Images Arizona: Grayhawk October 2016 Issue by Images Arizona Magazine

GOLDY, BONES & CHRISIE FUNARI

DC Ranch

Scottsdale

ECRWSS Local Postal Customer

Grayhawk

Giving Ava a Voice October 2016 IMAGESAZ .C OM

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 3280 DENVER, CO

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Contents

PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

EDITOR/CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jenn Korducki Krenn

ART DIRECTOR/PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANT Jennifer Satterlee

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ana Petrovic

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Grace Hill Tom Scanlon Monica Longenbaker Stephanie Maher Palenque Paula Theotocatos Peni Long Shannon Severson Katherine Braden Lara Piu Rebecca Zaner

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Black Loralei Lazurek Keri Meyers Michele Celentano Monica Longenbaker Brandon Tigrett

ADVERTISING SALES Loren Sheck loren@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ 85377 623-341-8221 imagesaz.com Submission of news for Community News section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2016 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

Giving Ava a Voice Goldy, Bones & Chrisie Funari pictured Writer Katherine Braden Photographer Loralei Lazurek P. 46

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October 27, 28 & 29

This auction will feature over 10,000 amazing items including trains from every era, cool cruiser bikes, stunning classic and antique cars, Coca-Cola memorabilia, RC planes, speedy scooters, rare auto memorabilia and much more!

10345 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85253 (480) 223 1307

www.worldslargestauction.com www.Jlevines.com October 2016 IMAGESAZ .C OM

Welcome

If you’ve visited the Carefree Desert Gardens over the summer, chances are you’ve caught a glimpse of Chessie Trunkston engaged in a lively game of chess with Hershel Higginbottom.

Beauty Among the Ashes: Kara Young P. 8

Names don’t ring a bell? You may know them better as those elephant and mouse sculptures made from tons upon tons of sand — impressive not only for their size, but also for their intricate attention to detail. You can examine every wrinkle on Chessie’s thick grey skin, and experience Hershel’s pride emanating from his upwardly curved mouth as he holds the winning game piece. The artist behind these extraordinary additions to the gardens is none other than Ray Villafane. If his name doesn’t sound familiar, you may know him better as “Pumpkin King.” And I think I speak for everyone in the community who is familiar with Ray’s work when I say how delighted I am he is bringing back Carefree’s Enchanted Pumpkin Garden this month, held October 17-31. As you’ll see in our interview with Ray in this issue (“Pumpcasso”), the artist world-renowned for his masterfully intricate pumpkin carvings has a few new tricks up his sleeve, as he plans to turn Carefree into “Scarefree.” Kids and adults of all ages can’t help but fall in love with the cleverness and creativity of Ray’s handiwork — I’m already planning my family’s return trip! Get ready to have some serious pumpkin-carving envy. The fall holiday season is officially here.

Wild West Days P. 26

Enjoy! Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221

Pumpcasso

Autumn Harvest Salad

P. 54

P. 66

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ARTIST

Kara Young

Beauty Among the Ashes

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Mixed media artist Kara Young pulls a sheet of copper out of her wood-burning stove and washes away the ashes. As she studies the patterns and colors created by the fire, her mind drifts back to when she first learned burned copper can be beautiful — the day she lost her home and art studio to the Oakland Hills Firestorm in California. Once a month, Young dedicates an entire day to firing copper for her art. Her contemporary pieces will be on display and available for purchase during the 23rd annual Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival on November 4-6, along Ho Hum and Easy streets in downtown Carefree. “Fired copper is the signature of my work, and it becomes the personality of each art piece I create,” says Young. “I don’t know what my art would look like today had the Oakland fire never happened.” It has been 25 years since Young lost her home to the firestorm. She and her husband were out buying plants for the yard when they noticed a large plume of heavy smoke and drifting ashes from the fire. They rushed home to make sure no burning embers had hit their house. When they arrived, they were given 90 minutes to evacuate. It was more than a week before they were allowed to return home. Their house, along with more than 3,200 other residences in the area, had completely burned to the ground. Only charred debris, the stone fireplace and chimney on the concrete house slab remained. As Young dug through the rubble, she found several rolls of copper she had been using in her home studio to create greeting cards and art pieces she called “Sacred Portals.” The burned copper had a very distinct and interesting look that eventually took Young’s work in an entirely new direction. She saved the copper and several years later began using it to make a series of pieces called “Keepers of the Fire,” or “Fire Spirits.” October 2016 IMAGESAZ .C OM

Today, she stands in front of a Swedish wood-burning stove from the 1940s, swapping out pieces of copper every five to seven minutes. She endures scorching temperatures as she creates her beautiful copper pieces, together with the natural forces of the fire. Throughout the process, she takes careful notes about the temperature of the fire and the length of time each sheet of copper burns in order to bend the fire to her will.

“

A fire seems so devastating, but you have to keep going. I want people who have been through a fire to know that there is good life after fire.

”

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It’s hot work, especially during summers in Eldorado, New Mexico, where she now resides. To keep cool, Young drenches herself outside with a garden hose before returning to her studio to add more copper to the fire. She works until her clothes are dry and then heads back outside to cool herself off with the hose once more. She typically works for a full six hours on her burn days, getting the copper just right for her art. “A fire seems so devastating, but you have to keep going,” says Young. “I want people who have been through a fire to know that there is good life after fire.” In recent years, Young’s work has grown in popularity throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. She participates in festivals yearround and has shown her work at the Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival for more than a decade.

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The November festival launches Thunderbird Artists’ 35th season of award-winning fine art and wine festivals. This year’s season of shows will include new entertainers and an expanded selection of wine, microbrews and more. “The ambiance of our shows can’t be beat, and patrons appreciate the fact that artists are juried into each festival,” says Denise Dale, vice president of Thunderbird Artists. In addition to Young, the Carefree show includes 140 fine artisans from throughout the United States and abroad, who will display paintings in oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic and ink; impressive small, medium and life-size sculptures; sparkling hand-blown glass; baskets; clay; metal; stone; spectacular handcrafted jewelry; exceptional photography and more. The show’s featured artist, Darrell Thomas, is well-known for his vibrant oil paintings. A Phoenix resident, he studied illustration at Utah State University and spent two decades working as a professional illustrator before leaving to pursue a full-time career in fine art. The subject matter for Thomas’ paintings depends largely on where he is selling the pieces. For the Carefree show, attendees can expect to see a majority of Sonoran Desert paintings with a slightly different color variation than they’ve seen from him at previous Thunderbird Artists shows.

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Dale says the 35th season of festivals includes new entertainers, as well. One of the highlights of the Carefree festival will be the steel drum musical stylings of Paul McDermand. A Scottsdale resident, McDermand is famous for his work with such big-name entertainers as Tony Bennett, Johnny Cash and the Temptations. He began releasing his own albums in 1997. “We’re very excited to have Paul performing this year,” says Dale. “His steel drum and marimba music will be a big attraction to our patrons.” The festival also combines fine art with an extensive collection of domestic and imported wines and microbrews for tasting. For $10, patrons will receive an engraved souvenir wine glass with six tasting tickets, allowing them to walk the streets of downtown Carefree sipping samples, enjoying superb art and listening to live musical entertainment. Additional tasting tickets may be purchased for $1. Admission to the Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival is $3 for adults and free for children 17 years and younger. Parking is free all weekend. 480-837-5637 thunderbirdartists.com

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COMMUNITY arts // announcements // culture Writer Grace Hill

Get Out!

OCT. 1-31

PINK DRINK AT SALTY SOW Salty Sow, an American gastropub serving contemporary farmhouse fare, will be offering a “pink drink” during the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This specialty drink is their house blanche margarita, made with gold tequila, triple sec, margarita mix and blood orange puree, and will have a special price of $5. Salty Sow, 4801 E. Cactus Rd., 602795-9463, saltysow.com.

