September 2011 by Lifestyle Magazine

September 2011

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LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

PAGE

24 THE STEENWYK HOME

LITERARY ARTS

Ernest J. Finney:

Searching for New Perspectives

Letter from the Executive Editor

10 Business Cents 14 Word Play 16 Local Adventure 18 Visalia Visual Chronicle 40 Culinary

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44 Travel: A Photo Essay 50 Fashion

CHARITY

52 Performances: Tulare County Symphony 54 Happenings

The MISSION Continues

The Visalia Rescue Mission Celebrates 30 Years

PAGE

36 ARTS

Scene Santa Fe:

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just for Native art anymore

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46 4

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

ON THE COVER: The Santa Fe home of Tim and Marilyn Steenwyk . ABOVE: Many summer nights you can find homeowners Tim and Marilyn (left and center) visiting with friends and neighbors. On this evening, temperatures called for a fire, and friend, Martha, stopped by with a bottle of wine. The family pet, Sophie, sits on Marilyn's lap.

SEPTEMBER 2011 PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 EDITORIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Copy Editor DARA FISK-EKANGER Content Editor Kyndal Kennedy ART & PRODUCTION Creative Director FERNANDO X. GOMEZ Senior Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Aaron Collins Diane Slocum James D. Jessen Jim Wohlford Karen Tellalian Kyndal Kennedy Marsha Peltzer Sharon Mosley BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA Office Administrator Maria Gaston ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Bridget Elmore SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 E-mail: lifestyle@dmiagency.com VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! issuu.com/lifestylemagazine

Facebook.com/LifestyleMag

Visalia Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 13,000 homes in the upper-middle and high-income neighborhoods in Visalia and Exeter. An additional 2,000 copies are distributed at various distribution points around both communities. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

RACK LOCATIONS

DMI Agency Evolutions Fitness Center, Tulare Tazzaria Coffee & Tea Tulare County Library The Lifestyle Center Visalia Chamber of Commerce Visalia Coffee Company Visalia Convention Center COUNTERTOP LOCATIONS

210 Cafe Advanced Laser Clinics Creekside Day Spa & Wellness Center Exeter Chamber of Commerce Exeter Golf Course Holiday Inn Kaweah Delta Hospital Red Carpet Car Wash Sequoia Laser Aesthetics Smiles by Sullivan Tiffany’s Luxury Medispa Tulare Chamber of Commerce V Medical Spa Velvet Sky Visalia Community Bank (Downtown) Visalia Eye Center Visalia Imaging & Open MRI Visalia Marriott Visalia Medical Clinic Wildflower Cafe-Exeter Dr. Keith Williams Williams, Jordan, Brodersen & Pritchett, Attorneys at Law Windows Plus, Inc.

LEFT: On the wall hangs an authentic, carefully woven Navajo rug in the Steenwyk's Santa Fe home.

Let’s face it, there’s nothing like the sparkle and shine of a brand new home! LIFEST YLE | OC TOBER 2010

EDITOR NOTE

Photo by Becca Chavez | Hair and Make-up provided by Velvet Sky

ven a magazine needs to go on vacation once-in-a-while, and as luck would have it we were recently invited to spend a couple of days at the home of my life-long friends, Tim and Marilyn Steenwyk. It was an offer we couldn't refuse, so this month we do more than live vicariously through the writings of others and took a tour of their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We hope you'll agree with us about the diversion, and join us in exploring what new adventures a second home can bring. Enjoy the article, starting on page 24. One of the most enjoyable aspects of our trip was getting a first hand look at art scene in Santa Fe. If you haven't explored what's happening there in the arts community, you'll get a sense of how vibrant the city is as you read "Scene Santa Feâ&#x20AC;?, as told by Aaron Collins, on page 46. But while the Lifestyle staff was galavanting around the Turqouise Trail, some were here enjoying an evening at the Tulare County Symphony's "Pops in the Park." The concert series officially kicked off the Symphony's 52nd season with musical selections to suit every taste. This year's line up includes "Beethoven and Beyond" coming up in October and Marsha Peltzer beautifully describes what a thrill concert goers will be in for, found on page 52. We are very lucky to have a Symphony of this quality in Tulare County, and it's a pretty inexpensive date night if you're looking for something more culturally fulfilling than a night at another bad movie. As the summer heat cools and we can once again begin to think about projects around the house, now is a great time to visit the 10th Annual Visalia Home EXPO. For most of us, our homes are still our biggest investment, and fall is a great time to think about remodeling or decorating for the holidays. Local contractors and merchants gather under one roof on September 24-25, where they are always happy to answer questions about your next home improvement project. You can find out about this show and other fun events in Lifestyle's Happenings section on page 54. Before we close another issue, we must congratulate the Visalia Recuse Mission on its 30th anniversary. Aprilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue of Lifestyle featured the Mission's "Feed the Hungry Garden" implemented as a way to nourish the hungry, but also serves to nourish the souls of those attending the garden. The celebration banquet honored all of the hard work by the staff and volunteers over the past 30 years. The heartfelt efforts of just a few have effectually changed the lives of many, forever. We're proud of all of our community non-profits and charities, and hope you take some time to read how the Visalia Rescue Mission restores hope to the otherwise hopeless, on page 36. For us and many of you, vacation season has come to an end and it's time to get back to work. We're already thinking ahead to the next issue, and as always, appreciate the time you share with us every month. Karen

Karen Tellalian, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For more information or to submit a story idea email Karen@dmiagency.com or call (559) 739-1747 or fax (559) 738-0909.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

LIFESTYLE | JUNE 2011

B BUSINESS CENTS

Dealing with Market Volatility Text By Jim Wohlford, Stifel Nicol aus

n recent years, significant fluctuations in indexes such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 have become a fact of life. With important financial goals – such as retirement – on the line, it can be unnerving to see the value of your investments rise and fall. As an investor, what can you do to prepare yourself for such volatility? We have a few suggestions that may help you better deal with the current instability in the market. Build a Diversified Portfolio. When one type of investment is down, another might be up. Building a diversified portfolio is a great way to help minimize investment risk, and the key to diversification lies in proper asset allocation – that is, spreading your money across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds and cash equivalents. And within those asset classes, further diversifying your portfolio by maintaining a mix of investments (large- and small-cap stocks, long- and short-term bonds, for instance) can potentially provide you with the stability you need in order to handle periods of market volatility. By balancing your risk and returns over several asset classes and investment types, you may experience less fluctuation in the value of your portfolio. The mix of investments that’s best for your unique situation will depend on a number of factors, including your age, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. While diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss, asset allocation is important in all of your investments, from your 401(k) and IRAs to your college savings plans.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

Maintain a Long-Term Focus. Over the course of investing for long-term goals such as retirement, the market will certainly have its share of ups and downs, but historically speaking, it inevitably has recovered from its down periods (of course, past performance is no indication of future results). During turbulent times, the financial media has a tendency to go overboard with reports of gloom and doom. Amid all of the negative headlines and downbeat economic forecasts, it’s easy to panic – don’t. Stay calm, maintain your long-term perspective, do your best to tune out the negativity, and try not to allow your emotions to cause you to make irrational decisions. Selling off a particular investment when it’s down may bring you some temporary peace of mind, but could come back to haunt you down the road. Don’t overreact by making drastic changes to your portfolio based on current market conditions. The overall impact of market volatility on your investments will depend on your investment time horizon. For example, if you have just a short time period before retirement, your portfolio will have less time to recoup any losses sustained during a down market. On the other hand, if you have a significant amount of time before you need to access your investment funds, your portfolio is much more likely to have fully recovered before that time. Don’t Try to Time the Market. There’s an old saying that successful investing comes from time in the market, not market timing. Many experts will also agree that determining the “best” time to get in or out of the market can be nearly impossible, and that for most investors, trying to time the market is not a practical investing strategy. Trying to determine exactly when one should aggressively invest or back out of the market takes a considerable amount of expertise and time to monitor market environments. And even the most savvy investors and advisors can’t guarantee that their predictions will be correct, since there are no guarantees when it comes to how the financial markets will perform. There is an advantage to staying in the market for the long term, versus trying to determine specific times to get in or out of the market. This advantage can best be explained with the concept of dollar-cost averaging. Dollar-cost averaging is simply investing equal or fixed amounts of money at regularly scheduled intervals. With this investment strategy, you will buy more shares when the price of your investment has declined, and fewer shares when the price has risen. Over a period of time, you may lower your average cost. Trying to predict when and how markets will move can be nearly impossible and completely overwhelming. Whether you are new to investing or a seasoned professional, dollarcost averaging can help you cope with price fluctuations in a volatile market.

