Desert Mountain
ECRWSS Local Postal Customer
Carefree
Cave Creek PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT NO. 3418
July 2017
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10345 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85253 Jlevines.com 480 223 1307 I M AG E S A R I Z O N A . C OM Jul y 2 017
RECENTLY VALUED AT $14.2M NOW OFFERED AT $5,995,000
MERITCROSSINGAZ.COM
6 BED | 9 BA | 15,543 SF | MERIT CROSSING 3.5 ACRES 28009 N 90th WAY, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
THIS LUXURIOUS ESTATE HOME FROM MERIT CROSSING IS READY FOR OCCUPANCY.
House Details: 3.5 acres of complete privacy in the hidden community of Merit Crossing. Enter your estate thru dble gates, wooden bridges and a lovely pavered drive. Completely enclosed courtyard with a magnificent fnt, bistro lighting and a abundance of french doors lead you into this amazing home. The majestic Pinnacle Peak greets you as you open your door. Home offers the finest details in every area. Luxury master suite with adjoining exercise rm and steam rm. 4 secondary ensuites, theater seating 10, gourmet kitchen with the best of everything including a pizza oven, side by side sub zeros, wolfe dual fuel cooktop, dbl Asko dishwashers, icemaker- 3 room wine cellar with its own kitchen and dumb waiter. A full bar (with ice maker, dishwasher, frig, sink- anything you could need), cantera fireplace, 26 foot ceilings with removable wooden beams and 4 sets of french doors leading to courtyard, formal living rooms stares at Pinnacle Peak Mountain, formaldining room with brick ceiling looks onto courtyard. stunning private study with citywide views and a fully functional guest home with all the details of the main home. Exquisite stonework and 5 fireplaces add warmth and romance throughout. Outdoor living at its finest- pocket wall of glass leads you to your own 18 hole putting green designed by local PGA pro, expansive patios, BBQ’s, pool, spa, waterfalls,fireplace, firewoks, fire pit, cabana and balcony. A car lovers dream completes this amazing estate estate with space for 12 vehicles along with custom cabinets, storage room, workshop, a/c and a stain concrete floor. If your are looking for privacy yet close to everything this is the estate for you. 15 minutes gets you to Scottsdale Airpark and less gets you to the 101. This is truly a amazing home.
CALL US TODAY 480 999 1821
EXPERIENCE THE STUNNING PRIVATE PUTTING COURSE!
BVOLUXURY.COM
Senior Partner Andrew Bloom
Senior Partner David Van Omen July 2017
Co-Listing Agent Liza Deer
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FROM SAGUARO TO SHAMAN: BRIAN JOHNSON
ARIZONA'S GOLDEN HOUR PHOTO ESSAY
ARTIST JANET TOWBIN
By Katherine Braden
By Grace Hill
Photo by Loralei Lazurek
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
CAILAN CORDWELL
By Grace Hill
By Lara Piu
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE ICE CREAM POPS
By Shannon Severson
By Monica Longenbacker
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le! e u d s che nHou S e e ous m/Op H o en Op dale.c y a d tts Sun illSco m ind
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20 Acres. 8 Homes. 1 Designer. An enclave of homes designed by “Master of the Southwest” Bob Bacon, with interiors by Gail Archer. Windmill is a custom neighborhood of western ranch homes ranging from 3,500 to 5,200 square feet. Although every home bears a family resemblance, each features a Car Collector Garage Options – 1600 & 3600 sq ft
Creek
Rd
Pima Rd
Cave
unique floor plan and elevation, and is carefully located in relation to its neighbors. The uniqueness of the neighborhood has already attracted buyers who appreciate homes reflecting Bacon’s signature high levels of architectural artistry, quality, and careful attention to every detail. For a private tour, call Davis Driver at 480-788-0401.
Stagecoach Pass Rd Windmill Rd
Sales by RE/MAX Platinum Living
“Room to Dream” www.WindmillScottsdale.com July 2017
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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence
EDITOR/CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jenn Korducki Krenn Amanda Christmann
ART DIRECTOR/PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANT Jennifer Satterlee
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July is upon us, and as summer heat hangs thick in the air, there are two
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ana Petrovic
STAFF WRITER Grace Hill
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Beth Duckett Monica Longenbaker Kenneth LaFave Gregory Granillo Shannon Severson Katherine Braden Lara Piu
things I’m excited about that not even these dog days can suppress. The first is our July photo feature: Arizona’s Golden Hour. There is likely not a one of us who hasn’t appreciated the beauty of an Arizona sunset. So many evenings I have watched this brushwork of nature evolve and wished for a camera to capture the moment. Photographers Karen Raahauge and Cheyenne Rouse have done exactly that for us, and in the most stunning of ways. I am thrilled to share their work with you. The second thing I’m eager to share is the launching of our VIP subscriber program. This is a great new opportunity for our subscribers to receive discounts and special offers from some of the best businesses in the area. When readers subscribe to Images Arizona for $24 per year — just $2 each
PHOTOGRAPHERS
month — they receive a VIP card that affords them discounts and special
Bryan Black Loralei Lazurek Monica Longenbaker
values they can’t find anywhere else. Our VIP program rewards subscribers
ADVERTISING SALES Loren Sheck
Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com Submission of news for community section should be in to
and supports our magazine’s mission of sharing the faces and places that make our community great through original writing and photography provided by talented local contributors. Whether you are a winter visitor, want a perfect gift for someone who lives outside of our circulation area, or just want to make sure that you always have a copy of Images Arizona, visit imagesarizona.com/subscribe. Enjoy our July issue of Images Arizona! The best compliment we can receive is your continued support for local businesses, and for the opportunity to once again share our love for our community with you!
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.
Cheers,
Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.
Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221
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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, luxurious linens, 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
Discover this local treasure!
Services
Bank of America Cameo Cleaners Data Doctors Farmer’s Insurance Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch Kolton Consulting Pima North Animal Hospital The UPS Store True Blue Life Insurance
| (480) 563-1579
LUXURIOUS LINENS! Providing the finest in luxurious linens for bed and bath with one-of-a-kind accessories since 1997. Experience del Adora! delAdora.com
Specialty Retail
Clickchick Photography Hyde Park Interiors Parson Interior Design ProTravel International
La Mirada
8852 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255 | LaMiradaCenter.com
July 2017
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Writer Katherine Braden Photographer Loralei Lazurek
“I’m a different kind of artist,” Brian Johnson tells me, laughing. I can’t help but agree. Brian’s chosen medium is saguaro cactus arm skeletons found in the Arizona desert. He hand-dyes cotton the colors of the desert and uses them to weave the skeletons together, crafting copper feathers to crown the pieces before settling braided collars made from turquoise, sheet copper, cotton or leather around the neck of each “shaman.” “I explain my shamans as being spirits of Native American warriors in the desert,” Brian tells me. “They speak to me.” Brian moved to Phoenix from El Paso in the early 90s to get a fresh start. It was during a hike in the desert that he found saguaro skeletons. “When I saw them, I was fascinated,” Brian says. “I envisioned a Native American chief with a breast plate and bones. I took the arms home and knew exactly what to do with them: I wanted to create a vision of a Phoenix bird rising.” Brian had intended to make a piece for himself, but when he showed the shaman to a few friends, they loved it and connected him to an art gallery owner. The next thing he knew, he was part of an art show for Thunderbird artists.
