “His paintings have a luminosity with the light coming at you from different perspectives both from the paint itself and the aluminum below. You are looking at a two-dimensional object, but it appears three-dimensional. It’s magic.”

"Shimmered Patterns," 60"x84"x2"

Kessler, born in Park Ridge, New Jersey, moved at age 2 to Arizona, where he later attended Arizona State University before pursuing his graduate degree. Kessler and his family moved back to the Grand Canyon state in the 1980s. It was shortly afterward that he created a body of work using “metalized paint and fine-art glitter to create these abstractions.” Kessler considered incorporating steel, a durable and malleable metal, onto his canvases, though the experiment didn’t go as planned. “I got some steel and brought it back to my studio,” Kessler recalls. “The first thing I found out is that steel is very heavy. It’s not that soft of a metal. I thought I could articulate these marks on the metal.” "Silvered Overspill," 72"x96"x1"

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By chance, Kessler was working on some lithographs at the time, and had a piece of aluminum on hand. Unlike steel, aluminum “is a super, super soft metal,” he says. “You can actually take a Scott towel, put it on a piece of aluminum, and it will create a mark to refract light. “Instead of putting little pieces of aluminum on my canvas, I thought, ‘Aluminum is going to take the place of my canvas now.’” Using only small wired brushes, Kessler began to articulate various imageries onto the aluminum, creating a work through refracted light and “a slightly holographic depthof-feel,” he says. For a short time, the artist dabbled in abstract desert scenery, generating images that reflected all desert or half desert, half water. Later, he turned to water as the primary source for his work, calling it “a universal image”—and one that collectors around the world can recognize and appreciate. Many of Kessler’s works are on display locally in an exhibit titled Translucence, featured at Desert Botanical Garden’s Ottosen Gallery through May 7. Elaine McGinn, director of planning and exhibits, says part of the garden’s mission is to “ensure it is a compelling attraction, that brings life to the many wonders of the desert. “Visitors come to the garden expecting to be immersed in nature’s beauty, and David T. Kessler’s artwork captures a similar sentiment,” McGinn says. “Not only do his vividly real pieces demonstrate ingenious technique, but they also express simple yet stunning moments in nature— something guests experience when visiting the garden.” Frings, who has collected Kessler’s work for more than 40 years, knew the artist as a photorealistic painter in the 1970s, when Kessler showed his paintings at a gallery in Alexandria, Virginia. Kessler’s work “was extraordinary then, just as it is now,” Frings says. “His paintings always transcended the photorealist tradition and they have only grown more magical over the years,” the collector adds. “He just keeps getting better and better, and he started off at such a high level that that is no mean feat.” 480-481-8188 dbg.org Apri l 2017

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Writer Grace Hill Photo credit Elizabeth Juhl Photography

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Finding a program for school-aged children that successfully instills confidence, promotes healthy peer relationships and supports academic studies — well that would be like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. However, unlike that elusive pot of gold, a program with those results does in fact exist. But with a name like Dancing Classrooms, it’s going to be an unconventional one. Dancing Classrooms was created in 1994 by Pierre Dulaine as a project of the American Ballroom Theater in New York City. Since its conception, 31 Dancing Classrooms have started worldwide, reaching over 600 schools and impacting more than 50,000 students — a growth contributed to the documentary, "Mad Hot Ballroom.” It’s a documentary that changed the course of Heather Wright Schlichting’s life. “Once I watched 'Mad Hot Ballroom,' the documentary that chronicles the schools in New York City where Dancing Classrooms originated, I was hooked,” says Schlichting. “The film highlights children from culturally diverse schools who learn ballroom dance and compete in a citywide competition. Told from the children’s perspective, it’s truly an inspiring story where at first many of the children are hesitant, but after 10 weeks, they, their parents and teachers share how they all have been transformed because of this unique program.” Schlichting, a lifelong dancer, immediately set to work to bring the program to Phoenix. With the help of the New York office and Dulaine who traveled to Arizona to introduce the program, Schlichting achieved her goal. In 2011, the non-profit Dancing Classrooms Phoenix came to life and began its mission. “The mission of Dancing Classrooms Phoenix is to cultivate essential life skills in children through the practice of social dance,” Schlichting explains. “In a world filled with technology that encourages isolation with little human interaction, our program offers children a place where they can connect with their peers and their teachers in a safe environment in which to thrive. They are taught how to work with and accept one another regardless of their differences.” To provide more assistance with the educational side of the program, Schlichting joined forces with Tebble Dickerson who initially was involved in Dancing Classrooms of Northeast Ohio but who now functions as partner and site director of Dancing Classrooms Phoenix. As an educator with over 15 years of experience, Dickerson understands what makes this program successful in the classroom.

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Dickerson says, “Dancing Classrooms uses a curriculumbased teaching approach to achieve social awareness and build self-esteem. Students are taught the vocabulary of various contemporary social dances as well as discover the origin and history behind each dance. The students complete a journal entry after each lesson to show the progression of success with the program. Dancing Classrooms improves self-confidence, communication, and cooperation, and teaches acceptance of others even if they are different. These skills transform the students' self-esteem which gives them the confidence and assurance to persevere through difficult tasks in all academic areas." The program accomplishes all that through a developmentally designed 10-week program for fifth-grade students and includes 20 45-minute sessions, that teach various ballroom dances. The final class of the program then showcases the hard work of the student participants to the rest of the school and their families. Some children will even go on to compete in the annual Colors of the Rainbow competition. For students who have already completed the fifth-grade program, they also have the option of continuing lessons during an advanced course in eighth grade All the students involve flourish in unimaginable ways. As Schlichting describes, “Both academic and postprogram research with our school partners have shown that Dancing Classrooms Phoenix substantially advances confidence, motivation, civility, self-esteem, teaming skills, focus, determination and joy in the children. Happier children make for happier and more successful students. Participating schools have seen attendance problems decrease, grades increase and behavioral issues improve dramatically.” Dickerson specifically recalls one of those students with behavioral issues. She says, “The most memorable moment in the program for me was when I had a student who consistently had behavior problems before becoming a part of my classroom…I visited him a couple of years later, and he thanked me for allowing him to participate in the competition and said that he had continued to do well in school because of the confidence he now had in himself." To have results like that, results that positively impact a student’s life, that’s the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. dancingclassroomsphoenix.org