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OCT. 8-9

ARIZONA ULTIMATE WOMEN’S EXPO Located at the Phoenix Convention Center, the Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo hopes to inspire and motivate women with this year’s celebrity speakers, Erin Brockovich and Christina Milian. In addition, there will be areas designated for beautifying women, do-it-herself workshops, cocktail instruction and recipes, the latest fashion trends, shopping boutiques and much more! Advance tickets are $5 when purchased online. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phoenix Convention Center South Building, 33 S. Third St., 866-618-3434, azwomensexpo.com.

FREE ADMISSION

~ TOWN OF CAREFREE's ~

Featuring World Renowned Artist Ray Villafane

October 17 - 31, 2016

Scarecrows new in 2016!

Picasso Pumpkin Arts and Crafts

Meet the artists up-close and personal 15-day pumpkin festival event even makes our pumpkins tired!

Amazed that it’s a pumpkin!

Ray demonstrates anyone can carve! PUMPKIN PATCH

~ JELLY BELLY BEANBOOZLED® CHALLENGE ~ PUMPKIN PIE EATING COMPETITION HAY RIDES ~ CRAFT BEER GARDEN ~ AUTUMNAL TREATS

Fun for everyone!

CarefreePumpkinGarden.com

Sponsors: October 2016 IMAGESAZ .C OM

OCT. 22

ANNUAL UNDY RUN/WALK Pull out those silly boxers, briefs or costumes and put them on for Colon Cancer Alliance’s annual Undy Run/Walk! Held in the state capitol district in Phoenix, this lighthearted event raises money for the Arizona Department of Health Services’ FIT at Fifty Health Check program. Advance registration is $35 for adults and $30 for kids. Race day registration is $40 for adults and $35 for kids. Run/walk begins at 9 a.m., undyrunwalk.org.

OCT. 23

BGCMP’S DISH IT OUT EVENT The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Phoenix is hosting its annual Dish It Out event to help end childhood hunger. This 21 and older event will include delicious food from top-rated restaurants like Ocean Prime, The Gladly and the Wild Thaiger.

Taste

OCT. 21

WINE EDUCATION AND TASTING

Live music and a culinary competition by local chefs desiring to be the Dish It Out champion will also be included in the night’s activities. Event tickets start at $75 per person and VIP tickets are $500. 5-8 p.m., dishitoutaz.org.

OCT. 29

CAVE CREEK WICKED Arizona’s only all-day, all-night

The mysteries of wine

Halloween event is back! The

enjoyment and appreciation

family-friendly part of the event

can be yours by attending

is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and

Holland Community Center’s

will include community-wide trick-

Enjoying Wine class. Sam

or-treating, a petting zoo, games

Pillsbury, owner of Pillsbury

for kids, a bounce house, face

Wine Company located

painting, live music and more.

in Cottonwood, will teach

The nighttime portion of the

participants where wine comes

event, from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., will

from, why and how to handle

be a costume contest pub crawl.

it, and how to drink and enjoy

Participants in the pub crawl

it. $29.99. 3 p.m. Holland

will be transported by creepy

Community Center, 34250 N.

custom-designed and fabricated

60th St., Bldg. B, 480-488-1090,

tractors and trailers. 602-400-

azfcf.org.

3330, cavecreekwicked.com.

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Photo by Michele Celentano

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Culture

OCT. 6

SIPS AND SOUNDS 2016 The SHOPS at Gainey Village are excited to bring back the Sips and Sounds concert series. This event will feature live music from the band Marmalade Skies, which will perform songs from the Beatles. Guests are encouraged to relax under the evening sky while enjoying food and drinks from the many restaurants located in the shopping center. Free. 6-8 p.m. The SHOPS at Gainey Village, 8777-8989 N. Scottsdale Rd., theshopsgaineyvillage.com.

OCT. 21 OCT. 1-27

ART IN PARTNERSHIP II EXHIBIT Come and see the amazing artwork at this year’s Art in pARTnership II event. This juried fine art exhibit and sale will be located at the Holland Gallery of Fine Art in North Scottsdale. Make sure to attend the artist reception and award presentation, which will be held on October 8 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Holland Gallery, 34250 N. 60th St., Bldg. B, 480-488-1090, azartalliance.com. Artwork Credit Clockwise: Diane Fiorucci, Tom Thomas, Jaxine Cummins, Phyllis Holle and Diane Brand.

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16TH ANNUAL FOOTHILLS EMPTY BOWLS PROJECT LUNCH In an effort to fight hunger and to support the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, participants can purchase one of the 2,000 beautifully handcrafted ceramic and glass bowls made for this event. Sponsored by the Sonoran Arts League and Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, the Empty Bowls Project Lunch will also include a silent auction and pasta lunch. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $15 requested donation will go toward artisan bowl and lunch. Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., 480-488-1145, sonoranartsleague.org.

OCT. 21-22

ETANIA GEMS AND JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW The first show in Etania’s monthly trunk show will feature Stagecoach Bags and Collectibles, which was founded by three Arizonan sisters from Sonoita. Each bag that is sold is an original, handcrafted, oneof-a-kind bag that is produced using a gently worn pair of cowboy boots. Etania Gems and Jewelry, 6140 E. Cave Creek Rd., Ste. 5, 602-429-0505, etaniagems.com.

OCT. 22

NVSO’S THREE BS: BACH, BEETHOVEN AND BRAHMS North Valley Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of the season, “Three Bs: Bach, Beethoven and Brahms,” features Phoenix violists Craig and Jessica Triplett. $5 per ticket, $15 for a full season pass. North Canyon High School Auditorium, 1700 E. Union Hills Dr., 623-980-4628, northvalleysymphony.org.

OCT. 22-23

SEDONA RED ROCK ARTISTS OPEN STUDIO TOUR Twenty-seven professional artists in Sedona and Cornville will open their private studios to the public to showcase their artwork during the Sedona Red Rock Artists Open Studio Tour. This free, self-guided event will give visitors the opportunity to admire and purchase ceramics, paintings, jewelry, photography, digital art, mixed-media pieces and much more. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., redrockartists.com.

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OCT. 27

THE ART OF FEARLESSLY DOING BUSINESS Presented by the Gallery at el Pedregal and Fearlessly Deliver, this event is for entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, sales managers and any others ready to be fearless in business. There will be guest speakers, appetizers and an opportunity to view artwork in the gallery, as well as paintings and drawings from “The Art of Fearlessly Doing Business” project. Registration required by October 26. Free. 5-7:30 p.m. The Gallery at el Pedregal, 34505 N. Scottsdale Rd., sonoranartsleague.org, fearlesslydeliver.com/fearlessart.

OCT. 29

STARRY KNIGHTS FUNDRAISER Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship is a nonprofit organization that teaches horsemanship free of charge to children and adults who have physical disabilities. To help raise funds for this program, this year’s Starry Knights fundraising event will include a dinner, silent auction and live auction. In addition to the auction, the event will also feature

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship

two exceptional students from Camelot, Paolo Contu-Owen and Sydney Morrison. 6-9:30 p.m. Single ticket, $125; table (eight tickets), $900. 6-9:30 p.m. The Scottsdale Plaza Resort, 7200 N. Scottsdale Rd., camelotaz.org.

NOV. 4

ARIZONA ANIMAL HOSPITAL OPEN HOUSE Come out to Arizona Animal Hospital’s open house and enjoy

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free tacos from the Taste of New Mexico food truck, live music featuring Dave Sheehy and raffle items with proceeds benefiting TGen, a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to improving pet health. Free. 5-7:30 p.m. Arizona Animal Hospital, 31313 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 160, 480-6868083, arizonaanimalhospital.com.

NDP CULINARY FESTIVAL Save the date for Notre Dame Preparatory’s annual Culinary Festival, which will celebrate and serve delicious food from 14 local restaurants, including Ciao Grazie, Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizza, The Capital Grille, Tom’s Thumb Fresh Market and more! There will also be awesome live music from

the band Elvis Before Noon. The event is for adults 21 and older and attire is casual. Advance ticket price, $100; NDP alumni ticket, $50; door ticket, $125. 6 p.m. Notre Dame Preparatory, 9701 E. Bell Rd., 480634-8284, ndpsaints.org/culinaryfest.

