A JOURNEY OF FACES

Sculpture artist Kostas Ulevicius is on a mission to find spirituality

BY MELISSA HIRSCHL

In visual and fine art, the surreal, elongated face sculptures of Lithuanian American artist Kostas Ulevicius are a study of humanity.

Searching for what he describes as the “face of the other,” he has infused his work with a sense of “oneness” with artistic renderings symbolic of cultures and societies throughout the world and in history. Viewers are encouraged to see a sculptured face as a kind and understanding friend – one who can help eclipse the ubiquitous noise and distractions of daily life by drawing them into a world of harmony, calm and tranquility. Ironically, his sculptures are in stark contrast to his background, where he witnessed the worst of humanity in the totalitarian regimes of Germany and Russia.

Ulevicius hand-builds his sculptures, which are fired or bronzed with the distinctive blue glazes he creates. “When I sculpt, that’s the time I really feel alive,” he says.

For inspiration, Ulevicius seeks out paintings, shapes, and forms from all over the world.

“I visit bookstores and museums in addition to iconic museums such as the Louvre in Paris, the Vatican Museum in Rome, and the Versailles in France,” he says. “Historically, I draw from ancient cultures of the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Buddhists.”

Ulevicius’ penchant for sculpture began while watching his father, a Gulag and Nazi prison survivor, sculpt in clay (Roma Plastilina). Ulevicius began to emulate him, creating figures using simple clay. His love for the artform created the foundation for his eventual career. From 1979 to 1984, he attended the venerable Vilnius Art Academy in Lithuania, which has a rich history of providing graduate and undergraduate degrees.

“They are famous for famous international teachers,” says Ulevicius, who took classes in pottery, academic drawing, painting, and sculpture.

While visiting Chicago, he found kindred spirits at an artist colony that provided him an ideal “jump-off” point for his burgeoning career. Soon, he procured a studio and began showing his art in galleries. In addition, he became an Artist in Residence at Wesleyan University. In 1996 Ulevicius moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where his sculptures were sold at the Craft Council art show that attracts gallery buyers from around the country. Recently he had a booth at the juried Fine Art Expo in Phoenix. Learn more at www.kostasulevicius.com.

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

Where To Go And What To Do This Spring

There is an undeniable energy in the Valley each spring. March, in particular, has a buzz all its own, with must-try activities and can’t-miss events popping up all over town. Here are 18 of the biggest and best things to do, see, sip and eat this month, from engaging experiences to tried-and-true events.

Cactus League

Founded in 1947, Cactus League has blossomed into a baseball fan's paradise, with 10 local ballparks hosting 15 MLB teams daily for multiple spring training games taking place through March 28. The hottest tickets in town will likely be at the iconic Charro Lodge at Scottsdale Stadium, home to the San Francisco Giants, and on the lawn at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. www.cactusleague.com.

Nba Playoffs

After making it to the NBA Finals last year, the Phoenix Suns are again in the thick of the NBA Playoff hunt and are welcoming fans for big games at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Denver Nuggets in March. Tickets start at $25, and VIP packages are available. www.suns.com.

Pedego Bikes

Electric bikes, which are equipped with a motor to assist riders in pedaling and can safely travel up to about 20 miles per hour, are among the best ways to get out and explore Scottsdale during springtime. Pedego Bikes offers rentals with selfguided tours starting at $59 per hour ranging from 5 to 20 miles that journey across Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park, Desert Botanical Garden, Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, Scottsdale Civic Center, the base of Camelback Mountain, the Scottsdale Waterfront, and more. There are also customizable guided tours where riders choose the route, length and style of electric bike they would like to ride. www. pedegoelectricbikes.com.

Sonoran Outdoor Adventures

Sonoran Outdoor Adventures offers a variety of activities and is among the only outfitters in town with “fat bike” tours. Fat tire bikes are perfect for riding on local trails, providing maximum stability and enhanced sense of security, for riders of all ages (even kids). A fat tire bike is a unique way to experience the breathtaking views and beauty of the Sonoran Desert, allowing riders to cover more distance at the same time. Each tour is fully customized to an individual or group’s riding style, ability and fitness level and includes a bike, helmet and hydration backpack with water and snacks. www. sonoranoutdooradventures.com.