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Writer Katherine Braden Photographer Bryan Black

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Since the beginning, architecture has been built into Jack DeBartolo’s life. Jack DeBartolo, known as Jack 3, spent his childhood in a modern masonry block-house designed by Tucson architect Kirby Lockard. “It was more like his laboratory,” Jack says. His father, Jack DeBartolo Jr., ran an architectural firm in Tucson with over 300 architects and engineers. As a child, Jack would visit buildings with him on weekends, viewing it all through his father’s lens. The saturation left him intrigued and aware. “Because of that childhood experience, architecture felt like it needed to be grounded in something more powerful,” he says. “Otherwise buildings just become these lifeless containers that don’t have something deeper to them.” Jack graduated from the University of Arizona and Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he received honors for his thesis in 1994. “My graduate studies drove me to an idea of purpose and the kind of emotional quality a building can evoke,” Jack says. While exploring older modernist buildings throughout the U.S., Jack’s idea of architectural space and serenity grew. “I began to understand the peacefulness that allows people to transform what they know by their experience in a building.” After graduation, Jack worked with notable Arizona architect

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Will Bruder for two years, learning the importance of thoughtfully combining the pragmatic and poetic. “It was a fire-hose of information,” Jack says, “but it was awesome. I was always motivated by his passion.” Working with Will, Jack gained the skills to quickly solve problems. “While you’re standing there with carpenters and masons waiting on you saying, ‘Tell us what to do next because a detail didn’t come out as drawn, and now we need a new answer right here in the field,’ you learn to think intuitively, staying in context, staying consistent with the language of the work.” In 1996, Jack’s father approached him with a project: an inner-city gymnasium in the Garfield neighborhood. “Say no or let’s form an office. What do you say?” his father asked. “It seemed like an awesome opportunity,” Jack says. He and his father decided to create a practice where their work would remain uncompromised. “There would be nothing we did that we didn’t do intentionally. We’d be personally hands-on-involved in every single product.” Thus, DeBartolo Architects was born. For the next 10 years, Jack and his father designed and completed 15 buildings side by side. “We worked with a lot of faithbased, non-profit clients, addressing a larger sense of need. There was a greater purpose behind the work.” Jack tells me about the prayer chapel he and his father finished for Phoenix First Assembly in 2007, the Redemption Church remodel in 2013, and Mariposa, a residence built for Jesuit priests. “I’m a pretty committed person of faith,” Jack says. “My worldview causes me to see my position and my responsibility as a gift of service. We can help a client not just with functionality, but also help them to experience the building as something fresh every day.” For Jack, that’s one of the key differentiating factors between his firm and others. “I strongly believe God has put us here for a purpose, and that keeps my eyes off the game of publications and fame. Instead, I focus on the gift of getting to serve others. My joy is totally satisfied in serving people and using my gifts to make architecture. There’s a peace in not being amongst competitiveness.”

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For DeBartolo Architects, this also manifests itself in community service as well as projects in Haiti, Mexico, and Ethiopia. “We just started DeBartolo Projects-- a non-profit organization dedicated to serving clients who can’t afford to hire an architect.” Right now, they’re working on a community garden in Chandler. “We’re utilizing our time and energy to serve,” Jack says. He’s hoping to eventually get students involved.

culture and place, I believe we were really successful.”

That’s not to say the studio hasn’t won multiple awards for their designs. That’s just not what drives Jack.

At any one time, the studio has 15-20 projects on the table. They complete four to five a year across the U.S. and sometimes internationally. Including Jack, there are six architects and designers.

“[What I’m most proud of] are buildings where the client has embraced what we designed and made it theirs. When I come back a few years later and see it’s a thriving new culture and sense of place, and that the design of our work formed that

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Take, for example, Bicycle Haüs in Scottsdale, Commons coffee shop and bookstore in Gilbert, or VSCO headquarters in Oakland. “Sometimes the CEO [of VSCO] calls me up just to tell me how much he loves coming into his office every day,” says Jack.

“I see architecture as the responsibility to be contributors to our cultural fabric,” says Jack. “It’s about creating a quality

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I ask about the “soul” aspect. It’s all about creating atmosphere and memory, Jack tells me. It’s challenging, but something they strive toward. “[It involves a] mastery of light and materials, of place and space. You bring it all together, and occasionally it sings. You start to create something that surpasses concrete and glass, wood and metal. It becomes something that is better and bigger than any of the pieces combined — a profound sense of place, so profound that when you’re not there anymore, you can close your eyes and remember it.”

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For Jack and his studio, their philosophy lies in seven simple words: site, proportion, light, space, structure, material and soul. In keeping with the rest of his work, there is nothing extraneous about his mantra: the bare and beautiful minimum suffices.

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Writer Lara Piu

Used glass containers, old T-shirts, discarded window frames and empty aluminum cans may be garbage to some, and recycling to others. But for four Valley upcycle artists, lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remnants inspire the creation of something new.