BOULEVARD URBAN LIVING OPENS SCOTTSDALE STORE Boulevard Urban Living has opened a new store in Scottsdale, located at 13802 N. Scottsdale Rd. The locallybased furniture and home décor store, which sells an eclectic mix of modern, industrial and organicallystyled pieces of high-quality at reasonable prices, was first launched in Tempe in 2015 and is the sister store to Thingz Contemporary Living in Scottsdale. For more information, call 480-304-8992 or visit boulevardurbanliving.com.

CRAIG BILLIARDS OPENS IN SCOTTSDALE Craig Connelly, who previously owned and operated Connelly Billiards, is back in business with his new company, Craig Billiards. The American-made, high-quality pool tables found in Craig’s showroom are the perfect addition to any home. Craig offers several tables that will suit an individual’s style and taste, including classic designs, modern designs, rustic tables, designer series and more. For more information, visit craigbilliards.com.

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THE GREAT

The Desert Botanical Garden is open to the community year-round, providing opportunities for nature lovers to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Throughout the year, many events are held to showcase different seasons and holidays. The garden is preparing for another season of warm and cozy favorites. Welcoming fall is an enjoyable time of year for families across the nation. Here in Phoenix, it can be a different experience than that of colder parts of the country. But the Desert Botanical Garden aims to please the Valley with the same beloved fall traditions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; no matter what the weather brings. The Great Pumpkin Festival takes place this year from October 21-23. The event is open to members (who receive free admission) and to the public with the purchase of admission. At the festival, guests will find a hayride that leads to the pumpkin patch, where children 12 or younger are invited to choose their own pumpkin to keep. Families may of course purchase pumpkins, as well. There will also be a hay-bale maze and a tent where visitors can decorate

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Writer Rebecca Zaner Photo above by Adam Rodriguez

pumpkins. Carnival games are also available, as well as special visits by some barnyard animal friends. Unique to the Desert Botanical Garden, guests can visit the community garden to learn how pumpkins and vegetables are grown. Folk, country and bluegrass music will accompany the event, and guests are encouraged to dance along. Family-friendly live music will be provided by DJ Dana, Run Boy Run and the Arizona Bluegrass Association. Admission includes activities and the hayride. One pumpkin is free to children 12 or younger and available for purchase to all others. Food and beverages, pony rides and Harvest Market items are available for an additional charge. All festival tickets also include complimentary entrance to the garden during the day. This year, guests may purchase lunch items from Valley food trucks, drinks and snacks through Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events, and kettle corn through Kettle Heroes.

“We have many new additions this year,” says Amber Hahn, special events manager. “Every year, we try to change our hands-on activities. While this year’s new activities have not been announced yet, we do have many new crafts and yard games, such as checkerboards and tic-tac-toe boards.” The festival is a fun outdoor event that families can enjoy. Because it is all outdoors, it is important for guests planning to attend to come prepared for the weather. “We suggest that all of our guests bring water, sunscreen, hats and comfortable shoes,” says Hahn. “Remember the basics of outdoor festivals. Also, pets are not allowed at this event, even though it is outdoors. Other than service animals, those wishing to bring their pets to the garden can do so on our special Dogs’ Day coming later this year.” Guests should also note that the event takes place in two different locations of the garden. The hayride serves as the connecting component between both locations. The events plaza houses the carnival games and concession vendors. Then hop on a hayride over to the hay-bale maze, pumpkin patch and the adjoining community garden. “The Great Pumpkin Festival has been a seasonal favorite for more than a decade,” Hahn shares. “We have definitely seen an increase in attendance over the years and our popularity expands as our garden grows. This event used to be held in one small area of our event lot, but after the expansion of our events plaza, we’ve had more space to support more festivities, including the addition of food trucks and more games and activities. With the addition of our community garden, we were able to then include that in our Pumpkin Festival.” It is definitely a long process to create the magic of the Great Pumpkin Festival. Staff members begin preparation in late June. It takes about four to five months for the festival to come together. Alongside staff members, the garden is run by mostly volunteers. It is the large number of volunteers who assist with each large event that make them so memorable and special. Those wishing to become a volunteer for the Desert Botanical Garden can apply and go through special volunteer training to keep up a professional business. “I’ve been on staff with the garden for over five years, two in my current position as special events manager,” says Hahn. “This is my second year assisting with the Great Pumpkin Festival. One of my favorite things about this event is taking time to stand in the middle of the events October 2016 IMAGESAZ .C OM

The Great Pumpkin Festival Desert Botanical Gardens October 21 8:30 a.m. - noon October 22-23 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

plaza and have a 360-degree look. This is when I truly experience kids having fun and families dancing — I can really take it all in and see everyone happy and having fun.” The Desert Botanical Garden features many fun events throughout the year. Keep your calendars open for all the fun coming up this year: Dia de los Muertos Celebration (October 29-30), Dogs’ Day in the Garden

(November 5), Chiles and Chocolate Festival (November 11-13) and Las Noches de Las Luminarias (November 25-December 31). Music in the Garden will also be available on certain days throughout the remainder of the year, featuring professional musicians amidst the garden’s natural glory. The Great Pumpkin Festival is open one weekend only, so don’t miss it! On October 21, the event is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon. On October 22-23, the event is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t let the heat of a Phoenix summer keep you from enjoying the start of a new season. We may cool off a bit later than most, but a good celebration is still in order to get into the fall spirit. 480-941-1225 dbg.org

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WEST

DAYS W

Where can you see cowboys in bathtubs flying down a street? Pig races and kids riding sheep? A festive parade in a town transported back to the late 1800s? Mark your calendar for the 13th annual Cave Creek Wild West Days event set for November 2-6 to experience all of the rousing fun. The popular event kicks off with a bull-riding event on November 2 at The Buffalo Chip Saloon, and also celebrates the newly re-opened restaurant and bar after a fire burned it down last year on Thanksgiving. On November 3, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral will host a fun bachelor/bachelorette auction. Proceeds benefit Cave Creek Merchants and Events Association (CCMEA) and are split evenly between Desert Foothills Land Trust, Cave Creek Rodeo

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Experience

WIL D

Writer Sue Kern-Fleischer Photographer Mike Pintar

and the town’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration. The bidding starts at 7 p.m. with live music at 9 p.m. Registration will be online at haroldscorral.com for the bachelor and bachelorette participants, along with information regarding bidding. Friday night, November 4 features a new event, the lively Battle of the Bars bull-riding competition at The Buffalo Chip Saloon and a Ms. Wild West Days contest. The friendly bullriding competition challenges local restaurants, bars and other merchants to put together a team comprised of up to five professional bull riders. “Other towns like Cottonwood and Wickenburg have had Battle of the Bars events, but we’re putting an edgy Cave Creek twist to it,” says Kristin Lewis, CCMEA vice president. “Local bars that will have teams include The Buffalo Chip, Harold’s Corral, Hideaway/Roadhouse, Frontier Town/Smokehouse, Peaks and

Valleys and possible others.” Lewis credits bull rider resident Evan McKee for bringing the idea to her and CCMEA secretary Denise Good.

Feel and Repeat A Perfect Golf Swing

“We wanted to bring a new, exciting event to Wild West Days, one that would foster friendly competition among merchants and be a big draw to the public,” she says. McKee, who renovates pools during the day, has competed in the Fiesta Days Rodeo and rides regularly at The Buffalo Chip. But he won’t know what team he’ll be on until about two weeks before the event, when the 15 to 18 riders do a draw to determine which bulls they’ll be riding. The jackpot and a prized buckle are an incentive for him to compete, but the 23-yearold Cave Creek resident just loves the intensity of bull riding.

13th Annual Cave Creek Wild West Days November 2-6 Parade November 5 9-11 a.m.

“It’s like driving a car 60 miles per hour down the highway and throwing the steering wheel out the window,” he says, adding that the riders have to stay on the bull for eight seconds or they don’t make a score. The scoring is based on who had better control — the rider or the bull.