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B BUSINESS CENTS

By dollar-cost averaging, you may reduce investment risk by not investing substantial amounts at the wrong time. In addition, dollar-cost averaging forces you to invest on a regular basis, as you would in a 401(k) plan, for instance. By investing on a regular basis, you can avoid making bad decisions based on emotions, such as the natural tendency to stop investing in a weak market. It is important to consider that dollar-cost averaging does not assure a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets. Before embracing the dollar-cost averaging strategy, you should consider your ability to continue investing during periods of falling prices. Take Advantage of Buying Opportunities. A down market doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. You may be familiar with the old saying “buy low, sell high.” During a market such as the one we’re currently experiencing, many savvy investors are taking advantage of attractive prices on stocks that were once considered overvalued. In today’s market, there are thousands of strong, successful companies, which have potential for future gains, available to investors. Investors using the dollar-cost averaging system will already be poised to take advantage of low prices. And, for those who are not currently in the market, getting in at the bottom (or close to it) may be the best time for new investors to enter. For those investors who decide to halt their investing plans, or liquidate their positions, they risk the opportunity to recoup their losses when the market begins to recover. In addition, by getting out of the market, an investor may miss some of the market’s best singleday performances, as some financial experts believe that the most profitable time of a bull market may be at the beginning. Review Your Portfolio. Once you’ve set a course to reach your goals, it is important to stay in contact with your investment professional to be aware of any necessary changes that need to be made to your portfolio in order to keep it in line with your longterm goals. In addition to the ups and downs of the stock market, marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child are just a few major life changes that can have a major impact on your financial needs, and you should take a proactive approach to your investments by scheduling a periodic consultation or review of your portfolio with your investment professional. Living through volatile market conditions can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to go it alone. Your investment professional can help you understand what is happening both with your portfolio and in the market.

Jim Wohlford is a Senior Vice President/Investments and Branch Manager with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, member SIPC and New York Stock Exchange, and can be contacted in the Visalia office at (559) 622-1040. 12

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

WORD ADVENTURE PLAY L LOCAL

NEWS ON WRITING, BOOKS AND THE WORLD OF PUBLISHING Text by Diane Slocum

eptember is known for Labor Day, the beginning of fall, school days and harvest time. It’s also National Chicken Month. Last year, Visalia’s Irene Morse’s “Making Christmas Memories” was the second story in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic. Recent additions to the Chicken Soup library include Just for Teenagers, Just for Preteens and Inspiration for the Young at Heart. Coming soon will be Devotional Stories for Tough Times, Answered Prayers and O, Canada. The New York Times is 160 years old on September 18. It took Susan E. Tifft and Alex S. Jones a lot of pages (928) to cover the family dynasty that turned a minor paper into a world-class news organization. The Trust: The Private and Powerful Family Behind “The New York Times,” published in paperback in September 2000, tells the story of Adolph Ochs and his heirs from the time Ochs bought the paper in 1896 through the next one hundred years. National Cheese Pizza Day was September 5. With that thought in mind, look for Jeni Wright’s Italy’s 500 Best-Ever Recipes: The ultimate collection of classic pasta, pizza, antipasto, risotto, meat, fish and vegetable dishes, and delicious desserts, with 500 photographs due out on October 16.

Valley Writers The San Joaquin Valley has been home to a wide variety of accomplished poets, several of whom have been celebrated in the pages of this magazine – David Oliveira, Tim Z. Hernandez and Juan Herrera to name a few. Now, the Valley has the distinction of producing two of the latest three poet laureates of the United States. Kay Ryan, who lived in Kern County during her childhood, served as 16th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry (the official title) and Phillip Levine, a professor emeritus at California State University, Fresno, has been named as the 18th poet to serve in that capacity. Levine has long been recognized as a poet of rare gifts, as attested by his 20 published volumes and his Pulitzer Prize. He is also credited with bringing a poetry movement to the Valley after he began teaching at CSUF in 1958, before there even was a creative writing program at the college. He was soon followed on the faculty by other luminaries in the world of poetry such as Peter Everwine and C. G. Hanzlicek. Some of his students that went on to fame on their own right were Larry Levis, Gary Soto, Luis Omar Salinas, Ernesto Trejo and Lawson Inada. Reedley College instructor David Borofka and his wife, Deb Everson Borofka, are among the instructors in the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. Courses are offered online and on-site and are suitable for students who seek to write professionally or only for themselves. David’s class is “The Art of the Short Story: Advanced Workshop.” Deb’s class is on “Dreams and Writing.” Both are offered from October 5 to December 7 online. The Borofkas also led classes at the UCLA Writers’ Faire in August. The Faire gives students the opportunity to visit with the fall Writers’ Program instructors. Publishing 14

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

David Borofka is one of many local authors and poets who have been published in The Packing House Review. His story “The Secret Life of Engineers” appeared in Volume I. Three poems by C. G. Hanzlicek appear in Volume II, Number II, and four by Gary Soto are in Volume II, Number III. The issues are available on Amazon.com. The website is www.thepackinghousereview.com/The_Packinghouse_Review/ Welcome.html. Contests The Glimmer Train Family Matters contest is open for submissions during October. Entry fee: $15. Prizes: $1,200 plus publication and 20 copies; $500; and $300. Maximum: 12,000 words. No stories for children. Details: www.glimmertrain. com/familymatters.html. Glimmer Train also accepts stories for publication in October. Payment: $700 plus 10 copies. Details: http://glimmertrain.com/test.html. The deadline for The 2012 Mississippi Review Prize is Dec. 1. Prize: $1,000 in fiction and poetry. Fiction word count: 1,000-5,000; poetry: three poems totaling 10 pages or less. Details: www.usm. edu/english/mrcontest.html. Read the Book Kathryn Stockett’s The Help (Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam, 2009) was released as a movie in August but no matter how faithfully a film follows its original, all the details of a novel won’t fit into the space of a film even if it runs for over two hours. Skeeter, a recent college graduate, returns to her Mississippi home in 1962 and shakes up the community when she refuses to follow the role society expects of her. She wants to write a book about the African American women who work as maids and nannies. As much as this is a bold – some would say foolish – step for Skeeter, it is more dangerous for the brave women who come forward to tell their stories. The Last Word “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” –Harriet Tubman (18201913)

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L LOCAL ADVENTURE A

Kaweah Oaks Preserve

ore than just a safe haven for over 300 plant and animal species, the Kaweah Oaks Preserve can be a haven for locals who want to get away without going too far. Kaweah Oaks Preserve is a mere seven miles from the center of Downtown Visalia, making it close to home, close to nature, and a whole lot to explore. The 322-acre preserve protects one of the last remaining Valley Oak riparian forests (which only exist near bodies of water) in the San Joaquin Valley. In this case, the Preserve is located at the convergence of four creeks that carry water from the Sierra Nevada. More than just a beautiful forest, Kaweah Oaks Preserve features four short hikes for those who want to get in touch, and in depth, with nature. Unique to just our area, these hikes explore the landscape that once covered our land back when the Yokut Indians called it home. The hikes at Kaweah Oaks Preserve vary in length but deliver equally in their impressive scenery and ability to convey just how unique our area is. Grapevine Trail (1/4-mile; allow 30 minutes). Take in the trellises of three-story-high California wild grape vines that grow in, out, up and around the canopies of the Valley Oak trees. Wild Rose Trail (3/8-mile; allow 30 minutes). Be sure to stop and smell the California wild roses on this tour, as well as take in the aromatic mugwort on the hike through the giant Valley Oaks. Truly a hike for all the senses. Swamp Trail (7/8-mile; allow 60 minutes). Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be frightened by the name. The Swamp Trail gets its name from the freshwater pond that occurs when the water table is high. Willow trees sweep the area and pond turtles are often present. When the water table is low, the pond stays dry most of the year and the hike lends itself to the beautiful views of the Valley Oaks and observation of the California wild grapes and blackberries. Sycamore Trail (3/4-mile; allow 60 minutes). Along this hike youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll revel in the giant California sycamore trees, often a centerpiece in local artwork, as well as Himalayan blackberries and oak galls, commonly found along this trail. Open year-round, there is never a bad time to visit Kaweah Oaks Preserve. Take time out to enjoy a picnic at the provided picnic tables and take in the landscape that once covered our very own bustling Downtown. An adventure for the mind and spirit, there is nothing like connecting with something so purely Central Valley. For more information about the Kaweah Oaks Preserve visit Sequoia Riverlands Trust at www.sequoiariverlands.org.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

