Images Arizona (March 2024)

Trailblazing Women of Country 4/1

Ladysmith Black Mambazo 3/25

Judy Collins 3/22

Rita Moreno In Conversation 3/16

Gunhild Carling 3/12

Festival Orchestra Week 3/5-3/10

S ANDERSON LINCOLN S ANDERSON LINCOLN

SUE KRZYSTON SOUTHWEST REALISM ARTIST

AMY LAY CONTEMPORARY WILDLIFE ARTIST

BRYCE PETTIT WILDLIFE BRONZE SCULPTOR

TREVOR SWANSON LANDSCAPE AND WILDLIFE ARTIST

MARI GIDDINGS & JOE AXTON MIXED MEDIA

JANE WORD LEATHER PILLOWS

What's Inside?

From the Publisher

Publisher

Shelly Spence

Managing Editor

Joseph J. Airdo Graphic Designer

Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo

Francine Coles

Rebecca L. Rhoades

Shannon Severson

Photographers

Francine Coles

Loralei Lazurek

Advertising Sales

Cindi Calcinari 860-966-3271

cindi@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona

P.O. Box 1416

Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221

imagesarizona.com

AAs the promise of spring whispers in the air, many of us feel a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm. The warmer weather and longer daylight hours create the perfect opportunity and often even serve as inspiration for us to immerse ourselves in activities that nourish our souls.

This month’s issue of Images Arizona celebrates the diverse passions and hobbies that enrich the lives of those in our community. From the tranquil strokes of a paintbrush to the adrenaline-fueled adventures of outdoor enthusiasts, there exists a kaleidoscope of interests that make Arizona one of the most unique and enjoyable places to live in the entire world.

From sports to photography, every hobby has a story to tell. Sometimes these stories are heard in the roar of an engine or the melody of a song. Other times, they are held within the intricate craftsmanship of artisans, whose creations infuse our homes with warmth and our ears, necks, wrists and fingers with character.

Our hobbies are not merely pastimes but pathways to self-discovery, connection and fulfillment. They bring real joy into our lives and, in the case of collecting Barbie dolls or antique automobiles, can even transport us back in time so that we can repeatedly relive precious moments from our childhood.

It is my sincere hope that by exploring the stories and photographs found throughout the pages of this month’s issue, you will be encouraged to embrace your interests, pursue your passions and find new avenues for self-expression or reconnect with those you previously put on pause.

Cheers!

Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com

623-341-8221

Photography by Loralei Lazurek

JENNYFER STRATMAN

BRONZE ARTIST

Meet Jennyfer and experience her bronze sculpture that is rich with emotion, content and form. Jennyfer explores the interconnectedness between self, the earth and the cosmos with her thought-provoking sculpture.

ARTIST RECEPTION

Thursday, March 21

Wine & appetizers 4–7 p.m.

Grace Renee Gallery

Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377

Hours: Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

By appointment Sun. and Mon. 480.575.8080

GraceReneeGallery.com

This past winter, Tom Forbes and his girlfriend Katy visited Grand Canyon Deer Farm in Williams. Having previously visited the farm one year prior and loved the experience, the couple decided to make it an annual tradition.

“We love going in the winter as there is just something special about running around with the deer in the snow,” Forbes says. “They sell cups of food in the gift shop. Once you are out with the deer, they will all swarm you at once when they realize you have food on you.”

Located on a section of old Route 66, the 10-acre farm — which has been providing up close and personal experiences with nature since 1969 — is also home to wallabies, llamas, coatimundi, bison, peacocks and an umbrella cockatoo named Mozart.

“Feeding the deer is definitely the most exciting part of the visit, but one of my favorite animals to see is the zonkey — which is a cross between a donkey and zebra and is not something you often get to see,” Forbes adds.

tomforbesphotography.com

instagram.com/markeandersonphotography

Photo by Tom Forbes

2023 was the year of Barbie. The 11.5-inch plastic doll has enchanted little girls and collectors for more than six decades. But last year, the blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty went from iconic plaything to cultural zeitgeist, thanks to the release of Greta Gerwig’s award-winning blockbuster of the same name. Amassing more than $1.4 billion in ticket sales, “Barbie” was the highestgrossing movie of the year and Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing movie of all time. Everywhere you looked, from outfits to interiors, Barbiecore dominated.

Now, a new museum exhibition explores the story of Barbie’s evolution through the lens of fashion and design.

Writer Rebecca L. Rhoades // Photography by Jason Harper Photography and Courtesy of Illusion Projects and Mattel

“

Barbie’s offerings change with time based on who the popular designers of the moment are. Her evolution and fashion really are a little microcosm of the evolution in Western fashion over the similar time period.

Karan Feder

Developed in collaboration with creative design and production company Illusion Projects and toy company Mattel, “Barbie: A Cultural Icon” at Phoenix Art Museum “examines the Barbie brand’s 60-plus-year history and the doll’s global impact on pop culture through a wide-ranging showcase of more than 250 vintage dolls, life-size fashion designs, exclusive interviews and narrative sections that consider the style trends, careers and identities that Barbie has embodied and popularized over the decades.”