With Our Exclusive Robotic Swing Trainer To schedule your FREE 30 minute demo session call 480.361.4339

“If the bull comes out of the gate and turns around quickly, it’s a lot harder to maintain control because of all the bucking and kicking,” McKee says. “Every bull has a rhythm to them. If they change quickly, you have to adjust; otherwise, you risk getting thrown off.” Fortunately, for all of the times McKee has been thrown from a bull, he has never been seriously injured. He credits the bullfighters for

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distracting the bulls so he could escape to safety. “Their job is to take the shot, so you don’t,” he says. “They take big risks, too.” Another new activity this year is a separate motorcycle run that will take riders out of town early Saturday morning. The event’s lively parade starts at 9 a.m. on November 5 on the west side of town by Cave Creek Town Hall and travels east to Harold’s Corral, ending at 11 a.m. After the parade, merchants will host a number of mini-events and activities, including bathtub races, a half-pie eating contest and special performances from award-winning reenactment group, The Prescott Regulators and Their Shady Ladies, at Frontier Town. Pig races, cow pie bingo and a cornhole tournament will be held at Harold’s Corral, while mutton bustin’ (kids riding sheep) and a special performance from Jan Marrou, “A Tribute to the American Cowboy,” will be on tap at The Buffalo Chip. The party also continues into Saturday night with a spectacular fireworks display at 8 p.m., hosted by Frontier Town. On November 6, a Poker Trail Ride will start at Harold’s Corral with a continental breakfast and take horseback riders along a trail to collect five cards making up a poker hand. The ride will end at The Buffalo Chip, where prizes will be given. The winners of a gun raffle sponsored by Cave Creek Armory will also be announced. Admission to Cave Creek Wild West Days is free. The town will close one lane of Cave Creek Road for the parade on Saturday, and a shuttle will provide service from the east to west side of town. 480-437-1110 wildwestdayscavecreek.com

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GERRY JONES

Innovation Through Observation Writer Shannon Severson Photographer Loralei Lazurek

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High atop one of Carefree’s ruggedly elegant mountains sits architectural designer Gerry Jones’ studio. Gerry pioneered extreme terrain architecture in the Southwest, designing residences that respect and incorporate their natural surroundings, many of which perch on seemingly impossible homesites, clinging to mountainsides or blending in amidst massive boulders. “People say my houses feel so comfortable and natural,” says Gerry, “and they should, because they are natural.” From the large, plate-glass windows above his desk, the expanse of Carefree and Scottsdale can be seen stretching into the distance. Gerry notes that, from this vantage point, everything manmade has been constructed since 1959. It’s a time period that closely mirrors his career presence in the Valley — one that spans 64 years. At 92 years old, Gerry is entirely self-taught and is in the process of completing two mountain homes in Carefree. If you’re counting, that’s a total of 323 luxury residences since he first arrived in Arizona in 1952. Many people ask Gerry to define his award-winning style, which ranges from modern to traditional. When pressed, he has characterized it as “Southwestern textural,” though it’s not confined to the Southwest. Some homes are adorned with copper and geometric elements, reflections of his 17 years as an instructor at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West School of Architecture. His interiors not only feature rocks and boulders incorporated into the design, but wooden beams and ceilings of rough-sawn redwood, every plank laid out in painstaking detail under his direction — a nod to time spent in the Oregon timberlands. He has built many homes beyond Arizona, including on Maui and in Carmel, Albuquerque, Portland and Palm Springs. “Some say my houses don’t have a uniform design,” says Gerry, “but that’s because I don’t tell people they ought to live in my preconceived house — I design a house for them. Many architects create their success by designing a house that becomes popular and then repeating it, shoehorning every client into that house. The owner’s likes, dislikes and ideas are brushed aside. If I have a new client and a new site, I should have a new design.”

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There is nothing about Gerry’s work or life story that can be condensed into a conventional box. Indeed, life has taken him down so many remarkable paths that to tell his story in full would fill many volumes, just like the extensive array of literary works he has voraciously read through the years. Gerry defies convention and never does anything halfway. His resourceful nature was cultivated during his Depressionera Indiana childhood. With only an elementary education, he left school and home at the age of 13 to seek work. Gerry is a decorated Marine veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. During his four years in World War II, he served in the Pacific theater as a sergeant in the First Marine Division and was a founding member of the elite Scout Snipers (now known as Force Recon), fighting for three and a half years in the jungles of the South Pacific and on Okinawa, where he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. Gerry credits his strong observational skills, not just for his design acumen, but for his very survival. “When I think about my unorthodox life, if I had to put it in one word, I believe that word would be ‘observation,’” he says. “The most important thing that allowed me to do what I’ve done is that I’m an observer. I don’t just look, I see. My ability to observe is what kept me alive as a scout during my time in the Marines.”

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When the war drew to a close in 1945, Gerry decided to stay on in China, training with China’s three top martial artists. He studied China’s history and philosophy, and played jai alai professionally. His visits to multiple Buddhist monasteries in the mountains were the catalyst for his architectural career. It occurred to him that he had never seen a structure in the United States that wasn’t built on flat land, or land that had been made level. The monasteries utilized the existing terrain to its best advantage. Streams were channeled into kitchens and bathrooms, and floor heights varied according to the topography of the land beneath them. “These enormous buildings are so old, but here they were, rock solid,” says Gerry. “They were built right into the boulders and the mountains. In A.D. 700, the builders didn't remove acres of solid granite rock in order to put the floor on one level. They adjusted the levels to fit the site. It was perfectly logical.” After returning to the U.S., Gerry spent time in Oregon remodeling and building homes, using rolls of butcher paper to sketch designs in his efficiency apartment, but was called back to teach self-defense to Marines in the Korean War. In 1952, he moved to Phoenix and began working on the south slope of Camelback Mountain, near 48th Street and Camelback Road. His work there still stands, some of it 60 years old. Gerry’s

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On steep and craggy slopes, he put his theories to the test in earnest, both designing and building to fit the terrain. Buyers liked the natural aspect, and Gerry enjoyed pushing the outer limits of his concepts — bringing boulders right into the home, or setting glass with no frames into solid rock. Soon, wealthy buyers wanted larger homes on increasingly challenging, high-elevation building sites. “There was a time when I couldn’t find anybody to build my houses,” says Gerry. “Many of the builders didn’t know what to do because they saw my plans for ideas that had never been done before. How do you cut a piece of glass into a solid boulder rock with no frame? I figured it out through a lot of trial and error with my own tools and managed the construction projects myself for my first 39 years in business.” He was soon doing what everyone else said couldn’t be done, without ever having taken an engineering or architecture class. He points out that the Greek root of the word architect literally means “master builder.” There have been skeptics, but “impossible” just isn’t a word in Gerry’s vocabulary. Even in his spare time, he enjoyed conquering mountains, rock climbing near what is now

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his home — an activity that would soon play a major role in his future. “The key to putting houses in rock formations is careful observation,” says Gerry. “That’s it. You have to see it with your eye and understand what can be done. Sometimes it’s subtle, and I return to view the site many times, including in early morning and late afternoon light.” It wasn't long until word got out about Gerry’s talent. He received a call that would change not only his own life, but the course of architectural history in Carefree and the Southwest. In 1952, he was called upon to do a remodeling job on the homestead of the future founder of Carefree, K.T Palmer. An introduction was made to Tom Darlington, who contracted work with Gerry, as well. Later, when the time came in 1957 for Palmer and Darlington to map out their new venture — the town of Carefree — they knew exactly who to call.