V VISUAL CHRONICLE

VISALIA VISUAL CHRONICLE

A Sri Lankan in Visalia: Ernie Weerasinghe Captures Adopted City in a New Light Text by Aaron Collins

ou may have noticed, but the number of Sri Lankan plein air painters roaming the streets of Visalia is exceptionally small. Come to think of it, the entire number may come to one. That would be Ernie Weerasinghe. Weerasinghe is perhaps one of the more unlikely Visalians you’ll meet, should you see him out on location, painting what his eye tells him to paint: Visalia’s city streets; humble locations, the high and low intermixed, the edge of town where development gives way to farmland or stands of trees, the effects of light on clouds. Once you see his work, you’ll feel lucky this former Sri Lankan chose Visalia as his home in 1992. “Being situated in the Valley, in view of the foothills and the Sierra, and surrounded by farmland, oaks, and riverbeds, this is an easy call for the landscape painter,” Weerasinghe said. “However, an element that is usually taken for granted is the abundance and sharpness of the sunlight that we have. When it falls and lights the side of an old house or a burger stand or whatever, these commonplace objects come alive. Then, for figurative art, we have a wealth of inspiration in the diverse population and mix of cultures. My overarching inspiration and purpose is to give glory to God for these wonderful resources provided.” Weerasinghe (pronounced we’re-a-singa) was influenced to become an artist while growing up in what was then Ceylon, before Sri Lanka won independence. “A routine part of early childhood was family visits to the local Buddhist temple. Within its interior was a massive gallery of vividly painted frescoes illuminated by many oilburning lamps. The unknown artisans may have designed the imagery to overwhelm the viewer. The shapes and color treatment impacted me greatly and I think I began to comprehend the power of art,” he said of his formative years. Weerasinghe’s vision and experience enable him to see his new surroundings in a way perhaps unlike any other artist. “My schooling at the Royal Navy Colleges in Dartmouth and Greenwich, England, led to a naval career. When Ceylon (Sri Lanka) gained independence, the country began to form institutions. The newly formed Royal Ceylon Navy was an opening for me,” he said. Later, he ventured into corporate business, serving as a director on the board of Pfizer, 18

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

Ceylon, then later on the board of British American Tobacco in Sri Lanka. These jobs entailed travel that offered time to visit the Tate Gallery, the Louvre, Sistine Chapel, and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, among others. As a result of his exceptional talent, Weerasinghe is among the very first regional artists chosen for Visalia’s new public art collection, the Visalia Visual Chronicle. He was chosen for the juried show then selected by not one, but two organizations that sponsored Weerasinghe works for inclusion in this collection. “I think the Visual Chronicle is beginning to create a portrait of the city,” Weerasinghe said. “Every painting included becomes a part of the portrait like a brush stroke. As neighborhoods evolve, populations shift, new structures rise and old ones decay, the city portrait will record these changes through the eyes of its artists.” First Arts and founding cosponsor DMI Agency, Inc. will both receive credit in perpetuity for adding one Weerasinghe painting each to the Visual Chronicle – a treasure that will increase in cultural value and enjoyment as years go by and the collection grows. The Visalia Visual Chronicle was launched this spring with support from founding sponsor McMillin Homes. Artists need not be from Visalia, but the work must somehow relate to our myriad experiences that reflect life in Visalia. The project was initiated by the Arts Consortium, Tulare County’s nonprofit arts partner of the California Arts Council. Artist Robert Henri wrote in 1910, “There is one reason for the growth of art in America and that is people learn the means of expressing themselves in their own time and in their own land.” “Public art platforms like the Visalia Visual Chronicle spur this motivation to make art in ‘their own time and in their own land,’” Weerasinghe agreed. For artist or sponsor information about the Visalia Visual Chronicle, contact Aaron Collins (559) 359-1305 or via email: aeronchase@ hotmail.com.

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LIFEST YLE | AUGUST 2011

L LITERARY ARTS

ERNEST J. FINNEY:

Searching for New Perspectives Text By Diane Slocum

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

isalia author Ernest J. Finney always thought the perfect job for him was to be a writer – and he didn’t waste any time before giving it a try. “I would write stories to sports magazines like Sports Afield,” he said. “I used to fish, and then I’d make up these stories and send them off. I must have been 10, 11, 12 [years old] and they were handwritten in pencil, and I’ve never heard from them since.” Now, he could probably write a story about that little boy – a writer’s fish story of the one that got away. “Kids especially are great spectators, great observers. In my short stories and novels, the perfect observer is a 12-year-old who is watching the action between adults, or war, or whatever. They’re a perfect character that’s going to give a point of view that’s untouched by experience and record what they see. And I’ve used that character, that 12-year-old, or maybe even younger, as a device in a lot of my stories and most of my novels.” One of these novels is Words of My Roaring. Ten-year-old Mary Maureen, her little sister and the boy next door wind up in San Bruno during World War II. Along with a young school teacher and her sailor boyfriend, these children witness the changes that transform their small coastal town into a naval training base, a shore-leave center to entertain thousands of sailors and an internment camp for Japanese Americans. Their everyday lives of school and rationing, the constant reminders of war they hear on the radio, bar fights and prostitution, servicemen dying and women heading households are all a part of the experience of the big war on the home front. As in most of Finney’s stories, the town and what it is going through is as important as the people. In this case, it is San Bruno, but as a resident of Central California, the Valley and its people wend their way through many of his stories. Finney came to Kings County in the 1970s and wound up in Visalia some years later. He came looking for something that would give him a new perspective on things and that would surprise him and keep him going. “When I came to the Central Valley there weren’t a lot of fiction writers here. Before my time, there were William Saroyan and John Steinbeck and so forth, but there was an interim where there was kind of a void. To me, this Valley was untouched and new. I was overcome by the possibilities in this Valley.” He knew little about agriculture when he arrived, but soon began to learn about the land and its people, making friends with small farmers, and observing the powerful. “I remember stopping on Highway 99 and watching something happening in a big cotton field. I was watching a long time. A farmer stopped and I asked what was all the white movement about 200 yards away. It was what they called weeder geese. They just ate the weeds. They didn’t eat the cotton. There were hundreds, if not thousands, of these geese walking the rows. It was that kind of thing that just took me by surprise and sucked me into the Central Valley and trying to explain what I was seeing.” While Finney could see the vast possibilities for stories in the Central Valley, he sometimes had difficulty convincing publishers of the potential. They told him it was too regional, too small of a field, not interesting to the general public. And East Coast publishers often painted the whole state of California with this brush. “I’ve been in obscure places like an icebreaker off Finland or someplace,” he said. “People finding out I’m from the USA, and then California, they will tell me something like the highlight of their life was riding a bicycle up Highway 1 in Mendocino County and staying in a hostel there. This has happened numerous times.

L LITERARY ARTS

California is the goal of the whole world – to come here at least once. How can the NY publishers automatically dismiss anyone from California?” Finney’s latest book, Sequoia Gardens – California Stories, takes in a lot of the Golden State, including the Bay Area and the Sierras, as well as the Central Valley. It is a collection of short stories involving characters as diverse as a 17-year-old foster child and a manipulative woman in agribusiness. Some reviewers have said that Finney tends to write about characters that are on the margins of society. He’s not sure where that comes from. “Maybe the majority of all people live on the edge,” he said. “I never look at it that way. I’m classless. I don’t know how you pick out your characters. Something catches your eye.” The story he is writing now came from an article in the newspaper. A family of Russian immigrants with a tow truck service in California used slow times to grab expensive cars off driveways and charge people for “storage.” If they wouldn’t pay, the Russians sold the cars for parts. When they were caught, about 75 members, including the 80-year-old grandmother, went to prison. Finney thought he had it made as a writer when he was in his 20s and a literary magazine accepted his story. “The next thing I know, the story gets in the O. Henry Awards, which is probably one of the better venues for short story writing even today,” he said. “I told myself this is easy. It isn’t easy, of course. You end up paying for those thoughts of success and glory because it took me 20 more years to learn what I had to do to be able to sit down and write for so many hours a day and come up with something that was good enough that they would publish it again.” And he did. He started publishing often in literary magazines such as the Sewanee Review. Eventually, he accumulated enough stories to produce two collections, Bird’s Landing and Flights in the Heavenlies, before his latest Sequoia Gardens. He also has published four novels. In addition to Words of My Roaring, they are The Lady with the Alligator Purse, Winterchill and California Time. Winterchill gained the distinction of convincing a New York publisher that a story about six generations of a San Joaquin family of plum growers held more than regional interest. Not only was the novel published by William Morrow, but a chapter from the book printed under the title “Peacocks” won Finney an O. Henry Award and produced nationwide publicity for the book. Finney’s latest venture is writing a play. The storyline comes from his as-yet-unpublished Gold Rush-era novels, a chapter that has been printed as a short story titled, “Up on the Yuba.” It deals with a woman named Juanita who was hung after being accused of killing a miner. “I’m not sure why after all these years I should try a new genre where I didn’t know what I was getting into,” he said. Maybe it has something to do with his desire to explore areas that are untouched and new to him, the same desire that keeps him travelling to “obscure places” and that brought him to Visalia over 30 years ago.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

