ar t s her o
PHOENI X|SEASON 201 920
SRP CARES ABOUT
ARTS & CULTURE
Photo by Reg Madison Photography, courtesy of The Phoenix Theatre Company.
The arts strengthen our regional identity, highlight unique cultures and offer experiences that improve our quality of life. To learn more, please visit srpcares.com.
FROM THE PUBLISHER Congratulations to the 2019-2020 Phoenix Arts Heroes! Now in its fourth year, the Arts Hero program was launched to bring recognition to those individuals who make the arts and culture world of the Valley what it is…a culturally vibrant community. We applaud these nine red caped heroes! The Arts Hero program, sponsored by Salt River Project, accepts nominations from arts groups, organizations and individuals who know of someone who makes a difference. As you read about the nine individuals who were selected this season, you will notice they are quite diverse in their interests, passions and backgrounds. They all have one thing in common; they are passionate about what they do. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020-2021 Phoenix Arts Heroes. Go to onmediaaz.com/arts-hero to nominate. Congratulations to the Arts Heroes of past, present and future; they are making a difference!
910 E. Osborn Road, Suite C Phoenix, AZ 85014 602-323-9701 For advertising inquiries, please send us a note at sales@onmediaaz.com.
Linda “Mac” Perlich Publisher and CEO
PHX-ArtsHeroLetter-Masthead_2020-MAR.indd 1
3/27/20 3:46 PM
JUDITH
WOLF
Artist reveals the creativity in every child Twenty-two years ago, Judith Wolf arrived in Phoenix and immediately set about releasing her creativity on the arts and culture scene.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
Her first touch was the Phoenix Chorale. Later she would serve several years on the Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission. She has been an Arizona Opera board member for more than 20 years. She was inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame in 2015. THE ARTIST IN EVERYONE But the most impressive piece of Wolf’s creative work in Phoenix is the nonprofit she co-founded in 1998. Young Arts Arizona has the unique mission of teaching and exhibiting the art of challenged children. As president and CEO of Young Arts, Wolf has led the growth and development of an organization that was founded on the ingenious idea of exhibiting children’s art at multiple venues, such as hospitals and the state Capitol, rather than at one stand-alone gallery. Thousands of children and many millions of visitors have been touched by the Young Arts gallery experience. NEW GALLERY EXPERIENCE Today, Young Arts displays 2,000 pieces of art during more than 100 exhibits
per year at 39 gallery spaces. It operates five teaching programs, has relationships with five school districts and collaborates with other agencies to expose challenged children to the benefits of creating art, although the word “challenged” is loosely defined. As Wolf notes, “Every child is challenged in some way or other.” Artistic talent is a not a prerequisite for children to participate in the program or to have their work hung for the public to appreciate. “We’re about creativity and feeling good,” says Wolf, a poet with a doctoral degree in psychology. “When you release creativity, you make art.” Wolf’s release of creativity – springing from an entrepreneurial spirit, a lifelong relationship with the arts, intellectualism, and compassion – creates a masterwork that is Young Arts Arizona. Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
JUDITH
WOLF
Artist reveals the creativity in every child Twenty-two years ago, Judith Wolf arrived in Phoenix and immediately set about releasing her creativity on the arts and culture scene.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
Her first touch was the Phoenix Chorale. Later she would serve several years on the Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission. She has been an Arizona Opera board member for more than 20 years. She was inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame in 2015. THE ARTIST IN EVERYONE But the most impressive piece of Wolf’s creative work in Phoenix is the nonprofit she co-founded in 1998. Young Arts Arizona has the unique mission of teaching and exhibiting the art of challenged children. As president and CEO of Young Arts, Wolf has led the growth and development of an organization that was founded on the ingenious idea of exhibiting children’s art at multiple venues, such as hospitals and the state Capitol, rather than at one stand-alone gallery. Thousands of children and many millions of visitors have been touched by the Young Arts gallery experience. NEW GALLERY EXPERIENCE Today, Young Arts displays 2,000 pieces of art during more than 100 exhibits
per year at 39 gallery spaces. It operates five teaching programs, has relationships with five school districts and collaborates with other agencies to expose challenged children to the benefits of creating art, although the word “challenged” is loosely defined. As Wolf notes, “Every child is challenged in some way or other.” Artistic talent is a not a prerequisite for children to participate in the program or to have their work hung for the public to appreciate. “We’re about creativity and feeling good,” says Wolf, a poet with a doctoral degree in psychology. “When you release creativity, you make art.” Wolf’s release of creativity – springing from an entrepreneurial spirit, a lifelong relationship with the arts, intellectualism, and compassion – creates a masterwork that is Young Arts Arizona. Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
VALERIE
BONTRAGER
Following adventure down the rabbit hole The allure of scientific adventure led Valerie Bontrager to The Phoenix Symphony. There was the promise of rabbit holes.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
Five years later, the Symphony’s director of education and community engagement is still in discovery mode. She carries hopes that many of the 125,000 children and adults the Symphony reaches through programs she oversees will dig deeper, too. LIFE - LONG LEARNING Bontrager has no music background beyond her high school band program. But she has a life-long interest in learning, which has led to a 20-year career at informal education institutions, including the Arizona Science Center and the Arizona Challenger Space Center. “The thing I love about informal education is that it offers a lot of different ways you can get involved in a topic,” Bontrager says. “When you find your interest in it, you get really motivated. I love that hook that takes us down the rabbit hole.” And so, of course, a job posting seeking someone with experience in quasi-experimental science research and the ability to apply nontraditional programs in schools caught her eye. The hook was the Symphony.