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“They knew I was a guy who was very interested in mountainous desert terrain, and that I was a rock climber,” says Gerry. “They had acquired the first 1,400 acres on the east slope of Black Mountain and asked me to come out and do their rough land planning.” Between 1957 and 1959, Gerry laid out all the roads and lots of the original town. He did it on foot, walking and climbing every inch of the land. “Humorously, some of my friends called me Moses,” says Gerry, “walking through the desert with my staff, killing rattlesnakes and leading the bulldozers. I knew exactly where I wanted the road to go. The bulldozers just followed me.” In 1959, a 2.5-acre lot in the new community of Carefree on the west side of Stagecoach Pass could be bought for $1,700. That year, Gerry designed and built the very first home in Carefree on Bloody Basin Road. Inside, the home’s fireplace is built

directly into the natural rock. Darlington and Palmer themselves entrusted Gerry with the construction of their personal residences, and the trio teamed up on 23 joint ventures, with no contractual agreement beyond a handshake. Gerry never stopped working. His list of clients reads like a who’s who of the corporate, arts and entertainment world, from the Whitney family to Hugh Downs and the legendary radio personality, Paul Harvey. While his work isn’t confined to Carefree, the town holds a special place in his heart. It’s the place he and his wife, Leslie, call home. “Carefree, for me, is like a child,” says Gerry. “I was here at its inception. I watched it grow. I’ve seen it fall down, stumble and scratch its knee. I’ve seen it do some unique things, and I’ve seen it make mistakes. But when I sit here today in my office, looking east at all the development since 1959 … if you look at it like that, you realize that you’ve definitely produced something of value.” Year after year, Gerry has continued his dedication to hard work, both mental and physical, respecting the land with responsible building practices and teaching others to do the same. “Must we destroy in order to build?” he asks. “The answer is, ‘No. We do not.’ Nine times out of 10, the buildings are more beautiful when the building is altered to fit the site rather than the site being altered to fit the building.” Gerry Jones-designed homes stand as a testament to his ability to innovate and originate. And he’s not done yet.

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Everything’s Waiting for You:

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX Writer Grace Hill Photographers Brandon Gray, Brandon Tigrett

Cityscapes Photo Essay

If there is a time in Phoenix that is much anticipated, it is the beginning of fall. No longer do our bodies protest against the never-ending summer heat. No longer is our comfort found in air-condition-filled homes. And no longer are flip-flops and tank tops a wardrobe necessity. While our fall might not hold a candle to other areas of the country when it comes to a crispness in the air or beautiful colors found in autumn leaves, Phoenix’s change of seasons is still something to be envied. It’s the beginning of nine months (give or take) of amazing weather.

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It’s a season that isn’t meant to be spent at home — instead, make every minute of this wonderful time of year count. Get in the car, hop on the light rail or take a bus and explore the city. Especially a part of the city that is bursting with life: downtown Phoenix. One-of-a-kind restaurants, like the retrochic spot The Duce and 1940s-inspired Welcome Diner, make the downtown experience a travel back in time. At the same time, classy hangouts like The Arrogant Butcher and The Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub bring the present right back into style. Of course, a downtown trip wouldn’t be complete without an adult drink from Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour or Mother Bunch Brewing. October 2016 IMAGESAZ .C OM

If dinner and drinks are too normal of an experience, there are plenty of ways to make the trip downtown a little more special. Live music in the intimate Crescent Ballroom should do the trick. If not, then schedule a movie (from new to classic to independent) at the FilmBar. Other not-so-average events include a tour of the Rosson House, an 1895 Queen Anne Victorian home, or watching a puppet show at the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. Perhaps some alone time is truly what’s needed. In that case, the downtown area’s numerous coffee shops are a perfect place to do some reflection, reading, writing or anything else that suits your needs. Cartel Coffee Lab, Jacquee’s Espresso, One Coffee Company, Royal Coffee Bar and Songbird Coffee & Tea House are just a few of the coffee shops located in downtown Phoenix. Or have some quiet time perusing the used books at Lawn Gnome Publishing or the unique Phoenix fashions found at the Bunky Boutique.

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Brandon Gray Hometown: Norwich, New York Current: Phoenix

Professional experience: “First and foremost, I sell fine art aluminum prints of my work for home and office decor. I've also been commissioned by the CEO of a local company to take and create images of the Luhrs Tower in downtown Phoenix, where his company's headquarters are located. I've also licensed images to local businesses for use in their ad campaigns and websites.” Best photography advice I was given: “The best advice I've received is quite simple, yet powerful in nature. This person told me to photograph what intrinsically appeals to me. The best creative results usually come when photographing something I care about. Also, on a more technical note, never overexpose. This seems like common sense, but it's a good piece of advice to always be aware of. Photography is about chasing light and capturing moments. It's always painful if a special moment escapes me because I've failed on the technical side.” Favorite part of living in Arizona: “Oh, gosh, there are lots of favorite parts about living here in Arizona. If I had to boil it down to just one thing, I guess it would be Arizona's special brand of diversity. I grew up in a small town of 8,000 people, so living in Phoenix provides me with experiences I've never had before. I really enjoy living amongst the large buildings and the feeling of movement in the city.” brandongrayphotography.com

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The great thing about downtown Phoenix is that spontaneous trips are welcome — there’s no need to visit with any set plans. Just take a walk along one of the many streets of downtown and something of interest is guaranteed to catch your eye. Make this your year to explore our state’s largest city, and enjoy every minute of it.

Share your favorite downtown spots with our Images Arizona Facebook or Instagram pages using the hashtag, #iamAZproud. facebook.com/imagesaz instagram.com/imagesaz

Professional experience: photographer for three years.

Brandon Tigrett Hometown: born in Canton, Ohio; lived majority of life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Current: Scottsdale

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Full-time

Best photography advice I was given: “Go to business school. Basically, I don’t want to be a starving artist. You could be the best photographer in the world, but if you don’t know how to market yourself, run a business or how to get

clients, you will never make a career out of it. I have never done anything besides photography as a way of making a living, and I never plan on doing anything but be a photographer. So if you plan to have a career as a photographer, pay someone to teach you how to run a business, because the photography stuff will come with practice.”

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Favorite part of living in Arizona: “The diversity of terrain across the state and the number of outdoor activities that can be done year-round. Being only five hours from San Diego doesn't hurt, either.” brandontigrett.com

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ROCK LOBSTER

If you really want to get blood boiling and fingers jabbing in anger, don’t walk into a cafe and ask how everybody feels about Trump vs. Clinton. Don’t go to a philosophy club meeting and ask who likes Heidegger and who pulls for Hegel. Instead, find a group of music lovers and ask, “Hey, what do you guys think of the ‘80s?” Half the group will roll their eyes and hold their noses. The other half will say, “The ‘80s were fun, you snobs!” There are few things that will spark emotions like the sound of the 1980s. This was the decade that unleashed Madonna, Michael Jackson and Cyndi Lauper. And don’t you forget about “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield, which you probably heard, time after time. No doubt about it, the 1980s launched a million horrible karaoke nights. Yet for all of its just-want-to-have-fun pop, the 1980s also birthed some enormously challenging, complex music. Joe Strummer took us “Straight to Hell.” The Pixies exploded some pop gaskets with “Where Is My Mind?” The Clash snarled an angry anthem in “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” Bruce Springsteen shrugged off rock anthems for the morose poetry of “Nebraska.”