H HOME TOUR

Collecting Art, Connecting to the Land. The Steenwyk Home

Text by K aren Tell alian | Photos by Forrest Cavale

ON THE SPREAD: In the summer, sitting on the patio looking out toward the dramatic cloud-filled sky is like looking at a master's painting; just another reason to love Santa Fe.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

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LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

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he quivering cries of coyotes, just a stone’s throw outside the fence, cause little more than a quick glance to the family pet Sophie to make sure she’s safely where she’s supposed to be. The 3,000-square-foot home’s coyote fence surrounds the 2.5-acre estate, providing some level of protection, but it does little to quiet the howls. It’s all part of the ambiance of living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. When former Central Valley residents (and childhood friends of Lifestyle Magazine's executive editor) Tim and Marilyn Steenwyk invited us for a long weekend, we just had to take them up on the offer. It’s not every day we get to experience such Native American influences on food and art, much different from ours at home. With a 6 a.m. flight and a baggage compartment full of camera equipment, we were on our way to one of the most dramatic backdrops in the country. Born and raised just a little north of Visalia, in the suburbs of Modesto, Tim and Marilyn relocated to Texas and started visiting Santa Fe in 1993. Already collectors of Native American art since they married 35 years ago, it seemed natural for them to fall in love with everything about the area, especially the people and the architecture. Explained Tim, “We were vacationing here every year and staying in hotels. But two to three weeks at a time in a hotel can get a little old. So four years ago when the opportunity arose

for us to buy a second home here, we thought, ‘Why not?’” Their first consideration was in the plaza area downtown, but they soon found something better, a house built by a contractor – intended for himself. Their first thought? What incredible views! Perched upon a hill at 7,500 feet, the scenes right through their windows are spectacular. From the front, one sees the Jemez Mountains. From the back, it’s the Sangre de Cristos (Spanish for the “Blood of Christ” because of the red tint that sometimes appears in morning and evening). The hills are sparsely dotted with houses that seem to meld into the area’s natural beauty. During the day, the air is mostly crisp and clean, and summer nights vacillate between starry royal-blue skies and dramatic lightning shows with showers of rain. The changing climate was most attractive to the Steenwyks, although last winter when temperatures dropped to 20 below there was a flurry of concern about how the structure would fare. Marilyn piped in, “No broken pipes, but the well froze.” The Steenwyk home’s architecture is characteristic of that found most often in Santa Fe – Pueblo style. Although far from rustic, the viga’s (large ceiling beams) do help create a natural, relaxed feeling. The wall’s diamond finish is cool to the touch and simulates adobe. Although some might refer to them as adobe structures, a true adobe is made from earth, and not practical

ABOVE: The living room displays only part of the Steenwyk's collection of Native American pottery, including works by Maria Martinez.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

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for long-term living as the earth will eventually crumble; not acceptable when your home is filled with authentic Native American pottery and art, some hundreds of years old. As soon as you walk in you can feel the artistic influence Marilyn has had on the home’s seemingly eclectic decor. A closer look reveals more of a mixture of Hispanic and Western cowboy, all perfectly curated into a private gallery. As an artist herself, her appreciation of the rich Native American culture is evident. “Santa Fe’s art community was a major attraction for me. In a town of only 75,000 people, it has almost 300 galleries.” That makes Santa Fe the third largest art town in the United States, only behind New York and Los Angeles. Pretty much heaven to art aficionados Tim and Marilyn. But, Marilyn is quick to add that Tim is the true collector. She mentions that her husband spends a great deal of time reading and researching collectable artists, and has a good eye for spotting their work from among the lesser-quality pieces. He finds most of his acquisitions at estate and antique sales. Preparedness combined with opportunity has led to a museumquality collection that elevates their reputation among the premier collectors. The ancient art of pottery dates as far back as 2,000 years, and Pueblo potters consider their work as storytelling – a sacred way in connecting their people to the land. Before 1950, few

ABOVE: The traditional Pueblo style home is characteristic of Santa Fe area architecture.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

Native American potters signed their work. Usually, the clay is gathered near the potters home, allowing Pueblo artisans to achieve different colors, with many Pueblos keeping the source of the clay a well-guarded secret. Each Pueblo is known for its own design, which identifies the master potters easily. It doesn’t take much to get Tim talking about his favorite, the San Ildefonso Pueblo, and Maria Martinez (1887-1980). “Maria was one of the first to sign her pottery; she was a great promoter,” said Tim, “her work was exceptional.” As he recalls, one of her most coveted pieces sold for around $200,000. Martinez, probably the most famous American Indian artist of the 20th century earned international acclaim with her magnificent polished black pottery. She gave new life to an otherwise dying regional art form, commanding prices reflective of the renaissance. While Martinez might be the most famous and sought-after potter by modern-day collectors, she shares space in the Steenwyk household with artwork derived from other Pueblos. A tour of the pieces on display reveals more from the Santa Clara, Cochiti, Jemez, Zuni and Hopi Pueblos, just to name a few. “I like pottery because true pottery is hand coiled; I know someone worked really hard by hand. These are not mass-produced. That’s something we’re losing in our society,” said Tim. “Cheaper versions are greenware, then just painted.

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ON THE SPREAD: The view from the dining room highlights the ceiling's vigas, and give the viewer a sense of living as art. To the left is the 400-year-old Spanish Colonial chest, made of sabio wood.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

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LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

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Purists want the hand coiled.” The Steenwyks are certainly purists when it comes to art. The quest for authentic hand-crafted works of art seems beautifully endless. Tucked in and around this art-filled home, are wonderfully vibrant art expressions from the Mexican villages of Talavera, Guerro, and Tlaquepague, which means “best of everything.” On the wall is a magnificent Navajo rug, one took months to make. In the living room there is a ceremonial dress from the 1930s, worn by a Sioux princess from Hot Springs, South Dakota. The dress is beautifully adorned with beads, each carefully placed by hand. The tradition of beading, mostly from the Plains, originally starting with hand carved beads from shells, turquoise, stones, and animal bones and now from glass. On a table in the entryway sits a stunning pair of handbeaded, knee-high boots replicating the American flag. The author thinks she might need those boots. Up to this moment we’ve been afraid to touch anything, until our most gracious hosts invite us to put our feet up. It seems they have an appreciation for collectable art, but more so for family and friends. “We have our kids and grandkids come to visit and we want them to be comfortable here,” said Marilyn. Good idea considering the tribe is about to increase by two as more grandchildren are on the way. When the Steenwyks moved in, the house was very much a clean slate, waiting for an artist to pick their colors and style desired. Since it was a second home, the owners wanted

to decorate in a way that reflected the area architecture and immediately developed a taste for Spanish Colonial furniture. Their oldest piece is a 400-year-old chest made of sabino wood. Said Tim, “Most Spanish Colonial craftsmen used pine, mesquite or sabino wood.” Another, large entertainment center made of teakwood, weighs nearly 600 lbs., and was laboriously lugged into the house – enduring multiple curses by Tim and three friends. Tim gave that item as the reason they’ll never sell the house, as they don’t want to leave this piece behind or have to find new friends. But it’s not all art and antiques that keep the Steenwyks splitting their time between Houston and Santa Fe. It’s also friends and fun. Since living here they’ve made many friends, like neighbors Donna and Lawrence, who along with children Janira and Nick are Spanish Colonial artists. Janira and Nick also perform Flamenco with Janira dancing and Nick playing the guitar. Every summer, Tim and Marilyn enjoy watching them present their performance art in a style descended from the Gypsies. Sunday’s are reserved for attending church, and Marilyn, a self-proclaimed foodie spends a lot of time in the kitchen perfecting her love of cooking. As night falls, we lose the light for photographing so we move outside to the porch. There, we are closer to the nearblinding lighting as it dances all around us. Tim and Marilyn’s friend, Martha, who with her husband also splits time between Houston and Santa Fe, stops by to visit and share stories of life ABOVE: The home's heart, the kitchen, often finds Marilyn perfecting her culinary talents.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

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LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

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in Santa Fe. Our conversation is interrupted only by the crackling thunder and the now familiar coyote howls; when the summer storm passes and all is still, you almost believe you can hear them breathe. For some reason it seems important to ask about the reliability of the coyote fence. In American Indian culture the coyote is often considered an omen of bad things. But not so here â&#x20AC;Ś not so tonight. The Steenwyks have found their little piece of Tlaquepague, the best of everything.