LIFE - ALTERING PROGRAMS Bontrager helps keep wheels turning on potentially life-altering programs. One is an Alzheimer’s study that tracks the impact of live music by measuring stress markers in saliva and a musician-assisted STEM education program in partnership with schools. The study is showing that stress levels go down and remain low for musicians, patients and caregivers. This is in addition to traditional field trips and assembly programs. In January, more than 10,000 school children will visit Symphony Hall. Bontrager has personal knowledge that these experiences last a lifetime. “If (students) learn the skills to research and follow their passion, they feel empowered by having their own motivation,” Bontrager says. “They’re figuring out their own interests. And then we’ve got life-long learners, and we have an interesting society.” That’s a rabbit hole large enough for all of us.
Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
VALERIE
BONTRAGER
Following adventure down the rabbit hole The allure of scientific adventure led Valerie Bontrager to The Phoenix Symphony. There was the promise of rabbit holes.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
Five years later, the Symphony’s director of education and community engagement is still in discovery mode. She carries hopes that many of the 125,000 children and adults the Symphony reaches through programs she oversees will dig deeper, too. LIFE - LONG LEARNING Bontrager has no music background beyond her high school band program. But she has a life-long interest in learning, which has led to a 20-year career at informal education institutions, including the Arizona Science Center and the Arizona Challenger Space Center. “The thing I love about informal education is that it offers a lot of different ways you can get involved in a topic,” Bontrager says. “When you find your interest in it, you get really motivated. I love that hook that takes us down the rabbit hole.” And so, of course, a job posting seeking someone with experience in quasi-experimental science research and the ability to apply nontraditional programs in schools caught her eye. The hook was the Symphony.
LIFE - ALTERING PROGRAMS Bontrager helps keep wheels turning on potentially life-altering programs. One is an Alzheimer’s study that tracks the impact of live music by measuring stress markers in saliva and a musician-assisted STEM education program in partnership with schools. The study is showing that stress levels go down and remain low for musicians, patients and caregivers. This is in addition to traditional field trips and assembly programs. In January, more than 10,000 school children will visit Symphony Hall. Bontrager has personal knowledge that these experiences last a lifetime. “If (students) learn the skills to research and follow their passion, they feel empowered by having their own motivation,” Bontrager says. “They’re figuring out their own interests. And then we’ve got life-long learners, and we have an interesting society.” That’s a rabbit hole large enough for all of us.
Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
MICHAEL
FOCARETO Tickets are his mission
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
If you had told Michael Focareto 12 years ago he would be CEO of a nonprofit with a commanding presence in the world of ticketed events, it would not have computed. Veteran Tickets Foundation was not on his radar.
Through an ingenious online platform, the foundation has helped 1.3 million registered “Vet Tixers” score nearly 8 million donated and purchased tickets to more than 92,000 events, ranging from ballet to bull riding. Users pay only a small delivery fee.
But when you look at the smooth design and operations of Vet Tix, it is everything a Focareto-led project would be. Vet Tix is what happens when an information-systems engineer with military DNA and a habit of helping feels strongly about waste and recycling.
ALL ABOUT TICKETS “Our mission is tickets,” Focareto says. “We get donated tickets; plus we spend 100 percent of every dollar donated to us on tickets. It makes a complete circle.”