Arizona Party Bike

Seeking a new way to explore the bar scene in Downtown Scottsdale? Take a guided pedal pub crawl tour with Arizona Party Bike. The “bike” seats up to 15 people and has an electric motor to help folks pedal as well as a full sound system and

LED party lights. During the two-hour ride, a guide safely steers riders to three local bars. And while some pedaling is required, it is made easier by the fact guests can bring their own beer and wine onboard. www.arizonapartybike.com.

Arizona Bike Week

In addition to fat bikes, electric bikes, and party bikes, there is one more bike that is big this time of year: motor bikes (aka motorcycles). Arizona Bike Week returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale March 29. With an expected attendance of 75,000 people, the five-day event will feature a four-night music festival, daily happy hours, after-hours parties, stunt shows, RV and campsite camping, charity rides, contests, bike shows, factory demo rides, and bands from the local music scene performing day and night in the PowerYard. Tickets start at $15; individual concert tickets are sold separately. www.azbikeweek.com.

The Sound Of Music

Throughout March in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona Opera will produce The Sound of Music, a timeless story told against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Both fans of the timeless Julie Andrew classic and the Broadway musical will be pleased by this interpretation, likely making it one of their “favorite things” this spring. Fun fact: The two lead roles, soprano Cadie Bryan (playing Maria) and baritone Jonathan Bryan (playing Captain Von Trapp) who fall in love on stage, have already fallen in love off stage, and are married in real life. www. azopera.org.

Majestic Mariposas

Starting March 4, Desert Botanical Garden will give visitors an up close and unforgettable experience when more than 2,000 native Southwestern butterflies return for the Spring Butterfly Exhibit, which is included with any general admission ticket to the garden. Get acquainted with thousands of butterflies, observe each stage of their life cycle, and learn what actions we can take to protect them. www.dbg.org.

Arizona Cocktail Weekend

The 11th annual Arizona Cocktail Weekend will take place March 10-13. Back by popular demand are the weekend’s signature events: The Cocktail Carnival, which will take place March 11 at the Walter Where House; Top Bars, which will take place Mach 12 at The Croft; and the finals of Last Slinger Standing, which will take place March 13 and announce its venue in coming days. Venues across the Valley will also have specialty Arizona Cocktail Weekend drink menus, and a slew of pop-up events will be announced on social media in the days leading up to the weekend. www. arizonacocktailweekend.com.

Rooftop Cocktails At Cielo

Every Friday and Saturday this spring, Cielo at Adero Scottsdale Resort is offering a modern, outdoor cocktail lounge escape above the clouds where guests are immersed in a private sanctuary that includes panoramic views, dedicated staff and specialty bar curations. In addition, on March 11, Cielo executive chef Chris Kight will prepare an elegant eight-course tasting menu celebrating the rich and earthy flavors of the season through a myriad of flavor profiles, techniques, ingredients, and regions. www.aderoscottsdale.com.

Rainbow Ryders

With this one-of-a-kind bucket list adventure available in North Phoenix/Scottsdale, passengers can see panoramic views of the breathtaking Arizona skies and majestic Sonoran Desert from 7,000 feet above the ground. Guests can help prepare the balloon get ready for liftoff and observe how it inflates up close for some amazing social media moments. Flights take off at sunrise or sunset seasonally for the best 360-degree sky views, with each balloon flight lasting around 45 to 60 minutes and the whole experience being 3 1/2 to four hours long. www.rainbowryders.com

FASHIONING SELF: THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF EVERYDAY EXPRESSION

This month, Phoenix Art Museum will premiere Fashioning Self: The Photography of Everyday Expression. This newest major photography exhibition explores the role of fashion and photography in shaping identity through more than 50 works of street, documentary, and self-portrait photographs by Dennis Feldman, Laura Volkerding, Linda Rich, John Simmons, David Hume Kennerly, Teenie Harris, and others. The exhibition will also feature a rotating display of social media images shared by community members and individuals from across the United States via the hashtag #fashioningself. www.phxart.org.