PICTURED: From the 1930s, a ceremonial dress worn by a Sioux princess, is adorned with handcrafted beads.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

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HOME TOUR H

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For more information, Call Jodi or Margo 741-9484 www.sequoiacrossing.net Summit Homebuilders Inc. Lic. #961587

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

C CHARITY

The MISSION Continues Text by Kyndal Kennedy | Photos by Taylor Vaughn

he Visalia Rescue Mission recently celebrated its 30th Anniversary Banquet at the Visalia Convention Center. The evening was a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the VRM to the Visalia community and the lives its ministry has forever changed. The Visalia Rescue Mission provides hope and restoration through Jesus Christ and serves the community by providing a homeless shelter for men, women and children; a nine-month recovery program; hundreds of meals served daily; and the support of people who genuinely care about the well being of others. The operations of the Mission far exceed what one expects for a town that many don’t see as having an exaggerated homeless population. However, this perspective of a low homeless population might be just because of the great work the VRM does in addressing this hidden need. In fact, over 130 people sleep in the VRM’s beds each night and over 183,000 meals were served in 2010 alone. Although these numbers are shocking and saddening, the services provided by VRM to the people of Visalia is immeasurable. The Mission’s ROI would be better calculated by the number of full stomachs, warm bodies, and smiling faces that fill the homes of the Mission daily. Amazingly, VRM is funded solely by donations from local churches, businesses and individuals. The Mission also owns and operates two thrift stores in Visalia: Rescued Treasures on Mooney Boulevard and Simply Chic Boutique on Main Street. All proceeds from these two establishments go directly back into the 36

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

Mission. Executive Director Danny Little, shared with guests at the banquet that Rescued Treasures, a store that barely managed to break even at first, will likely gross over one million dollars this year. All of this is in thanks to community members who donate and purchase from these locations as well as the volunteers who spend their time organizing and sorting through all these rescued treasures. One of the Mission’s new ventures is the “Feed the Hungry Community Garden,” implemented by volunteers, staff and community members looking to improve the city of Visalia. This garden is intended to not only supply those in need with healthy fruits and vegetables that can’t come in food box donations, but also nourish the souls of those who tend it. In addition to the garden, the VRM is in the process of one of its biggest projects yet – one that can revolutionize a part of our town riddled with despair, drugs and gang activity. Working alongside the City of Visalia, the VRM will be creating a community center in Oval Park and therefore introduce and oversee positive activities and influences in this now troubled area. The turnout of philanthropists and supporters at the event and the words echoed by every speaker on stage is a testament to how amazing and meaningful this organization is to so many. This is not just a job to those involved in the work of the Mission, this is not a way to pat themselves on the back. The Mission is their ministry to Jesus Christ, and they respect and care for all who come through the doors. “Dignity and safety” are two words Little described as what drives the Mission.

Friday, Dec. 2nd

4-Person, Personal Tour of San Francisco 49ers Headquarters in Santa Clara Lunch in the 49ers Restaurant with Jed Yourk, President of the 49ers Depart there around 1-1:30pm Lodging at the ultra-lux Marriott San Francisco Union Square

Saturday, Dec. 3rd

Holiday Shopping on Union Square (Just in time for the holiday season) Dinner at Farallon A tip-top restaurant, right off of Union Square ($300 gift certificate)

Sunday, Dec. 4th

4 Lower Reserved tickets 1pm-49ers vs. Rams game

Live Auction Item at Visalia Breakfast Rotary Crabfeed Fundraiser Friday, Oct 21, 5pm, Holiday Inn | Call Bill for details: 269-5986

C CHARITY

TOP: The Visalia Rescue Mission Executive Director, Danny Little, with Will Graham, and Conrad Poe, of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. ABOVE: Display of items from the Rescue Mission's Simply Chic Boutique.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

Dignity and safety are what they want for every person who is somehow touched by the work of the Mission. One person whose life has changed for the better because of God’s work through the Mission is Henry. Henry grew up in a family deeply into drugs, gangs and violence, and began his criminal career early as a young teen. In his story, he said he thought he could change his ways by not hanging out with the same bad people, staying away from drugs, and finding a job. He managed to do this, but he was not happy; he realized he was still the same old Henry inside. He found himself back in jail facing a life sentence. “As an act of desperation, I turned to God in that cell. I called out to Him. He heard me. Afterwards, I felt peace. I knew I’d be alright,” said Henry. After 19 years in and out of prison, he did not know how to live and function in society. He went to the Visalia Rescue Mission. “When I was there, God began to surround me with some really great men that helped and encouraged me. These men were a large part in my growth, and learning how to walk and to be a Christian out in the world,” Henry said. Since then, Henry proclaims God has continued to do amazing things in his life and he is thankful for the VRM in helping him get a second chance. There are so many like Henry in our community; born into negative circumstances or seeking trouble to fill a void. Many of these people seek refuge from the Mission and its volunteers. Some are looking for God, and some just want to feel safe. Guest speaker and evangelist Will Graham (grandson of Billy Graham) ended the evening with a sermon surrounding the concept of “circumstance.” Just like Henry’s growing up in a broken and violent home and spending much of his life in prison made for his daunting circumstance, all of us have at some point been in a negative situation that made life challenging. Graham’s message fit perfectly with the testimonies that many involved in the VRM have in their hearts. Even though life had thrown curve balls and hardships at Henry and others, the Visalia Rescue Mission was there to pick up those who couldn’t see a way out, turning them to the way of the Lord. Along with his sermon, Graham entertained the audience with anecdotes about his grandfather, Billy, who is now 92 years old. “His mind is sharp, his vision is going, and his hearing has been going for awhile – at least that’s what my grandma has been saying.” Graham’s trip to Visalia was at the asking of his long time friend, Little. “Danny sent me an invitation and here I am,” said Graham. The testimonies from those who work at the Mission, those who are served by the Mission, and Graham all center around the fact that none of this could be done without Jesus Christ and the invaluable community members who answer a call to serve the Lord and donate their time and money to the Visalia Rescue Mission. Although staff and volunteers wish there wasn’t a need, they are happy to have been able to restore hope to so many lives in the last 30 years, and with the support of the community, they will continue to do so.

CHARITY C

Serving you in a spirit of excellence with HONESTY. INTEGRITY. TRUST.

DARCY R. STABERG Broker Associate / GRI DRE LIC. 01820923 559.827.5757 darcy@tkre.net www.darcystaberg.com TR I C I A KI RKS E Y RE A L E STAT E

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

LIVING L LIVELY CULINARY ARTS

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

LIVELY LIVING CULINARY ARTS LC

PICTURED:Bill Allen's "A Victo

re-visiting a classic: Tex t and Recipes by James D. Jessen | Photos by Michael Bacci

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

C CULINARY ARTS

ith the days of summer growing shorter, I know that supplies of my favorite summer fruits are dwindling. This is our last opportunity to take advantage of a few of the local stone fruits still

available until next year at this time. While the Valley nights are still a bit warm, it’s a great time to whip up some Tacos for a perfect meal. A combination of fresh grilled meats and seafood topped with crisp cabbage and sweet fruit salsa wrapped in a warm tortilla is a sure way to make the last of this year’s summer nights refreshing and enjoyable. Tacos are arguably the best known of all Mexican culinary inventions. I think tacos are perfect summer party food. They’re comfortable because you eat them with your hands, they’re full of lively flavors, and they’re welcoming because each guest can fill and sauce them to his or her own liking. Tacos in Mexico are as much about tortillas as they are about filling, an approach that keeps everything in good nutritional balance. Search out the freshest tortillas available, plan on several small tortillas per person if your taco party is for dinner.

