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Artist Gregory Tomb lives in ‘the heat of the moment’
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Foothills Focus Executive Editor
Part-time North Phoenix resident Gregory Tomb is looking forward to returning to Arizona for The Holland Center’s Glass Pumpkin Patch.
The glassblower said the nonprofit arts center has been “an incredible help” over the years. At the Friday, Oct. 22, to Sunday, Oct. 24, event, he will have hundreds of glass pumpkins ranging from $45 to $400.
Proceeds from the Glass Pumpkin Patch will benefit the Desert Foothills Theater, which presents productions for the North Valley.
“I do these glass pumpkin patch fundraisers in the fall,” he said. “Last year was the first one. They had a really good turnout. When Ray Villafane was in Carefree, I had a booth there and sold glass pumpkins.
“I’m also excited to return to Arizona because I am finishing a building in Stagecoach Village and plan to open a glassblowing studio in Cave Creek as soon as I can.”
Tomb has been fascinated by glass art since childhood. He and his family visited the Corning Museum of
Gregory Tomb, a glassblowing artist, will feature his work at the Glass Pumpkin Patch hosted by The
Holland Center. (Submitted photo) see TOMB page 24
TUMB From page 23
Glass in Corning, New York, during road trips.
After studying glassblowing as an art student at Hartwick College, he explored a variety of personal and professional interests — but glass art always remained his passion.
He occasionally rented glass studio time over the years, but honed his craft as a production glassblower in a factory for Simon Pearce. In 2014, he started participating in juried art shows nationwide.
He has been awarded “best in glass” and served as the featured artist at the Nassau County Museum of Art, the Hampton Fine Art Festival, the Stuart Art Festival and the Scottsdale Artfest.
In his work, Tomb incorporates classic techniques of furnace, fused, flame-worked and cold-worked glass, while also exploring new processes and ways to use glass and light. Since 2013, he has taught Gregory Tomb incorporates classic techniques of furnace, fused, flame-worked and cold-worked
glass. (Submitted photo) glassblowing at the Bay Area Glass Institute, as well as through lessons from his own mobile studio. Tomb’s glass pumpkins have been featured in museums and magazines around the country.
What is interesting to Tomb is watching kids who usually stare at their screens come in and have the same phenomenon when they stare at the process of glass blowing.
“You see something form from this liquid into a solid product,” said Tomb, The Holland Center’s artist-in-residence. “It tends to be a teach activity in the heat of the moment, so to speak.”
In Arizona, he offers glassblowing classes for the public, free instruction for local school kids, along with the pumpkin patch fundraiser.
“The fundraiser is such a fun event,” he said. “I get into the communities and get people interested in the process and the magic of glass. You might see glass pumpkins in Target, but this is a little bit more impressive.”
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Cheri Reckers: The elegance of silk
BY SHEA STANFIELD
Foothills Focus Contributing Writer
Silk is treasured for its �luidity, elegance and delicate texture. Partner this delicately spun natural fabric with skilled brushwork and natural dyes and there’s an ancient artform for modern lives. This is the goal of Cheri Reckers, a silk painting artist.
Reckers grew up in Ohio but spent most of her life in the Southwest desert. Her talents were recognized early on. “My �irst-grade teacher thought I had some talent,” Reckers said.
“I was good at interpreting details in my drawings and paintings.”
Based on this assessment, her parents enrolled her in extra after-school art classes. Reckers continued that pursuit by earning a BFA with honors with a focus on advertising and fashion design from the Columbus College of Art and Design. “My �irst experience with silk painting was working on my senior fashion show project,” she said.
“I had always loved painting, so I thought wouldn’t it be great to paint my own fabric for my collection?”
The rest, as they say, is history.
Reckers made a career in the arts. After college, she created art while holding down art-related part-time jobs.
“I freelanced in graphic design and illustration, was a studio assistant for a �iber artist and a jeweler, and worked at a gallery,” she said.
Today, Reckers is a highly successful �iber artist. Her primary material is in various silk fabrics with liquid, �iber-reactive dyes that are steam set for permanence.
“Some of my paintings are sewn into wearable art pieces, others are mounted and framed for wall art,” Reckers said.
To her credit, Reckers’ award-winning silk paintings have been exhibited in numerous museums. Her wearable art pieces have graced runways as far away as New Zealand.
Community service is important to Cheri Reckers models her panorama shawl.