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Debbie Zapatka A longtime upcycler, Debbie began making jewelry 11 years ago. Her love of metal sculpturing sparked it — and so did a friend. “When I moved from Chicago to Arizona, I no longer had a studio space where I could make large sculptures, so I started making sculptures on a much smaller scale using metal scraps,” says Debbie. “I mentioned to a friend at work that I preferred to find my material for creating art rather than to purchase it. The next day, he came in with a bag of seed pods from a tree in his yard and challenged me to create something with them.” Completely made from recycled metals, Debbie now makes, among other things, jewelry with seed pods. “I have always been inspired by nature and the natural beauty of aging objects,” she says. “I hope my work reflects that by melding nature, metal and other objects together into an organic piece of art.” An upcycle artist long before it was a thing, Debbie has also painted art on old wood since 1997. Why upcycling? “It’s cheaper than buying canvas or manufactured bezels. For me, it also stimulates creativity." Debbie says. "I love the challenge of looking at an object and figuring out a way to make it into something else. I also love the reaction of others when they recognize what the original object was. I hope it encourages others to think creatively and maybe develop their own creative projects.” thespiritbox.com Gary Brown

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Like many great things, Gary’s work was born of necessity. “Most of my first pieces were made for my home,” he says. “I was unsatisfied with the quality and design of the furniture available in retail shops. I found that reclaimed materials, along with some creativity, offered endless possibilities when it came to furniture. Initially, failure was more common than success. The image in my mind did not always find its way to the work bench. I also learned that with any passion, I can recognize it or suppress it. The inspiration to start creating has always been there. I recognized that creating multimedia furniture paralleled my skill set and creative drive.” For more than 15 years, Gary continued to design and craft custom furniture casually, primarily for family and friends. Two years ago, he opened BalanceCraft, featuring furniture and home decor made from reclaimed materials, most salvaged locally. The materials, like barnwood, live-edge hardwood and salvaged steel, inspire him. “I have found that getting my hands on the material is key,” he says. “Feeling the weight, texture and behavior of a material has

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often provided direction on the function and vibe of the piece. I love walking around scrap metal and industrial yards. Vintage machinery has beautiful lines and quality craftsmanship that is unmatched in today’s assembly lines. I also find inspiration in my travels. I am fascinated by Greene and Greene architecture and furniture. I am also intrigued by the complexity and precision found inside a vehicle transmission and motor. Old farm equipment has often inspired designs for today. And if I am lucky enough, I may get the opportunity to talk with the farmer who operated that equipment.” Why upcycling? “Upcycling seems to be a natural progression in consumer behavior,” Gary says. “It provides a balance between responsibility and quality. Material left over from the Industrial Revolution tended to be of a higher quality. If it has survived this long, it will easily find another purpose. Barn beams and barnwood have a patina and character that cannot be reproduced. If you like the look and feel of these materials, upcycling is the only option. facebook.com/balancecraftaz

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Kari Castillo Kari’s work is inspired by her love of all things vintage. The junk lover first made pillows and curtains for her home. Later, she used mud cloth and sold her pillows at Sweet Salvage. Last May, she fell in love with a vintage indigo batik fabric from Africa on a picking trip in California. “I knew it would be great for the pillows, but I knew there must be more I can do,” she says. “I immediately thought of kimonos and ponchos. I am inspired by the fabrics and the textiles, just the look and feel of it all. I try to maintain the integrity of the fabric so that each piece has its own unique character.” Kari wasted no time and expanded her line with the new-to-her fabric. The response was overwhelming. Now she creates ponchos, kimonos, drape-front vests, infinity scarves, pillows, stools and more. “My items are intended to enhance a space and instill soul into a room,” she adds. The color of the batik provides additional inspiration. “Because the color of the fabric is blue and that is the color that represents autism, it was important for us to continue to raise awareness for the cause,” she says. “My son, Sterling, is autistic — he is 16 but was diagnosed at the age of 5. We are driven to creating acceptance and understanding for the special needs community.” A portion of blue items sold are donated to Autism Speaks. Why upcycling? “The history and the culture inspires me,” Kari says. “Also, each piece is an individual and has its own identity. That’s what is fun about it. I like to see where the fabric takes me. Each piece is truly one of a kind; I couldn’t duplicate it if I wanted to. Inch by inch, they are different, and each piece I create inspires me in its own way. etsy.com/shop/renegaderemnants

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bottles are cut with a wet saw. Then, she polishes the glass and fills it with wax. Her materials are sourced from friends, family and recycling partners like Brix, Cartwright’s and Tonto Bar & Grill, which save bottles for her to use. Merely six months later, she landed her first retail gig at Daisy Blue in North Scottsdale. Now her candles are sold at eight stores in Arizona and California, and her biggest problem is keeping up. “We can’t keep them in stock,” says Sue. “They sell very well.” She also now has a home studio dedicated to candle making in Cave Creek. Besides being green by way of glass, the candle wax is eco-friendly, made with 100 percent soy wax that is free of petroleum, pesticides, herbicides and GMOs. The U.S.-grown soybean is biodegradable, and because it burns clean of soot or chemicals, the candles are designed to burn slower and last longer. The wicks are 100 percent cotton and the essential oils used to scent the wax are phthalate-free. “It’s about as pure as it gets,” she jokes. Sue Calabrese A longtime candle lover, Sue was first inspired when she ran across artists upcycling glass for a variety of purposes in California in 2013. “I had always loved candles and was buying them all the time,” says Sue. “When I saw the artists using recycled bottles, I thought candles could work, too.” When she returned from the trip, she began pouring candles in used glass containers: bourbon bottles, wine bottles and nearly any bottle that she could get her hands on. She made small batches of candles in her Carefree kitchen, using the same process then as she does now. After she wraps each bottle to protect the label, the

Sue is inspired by the variety that her medium brings. “We work with a variety of types, sizes and shapes, and you never know what you’re going to get,” she says. “It’s exciting to see the finished product and fun when it turns out better than we thought.” Why upcycling? “I feel like I'm doing my part to protect the environment the best I can,” says Sue. “I’ve always liked things that are green and good for the environment. It’s all about repurposing the bottle and creating something artistic and fun.” glassrevival.com

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OF CLOCKS AND GLOCKS TOP SECRET FURNITURE Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Bryan Black