“It’s my passion,” Focareto says. “I never thought it would be this. I just stepped into it.” EMPTY SEATS It’s been forward march since 2008 when the Navy veteran attended the Super Bowl and noticed empty seats near him. Tickets unused. What a waste, he thought, but also what an opportunity to fill those seats with people who deserve some enjoyment. Imagine all the tickets military veterans and those currently serving would gladly use if they had access. Imagine the community benefit of fuller houses.
The circle is growing. In response to donors, Vet Tix added 1st Tix in 2018 for first responders. It’s anticipating a connection to the Tessitura Network, similar to partnerships with Live Nation and Ticketmaster, to tap into more arts and culture events. Focareto sees a future where Vet Tix distributes 1 million tickets monthly. He’s confident partners and donors will help his organization reach that goal. And where from there? “Unstoppable,” he says.
Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
MICHAEL
FOCARETO Tickets are his mission
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
If you had told Michael Focareto 12 years ago he would be CEO of a nonprofit with a commanding presence in the world of ticketed events, it would not have computed. Veteran Tickets Foundation was not on his radar.
Through an ingenious online platform, the foundation has helped 1.3 million registered “Vet Tixers” score nearly 8 million donated and purchased tickets to more than 92,000 events, ranging from ballet to bull riding. Users pay only a small delivery fee.
But when you look at the smooth design and operations of Vet Tix, it is everything a Focareto-led project would be. Vet Tix is what happens when an information-systems engineer with military DNA and a habit of helping feels strongly about waste and recycling.
ALL ABOUT TICKETS “Our mission is tickets,” Focareto says. “We get donated tickets; plus we spend 100 percent of every dollar donated to us on tickets. It makes a complete circle.”
“It’s my passion,” Focareto says. “I never thought it would be this. I just stepped into it.” EMPTY SEATS It’s been forward march since 2008 when the Navy veteran attended the Super Bowl and noticed empty seats near him. Tickets unused. What a waste, he thought, but also what an opportunity to fill those seats with people who deserve some enjoyment. Imagine all the tickets military veterans and those currently serving would gladly use if they had access. Imagine the community benefit of fuller houses.
The circle is growing. In response to donors, Vet Tix added 1st Tix in 2018 for first responders. It’s anticipating a connection to the Tessitura Network, similar to partnerships with Live Nation and Ticketmaster, to tap into more arts and culture events. Focareto sees a future where Vet Tix distributes 1 million tickets monthly. He’s confident partners and donors will help his organization reach that goal. And where from there? “Unstoppable,” he says.
Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
JEN
ROGERS An artist for artists
Listen carefully to Jen Rogers. She will tell you she’s not an artist. Listen to the president and CEO of the Phoenix Chorale explain with uncommon sincerity who she is, what she does and why. The word hero never comes up.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
But just by being herself, Rogers is an artist doing heroic work for artists. Her service to organizations like The Nash and Phoenix Girls Choir and her avant-garde approach to nonprofit leadership make her a unique asset in the Valley arts and culture scene. Rogers joined the Phoenix Chorale staff in 2008 after a few years at The Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, where she honed her exceptional marketing skills. Those skills serve her calling to help artists. ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT While studying saxophone and music education at Northern Arizona University, she watched talented people in Flagstaff’s live music scene struggle for subsistence. She embraced artistic development as a strategy to help. Today, that means working passionately to raise the profile of some of the most extraordinary artists she knows. “I’m still in awe of what they do on stage,” Rogers says of the Phoenix Chorale.
“When you have voices in harmony singing together,” she adds, “the way that they blend together, the sound just washes over you. There’s something really special and particularly human about choir music.” THE BUSINESS OF ART Rogers, who became choir president and CEO in 2016, aspires to make the business side as exceptional as the Grammy-winning artistic side of the organization. So far, her efforts have boosted ticket sales, increased digital audience and created national buzz with an open, innovative search for an artistic director that produced Christopher Gabbitas, who debuts this month in that position. Listen to Lynne Traverse, Phoenix Chorale board chair, describe Rogers as the “best of the best.” “She has proven herself on so many levels,” Traverse says. “The [arts heroes] who are on these pages are people I want to be excited about, and I’m very excited about Jen.”
Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
JEN
ROGERS An artist for artists
Listen carefully to Jen Rogers. She will tell you she’s not an artist. Listen to the president and CEO of the Phoenix Chorale explain with uncommon sincerity who she is, what she does and why. The word hero never comes up.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
But just by being herself, Rogers is an artist doing heroic work for artists. Her service to organizations like The Nash and Phoenix Girls Choir and her avant-garde approach to nonprofit leadership make her a unique asset in the Valley arts and culture scene. Rogers joined the Phoenix Chorale staff in 2008 after a few years at The Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, where she honed her exceptional marketing skills. Those skills serve her calling to help artists. ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT While studying saxophone and music education at Northern Arizona University, she watched talented people in Flagstaff’s live music scene struggle for subsistence. She embraced artistic development as a strategy to help. Today, that means working passionately to raise the profile of some of the most extraordinary artists she knows. “I’m still in awe of what they do on stage,” Rogers says of the Phoenix Chorale.
“When you have voices in harmony singing together,” she adds, “the way that they blend together, the sound just washes over you. There’s something really special and particularly human about choir music.” THE BUSINESS OF ART Rogers, who became choir president and CEO in 2016, aspires to make the business side as exceptional as the Grammy-winning artistic side of the organization. So far, her efforts have boosted ticket sales, increased digital audience and created national buzz with an open, innovative search for an artistic director that produced Christopher Gabbitas, who debuts this month in that position. Listen to Lynne Traverse, Phoenix Chorale board chair, describe Rogers as the “best of the best.” “She has proven herself on so many levels,” Traverse says. “The [arts heroes] who are on these pages are people I want to be excited about, and I’m very excited about Jen.”
Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE
CHRISTOPHER
CANO
Studio program creates stage for young artists to blossom Christopher Cano calls himself a “go big or go home kind of guy.” A transformative Arizona Opera studio is what happens when he does both.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
In 2017, Cano left the Manhattan School of Music, where he taught for 17 years, to become head of music at Arizona Opera and director of the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio. Back home, where he had received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance from The University of Arizona, he found the professional opportunity of his dreams.
I’m very lucky that I have a team [at Arizona Opera] that understands and appreciates the importance of that.” Understanding and appreciation are growing. In the last application round, Cano reviewed 552 candidates. The highly competitive program accepted five—three singers, one pianist and one assistant stage director. SHOWTIME This month, studio artists will showcase their talents in Scenes in the Wittcoff performances in Phoenix and Tucson. Cano was born in the former and raised in the latter.
STUDIO PROGRAM In his freelance work, Cano noticed that young artists often were relegated to minor roles. In his two-season studio program, they participate in at least six shows. By the second season, they own the stage in the manner only people with experience own it.
“To be able to come home and go back to my roots was always something I had hoped would happen,” Cano says. “It’s an incredible journey, and I couldn’t be happier with where we are as a program and where the company is at large.”
“The only way any young artist is going to learn how to do the job is to actually do the job,” Cano says. “It really was imperative to take risks, and
Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE
CHRISTOPHER
CANO
Studio program creates stage for young artists to blossom Christopher Cano calls himself a “go big or go home kind of guy.” A transformative Arizona Opera studio is what happens when he does both.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
In 2017, Cano left the Manhattan School of Music, where he taught for 17 years, to become head of music at Arizona Opera and director of the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio. Back home, where he had received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance from The University of Arizona, he found the professional opportunity of his dreams.
I’m very lucky that I have a team [at Arizona Opera] that understands and appreciates the importance of that.” Understanding and appreciation are growing. In the last application round, Cano reviewed 552 candidates. The highly competitive program accepted five—three singers, one pianist and one assistant stage director. SHOWTIME This month, studio artists will showcase their talents in Scenes in the Wittcoff performances in Phoenix and Tucson. Cano was born in the former and raised in the latter.
STUDIO PROGRAM In his freelance work, Cano noticed that young artists often were relegated to minor roles. In his two-season studio program, they participate in at least six shows. By the second season, they own the stage in the manner only people with experience own it.
“To be able to come home and go back to my roots was always something I had hoped would happen,” Cano says. “It’s an incredible journey, and I couldn’t be happier with where we are as a program and where the company is at large.”