(Photo courtesy of Cheri Reckers) AZ TITLE & REGISTRATIONS
Reckers. Her studio produces a countrywide artist and gallery guide, hosts the Art for Pet’s Sake fundraiser to bene�it a local animal shelter and pet adoptions, and curates �iber art exhibitions and events.
Recker is big on educating the public about �iber.
“My most recent work focuses on my
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RECKERS From page 25
fascination with the seasonal rhythms of nature,” Reckers said.
“The textural patterns of plants, the shapes of the animals, and the brilliant skies of the Sonoran Desert are all surrounding my home studio. I have more ideas for paintings than I can actually produce, and that’s a good thing.”
Reckers’ work is available in several galleries in New Mexico and Arizona. Locally, she is represented by the Shemer Art Center in Phoenix (shemerartcenter.org) and Wild Holly Gallery in Carefree (wildhollygallery.com).
Reckers is a member of the Sonoran Arts League and will participate in the annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour from Friday, Nov. 19, to Sunday, Nov. 21, and Friday, Nov. 26, to Sunday, Nov. 28. For more information, visit sonoranartsleague.org.
To view her collection of silk paint-
ings, follow her exhibit schedule or contact her, visit cherireckers. com. “Ocotillo Over Rock Peak,” by Cheri Reckers. (Photo courtesy of Cheri Reckers) “Buzzin’ in Blooms,” by Cheri Reckers. (Photo courtesy of Cheri Reckers)
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Anthem photographer auctioning Lennon photos
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Foothills Focus Executive Editor
World-renowned Anthem photographer David Spindel is the last known photographer to capture John Lennon and Yoko Ono during the “Double Fantasy” recording sessions.
He will auction photographs from his personal archive via R&R Auctions Company of Massachusetts. The auction preview goes online Oct. 22, opens for bidding on Nov. 11 and closes on Nov. 21 at rrauction.com.
In one photograph, Lennon and Ono, wearing sunglasses, measures 20 inches by 24 inches. Bearing original signatures from Lennon and Ono, this photograph was personalized to Spindel in 1980. Valued at $10,000, it is accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by Spindel.
“It was over 40 years ago,” Spindel said. “I went to visit John and Yoko Ono after having photographed them at what was (believed to be) the last recording session of the ‘Double Fantasy’ album. I showed them enlarged contact sheets of all the photographs I had taken the night before.
“After they viewed the images, I asked if it was not an inconvenience, would they autograph a special photograph that I had taken of them. Needless to say, they did, and John even drew one of his caricatures.”
“Strawberry Fields” is also a Spindel original. At 16 inches by 20 inches, the color photograph is a Lennon collage portrait signed by Spindel. With rare color satin �inish, it is one of two prints made featuring a portrait of Lennon wearing sunglasses, superimposed over a strawberry background. In �ine condition, the photograph, valued David Spindel shows off his autographed photo of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, wearing sunglasses. Snapped by Spindel, the photo was personalized to Spindel in 1980. It’s valued at $10,000. (Photo
courtesy of David Spindel) see LENNON page 28
LENNON ���� ���� 27
at $1,000, is also accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by Spindel.
“After hearing of John’s passing, I wanted to create a special photograph in his memory,” Spindel said. “I created this particular photo (‘Strawberry Fields’) and I chose not to make this print available until now. This is one of two 16-inch by 20-inch prints that I had planned on using for a few exhibits. I’m keeping one of the prints for my private collection and I’ve decided to make the other one available to one very lucky bidder to enjoy.”
Finally, he is offering a leatherbound photo chronicle of a Lennon and Ono “Double Fantasy” session. The album of 36 photographs is one of three created by Spindel and it measures 12.5 inches by 11.75 inches. They were taken in the fall of 1980 and developed by him in his New York City dark room during the early 1980s.
The images — which are accompanied by a letter of provenance, too — show Lennon singing, strumming his acoustic guitar, and working at the mixing console. It is worth $8,000.
“I only produced three albums,” he said. “I have this one and I gave one to Yoko to show my appreciation for having the opportunity and honor to photograph her and John. It was one of the greatest highlights of my 60-plus years as a photographer.”
The third album was sold privately many years ago.
“I either give things away or I sell them,” she said. “I sent one to Yoko as a gift because I appreciated that they paid me extremely well. I have the negatives and my kids know exactly where they are.”
Spindel grew up in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn and has an older brother and two younger sisters. His father was a hardworking pharmacist and his mother an ardent schoolteacher. Spindel enjoyed photography as a hobby in high school and then decided to pursue his craft more seriously at Rochester Institute of Technology. He studied with Minor White, Ralph Hattersley, Dr. Richard Zakia and Robert Bagby and graduated in 1964.