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When Bill Meginnis was a cop in the Midwest, one scenario used to drive him nuts. He would answer a home invasion call, and the guy would be all beat up. “He had a gun, but it was in a safe in the back of a closet, and he didn’t have time to get it,” he says. Even worse: “People would leave guns lying around. They didn’t lock them up.” For a few decades, Meginnis — now an investigator for Maricopa County — has been escaping from the gritty, bloody, depressing world of law enforcement by coming home, hitting the garage and firing up the power saws. He learned the craft of carpentry at age 10, taught by his father and grandfather. In Chicago (where he often made basement bars for his cop buddies) and here in Arizona, turning raw wood into tables, cabinets, shelves and chairs was a tremendous release from his day job. Until the day the two came together. Inspired by a client’s request that sent his mind spinning like a combination lock, Meginnis is now making furniture that doubles as safes, with hidden drawers opened by clever keys. That coaster? It holds a strong magnet which, when attached just so on an end table, pulls open a hidden drawer to reveal a gun. Or jewelry. Or bonds, cash, wills and other important documents. Or — believe it or not — gold bars. “People tell me these things they want to hide,” the linebackersized Meginnis says, from his New River garage/workshop. “I tell them, ‘Don’t tell me, I don’t need to know!’” Of course, Meginnis is a trusted sort who can keep a secret. Though ironically, the word is getting out about his Top Secret Furniture. NRAfamily.org recently had a story highlighting five gunhiding options to hide your home defense firearm in furniture or decorative objects. One of the five options was a Meginnis design. “The folks at Top Secret Furniture offer an approach designed to be part of your family's life for decades to come: hand-crafted hardwood pieces built to last,” raves the reviewer. “Although they offer a wide variety of end tables, media centers, bookshelves and nightstands, I zeroed in on the High Caliber Coffee Table because it sits where many of us spend the majority of our time at home: in the living room, right by the couch. Apri l 2017

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“The secret compartment, located under the fully functional and visible storage drawers, locks with a steel pin and is accessible to you via a wireless keypad and remote locking mechanism that only needs four AAA batteries.” That review helped kick Top Secret Furniture into overdrive. The little company is a family business, with Bill’s wife, Sandy, running the office side of things and daughter, Samantha, on social media in the house. Out in the garage, Bill, his 17-yearold son, Billy, and Cristian Figueroa (Samantha’s boyfriend) produce Bill’s double-use designs. The ol’ Wild West of gun-friendly Arizona is a fitting setting for Top Secret, though the family moved out here long before the concealed coffee table idea came to fruition. When Meginnis was getting close to retiring as a police officer, he flew to Arizona to help a friend inspect a house in then-new Anthem. Meginnis gave a deep chuckle, recalling that first trip: “I was like, ‘Oh my God, this place is beautiful. Everyone

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waves at you — with all their fingers. And there’s no sirens.’” So, the Meginnis family moved to Anthem in 2000, then north to New River a few years ago. While the hidden drawer aspect is relatively new, Meginnis has been making furniture for decades, not so much moonlighting as he is pursuing a creative outlet. He keeps a notebook on his nightstand, as he often dreams about new designs. But that’s just the beginning, as he has high standards for production. In fact, he has a term for pieces that don’t pass his critique: firewood. The anti-mass-production crowd is demanding more and more handmade furniture, using good, solid wood as opposed to made-in-China pieces, which use cheap particle board. In addition to Amish-like workmanship, Meginnis is finding an equally solid niche with the secret compartment aspect. He started making hidden compartment prototypes three years ago, selling to friends who requested them. “Then we did a website, and it just exploded,” he says. Top Secret is shipping hidden compartment tribute flags ($369), wall clocks ($595), night stands ($1,195), coffee tables ($1,725) and more around the country. Seventy percent of business is on the East Coast, with orders fueled by the likes of the NRA review and testimonials from customers. Top Secret Furniture ranges from simple shelves at $185 to entertainment centers going for upward of $5,000. Meginnis loves to hear from customers, and had a good laugh sharing the story of a woman who bought an entertainment center and loaded its secret compartments with jewelry and other treasures. She had a party, and several of her visitors remarked on the beauty of the entertainment center, not realizing it was an elegant safe. As the woman related to Meginnis, “If they only knew what was in it!” While he has plenty of customers more interested in clocks than Glocks, the cop adrenaline in his system surged when he got a call from a Desert Hills customer. The customer told him someone started banging on his door in the middle of the night. The startled resident opened the secret drawer of his nightstand and pulled out a flashlight and gun stashed there. Unlike the kicked-in door stories from Chicago, the banging stopped and the potential intruder left. But the customer had a message for Meginnis: “I felt so secure.” And, as the saying goes, no one ever went broke selling security — especially when it looks so nice. topsecretfurniture.com Apri l 2017

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Writer Shannon Severson Portraits by Bryan Black Other photos courtesy Kilbane Architecture

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For Terry and Justin Kilbane of Kilbane Architecture in Carefree, designing grand, nationally-acclaimed homes is all in the family. But the intensely personal way in which they work manifests itself in the eminently livable homes — and friendships — they’ve built with their clients. Their clean, modern architectural style aligns with the spectacular environments in which they’re situated and has been met with great success, rooted in a love of residential architecture and the allure of the desert. A native of Colorado, Terry came to Phoenix in 1981 and established Terry Kilbane Architecture. When Justin joined him 20 years later, the name was changed to reflect the partnership. “I always had dreams of the Southwest and the freedom of the architecture,” says Terry. “When I arrived here in the '80s, I found an environment full of work during the boom years, and I was drawn to nothing but custom homes from the very start." As a licensed architect for 36 years, Terry finds a great deal of satisfaction in the balance between professionalism and fun, precision and imagination, as he has built a business that depends on close relationships with clients. Sharing this passion with his son and business partner has allowed him to evolve continuously, adding Justin's design acumen and talent for all things tech. Justin grew up in Carefree and worked construction jobs every summer, learning the ins and outs of the trade. While he was always around his dad’s business, he didn’t start out with his sights set on a career in architecture. All that changed when a friend encouraged him to take an introduction to architecture class at Arizona State University. After eight years of study, internship, rigorous exams and on-the-job training at his dad's firm, Justin earned his architecture license, making him a partner in the firm. He's grateful for the experience of participating in every aspect of the business from the very beginning.