Garlic-Chipotle Prawn Tacos with Goat Cheese Prawn Grilling Sauce/Marinade: 1 T ground chipotle chili 1 T granulated garlic 1 T Kosher salt 1/4 C lime juice 3 T chopped fresh parsley 1 – 1 1/2 pounds large prawns Combine all above marinade ingredients into a large bowl and mix. Peel, wash and de-vein prawns. Place prawns in marinade, cover and refrigerate one hour prior to grilling. Over very hot coals, grill prawns directly on barbecue grate or wire grilling basket. Arrange shrimp in the heated tortillas topped with shredded cabbage, fruit salsa, avocado slices, a drizzle of Crème fraiche and crumbled Chevre; fold up and eat.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

Beer Marinated Flank Steak Tacos 1 bottle good Mexican beer, such as Negra Modela Flank Steak 3 T Brewster’s Tri-Tip Beer Rub Mexican cheese blend (if desired) Wash flank steak under cold running water. Pour the bottle of Negra Modela into a large baking dish and dissolve 3 T Brewster’s Beer Rub. Place flank steak into marinade; cover and refrigerate at least four hours or overnight prior to grilling. Grill steak on gas or charcoal barbecue until it reaches desired doneness. Let cooked steak sit for about five minutes then slice thinly on the bias. Arrange the beef tacos in similar fashion as the prawn version.

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Fruit and Cilantro Salsa

Garnish Accoutrements

3 medium tomatoes – diced 1 large Asian pear –diced 1 large white peach or nectarine – diced 1 medium red onion – chopped 1 pluot – diced (any variety) 1 tsp. salt 1 bunch cilantro – chopped 1 Serrano chili – minced 1 jalapeño pepper – minced w/seeds and pith removed Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 head shredded cabbage 2 avocados Green onion Mexican limes quartered and rolled in coarse sea salt Crème fraiche or sour cream 4 oz. Chevre goat cheese Taco sized corn or flour tortillas

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, up to one day in advance. LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

T TRAVEL

It’s a short one-hour drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, and both are worthy of parking the car to spend a little time roaming around. Here are some of the things you’ll see if you visit: Photos by Forrest Cavale, Third Element Studios

1. At the end of the Santa Fe Trail stands the Loretto Chapel. Outside, people hang Rosary beads from the branches of a tree. 2. The Shed is a 17th Century hacienda turned famous Santa Fe restaurant. It is a tourist must-see, and eat, if you don’t mind waiting for a table. 3. Museum Hill in Santa Fe is home to four world-class museums: The Museum of International Folk Art; The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture; Museum of Spanish Colonial Art; The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. 4. Beautiful churches and cathedrals abound in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Pictured here: St. Francis Cathedral Basilica in downtown Santa Fe. 5. On the way back to the Albuquerque airport, it’s fun to take the Turquoise Trail. In the tiny town of Los Cerrillos you’ll find plenty of antique dealers and 2,000 years of history. 6. Santa Fe, 7,000 feet above sea level, sits at the southern edge of the Rocky Mountains. Blue skies are the norm during most days, but temperatures can drop below freezing at night. 7. Handmade and etched copper bracelets—one of many products of the street vendors. 8. There’s always plenty going on in the Plaza—art, jewelry, food and music.

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10 9. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to spend an afternoon talking with street vendors offering a variety of artisan jewelry and products. Many of the vendors make their jewelry as they sit and watch curious buyers walk by.

10. A full day of walking will give you all the reason you need to stop in one of the many local restaurants and coffee houses, which offer specialties, such as this locally-made coffee ice cream, topped with a shot of espresso. And if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on vacation, a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

A ARTS

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

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Scene Santa Fe:

It’s not just for Native art anymore Text by Aaron Collins

anta Fe shot to fame in the early 20th century thanks to Modern art luminaries like East Coast transplants Georgia O’Keeffe, John Sloan, Alfred Stieglitz and many other artists. Santa Fe retains some of its cultural heft in part by virtue of the sheer art historical stature of those artists, who continue to lend New Mexico’s capital a certain cachet in the mainstream art world. But despite the longstanding presence of Modernists in both Santa Fe and points north to Taos, Santa Fe persists in the popular imagination mostly as a Native arts town. A city of around 70,000, Santa Fe is known worldwide for high-quality traditional Native American, Folk Art, and tribal crafts like jewelry, basketry, rugs and pottery, and is one of the largest art markets in the United States (by revenues, as well as number of galleries that number almost 300). But unlike tourist art locales such as Jackson Hole or Carmel, Santa Fe (once Spain’s, and later Mexico’s, territorial capital for its colonial land north of the Rio Grande) is a bit of an odd art city that evades a little of the broad “tourist art” brush. Its gallery scene has come to commingle both credible and dubious strains within the fragmented art world: On the one hand, a heavy presence of inferior tourist-level and genre art whose sales depend more on buyers’ love of the traditional subject matter than any particular quality or passion for art for art’s sake. The audiences for genre art – whether Western, Native, golf, equestrian or aviation art – are often culturally worlds away from contemporary and Modern art audiences. The other strains have taken root in Santa Fe, giving the destination a newfound respect in the contemporary art world in recent decades. Some say those scenes are now stronger in Santa Fe than the traditional arts. Even while tourist-level galleries still abound in Santa Fe, what has changed over the last decade is the quality and number of serious galleries and private art consultants dealing in credible and critically acclaimed work by top-tier national and international contemporary and 20th-

century blue-chip Modern artists. The revitalized Santa Fe Railyard is home to a number of fine art venues, providing a more urban alternative to the Canyon Road and Plaza galleries and their mostly traditional art galleries. Add to that such reputable international art world events such as SITE: Santa Fe contemporary exhibition and the traditional Native arts’ longstanding Santa Fe Indian Market (known for large-scale summer event and more intimately scaled winter shows), and the city acquits itself of whatever bad rap sometimes landed it in the same sentence with places like Jackson Hole, Palm Springs and Carmel. Those art destinations feature galleries of uncertain repute that are often known for bamboozling buyers with high price tags and art of dubious merit and limited consequence – art that reputable art museums will rarely if ever touch, even if offered as a gift. When it comes to tourist art towns, it’s caveat emptor, same as tourist venues anywhere. Primary art markets like Los Angeles and New York – and secondary markets like San Francisco and Chicago – certainly have their share of tourism. But their diverse art scenes are driven not by tourist buyers but by devoted collectors within numerous art genres from historical to contemporary. But all is not completely well in Santa Fe. The lingering national malaise since 2007 has affected even some of the city’s most established art dealers. The recent closure of the venerable Linda Durham Gallery surely caused a moment of self-doubt as to Santa Fe’s viability. But then, every city has had its shake-outs in the current grim economy, which has largely spared only the most elite of the elite-level galleries even in primary art markets like New York and Los Angeles. Perhaps the most promising aspect for Santa Fe amid trying times is that which made it a strong arts center in the first place: its willingness to put institutional power behind its art scene in order to export its cultural output. The Museum of Mexico became a conduit to East Coast collectors in 1917.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Santa Fe's redevelopment of its Santa Fe Railyard has resulted in a vibrant contemporary art scene that now surpasses the traditional and Native American arts for which the New Mexico capital has long been recognized. Photo courtesy of railyardsantafe.com.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

A ARTS

Comparatively, Central California’s institutional support results in low awareness of it as an arts destination, despite the broad appeal of its contemporary artists and its regional Yokuts basketry, the latter which is frequently heralded as among the finest basketry in the world. That mastery remains largely opaque to outsiders, few of whom would associate the Yokuts visual style and vocabulary of symbols with our region. Thanks to support from numerous Santa Fe museums, high awareness exists for the Southwest Native American art and its regional tribes’ various styles. Simply put, Central Californians never established authoritative museums as did those East Coast expats who transported their well-established museum culture to New Mexico. And perhaps the most promising factor for Santa Fe’s persistence in bad times is its diversification: What makes Santa Fe’s scene both fascinating and exasperating is its eclectic mix

of high and low. Fine art and traditional craft. R.C. Gorman and Bruce Naumann – the wide range coexists, if at times uneasily. In Santa Fe, metal art can mean a squash blossom or a Richard Serra sculpture. Traditional forms become contemporary, as in the case of basketmaker Jeremy Frey. The traditional spirituality of kachinas juxtapose with the sensual transcendence of Georgia O’Keeffe, Susan Rothenburg or Delmas Howe, Fritz Scholder and Robert Kelly, the ancient and Modern all jostling for attention and keeping Santa Fe one of the most interesting cultural scenes in the United States.