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For the next few years, Brian sold his shamans, taking a break in the late 90s before beginning again in 2012. Now, he’s in several galleries, part of the Sonoran Arts League, and he just attended his first Arizonan Fine Art Expo. With a full-time job in property management, Brian creates art in his free time. I ask Brian if he’d like to become a full-time artist, and he tells me he wants to wait until retirement, which is still a few years away. He doesn’t want the chore of having to produce art for a living. “I make [the shamans] because they speak to me. It’s nice I’ve been making money, but I do them more for my own satisfaction,” says Brian. He finds satisfaction in his audiences’ reactions as well. “People are so kind and say the nicest things about my work,” he says. “They really think the world of what I make.” They marvel at his intricate weaving and are impressed by his unique style. The most common comments he receives, however, are about how magnificent his pieces are. It’s easy to see why: the wall hangings command an entire room. “When you first see them, you feel like you have to bow,” Brian says, laughing. “I never thought of them as religious, but they are spiritual. They’re great spirits of Native American warriors. I have this respect for them. They’re just so special.” Each piece is different because every cactus has its own story to tell. It takes a saguaro 100 to 200 years to sprout an arm. “God,” says Brian. “What those things have been through and seen. It’s fascinating.” Unlike some artists who struggle with inspiration, Brian tells me his art comes naturally to him. “I envision how I want them completed and know what I want to see when I’m done,” he explains. Most of his pieces are
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Most of the time you need a loom to have control of the ropes, but I already know what to do. It just comes to me.
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2 feet by 3 feet, though the larger ones are sometimes as big as 5 feet by 8 feet. Each takes about a week to complete. Another thing to note: Brian is completely self-taught. He developed his weaving technique by making dream catchers in high school. People often question how he weaves, telling him it’s too perfect or it looks like it was done on a machine. “It’s all free hanging and hand-woven, no looms or anything. Most of the time you need a loom to have control of the ropes, but I already know what to do. It just comes to me.” Brian tells me his mother has Blackfoot blood in her. He believes that’s one of the reasons his art comes so easily and his shamans speak to him so clearly. “When I did my first few pieces, I went to an astrologist. The first thing he said was that I was a textile designer in my previous life,” Brian says, laughing. Previous life or not, Brian and I both agree his pieces are unique. Brian can be found at Cellar 433 in Jerome and Hogan Trading in Moab, Utah, and he will be at Hidden in the Hills in November. He also does custom work for clients who have something specific in mind. He can go into any interior, look at the colors, shapes, and sizes, and put it all together in a weaving. “I feel like I can’t make enough of [the shamans], but I don’t feel like I’m mass-producing the same thing,” Brian says. In the beginning, however, he worried the pieces were too similar. He was concerned he was making duplicates. “But then I started looking at different pictures of Native American chiefs, and although they’re very similar, they’re totally different.” It’s just like the cacti, he tells me. Each one has a remarkable story. Each is steeped in history and commands respect. And, like the desert they originated from, they’re equally unique, majestic, and colorful. brianjohnsonaz.com
July 2017
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Photo courtesy Odysea Aquarium
COMMUNITY arts // announcements // culture Writer Grace Hill
JULY 1-31 ODYSEA AQUARIUM’S SUMMER OF SHARKS
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JULY 1
Experience
Marvel at the largest and
RED, WHITE & RAWHIDE FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR
most diverse shark exhibition
This Independence Day event
in Arizona and enjoy special
includes music, food, fireworks,
programs and activities
live action stunt show, and
celebrating these magnificent
attractions and rides. Advance
sea creatures. See website for
tickets $20; at door $25; kids
admission prices and hours.
5 and under free. 4-10 p.m.
OdySea Aquarium, 9500 E. Via
Rawhide, 5700 W. North Loop
de Ventura, Scottsdale; 480-291-
Rd., Chandler; 480-502-5600,
8000, odyseaaquarium.com.
rawhide.com.
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JULY 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29 DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN FLASHLIGHT TOURS Every Thursday and Saturday through Sept. 2, guests can explore the Desert Botanical Garden after sunset. Bring a flashlight. 7-9:30 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., 480-941-1225, dbg.org.
JULY 1-7 FEARLESS ART WORKS NEW EXHIBIT The public is invited to view the “Abstract Expressions” exhibit at Fearless Art Works, featuring the work of Nancy Christy-Moore, Ted Loomis, Megan Somerville-Loomis and Meryl Epstein. Fearless Art Works in Spanish Village, 7211 E. Ho Rd. #17, Carefree; 480-5950501, fearlessartworks.com.
JULY 1-12 CONTEMPORARY WATERCOLORISTS OF ARIZONA EXHIBITION Juried by Phoenix artist Pat Cain, this exhibition features the talents of 25 members of the Contemporary Watercolorists of Arizona. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tues.-Sat. Shemer Art Center, 5005 E. Camelback, Phoenix; 602262-4727, shemerartcenter.org.
JULY 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 MCDONALD'S ROCK 'N' ROLL CAR SHOW Featuring classic cars and motorcycles and ’50s era music provided by Party Time DJs every Saturday. Free. 4-8 p.m. The Pavilions at Talking Stick, 9180 E. Talking Stick Way/Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale; 480-443-0080, thepavilionsattalkingstick.com.
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JULY 1 RED, WHITE & BLUE CARS FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY This month’s Scottsdale Motorsports gathering, “Red, White & Blue Cars for Independence Day,” will feature 400-600+ cars, including rare high-performance and collector cars. Free admission. 7-10 a.m. Scottsdale 101 Shopping
Events
Center, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix; scuderiasouthwest.com.
JULY 1-SEPT. 4 ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER’S ANIMATION EXHIBIT “Get Animated!” allows guests to discover the animation process by creating storyboard and stop-motion animation. Learn from artists and animators, and experience world’s largest touring 3-D zoetrope. See website for admission prices. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix; 602-716-2000, azscience.org.
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JULY 1-SEPT. 24 SMOCA [DIS]FUNCTIONAL: PRODUCTS OF CONCEPTUAL DESIGN EXHIBIT Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) presents [dis]functional: Products of Conceptual Design, an exhibit examining the functionality, or the lack of, in art and design. See website for admission prices and museum times. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale; 480499-8587, smoca.org.
JULY 4 4TH OF ZOOLY The Phoenix Zoo brings the fun this Independence Day with a catered BBQ dinner, carousel rides, animals, live music, bounce house and fireworks! Reservation required. Adults (13+) $45; children (3-12) $35; children 2 and under free. 7-10 p.m. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix; 602-2863800, phoenixzoo.org.
JULY 7, 14, 21, 28 FINE ART FRIDAYS ART WALK Each Friday, the Sonoran Arts League invites the public to the Gallery at el Pedregal and surrounding galleries to watch demonstrations by featured artists and enjoy a variety of artwork. Refreshments served. Free. 4-7 p.m. The Gallery at el Pedregal, 34505 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale; 480-575-6624, sonoranartsleague.org.
Photo courtesy Scottsdale Motorsports July 2017
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JULY 8
JULY 10
2017 DFL PHOTOGRAPHY CEREMONY
ARIZONA MUSICFEST FALL FEST TICKETS
The public is invited to the
Single tickets will go on
Desert Foothills Library’s
sale July 10 for Arizona
photography contest reception
Musicfest’s 2nd annual Fall
and awards ceremony. The
Fest. The concert series begins
exhibition will be from July
on Nov. 3 and will include
3-21. 4:30-6 p.m. Desert
shows by Super Diamond,
Foothills Library, 38443
Dennis Rowland, Mary Chapin
N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave
Carpenter and more. For
Creek; 480-488-2286,
tickets, call 480-422-8449 or
desertfoothillslibrary.org.
visit azmusicfest.org.
JULY 11 TONY BENNET AT CELEBRITY THEATRE The world-famous crooner will make an appearance at Celebrity Theatre. Concert features special guest Antonia Bennett. $78-$138. 7:30 p.m. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix; 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com.