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downs that their clients do, and both have done so (more than once) in the Carefree and Desert Mountain area. They've had a hand in many of the surrounding communities, often acting as standard-bearers. The firm is responsible for designing the first homes in Desert Mountain and the Mirabel and Estancia golf communities. Their intentional process all begins with location, location, location.

“Traditionally, architecture students don’t get to have any design input for many years,” says Justin. “I’ve done every job that anyone starting out has had to do — approvals, city work, dealing with red tape — but I was also able to sit in meetings and take part in the design process right away. Every year, I was able to take on more of the overall architectural process. Dad enjoys being more big picture. He is the best at site design and architectural layout, and he gave me the freedom to design the interior space plan and functions, along with many design intricacies like front doors, furniture, etc.” The Kilbanes are firm believers that architects should build their own homes, experiencing the same processes, ups and

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“The location and the site will always dictate to us a true custom home in both the floor plan and site plan,” says Terry. “The exterior style is where the client comes in. We design homes from the inside out because we’re always working with a one-of-a-kind piece of land.” Theirs is not a volume business, however. The two pride themselves on taking their time to produce the highest quality possible. Each home takes an average of two to three years from concept to completion, with 70-80 sheets of detailed drawings for each project. This total focus on their clients establishes a high level of connection and comfort as they walk their clients through every aspect of the journey. Because of this personalized approach, the pair only takes on two or three projects per year.

"We really are a full-service firm," says Terry. "They come to us for the design talent, but our technical support and involvement during construction is as good as it gets. We're with them up until they move in and afterward. We watch their kids grow up; we golf with them, and some stay in our homes when they're in town to check on their home's progress. It's a continuing relationship." The downside? Repeat business is a rarity. Upon completion of their ultimate dream homes, clients happily settle in and never want to leave. Though they don’t advertise, word of mouth ensures that the Kilbanes are sought out by clients from far beyond the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. They’ve completed homes in Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho and California, and they’re in demand to design Arizona winter havens for out-of-town clients, primarily from Canada, the Pacific Northwest and the Upper Midwest. While it’s difficult for Terry and Justin to choose favorites, three projects stand out. Sedona Desert Lodge at Seven Canyons “In recent years, there’s no question that one of our standout projects is the desert lodge style we built atop Rachel’s Knoll, which is a very spiritual place,” says Terry. “Our focus was on creating a home of unprecedented design quality, but with total respect for its environment that would blend with its surroundings. It’s one of the most beautiful settings in the entire country.” The home’s exterior mimics the geology around it, with sandstone walls, a red clay roof and black zinc fascias and trim. The home is terraced on all sides with a spectacular, 72-foot pool that is cantilevered over the bluff. The views from the home, pool and three large hot tubs are positively otherworldly. Apri l 2017

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Twenty-six steps lead from the home to the pool and mirrored alongside them runs a stepped waterfall built over the course of six months by a local artisan. In addition to the terrain demands of the property, Terry and Justin were also tasked with creating a livable environment in a large home often used for hosting multiple guests, in a way that would easily function, given the extensive technological system needs for both security and utilities. The home is remarkable from both the standpoint of what is visible and what goes unseen, but is essential for the day-to-day. Breathtaking doesn’t begin to describe it. Silverleaf Family Retreat This desert traditional home with stone exterior, ironwork and a Spanish clay roof, spans the length of one-and-a-half football fields. Every detail was painstakingly considered to accommodate extended family and friends, and reflect what the owners hold dear. An old family barn was repurposed for all the walls, ceilings and posts in a stunning, one-of-akind space. Since they enjoy yearly trips to Alaska, an Alaska room was built to evoke the feel of an Alaskan fishing lodge, including its own kitchen with brightly-colored, 1950s-style appliances. Guest houses and a recreation building with gym, fitness center, simulator room, movie theater and climbing wall have their own entrances.

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“They took every element of the home very personally,” says Terry. “You might think that people who build these homes, who are often CEOs of multimillion dollar companies, would be too busy to pay close attention to the project, but it’s great how they really involve themselves. When the drawings are final, they know their homes as well as we do.” Telluride Lodge Situated on eight acres at the edge of a national forest and the base of majestic Mount Wilson, the Kilbanes' mountain architecture is a modern family home with a nod to the past. “The logs were split by hand and then mortared in varying directions,” says Terry. “We used stone and copper elements, and many different sloping rooflines. There’s a lot of movement in the design.”

The entry portico, which is supported by massive tree trunks, was Terry’s inspiration. He wanted to create the feel of walking through the forest to reach the front door. Four large trees from his brother’s ranch were carefully selected, cut, peeled and then set into the entry to dramatic effect. Also dramatic was the effort it took to transport equipment and install utilities at a site that is 20 miles from the nearest town. The five-year project is another example of the Kilbanes' talent for taking on a challenge and creating homes that look like they’re meant to be in their surroundings. As building styles and technologies change, one of the top trends that Terry and Justin have mastered and elevated is the exterior cantina, a covered, outdoor great room that functions as a true living room for all seasons. Retractable glass and in-floor heat play a part in combatting the elements, but the rooms otherwise feel like outdoor living can go on year-round. Justin built one of the largest cantinas to date for his family, and uses it more than his home's interior. "Homeowners love these rooms," says Justin. "We seem not to be able to make them big enough. They’re often 1,500 square feet or more and are outfitted with big screen TVs, barbecue grills, fireplaces and full kitchens. The same furniture that you’d use indoors can be used because the area is completely sheltered. We take them to the nth degree and they become the place everyone wants to spend their time.” While they have traditionally done large, complex projects, the pair is just as happy with the trend toward smaller, under 5,000-square-foot homes. Large or small, the personalized, client-focused process is the same, and they enjoy working with a treasure trove of artisans, true craftsmen of many trades and interior designers (including Justin’s wife, Kendra). “We have been blessed with wonderful clients who put all of their trust in us,” says Terry. “They give us freedom to create because of what they’ve seen us do. So, we get to help these wonderful clients build the dream home of a lifetime. We love the type of clients we attract.” kilbanearchitecture.com