“The only way any young artist is going to learn how to do the job is to actually do the job,” Cano says. “It really was imperative to take risks, and
Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
RITA
HAMILTON Linking libraries to the arts
Phoenix librarian Rita Hamilton has spent her entire career putting edifying materials into the hands of people who want and need them. There is a science to it, and she has mastered it.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
But there is also an art to it. Thankfully, she has mastered that, too. One example is her work to link libraries to arts and cultural institutions and experiences. LIBRARIES AND THE ARTS “Libraries and supporting the arts and culture go hand in hand,” Hamilton says. “It’s enhancing people’s appreciation of literature, the arts and all the cultural things that the community can offer, which helps better your education, your knowledge of life and of mankind.” It’s because of Hamilton that Culture Pass, a program that allows library users to check out passes to free admission to museums and artistic performances, took root in Phoenix. Hamilton was inspired to launch Culture Pass after attending a conference in Minnesota in 2008 where she learned about a Twin Cities
program, Metropolitan Library Service Agency’s smARTpass. The program is in keeping with the transformation libraries have made from being passive resources to active ones. CULTURE PASS Culture Pass has experienced tremendous growth since the nonprofit Act One took charge and expanded it to Tucson and Sedona. In the Valley, Act One partners with 51 libraries, more than a dozen attraction arts partners and 19 performance arts partners. “People wait outside before we open just to come in and get that Culture Pass,” Hamilton says. “It affords lowerincome folks a chance to partake, as well, and I think that’s one of the biggest facets. It can equalize access to very important institutions—the arts organizations. There is a win-win for all of us and for the community.” Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
RITA
HAMILTON Linking libraries to the arts
Phoenix librarian Rita Hamilton has spent her entire career putting edifying materials into the hands of people who want and need them. There is a science to it, and she has mastered it.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
But there is also an art to it. Thankfully, she has mastered that, too. One example is her work to link libraries to arts and cultural institutions and experiences. LIBRARIES AND THE ARTS “Libraries and supporting the arts and culture go hand in hand,” Hamilton says. “It’s enhancing people’s appreciation of literature, the arts and all the cultural things that the community can offer, which helps better your education, your knowledge of life and of mankind.” It’s because of Hamilton that Culture Pass, a program that allows library users to check out passes to free admission to museums and artistic performances, took root in Phoenix. Hamilton was inspired to launch Culture Pass after attending a conference in Minnesota in 2008 where she learned about a Twin Cities
program, Metropolitan Library Service Agency’s smARTpass. The program is in keeping with the transformation libraries have made from being passive resources to active ones. CULTURE PASS Culture Pass has experienced tremendous growth since the nonprofit Act One took charge and expanded it to Tucson and Sedona. In the Valley, Act One partners with 51 libraries, more than a dozen attraction arts partners and 19 performance arts partners. “People wait outside before we open just to come in and get that Culture Pass,” Hamilton says. “It affords lowerincome folks a chance to partake, as well, and I think that’s one of the biggest facets. It can equalize access to very important institutions—the arts organizations. There is a win-win for all of us and for the community.” Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
TOM
PHOTO BY MARK METTES JR.
RAFFAELI Learning about cities through arts institutions
Tom Raffaeli makes tours of Phoenix arts and culture institutions remarkable experiences with his encyclopedic knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. Truth be told, he is quite the institution himself.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
Before ground broke at Herberger Theater Center, Raffaeli was a fixture. He was one of the founding associates, a group of volunteers who gave time and treasure to support the center. More than 30 years later he still delights in giving tours and building on his legacy of support. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT “I think the key, especially for older folks like myself, is to inspire people to get involved, to contribute, to donate, to do whatever they can to keep the vitality of life in a city like Phoenix, or a country like this country, or a state like Arizona, going in a very positive way,” Raffaeli says. In addition to his Herberger support, Raffaeli gives tours of Trinity Cathedral and volunteers at its on-site Olney Gallery. He also helped preserve the OrpheumTheatre.
WORLD PERSPECTIVE “Before establishing roots in Phoenix in 1974, Raffaeli lived all over the world, a consequence of his father’s military career. He developed the habit of getting to know cities by visiting cultural institutions—the opera houses in Germany, the cathedrals in Italy, the theaters of New York. Travel, particularly by ship, remains an important part of his retirement life. He goes to appreciate the world, but he’s always glad to return to Phoenix, a place he wants to inspire others to love. “You have many opportunities and many ways to get involved,” Raffaeli says. “Do it. It will make you a better person, and it will make that place better and everything that surrounds it better.”
Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
TOM
PHOTO BY MARK METTES JR.