JULY 14 YOUTH CLAY BOWL EVENT Children 8 to 11 years will create two clay bowls, one for them and one to donate to the Empty Bowls' Feed the Hungry program. “Build a Better World with Clay Bowls” will be led by artist Sylvia Fugman-Brongo. To participate, bring an unexpired canned good. Registration required. Free. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek; 480-488-2286, desertfoothillslibrary.org.
JULY 14-15 JUDY COLLINS AT THE MIM This summer, the Musical Instrument Museum presents
Enjoy
popular folk music artist, Judy Collins. $63.50-$73.50. 7:30 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., 480-478-6000, mim.org. Photo courtesy Arizona Musicfest
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JULY 15 MONTHLY ART PARTY AT THE GALLERY Every third Saturday of the month, head to The Gallery at el Pedregal to enjoy food, music and art! Free. 1-4 p.m. The Gallery at el Pedregal, 34505 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale; 480-575-6624, sonoranartsleague.org.
JULY 21 TIM & FAITH’S SOUL2SOUL TOUR Country music’s favorite couple heads to Arizona to deliver a memorable concert. See website for ticket prices. 7:30 p.m. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland, Glendale; 800-7453000, gilariverarena.com.
JULY 22 WINE & DESIGN’S UNCORKED DATE NIGHT This two-hour class will include step-by-step instructions for creating a painting masterpiece. Just bring a date and wine! Reservations required. $45. 7 p.m. Wine & Design, 16459 N. Scottsdale Rd., STE C-101, Scottsdale; 480-247-6836, wineanddesign.com.
JULY 28-AUG. 25 Live & Local Fridays 2017 Enjoy an evening listening to local Arizona bands at the Virginia G. Piper Theater. Arrive early for cocktails. See website for admission prices. 8 p.m. Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale; 480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org.
July 2017
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SONORAN TRAILS MIDDLE SCHOOL RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD May 5, Sonoran Trails Middle School (STMS) was awarded second place in the National Spanish Instruction Award presented by the Embassy of Spain for their outstanding teaching of the Spanish language. Principal Bill Dolezal accepted the award in Washington D.C. The award provides for four staff members to attend a summer class in Spain and donates
Events
$400 of Spanish books and
JULY 28-30
materials to the school. Congratulations Sonoran Trails
SIXTH ANNUAL SEDONA HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL
Middle School!
Held at the Sedona Performing
FOOTHILLS FOOD BANK NEEDS DONATIONS
around Sedona, the Sedona
Foothills Food Bank &
Hummingbird Festival provides
Resource Center, a crucial
three days of presentations by
organization providing
renowned hummingbird experts,
emergency food, financial
self-guided garden tours,
assistance and other life
exhibits, birding trips, and
necessities and resources to
more. Tickets available at door
Desert Foothills individuals and
or online. Sedona Performing
families, needs monetary and
Arts Center, 995 Upper Red
food bank donations. For more
Rock Loop Rd., Sedona; 800-
information, call 480-488-1145 or visit foothillsfoodbank.com.
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Arts Center and various spots
I M AG E S A R I Z O N A . C OM Jul y 2 017
Photo courtesy Hummingbird Society
529-3699, hummingbirdsociety. org/hummingbird-festival.
KIWANIS CLUB OF CAREFREE GIVES FINANCIAL SCHOLARSHIP May 10, Kiwanis Club of Carefree presented a $20,000 check to Gina Durbin, director of education & community services (ECS), a department of the Cave Creek Unified School District. Through the Brilliant Futures Kiwanis preschool scholarships, these funds provide financial assistance to qualified families whose children, age three to five, will attend an ECS preschool program. For more information, call 480-575-2440 or visit ecsforall.org.
HIDDEN IN THE HILLS DIRECTORY COVER ARTIST SELECTED Congratulations to Cave Creek artist Carlos Page! The Sonoran Arts League will feature his contemporary wall sculpture of steel and wood beam on the cover of the 21st Annual Hidden in the Hills artists’ directory. Beginning in October, directories will be sold to the public for $5. For more information, visit hiddeninthehills.org.
CAREFREE’S LITTLE FREE LIBRARY The Desert Foothills Library Association and the Town of Carefree installed a Little Free Library within the Carefree Desert Gardens. The neighborhood book exchange’s purpose is to promote literacy and the love of reading by allowing the public to take a book or leave one. Carefree residents Linda and Mark Putney on behalf of the Desert Foothills Library underwrote this project. Visit littlefreelibrary.org, dfla.org, visitcarefree.com.
July 2017
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JULY 31 HARRY POTTER BIRTHDAY BASH Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter series. Includes themed teas, “muggle” foods, trivia challenge, sorting ceremony, costume contest, free gifts and special guests! Call for reservations. Witches/ wizards $30; muggles $35. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. English Rose Tea Room, 201 Easy St., Ste. 103, Carefree; 480-488-4812, carefreetea.com.
Announcements CAREFREE PRIEST BECOMES US CITIZEN
Photo courtesy English Rose Tea Room
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THE ART OF FEARLESSLY DOING BUSINESS III On May 5, Fearlessly Deliver and Fearless Art Works cohosted “The Art of Fearlessly Doing Business III,” to celebrate entrepreneurs, business networkers, community and art lovers. The event featured
Father Jesus “Jess” Ty, pastor
13 business leaders and a
at Our Lady of Joy Catholic
painting of each one created
Church in Carefree, took the
by Michelle Micalizzi, owner of
Oath of U.S. Citizenship on
Fearlessly Deliver and Fearless
May 9 in downtown Phoenix.
Art Works. Approximately 200
Fr. Jess was selected to
guests, including Carefree
speak to the group of 38
Mayor Peterson, attended the
oath takers from 14 countries.
event at the new Fearless Art
Several church staff members
Works in Spanish Village in
witnessed the ceremony. Fr.
Carefree. For more info, visit
Jess is from the Philippines.
aofdb.com.
CCUSD SUPERINTENDENT’S CHALLENGE Dr. Debbi Burdick, superintendent of the Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD), implemented the
DREAMSCAPE YOUR LANDSCAPE HIGH-END, LOW-VOLTAGE, OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Superintendent’s Challenge in the 2012-2013 school year, which stated that if students 7th-12th grade earned 200 hours of community service by their senior year, they would receive an honor cord to wear at graduation. In the 2014-15 school year, the challenge then stated that any student earning 200 hours in one school year would receive a varsity letter. In the 2014-15 school year, the challenge was opened to the 5th-6th grades. The grand total of community service hours by CCUSD students for the 2016-17 school year is 15,521.11 hours. Congratulations CCUSD students! For more info, call 480-5752000 or visit ccusd93.org.
LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED
www.lettherebelightllc.com | (480) 575-3204 | info@lettherebelightllc.com
STUDIO MOVIE GRILL SELECTS REAL-LIFE WOMAN SUPERHERO Studio Movie Grill (SMG) selected a real-life woman superhero for each of the 11 SMG markets nationwide. SMG Phoenix/ Scottsdale selected Mary Hadsall, executive director of Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship, for her dedication to helping others, resiliency in the face of tough circumstances and professional achievements. May 31, the honorees attended the red-carpet screening of “Wonder Woman” in Dallas, where they received SMG’s Opening Hearts and Minds award, along with a $1,000 donation to each honoree’s charity of choice. studiomoviegrill. com; camelotaz.org.
July 2017
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Writer Grace Hill Photographers Karen Raahauge and Cheyenne L. Rouse
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When people think of Phoenix, they don’t think of green pastures or of golden prairies. They definitely don’t think of white winters or of blue ocean views. While the Valley doesn’t showcase those specific views of color, it does provide shockingly vibrant colors in a different way: in the Arizona sky.
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Photographer Karen Raahauge July 2017
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Photographer Karen Raahauge
Arizona sunsets are some of the most beautiful in the world. With the rainbow of colors contrasted against the monochromatic desert, viewers get to watch nature create a masterpiece that bursts forth from the heavens above.