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Writer Margie BouttĂŠ

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Until 1991, Croatia was a part of Yugoslavia, and while it was never as isolated as other Eastern Bloc nations, it generally remained off the beaten path for tourists. Today, however, traveling to Croatia isn't just for adventurous backpackers — in fact, this under-the-radar gem has recently become one of Europe's hottest new destinations. Situated on the stunning Adriatic Sea, this diverse country has all the Old World charm that other temperate, European hotspots have to offer, but the real appeal is the country’s remarkable beaches: long coastlines, hidden coves, and islands surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. From seaside resorts to pristine parks and sleepy, atmospheric villages, there are countless places to visit in Croatia. Because of the diversity and beauty it has to offer, it is definitely a must-see vacation spot for anyone. There are so many events that it is almost impossible to miss experiencing one while you are visiting Croatia. Choose from exciting cultural events, music and film festivals, sports events and food festivals. Last year Croatia won the Readers’ Choice award for Travel + Leisure’s Destination of the Year. This Mediterranean favorite is a jewel in the crown of the Adriatic. Arguably the biggest draw of Croatia is the success of HBO’s Game of Thrones series. Tourism has boomed in recent years as fans of the show have sought out its stunning landscapes and well-preserved historical architecture. July and August is peak season for the Adriatic, when visitors make their way to the coast for glamorous, see-and-be-seen boating and sunbathing while offering extravagant night life.

Croatia has a Mediterranean climate, which means mild winters and gorgeous spring and summer seasons. It averages 2,600 hours of sunshine per year, which makes Croatia one of the sunniest regions in the Mediterranean. Consider June Croatia’s sweet spot, when the days are warm and long but hotels have yet to reach capacity. Zagreb, the capital city, is a delightful blend of East and West. In medieval times, it consisted of two separate towns: Kaptol, the religious center, and Gradec, the commercial hub. Today, both towns together form the Upper Town, or Gornji Grad, the historic Old Town of Zagreb. The Lower Town, or Donji Grad, is more chic and contemporary. Zagreb is a business center, university center, city of culture, art and entertainment. You will find a magnificent cathedral, many churches, offbeat museums and art galleries, with modern shops, stylish cafes and restaurants. The town is the epitome of understated luxury — a laid back capital with an easy vibe, friendly people, and extremely enjoyable to tour and explore. A new airport terminal has expanded passenger capacity by more than double in 2016, which speaks to the rising appeal. The Dalmatian Coast might just be the most stunning coastline in all of Europe, drawing tourists to its turquoise blue waters, calm countryside, stone villages with striking orange roofs, and the homegrown hospitality of its locals. The most striking characteristics are the more than 1,200 islands and islets that make the Adriatic side of Croatia’s coastline a dream destination, best seen by sailboat or yacht charter and explored at one’s own pace. You can also explore the coastal islands and archipelagos by

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ferry service or sea plane. For a 7-day luxury yachting experience along the Dalmatian Coast, consider Crystal Cruises’ new 62-guest Crystal Esprit yacht or Ponant’s 264-guest Le Lyrial. The ancient city of Split is Croatia’s second largest city after Zagreb, and is strategically located to explore islands such as Hvar, Korcula, Brac and Vis. In its historic old town with a pretty palm-lined harbor is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diocletian’s Palace Complex, built by the Roman emperor Diocletian, who thought the Bay of Split was one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Among the ancient columns, temples, immense walls and underground cellars that once made up the Roman emperor’s retirement home, you’ll find that even today people live, work, socialize and carry out their daily lives within these palace walls. Split is

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a cultural and charming city that is full of warmth and life. A few miles to the north is Trogir, another UNESCO jewel. Its Romanesque churches and Renaissance and Baroque buildings make it a treasure trove for art lovers. Narrow streets and small village squares, along with numerous cultural and music open air events, give this town a special Mediterranean atmosphere. Croatia has a rare European landscape which boasts as many as eight national parks in such a small area! Two hours from Zagreb lies one of Croatia’s — and the world’s — most beautiful spots and natural phenomenon: Plitvice Lakes National Park. This forested park has been under UNESCO World Heritage Site protection since 1979 and is dotted with 16 turquoise-blue lakes interlinked by

numerous stunning cascading waterfalls, limestone canyons, and caves carved over thousands of years. Stroll the park’s paths, which are actually wooden walkways suspended right over the lakes, past waterfalls and occasionally right over the top of them. Depending on hiking stamina, visitors can tackle all the major waterfalls, or simply trek down to the aptly named Big Waterfall, whose path holds more than enough adventure and dazzling views to make the trip worthwhile. You can also opt to take a boat ride across the crystalline Upper Lakes and hop a tram to the Lower Lakes to hike the Big Waterfall. Whether visiting for a few hours or taking a daylong bicycle tour, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not disappoint. The smaller Krka National Park, two hours south by car, is just as magical with its pure karstic river, seven waterfalls and canyons. Aside from national parks, Croatia has 11 nature parks and two arboretums. Altogether, Croatia is home to as many as 4,300 plants and as many animal species. In the north region of Istria, considered to be the foodie center of Croatia, strong Italian influences are evident in architecture and food. Like Tuscany, this earthy province is a national pantry known for its grassy olive oils, remarkable wines, fragrant truffles and rustic taverns. It’s hard to imagine that there’s a splashy beach beyond these hills. The small seaside Istrian city Rovinj sits at the heart of the region. Visit any of the 14 pristine islands that make up the Rovinj Archipelago, or station yourself at a harborside cafe with a glass of wine and watch the sun light up the sky over this postcard-perfect European gem. Once you see Rovinj, it will be clear why they call it the most romantic town in Croatia.