Post-graduation, he worked as an assistant for several photographers in New York City, including Tosh Matsumoto, who insisted and inspired him to open his own New York City studio in 1970. He was soon in demand by leading advertising agencies. The work poured in, and his reputation grew steadily.
Assignments for Major League Base-
David Spindel’s album of 36 John Lennon photographs is one of three he created, and it measures
12.5 inches by 11.75 inches. (Photo courtesy of David Spindel)
��� LENNON ���� 29
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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 20, 2021 FEATURES 29 ball were the catalyst for the next body of work that evolved as Spindel’s signature style. He went on to receive numerous high-pro�ile assignments for movie posters such as “Platoon” and “Broadway Danny Rose,” and then created numerous baseball posters and related mass market products that sell worldwide and were featured at The National Baseball Hall of Fame.
He was commissioned for limited edition projects with the likes of Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Duke Snider, Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto. His charitable work includes projects with Berra and Rizzuto.
Amid his still life work, Spindel has developed his Rebus photographs, which caught the attention of American publishing companies. Following worldwide recognition for his baseball memorabilia photography, Abbeville Press signed Spindel to an eight-book publishing contract for the Major League Memories Series.
Spindel continues to produce a wide
RIGOR, RELEVANCE & RELATIONSHIPSSMALL CLASS SIZES! variety of creative products featuring his signature-style photography. He has been featured on a wide variety of TV shows and interviewed by numerous publications promoting his work including LENNONYC/PBS, VH-1 and various morning TV shows. His photographs and limited editions, which decorate corporate of�ices of numerous baseball stadiums, are on exhibit in galleries internationally, featured at private auction, and are available for private sale. His work continues to be licensed for a myriad of products worldwide. Schedule a tour! RIGOR, RELEVANCE, AND RELATIONSHIPS Call 623-551-5083 for K-5 Campus or 623-466-8187 for 6-12 Campus or schedule online. Visit caurusacademy.org/schedule-a-tour
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LENNON From page 28 “Strawberry Fields” is also a David Spindel original. At 16 inches by 20 inches, the color photograph is a John Lennon collage portrait signed by Spindel. (Photo courtesy of David Spindel)
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The power of one person
CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION Pastor Ed Delph
Foothills Focus Columnist
Allow me to share a true story about the power of one person who was willing to step into an impossible situation.
In this case, it was a maid who chose to make a difference. She stepped out of her comfort zone and into the darkness of a dark situation. She acknowledged the reality but took the first step into a remedy. And the rest is history.
I’ve fact-checked this actual event, and it is true. So read this narrative, everyday people who are future “Solutionaries” and “Difference Makers” willing to engage or give to someone overlooked and ignored.
Dr. Frank Mayfield was touring Tewksbury Institute when, on his way out, he accidentally collided with an elderly floor maid. To cover the awkward moment, Dr. Mayfield started asking questions. “How long have you worked here?” “I’ve worked here almost since the place opened,” the maid replied. “What can you tell me about the history of this place?” he asked. “I don’t think I can tell you anything, but I could show you something.”
With that, she took his hand and led him down to the basement under the oldest section of the building. She pointed to one of what looked like small prison cells, their iron bars rusted with age, and said, “That’s the cage where they used to keep Annie Sullivan.” “Who is Annie?” the doctor asked.
“Annie was a young girl who was brought in here because she was incorrigible — nobody could do anything with her. She’d bite and scream and throw her food at people. The doctors and nurses couldn’t even examine her or anything. I’d see them trying with her spitting and scratching at them.
“I was only a few years younger than her myself, and I used to think, ‘I sure would hate to be locked up in a cage like that.’ I wanted to help her, but I didn’t have any idea what I could do. I mean, if the doctors and nurses couldn’t help her, what could someone like me do?
“I didn’t know what else to do, so I baked her some brownies one night after work. The next day I brought them in. I walked carefully to her cage and said, ‘Annie, I baked these brownies just for you. I’ll put them right here on the floor, and you can come and get them if you want.’
“Then I got out of there as fast as I could because I was afraid she might throw them at me. But she didn’t. She took the brownies and ate them. After that, she was a bit nicer to me when I was around. Sometimes I’d talk to her. Once, I even got her laughing.