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Writer Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Wasted Grain

Meanwhile, rugged schools were blowing up ‘80s pop-rock. Dead Kennedys, the Pogues and other counterculture bands blasted punk music at audiences bored by pop. Grandmaster Flash (early ‘80s), N.W.A. (late ‘80s) and others were building the foundation of rap and hip-hop. The 1980s was also the big decade for a curious band that mixed hook-mad pop and absurd pseudo-intellectualism. That band, the B-52s, released a self-titled debut album in 1979, scoring hits as a new decade began with two songs overflowing with catchy beats and ambiguous lyrics: “Planet Claire” and “Rock Lobster.” Which brings us to Rock Lobster. Thirty-eight years after that song inspired John Lennon to come out of retirement, a band called Rock Lobster performs at the SHOPS Gainey Village. The Sips and Sounds concert series is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on November 3. The retro rock band features Dallan Baumgarten, John Colby, Stephanie Foxx (who may not be able to attend this show), Jessica Jackson and Gary Sanchez. Eschewing the most annoying songs of the 1980s whileWriter staying in Grace the groove of mainstream hits, Rock Lobster is one of the busiest

Hill

Experience Rock Lobster

SHOPS at Gainey Village 8777-8989 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, 85253 November 3, 6-8 p.m. Free admission bands around Phoenix. The ‘80s crew plays a few shows a month at venues like Wasted Grain and Copper Blues, plus corporate gigs and high school reunions. John Colby came to Phoenix in the 1980s, and never really left the decade. In 1995, the dirt was still settling on the ‘80s grave when Colby started Rock Lobster. “I grew up in that timeframe and played all those songs,” he says. “They’re the songs I love.” Colby was playing in a college alternative rock band called the Chadwicks when members of that group started side-gigging as Rock Lobster. “It was crazy — it was kind of a side project for another band we were in, then it got really popular,” Colby says. The side project soon became the main project. Twenty-five years later, three of the Chadwicks are still in Rock Lobster. “We’re a really tight group,” says Colby. “It’s just about chemistry, everyone having the same kind of goal. We’ve added video features, so we’ve evolved with the time.” But the dance-enticing songs Rock Lobster cranks out remain anchored in the 1980s. Some of the crowd favorites include: • “1999” (Prince) • “Blister in the Sun” (Violent Femmes) • “Come On Eileen” (Dexys Midnight Runner) • “Dancing with Myself” (Billy Idol) • “Like a Virgin” (Madonna) • “Our Lips are Sealed” (The Go-Go’s) • “Tide is High” (Blondie) The Scottsdale event is free to attend, with food and drinks from a variety of restaurants. Colby and Rock Lobster invite you to come by and get down, down, down, down. rocklobsterband.com theshopsgaineyvillage.com October 2016 IMAGESAZ .C OM

Giving

Avaa Voice Writer Katherine Braden Photographer Loralei Lazurek

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“So, who is Ava?” That’s the question Chrisie Funari, president and founder of the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children (ACFC), wants everyone to be asking. It’s been four years since Chrisie started ACFC after losing her 5-year-old daughter, Ava, to cancer. Her goal was to help families who were going through the same thing she and Ava had, as well as to raise awareness of pediatric cancer. Since then, she’s seen ACFC grow in incredible ways. “It’s been unbelievable how much the community has embraced us,” she says. For the past few years, Chrisie worked from her home. However, with the organization growing quickly, she knew she had to find a bigger place. In February 2016, ACFC officially moved into an office in Scottsdale. A small core of contracted employees and more than 100 volunteers keep the foundation running smoothly. Volunteers work in the office, host different fundraising activities and help pack and deliver Sunshine Packs. Every child that ACFC works with receives a Sunshine Pack, filled with age- and gender-appropriate donated items such as blankets, water bottles or coloring books. The older children might get journals or iPads — something to help with the long hours of traveling or stationary treatments. In Arizona, nearly one child a day is diagnosed with some form of childhood cancer. That’s about 350 families every year in Arizona alone. Since 2014, ACFC has served more than 200 families, giving away Sunshine Packs, assisting with travel and aiding with other expenses. “[The growth] far exceeds my expectations,” says Chrisie. “I’m humbled by it. It’s been so exciting to watch [ACFC] grow in honor of Ava’s memory and as a legacy to her life.”

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On November 6, ACFC will host the third annual Swing Fore Kids Cancer. The fundraiser has seen great growth, from 100 guests raising $50,000 the first year to 200 raising $100,000 the second year. This year, ACFC hopes to raise $150,000. All proceeds go to the families ACFC helps support. The organization works with social workers on a case-by-case basis, determining each family’s need for financial assistance. The families then receive cash assistance ranging from $500 to $2,000, helping to pay for medical bills, travel expenses, rent and groceries. Chrisie tells me of one family who was driving to the hospital for treatment on bald tires. ACFC replaced their tires so they could travel safely. ACFC helped another family travel to Houston for treatment when all of their son’s treatment options had been exhausted in Arizona. Whatever their individual need, all families working with ACFC receive a check, a Sunshine Pack and information on local resources. ACFC also assists with families’ financial planning, walking them through what to expect. The organization’s family respite program provides family

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outings, like a ballgame or a day at family camp, free of worry. This year, Chrisie is aiming to make Swing Fore Kids Cancer “more interactive and fun.” She is incorporating the many celebrities who support the foundation with a “beat the pro” friendly competition. “You hit a ball to qualify,” closest to the pin will then During the shootout, you Whoever is closest to the pin

Chrisie says. “The 10 people be matched with a celebrity. hit, then the celebrity hits. wins $1,000.”

Kendra Scott is donating jewelry for a mystery grab, while Enterprise will display its line of exotic luxury cars, including a Maserati, Tesla and Lamborghini. For the kids, Chrisie promises a bounce house, magician, face painting and balloon animals. There will also be a red carpet, bar and buffet, raffle and silent auction. Anyone can access the online auction, even those not planning on attending. “Last year, we had a guy bidding from Italy,” Chrisie says. Auction items include an intimate dinner with Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul “Goldy” Goldschmidt

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want everyone to be aware, to know that it could happen to anyone, Cancer does not discriminate.â&#x20AC;? 50

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and Jim “Bones” Mackay, caddy for professional golfer Phil Mickelson. The two men are the honorary chairs of the event and passionate about ACFC.

every year and seeing our friends and the community come together to support kids with cancer right here in our backyard.”

“When Ava was diagnosed with cancer at such a young age, it was a shock to our family,” says Jim. “Since we were neighbors [with Chrisie] at the time, we immediately became involved. Our kids were friends with Ava and her siblings, and we were there every step of the way for Ava's battle with cancer.”

Besides raising money for children with cancer, Chrisie hopes Swing Fore Kids Cancer will also bring awareness of pediatric cancer to the community.

Jim’s children even started Ava’s Angels, a philanthropy program dedicated to helping children with pediatric cancer. His wife, Jen, is ACFC’s board vice president.

The biggest thing that Swing Fore Kids does is give ACFC a voice.

“We are honored to be involved and hosting this year's event with the Goldschmidts,” says Jim. “Swing Fore Kids Cancer is a blast for everyone, and it's a great event that supports children with cancer right here in our community.”

“We want everyone to be aware, to know that it could happen to anyone,” Chrisie says. “Cancer does not discriminate.”

“It gives us a chance to talk about [pediatric cancer],” says Chrisie. “We’re starting a conversation that matters, is important and needs to be recognized.” azcancerfoundation.org

Paul agrees: “You can have a lot of fun while raising money for a great cause. My wife and I enjoy hosting and attending October 2016 IMAGESAZ .C OM

Good Food,

Good Times

Taste of Cave Creek

Writer Grace Hill

Celebrating its 25th year, the Taste of Cave Creek returns to Stagecoach Village, with even more guests expected to attend and experience its culinary delights. Marshal Adam Stein, who is heading up the event again this year, has no doubt attendees will enjoy the festivities. “Our plans are to have a safe and fun event for people to get together, enjoy some great food, drink and relax, while listening to some great music under the night sky,” he says. With more than 25 restaurants showcasing their delicious and diverse menus, food lovers will be in paradise. Some of the restaurants that are sure to make guests salivate include Brugo’s Award-Winning Gourmet Pizza, Bryan’s Black Mountain BBQ, Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse, Café Bink, Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House, Chef Sara’s Vegan Academy, Desirable Desserts, El Encanto Mexican Food, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, Hibachibot Food Truck, Indigo Crow, It’s a Divine Bakery, J Chen Restaurant & Treatery, Le Sans Souci, Local Jonny’s, My Sweet Blessings Bakery, Silver Spur, The Grotto Café, The Horny Toad, Tonto Bar & Grill and Z’s Asian Fusion. Attendees will also be able to choose from a wide selection of drinks that will pair nicely with their food samplings, including more than 10 types of craft beers, enjoyable wines and tequila tastings. But that’s not all. Setting the mood for the evening are the live bands scheduled to perform from 6 to 10 p.m. each night. “We will have some amazing acoustical guitar music performed by a local artist who will have you singing along in our beer garden,” says Stein. “A local band called Behind the Badge, made up of local public safety