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A 40-minute drive south of Rovinj is the three thousand year old city of Pula, known for its Roman monuments. Here you’ll find the Roman amphitheater known as the Pula Arena, which is the only one in the world that retains four side towers and all three architectural orders. Built between 27 and 68 AD, it’s among the largest surviving arenas in the world. The elegant and fortified city of Dubrovnik, whose medieval 13th-century walls and balmy climate have long lured sun worshipers, is Croatia’s number one tourist attraction. Its charm lies in its ancient architecture, street life, and gorgeous location – it’s not called the “Pearl of the Adriatic” for nothing! One can spend days meandering through the intricate network of streets that run down the limestone cliffs of the old city, uncovering cafes, art galleries, boutiques, monasteries, churches and a host of hidden treasures. Take a private boat to the Elaphiti archipelago with eight islands, only three of which are inhabited. The islands are dotted with pine forests, authentic villages and idyllic bays. Another must-do is to walk the walls of the UNESCO-protected old town and revel in the unspoiled views. There is no shortage of spectacular beaches, but sandy beaches are limited. Croatia is all about picturesque pebbled beaches, lapped by crystal clear water. There are a variety of water

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sports offered, include jet skiing, wind surfing, kayaking and snorkeling. You will find many family-friendly beaches along the coast, while in contrast you will find many lively party beaches on Pag Island that are very often compared to the beaches in Ibiza, Spain. As well you will find nudist beaches in Istria or surf beaches on the artsy island of Brac, famous for its glorious white stone, which was used in the construction of Diocletian’s Palace, and more recently, the White House in Washington DC. In addition, there are hundreds of isolated beaches on dozens of islands in the Dalmatians. The island of Hvar, the sunniest island in Croatia, has long been a destination for jet-set Europeans and wealthy yacht owners, and is known as the St. Tropez of Croatia. Expansive fields of lavender, abundant olive groves and lush vineyards meet the eye when you step off the boat on the island. Walk through the historic Stari Grad (Old Town) of Hvar and step into another world of Venetian loggias, Old World clock towers and cobblestoned streets. The hub of Hvar’s activity and night life scene is at the old harbor. The island of Korcula, also called “small Dubrovnik,” is the rumored birthplace of Marco Polo and a huge draw for history buffs. It is one of the greenest islands, with vineyards, olive groves, and pine forests in abundance, and small beaches and

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quiet coves along the southern coast. A short ferry ride away from the town of Split, the island of Vis is one of the last unspoiled places in the Adriatic. Filled with vineyards, picturesque fishing villages, and cozy restaurants, it offers all of the charm of the Mediterranean without the overwhelming crowds. Snorkeling is the perfect way to explore all its beauties. Not to be missed is a speedboat tour of the Green and Blue caves. Due to Croatia’s central location, it is very easy to connect other countries with Croatia to make a trip even more amazing. Croatia combines well with travel to Italy, Slovenia, Montenegro or Greece. If you have been thinking about visiting Croatia, do so while it is still a good value compared to nearby European countries. You will be enamored!

Margie Boutté, owner/luxury travel consultant of Elite Travel of Scottsdale and Grayhawk resident, has been designing unforgettable travel experiences for clients nationally for over 20 years. Her motto is, “If you can imagine the dream, I can create the reality.” Margie, an affiliate of Montecito Village Travel - A Virtuoso Member, holds numerous specialist certifications with hotels/resorts, cruise lines, destinations, Virtuoso & Virtuoso Cruise Host accreditation, and keeps current through continuing education and travels. She has traveled to 153 cities in 33 countries around the world. 480-451-0612 elitetravelofscottsdale.com

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Scott Foundation Writer Grace Hill Photography courtesy the Scott Foundation

All parents worry about their children. Some worries, put in perspective, seem trivial. Like, do they brush their teeth enough? Other worries fall on the more serious side. Will they marry the right person? Serious or not, worries can keep a parent up at night. However, one worry – or rather fear – a parent purposely locks away. Refusing to acknowledge the possibility of it. But, acknowledged or not, it’s there. Colleen Walski will always remember the day she had to confront that fear. It was April 7, 2007, the day her son, Scott, tragically passed away at the age of 27. “I felt like I had literally been emptied from the inside out,” recalls Walski. “He was my only child. When that happened, I felt like my life in this world literally stopped. I didn’t trust anything that I thought I knew; everything suddenly changed.” With good intentions, many tried to comfort her and offer suggestions on how to heal. However, grief follows no single path. Walski needed to step away from those around her and find her own truth, her own answers. And where she found those answers surprised even her. “I started volunteering at an elementary school in Power

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Ranch, and it wasn’t what I expected,” says Walski. “Kids ended up being what helped me. They didn’t judge me. They didn’t try to fix me. They just accepted me.” What helped Walski personally also helped identify a social gap and the mission for her organization. After Scott’s passing, people gave donations in his name. Because of those generous gifts and Scott’s devotion to children, Walski formed the Scott Foundation, which became an official entity on April 12 – the day of Scott’s funeral service. As she continued to volunteer at the school, in the spirit of selfless service, she was asked by the principal to create a service learning program to fill a need for children. It was

through that experience that she began to clearly see the gap of emotional well-being that was missing. With society not always viewing the expression of feelings as something positive, students were continuously forced to avoid their feelings. Walski, who realized after the passing of her son the importance of honoring one’s feelings, wanted to create opportunities where these children could speak of how they felt in a positive and productive way. As her service learning program continued, it grew in unexpected numbers. During the first year, the program included 25 students. By the end of the third year, 3,000 students were on the waiting list to enter the program. Even with such success, funding was hard to come by because emotions and values create the core of the program – something the community didn’t necessarily see the value and want to support. With so many students on the waiting list and not enough volunteer help, Walski realized the need to focus on the children who most understood and who were impacted by the need for social change.