“One of the nurses noticed this, and she told the doctor. They asked me if I’d help them with Annie. I said I would if I could. So, that’s how it came about that every time they wanted to see Annie or examine her, I went into the cage first and explained why they were coming in. My explanation calmed her down, and I held her hand to reassure her.
“As a result of this, they discovered that Annie was almost blind. After working with her for about a year — and it was tough sledding with Annie — the Perkins Institute for the Blind opened its doors. They were able to help her, and she went on to study, and she then became a teacher herself.
“Annie came back to the Tewksbury Institute to visit and see what she could do to help. At first, the director didn’t say anything, but then he thought about a letter he’d just received. A man had written to him about his daughter. She was unruly — almost like an animal. She was blind and deaf as well as ‘deranged.’ He was at his wit’s end, but he didn’t want to put her in an asylum. So, he wrote the institute to ask if they knew anyone who would come to his house and work with his daughter.
“And that is how Annie Sullivan became the lifelong companion of Helen Keller. When Helen Keller received the Nobel Prize, she was asked who had the most significant impact on her life. Helen then said, ‘Annie Sullivan.’”
Then Annie said, “No, Helen. The woman who had the greatest influence on both our lives was a floor maid at the Tewksbury Institute.”
The whole story is at helenkeller. org.za. What the unknown maid did to change two women’s worlds and the world as a whole is truly inspiring.
Jesus engaged those overlooked and ignored people because He cared. In Matthew 25, Jesus was talking to God’s people. He said to them, “Enter you who are blessed and take what is in God’s Kingdom. Then Jesus explained why they could partake of this kingdom.
“I was hungry, and you feed me; I was thirsty, and you have me a drink; I was homeless, and you gave me a room; I was shivering, and you gave me clothes; I was sick, and you stopped to visit; I was in prison, and you came to me.
“The people asked Jesus, ‘When did we do those things to you?’ Jesus replied, ‘When you did one of these
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Community support shines raising $540K
BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
The Catholic Community Foundation hosted nearly 600 supporters during its 32nd annual event, Crozier Gala Goes to Monte Carlo.
This year, the goal of the evening was to raise money for the foundation’s community granting funds. Recognizing that everyone has an innate desire to help others, the foundation created a set of perpetual savings funds, called endowments, designed to support critical areas of need within our community. This year was the first time in the 32 years of the gala that had a direct fundraising component.
“There are many longtime supporters of the Gala who experienced an evening much different than in years past,” said Deacon James Carabajal, CEO at Catholic Community Foundation.
“The foundation is called to identify need, engage donors, and provide stewarded financial support to our community’s frontline organizations. Times are very different, and many, many local ministries need our help. We are here to do just that.” The event’s title sponsors included Catholic Education Arizona and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
Gathering to support community
The night’s featured event includ-
see GALA page 32 DELPH From page 30
things to someone overlooked and ignored, that was me. You did it to me.’”
Perhaps you are a difference-maker and history-maker presently or going to be like the compassionate maid. My advice is to make brownies and get going because the hungry person you see and Jesus are hungry. Remember, a great place to find a helping hand is at the end of your arm.
Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. Ed has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonpro�it organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. For more information, see nationstrategy. com. Ed may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com.
GALA From page 31
ed a live auction paddle raise that directly supported the foundation’s Forever Fund Endowments. These endowments are perpetual, disbursing annual grants that fund community needs through the foundation’s Giving Circle Program.
In its eighth year, the Giving Circle is a granting program that gives members a more active role in helping the community.
“It’s become a part of our life to be members of the Giving Circle,” said Jon Olson, Lifetime Giving Circle member and an attendee of the event.
“It makes you appreciate the gifts God has given you, and in turn, can give to someone else. Here’s a great opportunity to be more intimate in taking care of the community.” The foundation’s Giving Circle program is the only Catholic granting circle in Arizona.
Many ways to help
The evening’s events included Event attendees of the Crozier Gala Goes to Monte Carlo enjoyed casino-styled gaming, dancing to Mogollon and silent auction bidding. (Photo cour-
tesy of Catholic Community Foundation)
browsing raffle items, casino gaming, live auction bidding and a sneak preview of the foundation’s newest program, the online giving platform Shop For A Cause.
This program provides a safe way for individuals to help the needs of local nonprofits. Organizations plug in their needs, from diapers to Chromebooks, and donors can go online and shop, purchase and ship all on a convenient and simple website, shop-for-a-cause.com/montecarlo
For more information, visit ccfphx. org/foreverfund.
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