Photographer Karen Raahauge
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No matter where you are in the Valley, this view will take your breath away. Of course, there are certain spots that provide the best views of these amazing sunsets. Whether you’re a lover of outdoor adventure or a supporter of all things indoor, there’s a special place for you to enjoy nature’s brushstrokes in the sky — a place during Arizona’s Golden Hour.
Karen Raahauge Hometown: I grew up in the Dallas, TX area, but lived most of my adult life in Denmark. Current Residence: Northeast Mesa, AZ. Photography experience: “I’ve been interested in photography for a long time, but didn’t start taking it seriously until we moved to Arizona a few years ago. I was completely captivated by the beauty all around me, and I have a natural love for the outdoors, so being able to combine that and capture how a particular moment makes me feel, has become an ever-evolving goal.” Your advice on photographing sunsets: “I’m always looking for clouds, since the sky can be a bit dull without them. Sunsets during the monsoon are the best in my opinion, especially after a day of rain. And try to stick around 2030 minutes after the sun sets. A lot of times, the sky really lights up then and gives you a show.”
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Favorite Arizona sunset location: “We live just a few minutes from the Tonto National Forest, the Lower Salt River and Usery Mountain Regional Park, so those are my go-to spots. I would say the Wind Cave Trail in Usery has some of the most expansive, stunning sunset views in the Valley.” Your thoughts on digital retouching: “I feel some editing (in landscape/nature photography) is necessary at times in order to convey what the eye can see. Our eyes are capable of perceiving colors and tones that no electronic device can even come close to. My objective is to share how I see a particular moment, and how it makes me feel.” karen.raahauge.com
3 Miles South of Pinetop AZ
hon-dah.com 1.800.929.8744 July 2017
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Photographer Karen Raahauge
Outdoor Enthusiast You know this kind of person just by looking at them. These individuals just can’t wait to be outside. From rock climbing to bungee jumping, their bucket list includes as many outdoor adventures as possible. Their best sleep happens while camping in the middle of nowhere, and they feel most at peace standing on the edge of a cliff, looking out into the great wide world. For them, nature is not something that surrounds them so much as it is a part of them.
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Because they have already witnessed many sunsets from many different vantage points, finding a new place might be a challenge. Go Paddle AZ’s full moon campfire paddle tour might be exactly what they need. Departing from Pleasant Harbor Marina, kayakers will paddle towards Honeymoon Cove. As they do so, they’ll head right into the sunset. gopaddleaz.com
Nature’s Calm Admirer There are those who still enjoy the outdoors, but like to sweat less and observe more. They find the slower pace of walking on the beach or lying in a hammock under the stars a perfect way to spend an evening outside. To them, the peace that nature provides is much more appealing than the adrenaline rush it provides for the outdoor enthusiast.
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A sunset music cruise on Lake Pleasant makes for the ideal experience for this type of person. The two-hour cruise delivers a top-notch experience by presenting music by Valley artists of different genres. What could be more relaxing than listening to good music while enjoying delicious adult beverages under a magnificent sunset? lakepleasantcruises.com Indoor Only Please Whether they stay indoors all year long or just during the summer months, these individuals would rather enjoy the view away from heat, bugs, sweat and any other less than pleasant aspect of outdoor life. Thankfully, there are countless places that provide
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Cheyenne L. Rouse Hometown: Miami, FL Current Residence: New River, AZ Photography experience: “As a professional photographer since 1989, I spent 20 years shooting adventure sports photos for stock photo industry. I owned Ancient Light Gallery in Old Town Scottsdale from 2010 to 2012, then decided to take my show on the road. I now travel the West doing over 45 art shows and festivals each year, selling my fine art photographs.” Your advice on photographing sunsets: “Just be there. Get out of the house when the clouds and light look like they are going to put on a show and shoot, shoot, shoot.” Favorite Arizona sunset location: “Depends on the season, but I love the quiet places with not many people around: Bartlett Lake, Cave Creek, Lost Dutchman and my quiet New River neighborhood.” Your thoughts on digital retouching: “I think whatever you have to do to make your vision come to life in your photograph you should do it. I tell people when they come into my booth at my shows that they are not only looking at a photograph but a moment in time that spoke to my soul. They are seeing exactly what I saw and how I was feeling when I shot that photograph. That is the art of photography. Photography is an art, and the art is being able to express your passion for what you are photographing through your photograph.” ancientlightphotos.com
Photographer Cheyenne L. Rouse July 2017
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optimal sunset views in a more secluded (and air-conditioned) location. You just can’t beat the view found in the Compass Arizona Grill. As Arizona’s only revolving rooftop restaurant, it’s become a prime spot for not only admiring the sunset, but also taking a 360-degree look at the Valley. For those looking to observe the sunset without any obstructions while staying indoors, this location beats all others. compassarizona.com These are just a few places that provide spectacular views of our beautiful Arizona sunsets. Try one or try them all. You won’t regret it — we promise! Share your sunset photographs with our Images Arizona Facebook or Instagram pages using the hashtags #iamAZproud and #imagesAZ.
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Photographer Cheyenne L. Rouse July 2017
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Writer Grace Hill Photography courtesy Ciolim Gallery
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the art of organization
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For the past 15 years, Victoria Reins has taught Valley students of all ages the skills necessary for creative expression. However, time with her students ultimately inspired Reins to create something of her own. What was conceived was something beyond the canvas. It was a teaching studio in the North Valley she would call Ciolim — Artistry in Motion. “[I] served on the Scottsdale Artists School board and taught three years at the school in the beginning art program for people who wanted to learn to paint but had no place to go to,” she says. “I brought what I learned from there, north to Desert Mountain and then to Ciolim.” Ciolim started to come together for Reins about four years ago. After looking for the right space, she finally found a space in Cave Creek where individuals seeking a more intimate art class would find exactly that. Each class has a limit of eight students, which allows the highly experienced instructors to teach skills of all mediums in a way that is similar to one-on-one instruction. Through the beginner, advanced beginner, intermediate and advanced classes offered, the instructors can focus their instruction based on the students’ specific needs.
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“Our concept is to offer small classes with the best instructors that we can find throughout the United States,” explains Reins. “Our instructors have taught many years, and it was important to us that they offer to share important criteria that they have learned through the years. They care.” Reins also provides open studio sessions every Thursday, which usually have a waiting list. For July, the open studio sessions are scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. July 6, 13, 20 and 27. Beginning in October, individuals looking for a more casual and fun painting class can attend the brushstrokes class, which will be offered one Sunday per month. “Brushstrokes was established for the person who just wants to spend a fun afternoon painting. All materials are supplied,” says Reins. “We made a conscious effort to upgrade the paintings so that everyone would want to hang them rather than put them in the garage. It takes a bit longer but we have had extremely positive feedback on how they enjoyed the afternoon.”