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Those kids came from a similar place of being emptied from the inside out. Walski explains, “Over the years, I found myself drawn and more committed to the Apri l 2017

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“Our purpose for this program is all about disrupting the social norm to spark the potential greatness of foster kids,” says Walski. “They will learn to explore what kind of person they want to be — what’s the future roadmap look like to become that person, and how they would make the world better than they found it.” Each year of the program focuses on a specific element of that purpose. In the first year, the children discover emotional healing and inner wealth through service, listening to their feelings and creating a plan for their life. The next year, their dream year, provides each child with 12 different careers (one career per month) to explore through work/learn opportunities. During the third year, these kids will participate in a service project of their choice. In a prideful move the final year, they will renovate a property they will call home once they leave the foster care system.

kids who were struggling because of horrific issues and tragedies that had occurred in their lives. They stood out to me more than any other. That’s how Scott Foundation’s mission evolved to partner more closely with the Arizona Department of Child Safety and Group Homes. We focus specifically on kids in the foster care system. Our wish all along was to disrupt the social norm to spark the potential greatness of foster kids and their community, and to empower them.” And for the last four years, the Scott Foundation has provided empowering experiences and activities to help those kids set a new course for their lives. But 2017 brings a new chapter to the Scott Foundation. With April marking the 10th anniversary of Scott’s passing, something significant needed to happen. “We said this year we are going to invest in the future of these kids to safely transition them out of the system. We are fine tuning our process and focusing specifically on the kids’ needs over the next four years.”

Such an important and extensive program cannot happen without support from the community. The Scott Foundation’s 10-for-10 Challenge encourages community members to give a donation and become a champion for one of these 36 children.

They hope to address gaps in the system by partnering with group homes, including Divine Sisters, Achieve Youth Services, Beia’s Place, Destiny House, Legacy Youth Home, A Blessed Nest and the New Foundation.

These kids feel like they have been abandoned. While certain things in life cannot be changed – as Walski and many others know so well – some things can. And that’s making sure these kids no longer feel alone.

Thanks to one remarkable part of their program, 36 foster children, aged 14 to 17, will have the opportunity to participate in the foundation’s Young Adult Masterclass.

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scott-foundation.org taxcredits4AZfosterkids.com

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SOPHISTICATED SATISFACTION VENUES CAFÉ

hrough sophisticated style and delicious comfort food, owner Catherine Marr takes dining to a new level at Venues Café. Boasting of an extensive menu featuring locally sourced items whenever possible, diners always leave Venues thoroughly satisfied. With items like, short ribs with an Asian gravy over wasabi mashed potatoes; chicken schnitzel with lingonberry sauce; Southwest meatloaf; and seasonal fresh fish, the satisfaction undoubtedly results from the thoughtfully and excellently prepared food. To complement those entrées, diners can choose from a variety of mouth-watering appetizers such as Mexican shrimp cocktail, beautifully presented in a martini glass with shrimp, avocado and a gazpacholike base; and chicken wings in garlic honey barbeque sauce served with a bleu cheese, celery and carrot salad. In addition to great food, guests enjoy the relaxing, gallery-like atmosphere of the restaurant which features a 30’ rock wall and gorgeous artwork on display and for sale by local artists. Venues provides satisfaction beyond the meal. Venues Café is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Sunday, with Sunday brunch starting at 10 a.m. Happy hour every day from 3-6 p.m. Join them for karaoke 6-9 p.m. on Sunday night. Upcoming specials include Easter and Mother’s Day brunches. Venues Café 34 Easy Street, Carefree 480-595-9909 venuescafe.com

SP OTLI GHT

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Breakfast Pizza Ingredients: 2 – 8” pre-made pizza crusts 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 medium russet potato, peeled and grated 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered ¼ cup spinach leaves, chopped ¼ cup (about 2 slices) bacon, cooked and crumbled 2 eggs 1 scallion, cut on bias Optional: 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated salt and pepper to taste Directions: Preheat oven to 450°F. Rinse and drain grated potatoes. Spread them onto a clean kitchen towel and dry thoroughly. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add grated potatoes and spread into an even layer. After about 4 minutes, once they develop some color on the bottom, flip potatoes and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Place pre-made pizza crusts onto a baking sheet and brush lightly with oil. Top with shredded potatoes and shredded cheese. Sprinkle on tomatoes, bacon and spinach leaves. Bake pizzas for 5 minutes, then remove. Crack an egg on top of each pizza. Season the egg with salt and pepper and sprinkle on sliced scallions. Place pizzas back into the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on desired doneness of the egg. Remove pizza from the oven. Optional: sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with your favorite hot sauce.

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This weekend, skip the skillet and serve your bacon and eggs atop a savory breakfast pizza. This novel take on pizza features a freshly cracked egg nestled over layers of cheese, hash browns, vegetables and bacon. Using pre-made dough and preparing the ingredients the night before makes for quick and easy assembly in the morning. Adapt the recipe to include your favorite breakfast toppings for a meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker

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Banana Bundt Cake Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cups granulated sugar 3 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1½ cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 4 bananas) 2 teaspoons lemon juice ¾ cup buttermilk cream cheese frosting (see recipe below) Directions: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour bundt pan. Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time on medium speed until well incorporated.

Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool slightly before inverting onto a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, transfer cake to a serving platter and top with the cream cheese frosting. Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 ounces unsalted butter, softened ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted pinch of salt 2-3 tablespoons whole milk Directions: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract until well combined.

Add the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and mashed bananas.

Turn mixer to low speed and gradually add powdered sugar and a pinch of salt.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and ground cinnamon.

Add whole milk, one tablespoon at a time, until frosting reaches desired consistency.

Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker

Turn the mixer to low speed and alternate, adding dry ingredients with buttermilk until just combined.

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A few ripe bananas are the key to creating this beloved Banana Bundt Cake. Once ripened, the banana’s starches convert to sugar, deepening their sweetness and flavor. Draped with a decadent cream cheese frosting, this family classic never seems to go out of style.

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