ABOVE: Paris-born; Spanish artist; living in New York; represented in Santa Fe by gallery Gebert Contemporary at the Railyard... artist Xavier Mascaro exemplifies the cosmopolitan nature of Santa Fe's burgeoning contemporary art scene. Photo courtesy of gebertcontemporary.com.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

ARTS A

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LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

F FASHION

Work

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

FASHION F

It!

Suiting Up for

Work Text by Sharon Mosley

ack to school, back to work. As we celebrate Labor Day and the end of summer, it’s time to get down to business again and rethink those professional wardrobes. “What to wear to work is an issue that’s more complicated than merely adhering to a dress code,” said Lisa Armstrong, author of Harper Bazaar Fashion: Your Guide to Personal Style. The good news according to Armstrong is that what we do choose to wear professionally is “an opportunity to express your individual style.”

Here are some guidelines from Harper Bazaar for working girls everywhere who are ready to leave the flip flops behind and put some power into their office attire:

• As a rule of thumb, the best cues come from your boss. If she’s immaculate, then make time for grooming. If she has a slightly haphazard attitude about her appearance, then a low-key approach, without compromising your own standards, is wise. Don’t sublimate your personality, but develop a complementary style. It is basic modern-business etiquette. • Identifying a uniform, however loosely you end up interpreting it, is a useful exercise because it helps you to concentrate on investment pieces. Do your colleague’s flannel pants and fine-gauge crewnecks ooze relaxed authority? Then think about how you could mirror that in your own way. Maybe it’s with a straight, dark skirt, a pretty blouse and a pair of wedge shoes. Perhaps, the office vibe is more iconoclastic. In that case, you’d be amazed how useful a wellcut leather jacket can be. • One fabulously timeless jacket is where the bulk of your investment should go. Find something in a medium or lightweight wool, since you don’t want a jacket that spends most of its office life draped over the back of your chair. A little bit of stretch means the jacket will retain its shape on business trips, and luxe materials will elevate even jeans.

• Save the throwaway fashion statements for weekends. Three pairs of pants or three skirts should be enough for starters. Five tops to every skirt or pair of pants you own is plenty. Consider mediumto-heavy-weight silk blouses that will look good with or without a jacket. The bow blouse is a big hit this fall. • While the dress can be a one-stop piece, smart separates that can be mixed and matched will provide working girls with many more options. One good tip: Don’t worry about exact matches, work tonally. Steer away from anything overly eye-popping. Instead of brights, think intense, rich shades. And yes, you can wear white after Labor Day! • Once you’ve got the pieces in place, mixing textures is an effective way to achieve a balance of formal and modern. Try, for instance, a tweed jacket with velvet pants or a leather bomber jacket with gabardine pants. They can look exceedingly smart without falling into the deathly trap of boring corporation. • Finish off your tailored work wear with interesting accessories that express your own style personality. Try a neutral strappy sandal instead of classic pumps or a sleek and brightly colored handbag. Lighten up power suits with a bold necklace or big cuff bracelet. After all, even working girls want to have some fun!

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

P PERFORMANCES

52nd Season Text By Marsha Peltzer

Masterful Masterworks Last month’s rousing “Pops in the Park” concert in Tulare officially kicked off the Tulare County Symphony’s 52nd musical season. This traditional summer evening program of popular show tunes, patriotic songs and light classics is being followed up with the Season Series “Masterful Masterworks” in the months to come. As the title implies, the season will be filled with timeless music from the masters of the classical genre. Although the music will be somewhat more serious, Music Director Bruce Kiesling is noted for infusing the concerts with a delightful blend of popular symphonies, concertos, film music and even some jazz. This year’s programming will appeal to all tastes! Beethoven and Beyond Saturday, October 15 | 7:30p | Visalia Fox Theatre This opening “Master Work,” Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, is arguably the most famous symphony of all time. Although lots of people know and love the Beethoven Ninth, it is fair to say that the Fifth Symphony is the best known, even to people who don’t know much about classical music. As Bruce Kiesling said, “Those opening few notes have really entered the human consciousness in a way that perhaps no other piece has.” It isn’t just that famous part that is great – experiencing the entire symphony, from start to finish is perhaps the greatest showcase of Beethoven’s genius. As Kiesling explained, “Each movement of the symphony is fascinating and thrilling to listen to, and the finale is truly a tour de force of excitement and energy … non-stop, and driving straight to the end.” The other “Fifth” that the symphony will showcase is Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto, “The Emperor.” This was the only concerto that Beethoven wrote himself and would 52

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

not play in public. He wrote it for the modern piano, which essentially hadn’t been invented at that point. So Beethoven was actually imagining the possibilities of the instrument and the direction it would take. Brilliant forethought! The concerto brought the audience to its feet after the first performance in November, 1811. It has been said that someone yelled out “Vive L’ Empereur” that first night, but others claim that Beethoven’s friend Johann Baptist Cramer coined the term. Guest artist Robert Auler, who dazzled audiences with Rachmaninoff earlier this year, will return to play the beloved “Emperor” concerto. La Gazza The October concert will begin with a very pleasing overture to the opera “La Gazza Ladra” (The Thieving Magpie) by Gioachino Rossini. The opera is actually best known for its overture, which is notable for its use of snare drums. Rossini was famous for his writing speed and “La Gazza Ladra” was no exception. It was reported that the producer had to lock Rossini in a room the day before the first performance in order to write the overture. Rossini then threw each sheet out of the window to his copyists, who wrote out the full orchestral parts. Should be a very interesting opening to this season’s first classical concert! Tulare County Symphony Season Tickets and single concert tickets are still available. Please contact the Symphony Office at 732-7168 for more information.

PERFORMANCES P

OF THE SEQUOIAS

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LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

SEPTEMBER 24 & 25 Visalia

HOME SHOW When: Sept. 24 & 25, 10a-6p and 10a-5p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-4000

Theater & Performances

SEPT 22

SEPT 24 SEPT 26

Rancho Tesoro

Bring a chair or blanket and head out to Woodward Park for the premiere of this locally written new musical! Written and directed by Brian Roberts, this musical features some of the finest talent Visalia and Fresno have to offer as well as an outstanding orchestra. Rancho Tesoro celebrates the strengths found in every culture and our similarities in approaching faith, work, loss and love. Tickets: $15. When: Sept. 22–Oct. 1, 7:30p Where: Woodward Park (at the Woodward Shakespeare Festival site), Fresno Contact: www.ranchotesoro.com

Wyndfall Chamber Music Series: Fabulous Fall Flutery

Not a single unwanted passage! Every note in this concert comes from fun, fabulous and flirty works that have lasted the test of time. From Doppler to Chopin you will be humming these tunes long after the concert is over. Tickets: $25. When: Sept. 24, 7p Where: The Spiritual Awareness Center, 117 S. Locust St., Visalia Contact: 592-9592

2 Friends Tour

Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, Christian music’s all-time favorite artists, will be appearing and performing together for the first time in 20 years. This is the tour’s only Central Valley appearance and will be benefitting Students International. For more info go to: www.CelebrationConcerts.com. When: Sept. 26, 8p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: Box Office (559-713-4040); Tickets.com.