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Taste

Taste of Cave Creek Stagecoach Village 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek October 19-20 from 5-10 p.m. Admission, $10 Free for children 12 and under Food tickets, $1 Food tastings, $2-5 each

professionals, will play in our center gazebo Wednesday night. Thursday night’s band will be a surprise, as we are not going to release their name yet.” The outdoor event is scheduled for October 1920. Make sure to take advantage of the parking that will be made available at Cave Creek and School House roads, including a free shuttle ride each night starting at 4:30 p.m. that will transport you to and from Stagecoach Village. It truly takes a village for the Taste of Cave Creek to happen, and Stein wants to give credit to all those involved. “The event is chaired by Robert Weddigen and myself, with Patty Pollnow and Teresa Riza providing a ton of logistical support,” he says. “The entire Town of Cave Creek team comes together and works hard to make this event a success. The support of the town manager, as well as the mayor and town council, ensures that this is our Cave Creek signature event. It would not be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors, including Nationwide Insurance, Toll Brothers and APS. Without all our sponsors, this event would not be possible.” Don’t miss out on the many flavors of Cave Creek! tasteofcavecreek.com

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Pumpcasso Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Loralei Lazurek

In a certain “Peanuts” cartoon that runs this time of year, a boy named Linus explains what the last night of October is really about: “This is the time of the year to write to the Great Pumpkin. On Halloween night, the Great Pumpkin rises out of his pumpkin patch and flies through the air with his bag of toys for all the children.” Poor Linus shivers away in the pumpkin patch, waiting for his hero who never arrives. Forget about that disappointing, Godot-esque Great Pumpkin, Linus — we’ve got the “Pumpkin King.”

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OK, so Ray Villafane doesn’t fly through the air handing out toys. But you should see him magically turn pumpkins into art. This guy delivers, every Halloween. And he’ll be back for the Town of Carefree’s Enchanted Pumpkin Garden, held October 17-31. This year, the Pumpkin King has a few new tricks up his sleeve. Namely, scarecrows. “I love doing things that haven’t been done before,” says Villafane. “I like pushing the limits. I like to change things up and add

another dimension. I like to find novel and new approaches to whatever I’m doing, so if I’m doing pumpkins, I try every year or two to play with a different concept. This year, it’s scarecrows. I’ve got a scarecrow cowboy on a scarecrow horse.” He is planning to turn Carefree into “Scarefree.” While the scarecrows sound — and look, if you take a peek at the Villafane Studios website or Facebook page — whimsically October 2016 IMAGESAZ .C OM

Experience

Ray Villafane will be showcasing his creations in the Town of Carefree's Enchanted Pumpkin Garden Oct 17-31.

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delightful, the orange art pieces are what have the Pumpkin King flying from Arizona to New York, Germany, Minnesota and back this month. If you’re saying “carved pumpkins, yawn,” then you surely haven’t seen what Villafane does to the big round squash. His artistry is a cross between Tim Burton and mid-century Walt Disney. With his distortion of reality, perhaps we should dub him Pumpcasso. As eclectix.com puts it, “Ray’s mad carving skills have been wowing us for years, and today is the perfect time to have a (another) look at his masterful pumpkin creations. His detailed textures are over the top — carving sagging wrinkles, protruding grossities, rotten teeth and even tiny little pores in the skin of his victims.” While he is excited about unveiling the scarecrows (“something I’ve had on the to-do list for a few years,” he says), Villafane pretty much lives in a squishy, orange world. “I don’t see a day where I don’t do pumpkins,” says the artist, who now manages a stable of sculptors. “I see days where I personally will do less. Over the years, as we’ve grown, I’ve got other sculptors if I ever get burned out. I enjoy carving pumpkins each year. I don’t think I’ll ever stop — there’s too many things to play with.” Villafane, who is 47 years old, started carving pumpkins as an art teacher on Long Island. “They were very rudimentary back then,” he says. “As I continued to sculpt, they improved because I was sculpting so much.” He left teaching to pursue commercial sculpting, living in New York, Ohio and Michigan before saying goodbye to winters and moving to Arizona four years ago. He and his wife, Tammi, have a combined “Brady Bunch” family of six kids, ages 10-25. He’s a bit sheepish about his reputation, this reluctant Pumpkin King. “It’s almost embarrassing,” he says with a laugh. “I don’t know much about haunted movies or Halloween things. I just like what I’m doing. I almost feel guilty doing such fun stuff. A lot of people geek about the subject matter. I’m geeking about it in the here and now, as opposed to growing up with a foundation.” These days, his biggest October fright is the smell of rotting pumpkins. The secret to extending their lives: pickling pumpkins in vinegar.

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While Villafane is surrounded by pumpkins at his home and studio in Surprise, he is hoping to move to the other side of town. He says he feels at home north of Phoenix, so if he splits his time between Carefree and Surprise, the names of those two towns will pretty much describe his life’s work.

For Ray Villafane, a pumpkin is a canvas.

Indeed, he plans to keep startling audiences with his euphoric creations: “My vision for what we’re doing I think goes far beyond what we’re currently doing.”

“When you put a face on a pumpkin, it has a light-hearted feel to it. It’s very magical.”

For you, a pumpkin is probably just a big orange thing you put on the porch for a few weeks.

“Pumpkin material is really fun,” he says. “There’s a flesh-like material to carving it; you can mimic a nice meatiness to it to get that fleshy look.

So, if you want to see some real Great Pumpkins, Linus van Pelt, head to Carefree. carefreepumpkingarden.com

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EMPTY BOWLS,

FULL OF HEART

It’s an international effort to fight hunger, but locally, it has been one of the largest fundraisers for the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, raising thousands of dollars over the past 15 years. This year, the 16th annual Foothills Empty Bowls Project Lunch will take place at a new venue, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., in Cave Creek, on October 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. As in previous years, a large and diverse selection of handcrafted ceramic and glass bowls will be available for a requested donation of $15. Patrons can choose an original, artist-crafted bowl, dine on pasta provided by Harold’s Corral and bid on the artwork offered by members of the Sonoran Arts League in the silent auction. Credit cards are accepted. Also new this year, ice water will be available in giant coolers. Guests are encouraged to bring their own sports bottles to eliminate plastic water bottle waste in the local landfill. The Foothills Empty Bowls Project began 16 years ago with only 850 bowls. Today, thanks to the efforts of local artists and students, more than 2,000 bowls will be available to generate much needed funds for the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, which assists families who reside in Anthem, New River, Desert Hills, Carefree, Cave Creek and other North Valley areas. Pam DiPietro, the food bank’s executive director, says the need for services has increased nearly 10 percent since a year ago. And, looking back eight years, the demand has increased significantly.