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For those individuals not interested in creating, they can still head to Ciolim to admire the professional art by national artists that Reins features in her gallery. She says, “Our fine art in the gallery is made up of artists that have established reputations over the years doing museum shows and most of the recognized art venues throughout the United States. They are members of the Western Artists of America, American Women Artists, International Guild of Realism, Oil Painters of America and other prestigious organizations.” Through the small teaching classes with skilled instructors and the affordable fine art in the gallery, Reins has created “artistry in motion” at Ciolim in every single way. Ciolim’s summer hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are closed Sundays and Mondays. The next season begins in October and will include 26 classes. ciolim.com 480-488-7947
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July 2017
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Writer Lara Piu
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The great thing about breakfast is that it comes with a side of promise for a new day. This month, breakfast will be even more promising thanks to the third annual Arizona Breakfast Weekend. Held July 27 through 30, the weekend celebrates the first meal of the day with uniquely crafted dishes and special prices at some of Arizona’s best early morning spots. “For two years now, Arizona Breakfast Weekend has been
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wowing diners around the state,” ARA president and CEO, Steve Chucri says. “We look forward to its continued success and growth for years to come.” More than 50 restaurants across the state are expected to participate. Popular breakfast restaurants like Hash Kitchen’s Scottsdale and Arcadia locations, the Original Breakfast House, Paul Martin’s, Ticoz, Perk Eatery, and The Market by
Brunch Omelletes and French Toast Photo courtesy Paul Martin's
Jennifer’s will offer fare at three price points: $7, $10, and $15. July 28 and 29, some will also offer “breakfast for dinner”; check the website for details. Ticoz will offer signature breakfast items such as corn tortillas in a green chile sauce topped with three eggs, diced tomatoes queso fresco, black beans. with a choice of a bloody mary or mimosa at Ticoz for $15. July 2017
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Raspberry Chocolate Chip Pancakes Photo courtesy Original Breakfast House
Breakfast Tacos Photo courtesy Perk Eatery
Herb Fried Chicken and Waffles Photo courtesy Hash Kitchen
The Market by Jennifer’s features stacked enchiladas made with carne adovada, pinto beans, crispy corn tortilla, organic eggs, creme, queso fresco, avocado, pickled shallot, lime and cilantro for $15. Perk Eatery will serve bacon breakfast tacos with bacon, eggs, pico and cheese, also for $15.
Chilaquiles Photo courtesy The Market by Jennifer's
Produced by Arizona Restaurant Association, the weekend provides a platform for Valley chefs to feature elevated, fresh, new breakfast ideas. According to its website, the organization’s goal is to “position Arizona as one of the top culinary destinations in the nation by increasing awareness of the many dining opportunities available in the state, as well as stimulating business and revenue for restaurants throughout Arizona.” “We like to think that Arizona Breakfast Weekend presents restaurants with new opportunities — whether to offer diners a totally new menu or to tweak and expand their existing breakfast and brunch menus,” Steve adds. “Arizona Breakfast Weekend brings the same level of culinary excellence, creativity and diversity as diners have come to expect from Arizona Restaurant Week — but with the added benefit of starting off your day with us.” arizonabreakfastweekend.com
Carne Asada Scramble Photo courtesy Ticoz
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Writer Lara Piu Photography courtesy The Park
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A new 21-and-over playground with food, music and drinks in an indoor, air conditioned park is elevating the meaning of “adulting.” That’s exactly what Bob Garland and Phil Richard had in mind when they opened The Park, a new indoor street food and beer garden venue in the heart of downtown Phoenix.
acts like Rock Lobster, Neon, Elvis Before Noon, and Ashley Red appear.
“We recognized the trend and popularity nationwide of street food truck food, and figured out a way to feature these festival dishes in a brick and mortar location,” Bob says. “It’s a great opportunity for the food truck operators themselves, to give them a more permanent home to showcase their products, increase their exposure, and grow their business, and it gives The Park customers and endless selection of gourmet offerings from these individual chef operations.”
“Conceiving, designing and building this operation has been a very rewarding passion project for Phil and I,” Bob explains. “This fresh new concept in restaurants has been very well received by patrons from all over the Valley, as well as downtown dwellers.”
Located near Talking Stick Resort Arena, Chase Field, and the downtown convention center, The Park features a 19-foot by 13-foot video wall and a huge stage where live music national
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The entrepreneurs say they’re glad they took their music-meetsfood-meets-indoor playground concept into reality.
They designed the 11,000 square-feet venue to foster a sense of community. Traditional park elements like nature inspired dining spaces, communal tables, high-end lounge seating, green foliage, a tree-canopied garden and a nightlife playground facilitate interaction.
Enjoy
The Park
3 S. 2nd Street Phoenix 602-362-5627 thepark.bar
Food truck vendors such as Taste of New Mexico, Pedal Haus, and Frosted Frenzy Cupcakes rotate weekly offering appetizers, salads, soups, tacos, paninis, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, seafood, pasta and sweets. In The Park’s community kitchen, guest chefs like Jennifer Russo of The Market by Jennifer’s interpret street food menus for brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner and latenight happy hour. “We choose the very best offerings from the highest quality food truck operators in the area, and they set up shop in our vast kitchen, and deliver their dishes to Park customers,” Bob adds. “Gourmet street food, prepared by the passionate owner/ operators themselves.” The Park’s permanent food resident, Loot ’n’ Booty BBQ, offers award-winning barbecue. “Our house menu features Loot ’n’ Booty BBQ signature dishes, including the very best brisket sandwich and BBQ ribs you'll find anywhere in town,” Bob says. “Sterling Smith, owner of Loot ’n’ Booty has been winning accolades and barbecue competitions all over the country.” There’s also a self-serve wall with fine wines and more than 24 craft beers, including Pedal Haus Light Lager and Belgium Wheat, Hop Knot IPA, and Kilt Lifter. “It has everyone talking,” Bob adds. thepark.bar
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Writer Lara Piu Photographer Loralei Lazurek
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As part of its commitment to help freshmen excel, Arizona State University (ASU) grants scholarship money and other helpful academic resources to outstanding new students through its New American University Scholar awards. This fall, one of those recipients will be Cactus Shadows High School Class of 2017 graduate Cailan Cordwell. “When I opened the letter announcing that I had been selected for the scholarship, I was ecstatic,” Cailan recalls. “It felt almost too good to be true. I ran downstairs and showed the letter to my parents and we were all just so excited.” Of the program’s five scholarships, Cailan was awarded its highest, the President's Award, and earned $40,000 in tuition money — practically a full ride. She applied on the advice of friends. “I heard about the scholarships at ASU through other students at school,” she says, explaining that the only other school she applied to was University of CaliforniaBerkeley. Cailan also received scholarships from the Kiwanis Club of Carefree. ASU was her top choice, she tells us because her goal is to graduate college debt-free. “A degree is a degree no matter where I earn it,” she explains. “I would rather go in-state and graduate with less debt than go somewhere prestigious just to be able to say I did. It just made more sense. I mean I can come home on the weekend to visit my family and do laundry, but I'm basically living on my own.” She will use the scholarship to pursue a bachelor of science in psychology at Barrett, the Honor’s College at ASU. “I've always been interested in the behavior and interactions of people, but I took AP psychology my senior year and immediately fell in love with the subject July 2017
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completely,” Cailan recalls. “I'm hoping to attain a doctorate in psychology with a focus on neuroscience afterward.” In high school, Cailan’s favorite subjects were math, English, biology, chemistry, foreign language and psychology. “I was pretty much interested in anything and everything,” she kids. A marching band member for her high school career, Cailan entered the International Baccalaureate program as a junior. She was also a Future Problem Solvers member, a competitive club that promotes critical and creative thinking. She also volunteered with Key Club and Leaders’ Club. “I wanted to excel in school for myself,” Cailan explains. “I knew I would need scholarships and since I'm not a great athlete, I knew those scholarships would be based on merit. I also just have really high standards for myself and I always have.”
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And excel she did. With a weighted GPA of 4.636, Cailan graduated among the top 20 students of her class. Her unweighted GPA was 3.92. Her advice for scholarship hopefuls? Time management. “Figure out how to manage your time early on, whether that means setting out time in your calendar specifically for assignments or just using an agenda,” she explains. “Use that agenda religiously because it will help you stay organized.” She says activities help too. “Get involved in anything and everything your freshman year. Decide what you really like and want to prioritize, and drop everything else after freshman year,” Cailan suggests. “I recommend marching band and drama club because that's where you're going to build a strong sense of community with peers and just overall have fun.”
I'm mostly looking forward to the independence this will bring and the sense of community I'll build with my peers.