RAFFAELI Learning about cities through arts institutions
Tom Raffaeli makes tours of Phoenix arts and culture institutions remarkable experiences with his encyclopedic knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. Truth be told, he is quite the institution himself.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
Before ground broke at Herberger Theater Center, Raffaeli was a fixture. He was one of the founding associates, a group of volunteers who gave time and treasure to support the center. More than 30 years later he still delights in giving tours and building on his legacy of support. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT “I think the key, especially for older folks like myself, is to inspire people to get involved, to contribute, to donate, to do whatever they can to keep the vitality of life in a city like Phoenix, or a country like this country, or a state like Arizona, going in a very positive way,” Raffaeli says. In addition to his Herberger support, Raffaeli gives tours of Trinity Cathedral and volunteers at its on-site Olney Gallery. He also helped preserve the OrpheumTheatre.
WORLD PERSPECTIVE “Before establishing roots in Phoenix in 1974, Raffaeli lived all over the world, a consequence of his father’s military career. He developed the habit of getting to know cities by visiting cultural institutions—the opera houses in Germany, the cathedrals in Italy, the theaters of New York. Travel, particularly by ship, remains an important part of his retirement life. He goes to appreciate the world, but he’s always glad to return to Phoenix, a place he wants to inspire others to love. “You have many opportunities and many ways to get involved,” Raffaeli says. “Do it. It will make you a better person, and it will make that place better and everything that surrounds it better.”
Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
ALLAN E.
NAPLAN
Director taps into early experiences to enrich Musicfest
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
ArtsHero-PHX-2020-MAR-AlanNaplan.indd All Pages
Allan E. Naplan’s life in arts has the shape of an hourglass. At one end is a childhood enriched by opportunities to explore a variety of art forms and drill deeply into understanding music. At the other end is Arizona MusicFest with its eclectic programming and wide range of customer experiences. EARLY EXPERIENCES At a granular level, each end of the hourglass informs the other. Childhood experiences that satisfied a “ravenous appetite” for the arts shift naturally in time to stewardship of MusicFest, a north Scottsdale organization Naplan has led since 2013. Inspiration behind Naplan’s work reaches back through the ages to childhood experiences that included exposure to dance, visual arts and, as the son of an excellent music teacher, classical music. Before becoming executive director and producing director at MusicFest, Naplan spent 20 years focused only on opera as a performer and then as an administrator, a role that allowed him to do public engagement he believes is essential for the health of the arts and communities.
ENRICHING PROGRAMS Today, Naplan leads an organization that satisfies his artistic interests and impacts the community. He created two new programs that engage and enrich: The Music of Arizona, which celebrates the state’s multicultural heritage with a performing ensemble that looks like Arizona, and Music Alive!, which is a series of community programs—lectures, movies, book club—to enhance the MusicFest customer experience. Arizona Musicfest supports young musicians, offers arts enrichment for school children and serves, broadly and deeply, a growing, dedicated customer base. More than 30,000 people will have attended 28 performances during the 2019-20 festival season that ends this month. MusicFest education programs will reach more than 6,000 students. Kaplan sees room to grow. It’s just a matter of time. Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
2/6/20 3:08 PM
ALLAN E.
NAPLAN
Director taps into early experiences to enrich Musicfest
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
ArtsHero-PHX-2020-MAR-AlanNaplan.indd All Pages
Allan E. Naplan’s life in arts has the shape of an hourglass. At one end is a childhood enriched by opportunities to explore a variety of art forms and drill deeply into understanding music. At the other end is Arizona MusicFest with its eclectic programming and wide range of customer experiences. EARLY EXPERIENCES At a granular level, each end of the hourglass informs the other. Childhood experiences that satisfied a “ravenous appetite” for the arts shift naturally in time to stewardship of MusicFest, a north Scottsdale organization Naplan has led since 2013. Inspiration behind Naplan’s work reaches back through the ages to childhood experiences that included exposure to dance, visual arts and, as the son of an excellent music teacher, classical music. Before becoming executive director and producing director at MusicFest, Naplan spent 20 years focused only on opera as a performer and then as an administrator, a role that allowed him to do public engagement he believes is essential for the health of the arts and communities.