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

SEPT 30 OCT 1 OCT 2

Blind Boys of Alabama

Five-time Grammy Award winning group and Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees, the Blind Boys of Alabama is a gospel group hailing from Alabama that has played multiple gigs at the White House, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and more. Tickets: $30-$40. When: Sept. 30, 7:30p Where: Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 623-1369

James and the Giant Peach

The Enchanted Playhouse Theatre Company presents James and the Giant Peach directed by Kay Whistler and Debbie Metzler. A family-friendly show, sure to please all ages. Tickets: $7. When: Oct. 1-2, 7-9, 14-15, Evening shows 7p; Matinees, 2p Where: Main Street Theatre, 307 E. Main St., Visalia Contact: 739-4600

Ken Davis at the Fox

Davis is a best-selling author, frequent radio and television guest and one of the country’s most sought- after inspirational and motivational speakers. A gifted comedian and a master storyteller, year after year Davis continues to delight audiences of all ages from coast to coast with Christian comedy that’s actually funny! Tickets: $15. When: Oct. 2, 7p Where: Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 623-1369

HAPPENINGS H

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LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

OCT 7

Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre

This family-friendly show combines trained pets, European-style physical comedy, world-class variety acts and Moscow acrobats. Comedy Pet Theatre is entertaining, as well as dedicated to raising awareness of the problem of homeless pets, and raising goods and money for the cause by organizing fundraisers for local shelters and animal advocates. Tickets: $25. When: Oct. 7, 7:30p Where: Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 623-1369

Diversions & Excursions

SEPT 20

18th Annual Taste of Downtown Visalia

SEPT 24

Bounty of the County

SEPT 29

Taste the Arts

Of Mice & Men

Visalia Community Players present John Steinbeck’s own stage version of his classic novel, which tells the story of George and Lenny, the fast-talking farm hand and the simple giant who accompanies him on a life of casual labor in the California Agricultural Belt of the 1930’s. They share a dream of a little place of their own, but when Lenny unwittingly creates a dramatic situation, George must shatter their dreams to keep Lenny from falling into the hands of the law and the vigilante farmhands bent on revenge. Tickets: $12. When: Oct. 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 7:30p; Matinee at 2p Where: The Ice House Theatre, 410 E. Race Ave., Visalia Contact: 734-3900

OCT 15

Tulare County Symphony Presents Beethoven and Beyond

Pianist Robert Auler returns to delight the audience with Beethoven’s beloved “Emperor” Concerto. Also included is Rossini’s Overture to “La Gazza Ladra” and the concert concludes with Beethoven’s powerful Fifth – perhaps the most popular and best known symphony in all of classical music. When: Oct. 15, 7:30p Where: Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 732-8600

SEPT 4 OCT 1

For more information about this and other exhibits visit www.ccjac.org. When: Sept. 4–Oct. 29 Where: Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture, 15770 10th Ave., Hanford Contact: Virginia Soensken, 582-4915

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

The purpose of the festival is to allow residents and visitors to “taste” and experience the beauty of the arts firsthand. The festival highlights the best of the region and features samples of the opera, the symphony, jazz and contemporary music, dance and theatre. When: Sept. 29–Oct. 1 Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: 713-4324

OCT 7 OCT 15

Springville Apple Festival

OCT 22

Healthy Visalia Festival

1st Saturday in Three Rivers

Celebrate art, music, dance, storytelling, food and drink as you browse the art galleries, studios and gift shops of Downtown Three Rivers. For discounts and participants visit website. When: Oct. 1, 10a-5p Where: Maps at Anne Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Dr., Three Rivers Contact: Nadi Spencer, 561-4373 or visit www.1stSaturdayTR.com

Tulare County Farm Bureau presents a food and wine event to showcase Tulare County agriculture. For $25, experience all our county has to offer with local culinary delights, tasty wine and live entertainment by Ritchie’s Band. When: Sept. 24, 5-8p Where: Ritchie’s Barn, 16338 Ave. 308, Visalia Contact: Tulare County Farm Bureau, 732-8301 or www.tulcofb.org

Blues, Brews & BBQ

Art Exhibits Woven Identities of Japan: Ainu and Okinawan Textiles

This annual event is fun for all of Visalia’s foodies! Get your tickets early and head Downtown for tasty samples of all of the finest Downtown restaurants, wine and beer tastings. Purchase tickets at Downtown Visalians or by phone with credit card by calling 732-7737. When: Sept. 20, 5-9p Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: 732-7737

Join in on live music by The Guys Playin’ the Blues, refreshing beverages and delicious barbeque at this fun Downtown event. When: Oct. 7, 6-10p Where: Garden St. Plaza, Visalia Contact: 732-7737 or visit www.bluesbrewsandbbq.net

With a variety of food and drink, over 200 booths, activities for all ages, music and more there is no reason to miss this family-fun event! Sponsored by the Springville Community Club, the Apple Festival is held annually and attracts more than 30,000 visitors each year. When: Oct. 15-16 Where: Downtown Springville Contact:539-0619

Bring the family out for a fun-filled day of entertainment, family relay activities, informational booths, group walk, healthy screenings, massage booths and much more! When: Oct. 22, 1-4p Where: Riverway Sports Park, 3611 N. Dinuba Blvd., Visalia Contact: 624-2416

HAPPENINGS H TULARE-KINGS

RIGHT

LIFE

SIXTEENTH ANNUAL

F E AT U R I N G

2011 FUNDRAISING BANQUET

Abby Johnson former Planned Parenthood Director

Tuesday

September 27 7:00PM

Visalia Convention Center For more information call

559-732-5000 or visit www.TKRL.org

Master of Ceremonies JIM PATTERSON Former Mayor,City of Fresno

Have you ever.... Slept in a castle set on 100 acres of gardens and parkland? Kissed the legendary Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of eloquence? Learned how authentic Irish whiskey is made and sampled a tasting? If not, these are just a few of the reasons to travel to the Emerald Isle March 13 thru March 22, 2012. Tour cost: $3,099 per person (double occupancy) Collette Vacations 2006766-20

For more information on our travel program, contact Lisa Salazar at (559)734-5876, or visit www.visaliachamber.org click on the travel link for detailed itineraries and pricing information.

Visalia Chamber of Commerce, 220 N. Santa Fe Street, Visalia LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

Visalia Farmers’ Market – Harvest of the Valley

Weekly event open to the public featuring free live music, kids’ activities, cooking demonstrations and local, fresh produce available for purchase. When: Thursdays, Downtown Visalia, 5-8p; Saturdays, Sequoia Mall, Sears parking lot, 8-11:30a Where: Church and Main St.; Sears parking lot at Mooney and Caldwell, Visalia Contact: 967-6722 or www.visaliafarmersmarket. com

Charitable Events

SEPT 24

Tri-Tulare Sprint Triathlon, 5K, and Kids Tri Race

This is a great event for first-time triathletes or join us for the 5K run/walk. The course will be flat and fast. It is a perfect course to try your first race, or for a local veteran to go for a podium finish. All proceeds will go to support Boy Scout Troop 234. The funds raised will be used by local boys for summer camp, equipment and overnight camping. For more info and to register, visit website below. When: Sept. 24, 8a Where: Tulare Western High School, 824 W. Maple Ave., Tulare Contact: www.active.com

22nd Annual Relay for Life Event

Celebrate lives of those who have battled cancer. Remember loved ones lost. Fight back against the disease. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society in the area of cancer prevention/ screening, education, local support services and cancer research. Join our community by being a participant in the fight against cancer at this 24hour event. Go to www.Relayforlife.org/visaliaca for more information on how to get involved. When: Sept. 24-25, 9a-9a Where: Mt. Whitney High School, 900 S. Conyer, Visalia Contact: Gary, 287-8884; Cheryl, 901-6064

SEPT 27

16th Annual Making a Difference for Life Banquet

Tulare-Kings Right to Life’s annual banquet will feature guest speaker former Texas Planned Parenthood Clinic Director Abby Johnson. Sponsorship for a table of eight is $495 and individual tickets may be purchased for $65 each. When: Sept. 27, 7p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: 732-5000 or visit www.tkrl.com

LIFESTYLE | SEPTEMBER 2011

OCT 1

Harvest Run XC-5K

Sponsored by Visalia Runners, proceeds from this run/walk event to support a local family for Christmas. When: Oct. 1, Registration/Check-In: 6:45-7:30a; Start: 1 Mile, 7:30a; 5k @ 7:45a Where: Cutler Park, 15520 Ivanhoe Dr., Visalia Contact: 679-0655

Classes & Workshop Art Classes for Adults and Children Visit Arts Visalia’s website for information on art classes for children and for adults. When: Year-round Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 739-0905 or visit www.artsvisalia.org

CASA of Tulare County Volunteer Orientations When: Mondays, 5:30-6p; Thursdays, 12-1p Where: CASA Office, 1146 N. Chinowth, Visalia Contact: 625-4007

Writers & Readers Tulare County Library

First Tuesday Book Club (Oct. 4, 6:30p) Mystery Readers (Sept. 21 & Oct. 19, 6:30p) Where: Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-2700 or www.tularecountylibrary.org

Event Listings If you would like to have your event considered for a free listing in our “Happenings” section, please email your submission to lifestyle@dmiagency.com or fax to 738-0909, Attention Happenings. Please note, we do not guarantee listing of any submission. Submissions are due six weeks prior to publication.

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