Come August, Cailan will move in with friends on the Tempe campus in ASU Barrett Honors Complex. She’s pretty excited about the Domino’s and Starbucks across the street from the dorm, as well as the chance to strike out on her own. “I'm mostly looking forward to the independence this will bring and the sense of community I'll build with my peers,” Cailan says. Until then, it will be business as usual. This summer, Cailan is working and saving money, and she’s on the hunt for something new. She explains, “I need to find a hobby because this is the first summer since sixth grade where I haven't had summer assignments to work on.” scholarships.asu.edu ccusd93.org
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Writer Shannon Severson Photographer Loralei Lazurek
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Janet Towbin creates art from intricate patterns. Her pieces draw the viewer in closer and closer, until they are enveloped by the beauty of small details that are practically lost in the hurried rush of modern life. To see the world through Towbin’s eyes is a meditation on beauty in the smallest details. Towbin’s award-winning work isn’t confined to one medium. In addition to drawing her signature intricate patterns, she creates paintings, etchings, photographs, prints and collage, and sometimes layers multiple techniques in a single work. She’s always working on several things at once and keeps thick books full of sketches, tracings on rice paper, and various iterations of pieces in development. Escher-like tessellations are among her current projects. In layman’s terms, the process involves taking one shape, creating patterns that fill the shape, then multiplying and expanding out until a larger pattern is completed. She scans her sketches and uses computer design programs to resize, repeat, flip and mirror the original patterns, drawing layer upon layer. Producing the intense detail of the final product is a lengthy process. “A lot of my art practice is asking, ‘What would happen if …?” says Towbin. “That’s really what pushes me. What would happen if I changed this or moved this part that way, or twisted it here or flipped it there?” There’s a lot of exploration of shape and form and line and it’s all to get as much movement as I can in a pattern.”
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Some relief prints are made using laser-cuts. For others, she painstakingly carves designs into linoleum. The small runs of prints are a testament to her eye for quality. In Towbin’s light-filled home studio, shelving is adorned with eye-catching bits of inspiration: seashells, sleek wooden blocks that she has painted with nail polish, small sculptures, brightlycolored children’s toys, a stone from a dear friend that became inspiration for one of her drawings, decorative boxes, and ceramic pots made by her husband. The walls are covered with a mix of completed works and works in progress — a collection of drawings, etchings, notes, and photos. It’s clear that she embraces every element of the process, from inspiration to completion. “My point of view is that there’s always another step in my work, another level to explore,” says Towbin. “That constant searching leads me to new discoveries.”
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These days her attention is drawn to tribal tattoos, embellished floral patterns from classical drawings, nature — particularly leaves — and patterns found in lace and netting. Photographing items against varying backgrounds is another tool she uses to see with new eyes and play with color and pattern. Her design experience shines through in the way she can duplicate and shift a single element, fitting the pieces together like a vast puzzle that entertains the eye and captures the imagination. “I’ve always made art,” says Towbin. “As a child, my happiest moments were with crayons and paper and pencils and drawings. Making art has always been a part of my life.” The Cincinnati native first attended the University of Cincinnati Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning as a fashion design major. Towbin soon discovered that being a fashion design major
... there’s always another step in my work, another level to explore. "Leaf Stripes," linocut with rainbow roll, 16 x 16 on paper 22 x 22.5 inches
included sewing and pattern-making, which she wasn’t at all interested in learning. Instead, she found a different path in her favorite basic coursework: mechanical drawing, graphic design, and art history. Though she remains a fashion enthusiast, she switched her major to art history and took every studio class she could, including drawing, painting, and ceramics. Over the years, Towbin’s career experience varied from fashion retail to textile and wallpaper design, art professor to exhibit curator. While in college, Towbin met her husband, Dr. Richard Towbin, division chief of pediatric radiology at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. While a doctor and artist may appear at first glance to be an incompatible right brain/left brain pairing, both their careers are image-based and they share a love of art, often producing work together over the years. They are the parents July 2017
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of two grown children and have three grandchildren. His career necessitated multiple relocations that included Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. With every new city, Towbin found new creative opportunities and gained increased recognition. An 11-year stint in Pittsburgh really marked the beginning her full-time career as a fine artist. It stands out in her mind as a time of great growth and connection. It’s also where she met her mentor, artist and art critic Harry Schwalb. Now 93 years-old, his photo hangs in her studio and it’s clear that her friendship with him was a big part of what made Pittsburgh so special. "Double Crossed," reduction linocut; image size 6 x 6 on paper 10.5 x 10 inches; edition of 30
“I really accomplished a lot in Pittsburgh,” says Towbin. “The city has an extremely vibrant art scene. It’s an edgy place, but very livable. I had shows and was involved in the arts community. I served on the board of directors at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, and organized and curated exhibits. “The museums are amazing. Andy Warhol was one of the most famous artists to come from Pittsburgh and many of his teachers and peers were still alive and working when I was there. The curators and art leaders were very accessible. There was and still is a great creative vibe to the city.”
"Circle Swirl IV,"4-color reduction linocut; image size 8 x 8 on paper 11 x 11 inches
In Philadelphia, she produced etchings with master printmaker Cindy Ettinger, and her time in Ohio and Pennsylvania has resulted in her work being included in the permanent collections of Carnegie Museum of Art (Pittsburgh), Butler Institute of American Art (Ohio), Westmoreland Museum of American Art (Greensburg, PA), the Heinz Endowments Collection, the Free Library of Philadelphia Print Collection and Arcadia University (Glenside, PA). She still exhibits in New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. In 2007, a position at Phoenix Children’s Hospital brought the couple to their current home in Paradise Valley, which they’ve renovated extensively over the years. Starting over again in a new town was a challenge, but her talent draws attention here, too. Towbin’s drawings have been shown at Modified Arts and Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum. She has collaborated
"Grand Variation I"digital archival print with laser-cut linocut; image size 16 x 16 on paper 22 x 22.5 inches; edition of 10
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with local printmaker Brent Bond of Santo Press for an exhibit at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport entitled “Santo Press: Finding Relief in the Desert.” She has also hosted studio visits with Contemporary Forum from Phoenix Art Museum and Brandeis women’s group. “I’ve made wonderful connections here over the past few years,” says Towbin. “I’ve met some very special people with incredible stories. Working with and getting to know Brent Bond, Mark MacDowell, and the artists at Cattle Track has been fantastic.” Towbin was an artist in residence at Mesa Center for the Arts’ Print Studio, has taught printmaking at Arizona State University, and recently collaborated with Bond and MacDowell to produce “Kaleidoscope,” a series now displayed at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa, among other pieces of hers that have been integrated across multiple mediums at the artfilled resort. Towbin is enjoying her life, her family and her art. She is happy to live a life that allows her to keep creating art and that gives her the chance to visit her children and grandchildren. “I’m really not missing anything,” says Towbin. “I’ve got it all. It’s a good life.” janettowbin.com
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Writer Katherine Braden Photographer Loralei Lazurek
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In 1968, Hal Stewart took a road trip with some friends to the World’s Fair in San Antonio. On the way, they passed through Phoenix. It was 109 degrees with no air conditioning in the car, but Hal fell in love with the city. A few months later, he sold everything he had and moved to Arizona with nothing but a $10 bill in his pocket. “When you’re 28, you know everything. You’re invincible,” he says, laughing. “But I love Arizona — the friendly people, the casual atmosphere, the weather … I’ll never leave.” Hal has had a lot of jobs in his life. He was in the Navy from 1957-1961, then worked in the construction industry, selling concrete, asphalt, sand and gravel to contractors. “I’ve produced the concrete for most of the freeways around here,” he says.