ENRICHING PROGRAMS Today, Naplan leads an organization that satisfies his artistic interests and impacts the community. He created two new programs that engage and enrich: The Music of Arizona, which celebrates the state’s multicultural heritage with a performing ensemble that looks like Arizona, and Music Alive!, which is a series of community programs—lectures, movies, book club—to enhance the MusicFest customer experience. Arizona Musicfest supports young musicians, offers arts enrichment for school children and serves, broadly and deeply, a growing, dedicated customer base. More than 30,000 people will have attended 28 performances during the 2019-20 festival season that ends this month. MusicFest education programs will reach more than 6,000 students. Kaplan sees room to grow. It’s just a matter of time. Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
2/6/20 3:08 PM
DOUG
SYDNOR
Architect, artist, historian and author —a true arts champion Doug Sydnor lives a life with no seams. There’s virtually no line between professional and volunteer work. There’s no divide in his views of the past, present and future. There’s no separation in his mind between arts, culture and community.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
Broad views and deep-seated habits of civic engagement are why so many pockets of seemingly disparate arts and culture organizations have benefitted from Sydnor putting his whole self into work on their behalf. ARTS CHAMPION For more than 40 years, Sydnor, an architect and an artist (there’s no seam here either), has supported the arts in Arizona. He has served in leadership roles in 20 arts or cultural organizations, including Scottsdale Arts, Phoenix Art Museum and Scottsdale Sister Cities Association, where he oversees the Young Artists and Authors Showcase. He was an early champion for the “percent for the arts” movement to set aside about 1 percent of mostly municipal projects’ budgets for public art. “You can’t take it for granted,” Sydnor says of the arts. “You have to really be aware of it and support it. Otherwise you may lose it one day.”
PAST MEETS PRESENT Sydnor knows what he’s talking about regarding loss. His name is well-known in historic preservation circles. In addition to wearing architect and artist hats, Sydnor is an author. He has written books on architecture, and he writes a column about notable architects in Arizona Contractor & Community magazine. “I am what some may describe as a very contemporary architect,” Sydnor says. “Despite caring about architectural history, in all of the work that I’ve done, I’ve tried to push what is an innovative, fresh way of tackling a problem.” Some of that thinking, with an eye toward the future, shows up in art compositions that, as he describes, bleed off the canvas—suggesting images that carry on indefinitely. Of course. No edges. No seams. Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
DOUG
SYDNOR
Architect, artist, historian and author —a true arts champion Doug Sydnor lives a life with no seams. There’s virtually no line between professional and volunteer work. There’s no divide in his views of the past, present and future. There’s no separation in his mind between arts, culture and community.
arts hero sponsored by
Empowering the community through arts and culture.
Broad views and deep-seated habits of civic engagement are why so many pockets of seemingly disparate arts and culture organizations have benefitted from Sydnor putting his whole self into work on their behalf. ARTS CHAMPION For more than 40 years, Sydnor, an architect and an artist (there’s no seam here either), has supported the arts in Arizona. He has served in leadership roles in 20 arts or cultural organizations, including Scottsdale Arts, Phoenix Art Museum and Scottsdale Sister Cities Association, where he oversees the Young Artists and Authors Showcase. He was an early champion for the “percent for the arts” movement to set aside about 1 percent of mostly municipal projects’ budgets for public art. “You can’t take it for granted,” Sydnor says of the arts. “You have to really be aware of it and support it. Otherwise you may lose it one day.”
PAST MEETS PRESENT Sydnor knows what he’s talking about regarding loss. His name is well-known in historic preservation circles. In addition to wearing architect and artist hats, Sydnor is an author. He has written books on architecture, and he writes a column about notable architects in Arizona Contractor & Community magazine. “I am what some may describe as a very contemporary architect,” Sydnor says. “Despite caring about architectural history, in all of the work that I’ve done, I’ve tried to push what is an innovative, fresh way of tackling a problem.” Some of that thinking, with an eye toward the future, shows up in art compositions that, as he describes, bleed off the canvas—suggesting images that carry on indefinitely. Of course. No edges. No seams. Do you know an Arts Hero? Someone who works tirelessly to strengthen, improve and enhance the arts in our community? Nominate him or her at onmediaaz.com
D OY O UK N O WA NA R T S
SUP ER HER O?
ONMEDI A I SONTHEL OOKOUT FORARTSHEROES. NOMI NATEYOURARTSHERO AT:
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D OY O UK N O WA NA R T S
SUP ER HER O?
ONMEDI A I SONTHEL OOKOUT FORARTSHEROES. NOMI NATEYOURARTSHERO AT:
onmedi aaz . c om/ ar t s her o
910E.Os bor nRoa d, Sui t eC Phoeni x , AZ85014 onmedi a a z . c om