THE MICK’S SOMM BRAWL

Since January, Somm Brawl at The Mick has pitted sommeliers from across Arizona against each other in a friendly competition almost weekly, challenging each talented wine expert to pair varietals head-to-head with a tasting menu dreamt up by chef

Brent Menke. Diners ultimately choose which expert moves to the next round by popular vote. On March 13, the final two sommeliers standing will meet and compete to see who will reign supreme. Reservations for the four-course finale event are required and start at $199 per person. www.themickaz.com.

Animal Encounters

OdySea Aquarium – the largest aquarium in the Southwest – is a true hidden hotspot for those looking to do something outside of the box. In addition to its 65-plus exhibits and 500 species of animals, OdySea offers a host of VIP experiences, many with adults in mind, including SeaTREK underwater walking program, a charismatic Penguin Interaction Program, the chance to get up close and personal with a cuddly sloth, and even a behind-the-scenes shark tour. Like OdySea, the Phoenix Zoo also has a premium tour, which features a 90-minute personalized tour plus one personalized animal encounter with a one-horned rhinoceros, flamingos, a giant anteater, elephants, stingrays, tortoises, or group of reptiles. www.odyseaaquarium.com and www.phoenixzoo.org.

Cosanti Tours

The otherworldly structures and dwellings that comprise Cosanti are a world-renowned cultural treasure in the heart of Paradise Valley. Arrestingly imaginative, these original structures date back to the late 1950s and early 1960s and have earned Cosanti a place on the Arizona Registry of Historic Places. Today also home to the Cosanti Originals Windbells, the Cosanti Foundation is offering twice-daily guided tours this spring that include a behind-the-scenes look at architect Paolo Soleri's design studio, residential structures, and even a live bronze pour in its bronze foundry. While free, donations of $25 per reservation are encouraged. www.cosanti.com

CIVANA WELLNESS RESORT & SPA

This state-of-the-art facility features 29 treatment areas including one Watsu pool, couples rooms, wet treatment rooms, five facial rooms, and 19 massage rooms.

There is also a communal area of hydrotherapy immersions – the Aqua Vitality Circuit – that includes a European-designed hot/ cold walking pool, a warm therapeutic soaking pool, a cold plunge shower, and a five-climate KLAFS Sanarium, which is the only one in the continental United States. There are dedicated men’s and women’s relaxation areas as well as a 1,600 squarefoot coed lounge with an outdoor balcony offering views of Black and Continental Mountains. There is also an outdoor pool and sun deck exclusive to spa guests. www.civanacarefree.com.

Irish Whiskey Seminars

Each spring, Scottsdale Center for the Arts and Hearth '61 at Mountain Shadows host interactive, guided spirit tasting seminars. Both locales will honor St. Patrick’s Day this year by theming their March events, March 18 at Scottsdale Center for the Arts and March 25 at Hearth ’61, in honor of all things Irish whiskey. Each seminar is about an hour and will include light bites, lots of sips, and beverage experts to guide the sessions. Prices vary and both events are exclusively for those 21 and over. Hearth ’61 will also continue its popular Sunday Supper series, a monthly multicourse wine dinner inspired by the bounty of the season. www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org and www.mountainshadows.com.

The Good Life Fest

Hosted at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek March 25-26, this festival will include concerts by Kenny Loggins, Blue Oyster Cult, Kansas, and more. Beyond the bands, there will be a variety of activities including gourmet food and cooking demonstrations, specialty shopping, and spa and golf demonstrations. There will also be tastings from 50 different wineries, 30 craft breweries, and 10 distilleries. Tickets start at $50. www.thegoodlifefest.com.