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A man of many hats, Hal has also been a rancher and a cowboy. “I raised and showed Appaloosas and quarter horses,” Hal says. “I had to buy a farm because I had 30 head of horses [at one point]. I would go down on the weekend, irrigate the fields, mow the hay, tend to my cattle.” That lasted eight years. “I’m glad I did it, but I’m glad it’s over too,” he says. In 2000, Hal retired. One day, he found himself fiddling with some clay, creating a small Native American head with a buffalo headdress. When his friend saw what he’d made, he told Hal, “Add a body underneath the head, and I’ll pay for the casting and buy it.” Thus Hal’s first piece, “The Treaty Talker,” was born. When Hal made a second sculpture, he sold it just as quickly. “This is so easy! I’ll become a sculptor,” Hal remembers thinking to himself. He produced five or six pieces without any instruction, then took a few courses at the Scottsdale Artists’ School “just to make sure I was doing it right.” “I got into sculpting by accident,” he says. “When I was a kid, I used to swim in the creek, make figurines out of clay, and leave them on banks. I had artistic talent I never paid attention to.” Now, Hal’s talent is nationally recognized. The United States Park Service has selected him several times for their artistsin-residence program at both the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde National Parks. Following a three-month exhibition of his work at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg, AZ in 2013, one of his pieces is now a permanent part of their collection. You can also find his work in the permanent art collection of the U.S. government. July 2017
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Hal’s sculptures depict everything from javelinas to cowboys, Native Americans and barn owls. He derives inspiration from photographs, dreams and his own experiences. He tells me of a time he was at a Purple Heart convention in Scottsdale and got the idea for his famous sculpture “Hello, Old Friend.” “I thought, ‘I’m a horse man and I’m a veteran; why not put the two together?’” The sculpture, depicting an amputee veteran in a wheelchair being welcomed by his horse, is undeniably moving. “I’ve had grown men literally stand there and cry [at that piece],” Hal says.
Middle left to right: "Barn Owl," bronze, 35"x24"x24", "Eagle Dancer," bronze, 24"x14"x12" Bottom left to right: "Yaqui Deer Dancer," bronze, 8"x9"x9", "Home Before Supper," bronze, 19"x21"x9"
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For Hal, that’s one of the most enjoyable things about sculpting. “When you can do something like that, touch people’s lives, influence them for the good…that’s the most rewarding part.” However, Hal realizes that such talent also requires great responsibility. “When I get ready to do something, especially when it’s going to be authentic like a certain Native American tribe, I try to authenticate everything because you can’t change it once it’s been cast,” he says. Take, for instance, his sculpture of the Pima basket carrier. Hal met with five Pima tribal officials to discuss the sculpture and the difference between the Pima tribe and other Native American cultures. “They were so thankful I contacted them,” Hal tells me. “So many people do it wrong and get it wrong. I did it right and got it right.” Because Hal’s pieces are so labor-intensive, and the initial research and sculpting can take months, he typically makes about two to four a year.
“First, I have to build an armature (a skeleton for support) and then check for correct proportions. Then I add the clay and position the figure in some type of pose. I continue to check proportions, add clay, sculpt and add detail.” Hal is known for his details. “At times it drives me nuts, but that’s part of my work,” he says. While he's sculpting a piece, he tells me his hands are in automatic mode. “It’s wonderful! Your mind is free to take off and take a vacation.” After that, it’s off to the foundry for another two or three months before the piece finally emerges as a bronze sculpture. “It’s so rewarding to stand back, look at my creation, and think, ‘I just created something that no one else in the world has ever seen before! Oh, my god, I did that! I made that!’” Hal realizes the implications of his talent, telling me it’s a gift to be aware of and remain humble with. “Anyone who’s been given this talent, it’s your duty to help inspire others to do the same thing,” he says. Hal’s done his fair share of giving back, teaching teens at the Scottsdale Artists’ School summer youth program, giving veterans free classes, and working with kids in the juvenile detention facility in Buckeye. “I’m still me,” he says. “Even with all the accolades, [fame] hasn’t changed me. I’m honored. It’s an honor.” He tells me he’ll give kids who stop by his Hidden in the Hills booth a piece of clay to play with. “I try to get them inspired,” he says. And, at the end of the day, Hal has his priorities straight. “Be a good person,” he says. “Help others, inspire them, and do what you can do to put somebody on the right path.”
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Writer Shannon Severson Photographer Bryan Black
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The world of philately (collection, appreciation, and research of postage and imprinted stamps) may be a foreign one to many, but for philatelist and author Mike Aldrich of Aldrich Stamps, it has been a lifelong passion and thriving business pursuit since he was just 13 years old. His expertise extends beyond stamps, however, and he is a trusted consultant for all manner of collectibles, from coins and bullion to sports cards and watches. The St. Paul, MN native recalls how his grandmother introduced him early on to what would eventually become his career. “I began collecting at age 11,” says Aldrich. “By 13, I was buying and selling via a national stamp newspaper. My parents had to submit the ads for me because I was too young.”
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From that time forward, Aldrich aligned his life with stamps and pursued a business degree at St. Thomas College with the aim of using that knowledge to propel his career in stamps. While he had other jobs during his school years, Aldrich credits buying and selling stamps with financing his education. “As the second child in a family of 11 kids, buying and selling stamps put me though college,” says Aldrich. “Otherwise, I couldn’t have gone. Right after graduation, I started working in stamps full-time.” Founded as an auction company in 1980, Aldrich Stamps continues to be a family endeavor. From the beginning, Jan, Aldrich’s wife of 28 years, has been his business partner and primary administrator, creating sales catalogs and handling customer relations. “I have a few thousand clients who would agree that Jan is a world-class desktop publisher and administrator,” says Aldrich. “Publishing the auction catalogs ourselves allows us the flexibility to do things our own way, and is a huge financial advantage as well.” Aldrich’s business takes him around the country to mingle with other dealers and collectors for up to 22 shows each year. As a member of the Council of Philatelists at the Smithsonian Institute, a recently retired board member of the American Stamp Dealers Association, and a dealer member of the American Philatelic Society, he is also a sought-after speaker. Aldrich has lead live auctions for some particularly valuable items. The “Inverted Jenny” is one such stamp with a storied past and a huge following, even outside philately. As the story goes, in 1918, the US Postal Service printed a 24-cent stamp with an image of a Curtiss Jenny airmail delivery biplane, but the airplane image was upside-down. A lucky collector, William T.
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Robey, purchased a sheet of 100 and noticed the error. Defying the postal service’s demands for its return, these stamps went on to be legend. They’ve been bought, sold, and even stolen over the years, with a particularly high-quality block of four going for $2.7 million in 2005.
about anyone. In other countries, particularly in Asia as changing economic philosophies mean more disposable income, collecting is seen as a status symbol. Throughout the world, it’s a passion that brings people together from all backgrounds and walks of life. For Aldrich, it’s ultimately a business of connection.
“A couple years ago, we were asked to hold one of our auctions Airpex, a national show in Mesa,” says Aldrich. “We were fortunate to offer an example of the Inverted Jenny stamp at auction for the first time in Arizona, and it went for around $132,000.”
“Our philosophy has always been to build relationships with collectors,” says Aldrich. “There are people I’ve done business with for 30 years and never met in person. I’ve built relationships with thousands of collectors, clients, and families.”