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Writer Sue Kern-Fleischer

“In the month of January 2008, the Foothills Food Bank served 74 families with 3,862 pounds of food,” she says. “By comparison, this past June, we gave 625 families 74,231 pounds of food. We also are in need of monetary donations, which we use to pay people’s rent, utility, medical, car repair and other bills.” Glass artist and Empty Bowls chair Carole Perry is credited with bringing the popular event to the Desert Foothills. The Empty Bowls Project, an international effort to fight hunger, was started in the fall of 1990 by two potters in Michigan to help raise money for a Thanksgiving fund drive for a local food bank. Since then, the idea has spread around the world. Throughout the year, Perry invites groups to her Laughing Glass Studio in Cave Creek to make glass bowls. “Kathi Price and Sandy Frederiksen are fabulous new contributors to our selection of glass bowls during the event,” Perry says. “More than 300 glass bowls will be available at this year’s Empty Bowls lunch.” Sonoran Arts League potters Pat and Mike Markham made bowls, as well as provided several other League potters with glazes and kiln space. Additional artists who created bowls include Daphne Azzi, David Bradley, Sylvia Fugmann-Brongo, Vickie Morrow, Robin Ray, Genie Swanstrom, Paula Weiss, Mishy Katz and friends at Desert Dragon Pottery. This is the first year that longtime League member, Jim Bruce, is contributing ceramic bowls to the event. Bruce, a former

attorney and Cave Creek councilman, and his wife, acclaimed painter Judy Bruce, have been Empty Bowls event volunteers for many years. “Judy got me a hobby so I wouldn’t keep interrupting her painting,” Bruce jokes. With no art training — not even in high school — Bruce began making cement animal figures eight years ago. Judy had been a longtime Hidden in the Hills studio tour host, and so many people who visited their home commented on his work, he decided to join Hidden in the Hills the following year. The couple will exhibit their original pieces of work during this year’s tour at studio 44. Working with cement was “fun and strange,” but lugging around 80-pound bags soon took its toll on his back. When he learned that an artist wanted to sell all of the contents of her ceramic studio, he seized the opportunity to expand his skills. A few months ago, he enlisted the help of Don Asakawa, who Bruce described as an excellent teacher with a lot of patience. “He’s very methodical and process-oriented,” Bruce says. “He never wastes a piece of clay.” One of the first things Asakawa taught him was how to center the clay on the wheel to make the perfect round pot. “With cement, you can be as rough as you want and force the shape, so it took me some time to get used to throwing and lifting the pot up,” Bruce says. “Once you get it to a perfect round pot, you can make it into any shape — the clay will follow your direction.” Like any new artist, Bruce has learned from his mistakes. “When I fired my first load, I overfired the first batch,” he says. But the challenge has been worth it, especially since he knows he is contributing to a good cause. Bruce is planning to contribute 50 bowls of different sizes and shapes to this year’s Empty Bowls event. “Some of that is deliberate, and some of that is pure darn error,” he says, laughing. 480-488-1145 sonoranartsleague.org

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Writer Lara Piu Photography National Taco Association

The tables are set for more than 100,000 tacos to be served this month at the seventh annual Arizona Taco Festival. Nearly 50 teams will compete for $10,000 in cash and the prestige of being named top taco in their category. More than 30,000 attendees will come to select from the 100-plus taco varieties on the menu that weekend. Among them will be Dave Bernstein, food expert, celebrity chef, National Taco Association judge and Arizona Taco Festival judge. “My love for tacos and comfort food is what initially attracted me to the festival, so when I found out they were having a festival dedicated to tacos, I was thrilled and couldn’t wait to be a part of it,” Dave says. “They always do an amazing job at having things there for the kids and the entire family, and I’m blessed to be a part of something so special.” This will be the sixth time Dave will serve among the event’s 50 sequestered judges. Restaurants, caterers, amateurs, nightclubs and food spots compete on an even playing field to win. Judges like Dave determine winners in double-blind tests, in a closed tent with anonymous scoring. Points are awarded and weighted for presentation, taste and texture. Cumulatively, scores lead to an overall grand champion as well as $1,000 prize checks presented both days. The judges score on a scale of one to seven, with seven being the highest. “I’m a real tough seven,” says Dave. His judging team name is Tequila Mockingbird. “There are prizes and accolades involved here, so we take it very seriously,” he adds, noting the variety of tacos that have

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Taste

Arizona Taco Festival Salt River Field Oct. 15-16 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission: $12 online; $15 at the gate Kids 12 and under free Free parking; $2 tacos

been entered in the past. “I’ve tasted it all … from adobo pulled pork tacos to tongue tacos and squid tacos. One time we judged a truffle taco, and it was sublime.” The Arizona Diamondbacks spring training facility, Salt River Fields, has its game face on for the event. Site improvements were recently completed on the west side of the complex, and more than 15 acres of lush, green grass were added. Restrooms, fencing and other amenities were upgraded, as well.

“Once again, Salt River Fields is proud to host the Arizona Taco Festival,” says Salt River Fields general manager, David Dunne. “We’re always enthusiastic about it because it’s a major crowd-pleaser, and the largest taco event in the country.”

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Highlights of the event include the Tequila Expo on October 15, during which you can sample from more than 100 tequilas. And on October 16, watch more than 15 Chihuahuas strut their four-legged stuff during the Ay, Chihuahua! Beauty Pageant. Plus, enjoy live music, kids’ activities and lucha libre wrestling all weekend long. aztacofestival.com

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P R E S E N T S

EXPLORING YOUR AUTHENTIC ARIZONA LIFESTYLE. Be the ďŹ rst to know about exclusive upcoming events highlighting the faces and places of Arizona. Local artists, architects, musicians and other unique talent make for unmatched, #iamAZproud experiences.

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Comfort is at its finest with Beef Bourguignon, the elegant French stew that requires little introduction. Savory pieces of beef braise for hours in a bath of red wine that thickens to a rich, gorgeous glaze. Meanwhile, tender carrots, pearl onions and caramelized mushrooms deepen the complex flavors of the stew. Whether prepared for a fancy, sit-down dinner or served straight from the pot, this classic, crowd-pleasing dish always manages to impress.

Beef Bourguignon Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker

Yield: 6 servings Beef Bourguignon Ingredients: 6 ounces bacon, sliced into lardoons 2½ pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion, small dice 1 cup carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces 1 tablespoon garlic, minced 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons tomato paste 3 cups dry red wine 2 cups beef stock 2 bay leaves 3 sprigs parsley 3 sprigs thyme 10 ounces pearl onions, peeled 2 tablespoons cooking oil 1 pound cremini mushrooms, cleaned and quartered salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Preheat the oven to 300 F. Place a large, ovenproof pot (preferably a Dutch oven) over medium heat. Add the bacon lardoons and sauté until the bacon is browned and most of the fat has rendered out. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve. Remove all but about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the pot. Set aside. Using a paper towel, pat the beef chuck pieces until dry, then season with salt and pepper. Place the pot with the bacon grease back over medium-high heat and sear the beef pieces. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure the beef develops some color. The beef should not be fully cooked at this point. If necessary, add more oil between batches. Remove the beef to a separate plate as it finishes searing. Once all the beef has been removed, place the pot back over medium heat and add the butter, diced onions, carrots, garlic, salt and pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.

Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker

Add the flour to the vegetables and stir for 1-2 minutes until well coated. Then add the tomato paste. Deglaze the pan with the red wine. Add the beef stock, bay leaves, parsley and thyme (tip: tie the herbs together with kitchen twine to make them easier to remove later on). Bring the stew to a boil, then cover and place into the oven for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the stew is thick. During the last hour of cooking, stir in the pearl onions. While the stew is in the oven, heat cooking oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Once the stew has finished cooking, remove the herbs and stir in the sautéed mushrooms. If necessary, add salt and pepper. Serve the Beef Bourguignon with crusty bread, buttered noodles or rice. October 2016 IMAGESAZ .C OM

Autumn Harvest Salad

The warmth and bounty of fall are epitomized in this beautiful Autumn Harvest Salad. Crisp apples, sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, tangy cranberries, smoky bacon and sharp blue cheese are tossed with apple cider vinaigrette

Yield: 6-8 servings Autumn Harvest Salad

for a dazzling combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients: 6 ounces mixed greens 6 ounces baby arugula 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled 1 apple, sliced 1 semi-ripe pear, sliced 2/3 cup dried cranberries 1 cup candied walnuts ½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled apple cider vinaigrette to taste (see recipe below) Directions: Combine the mixed greens and baby arugula in a large salad bowl. Top the greens with the blue cheese, apple slices, pear slices, dried cranberries, candied walnuts and bacon. Right before serving, toss the salad with the apple cider vinaigrette. Apple Cider Vinaigrette Ingredients: 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons maple syrup ¼ cup cider vinegar ½ cup olive oil salt and pepper to taste Directions: Place the Dijon mustard, maple syrup and cider vinegar into a mixing bowl or food processor. Whisk or mix to combine. While whisking or mixing, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker

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