The stories behind stamps inspired Aldrich to begin writing short stories for American Stamp Dealer and Collector magazine, and eventually a novel, “Imagine No More Lies,” in 2013. Available on Amazon, it’s a story of invention and intrigue with a distinct philatelic twist. His second novel (not stamp-related) is now in the works and will be published later this fall. Aldrich runs six to seven stamp auctions per year from his home in Cave Creek, and as the reach of the internet has grown, so has that of Aldrich Stamps. It is now the largest dealer and auction house in Arizona. Its eBay store alone boasts more than 20,000 philatelic items. With online access, people from around the world and rural regions who wouldn’t customarily have access can now collect rare stamps. In the United States, it’s an affordable hobby for just
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Aldrich finds it particularly satisfying when he finds a stamp that fills a hole in a client’s collection. Some search their entire lives for one elusive, rare stamp or coin. He’s actually seen collectors brought to tears when they find that last item. While the thrill of finding philatelic unicorns is one part of his business, he is always happy to consult with new clients, providing information and acting as a trusted source of advice. So what should an amateur collector know about buying and selling stamps, or any collectibles, for that matter? One of Aldrich’s primary selling tips may be surprising. He advises that for maximum results, collectors shouldn’t leave the sale of their collections to heirs. “For the most part, collectors only sell once,” says Aldrich.
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“When it comes time, they need to personally pick someone to work with in the selling process. Don’t leave it up to a family member, lawyer, or trust. I counsel people to sell their collections while they’re still alive. I’ve seen too many people ripped off. Most dealers are very honest, but it happens. It’s important to set up a relationship with a trusted dealer to avoid that.” Another tip is that “old” doesn’t always translate to high value. Generally, the market is so replete with stamps issued since 1940, when the post office began issuing stamps in large number, that most are worth face value or less. He suggests the main aim of collecting should be to have fun. These days, Aldrich doesn’t collect for himself so as not to compete for material with his clients. Nevertheless, he’s always on the lookout for stamps that his clients are looking for. He and Jan are enjoying their lives in Arizona, fishing, hiking, golfing, playing tennis and staying involved in their church. He writes more and is able to pick and choose what he really wants to do. “I’m one of the lucky people in the world who really enjoys their job,” says Aldrich. “The stamp collecting business has provided me with a great career and we’ve had loads of fun. Someday, I will wind down the auction side of the business, but I expect to be involved in philately my entire life. I enjoy the many friends I’ve made here in Arizona and around the world.” 480-488-1616 aldrich@aldrichstamps.com aldrichstamps.com
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Writer Grace Hill Photographers Debby Wolvos and Mikey Campbell of MVMT Studios
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Over the past decade or two, the Valley’s culinary landscape has transformed into a thriving and competitive market. With gastronomic experiences more sought after than ever before, Valley restaurants must find a way to raise the bar if they want to stand the test of time. It seems that Chef Tomaso Maggiore not only knows how to raise the bar, but what it takes to surpass it. That expertise has translated into over 35 restaurants across Arizona opened by Maggiore, some of which he opened with his son Joey through The Maggiore Group, created in 2015. This partnership developed popular dining establishments throughout Arizona and Southern California, including Hash Kitchen, Tommy V’s Osteria Pizzeria, Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen + Bar and Notorious Burgers.
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While those restaurants are relatively new members of the food community, Maggiore’s most well-known creation, Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant on the Camelback Corridor, has been successfully serving authentic Italian fare to locals for over 40 years. With a history like that, it is not surprising that Chef Maggiore decided to expand Tomaso’s. This new concept — Tomaso’s When in Rome — just recently opened on June 14. And although it’s new to the community, it already has a strong following. “The purpose behind the new endeavor is to create something fresh and exciting that isn’t already being done in this market,” says Chef Maggiore. “A lot of my loyal customers live up north. They were hoping that, if I found an opportunity to open a restaurant near them, I would seize it. So I did. My customers have fueled my businesses for years!” Those loyal customers, and the many guaranteed to become ones, can now enjoy a trattoria-type atmosphere in North Scottsdale. With beautiful features like solid Roman columns and photographs depicting historical Roman landmarks and destinations, the 5,000 sq. ft. dining room effortlessly takes guests out of Arizona and into Italy. However, a genuine Italian experience most importantly transpires within the food itself. “Diners at When in Rome can expect authentic handcrafted dishes that can be found at a true trattoria in Rome,” explains Maggiore. “The menu is designed in a sense that everyone will find something to love. All ages, demographics and backgrounds will fall in love with this cuisine.”
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The menu boasts of entrées like veal scaloppine marsala and funghi; rigatoni amatriciana and meatballs; vegetarian eggplant torte and gnocchi; and braised filet mignon ravioli, and lunch items like When in Rome: panino di porchetta; pear and pecorino cheese-filled ravioli; and garganelli with crab, salmon and armagnac. With choices like that, guests will truly feel, and eat, like Italians.
Charcuterie Board
And that’s exactly Maggiore’s intention. He says, “When in Rome, eat like the Romans do. When in Scottsdale, do the same!” The restaurant also offers an expansive wine selection that pairs nicely with any entrée on the menu. Of course, a great dinner wouldn’t be complete without dessert. From angel kisses of fresh strawberries filled with sweetened mascarpone cream and chocolate to Sicilian cannoli with a crispy shell filled with sweetened ricotta cream and chocolate, diners will end the meal on a sweet note.
Beautiful culinary spread at Tomaso’s When in Rome
Once again, Maggiore has figured out a way to raise the bar, and just like the original Tomaso’s, Tomaso’s When in Rome, will stand the test of time. Tomaso’s When in Rome is located at 23655 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 120, in Scottsdale. Mondays through Fridays, lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, dinner is served from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Happy hour is available at the bar. tomasoswheninrome.com 480-404-6085
Sicilian Cannoli
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This potluck standout combines two of summer’s most iconic salads: the caprese salad and pasta salad. Tender pasta is tossed with pillows of pearl mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and seasoned with garlic oil and balsamic vinegar. This salad is big on flavor and will stand up well to the summer heat.
Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker
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Caprese Pasta Salad Yield: 6-8 Servings Salad ingredients: 8 ounces short-cut pasta (such as miniature farfalle) 1 pound cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped 1½ cups mozzarella pearls ¼ cup garlic oil (see recipe below) 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar salt and pepper to taste Garlic oil ingredients: 1 cup olive oil 6-10 garlic cloves, smashed Salad directions: Boil pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, basil, mozzarella pearls, garlic oil, and balsamic vinegar. Mix well and season to taste with salt and pepper. Garlic oil directions: Combine olive oil and garlic cloves in a small sauté pan or saucepan. Place over low heat and gently cook for about 1520 minutes. Be sure the pan is not too hot or the garlic will burn. Remove pan from heat and let oil sit for at least 10 minutes (up to two hours). Once oil is cool enough to handle, pour it through a strainer to remove garlic pieces. Reserve oil.
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Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Pops Yield: 12 ice cream pops Ingredients: 1 pint strawberry ice cream, slightly softened 1 cup heavy whipping cream 4 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 15 vanilla wafer cookies, crushed (about 1/2 cup crumbs) 1/4 ounce dried strawberries, crushed (about 2 tablespoons crumbs) 12 wooden or lollipop sticks
A cross between an ice cream bar and strawberry shortcake, these Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Pops are a fun treat for the whole family to enjoy. A strawberry ice cream center is covered with whipped cream and a crunchy cookie coating, then presented on a stick for easy snacking. With just a few simple ingredients, these bite-sized treats will disappear before they even have a chance to melt.
Directions: Cover a quarter sheet pan or plate in parchment paper and set in freezer until cold. Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop balls (about 2 tablespoons each) of strawberry ice cream onto frozen sheet pan or plate. Place them back into freezer for about a 30 minutes or until ice cream balls are frozen solid. Meanwhile, prepare the whipped cream. Place heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl with sugar and vanilla extract. Beat whipping cream using a mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and dried strawberry crumbs in a bowl. Set aside. Once the ice cream balls are frozen solid, insert a wooden or lollipop stick into each one. Dip the ice cream balls into the whipped cream and twist them around until completely coated. Then dip into the cookie and dried strawberry mixture until coated. Place ice cream pops back into the freezer until completely frozen. Enjoy!
Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker
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