Author and costume historian Karan Feder curated the traveling exhibit, which debuted in Las Vegas in October 2021. Many of the dolls and artifacts on display come from the private collection of Las Vegas resident David Porcello.

“David is a collector of vintage fashion, and part of that is miniature Barbie fashions,” Feder says. “His collection is unique because it fits into a silo. He is interested in

collecting only the fashions, not really the dolls, from 1959, when Barbie was first introduced, to 1999. His goal is to collect every single piece of fashion made for Barbie during that period of time.”

Unlike today, when new outfits, especially limited-edition designer outfits, come packaged on dolls, early Barbie fashions were sold separately. The first doll was marketed in the now instantly recognizable blackand-white striped jersey swimsuit.

Feder notes in her recently released coffee table book, “Barbie Takes the Catwalk,” that Barbie’s first wardrobe consisted of “22 marvelously designed ensembles priced between $1 and $5.” These and the rest of Barbie’s sartorial canon are on display, juxtaposed with full-size human fashions from the same eras.

65 YEARS OF STYLE

Barbie burst onto the shelves in 1959. Her creator, Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, named the doll after her daughter, Barbara. Often known as the first fashion doll, Barbie instantly became a cultural phenomenon. Her stylish outfits, glamorous lifestyle and ever-changing persona captured the imagination of generations — including some of the world’s top fashion designers.

The first designer to receive credit on Barbie’s box was Oscar de la Renta in the mid-1980s, but the mini fashion icon’s closet was already filled with outfits that were influenced by celebrities and catwalks around the world. From minimalist, elegant frocks inspired by Oleg Cassini’s

The Power of Pink

Just like 2023 was the year of Barbie, it was also the year of pink. In Greta Gerwig’s film, everything from the fantastical world of Barbie Land to the costumes of its lead characters were awash in the bright, feminine hue. Star Margot Robbie even stole the spotlight at every premiere thanks to her wardrobe influenced by classic Barbie-pink fashions.

As a result, the color — Pantone 219 C — was suddenly popping up everywhere, especially on clothing. The Phoenix Art Museum is celebrating the complex history of this color with “The Power of Pink,” a new exhibition that complements “Barbie: A Cultural Icon” through July 7.

According to the museum, the exhibition “traces the history of the hue and the evolution of its role in fashion, from its origins in 17th-century France, where it was worn by both men and women of status, luxury and power, to 1940s North America, when mass-marketing efforts began to gender the color, assigning pink to girls and blue to boys.”

For fashion historian Karan Feder, curator of the Barbie exhibition, the ancillary exhibit will further explore Barbie and fashion, tying the two together through the evolution of the color.

“Because so much of this exhibit shows life-size, human-size vintage fashion next to Barbie fashion, it allows museums with costume and textile collections to bring out pieces from their own archives and showcase them next to Barbie pieces from the era to make their own connections,” Feder says. “The Phoenix Art Museum is able to do this because they have such a world-

class costume collection, and it’s a super-exciting extension of this touring exhibition.”

Garments by renowned designers such as Gianfranco Ferré, Christian Dior, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent and more will be on display.

“Our presentation of ‘Barbie: A Cultural Icon’ offers a timely opportunity for us to draw upon our incredible fashion-design collection to explore Barbie’s favorite color,” said curator Helen Jean in a press release. “Just like Barbie, the color pink sparks conversations, and just like Barbie, pink is having its day in the spotlight. We look forward to considering the history, politics and science behind this popular yet polarizing color.”

Feder notes that early dolls had more red and black clothes than they did pink ones. She says that it wasn’t until the late 1980s–early ’90s that the bubblegum hue became forever associated with Barbie. In 2023, Pantone, which provides color standards for everything from graphic design to fashion, named its Barbie Pink the Color of the Year.

“Barbie Pink is uplifting and inspires confidence, courage, vigor and vibrancy — everything we need in a post-pandemic world,” the company says. “People want to escape, and they are latching onto something colorful and nostalgic and playful. When you think about color being a language that expresses what is taking place, this dynamic, energizing pink and its association with Barbie is about being daring and unafraid and taking chances.”

Christian Dior, Suit jacket, 1952. Wool and velvet. Collection of

Phoenix Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Donald D. Harrington.

Valentino, Dress, c. 1982. Silk crepe with sequins and dyed feathers.

Collection of Phoenix Art Museum, Gift of Georgette Mosbacher.

Norman Norell, "Mermaid" evening dress, 1960-1972. Silk jersey

embroidered with sequins. Collection of Phoenix Art Museum,

Gift of Mrs. Kelly Ellman.

designs for first lady Jacqueline Kennedy to the exaggerated sleeve and shoulder treatments favored by Nolan Miller and Emanuel Ungaro in the 1980s, Barbie’s fashions have always followed current trends.

“Barbie’s offerings change with time based on who the popular designers of the moment are,” Feder explains. “Her evolution and fashion really are a little microcosm of the evolution in Western fashion over the similar time period.”

The museum exhibition traces this evolution, spotlighting diverse characters within the Barbie universe and connecting them to contemporary fashion trends, perspectives and identities.

“The really fascinating thing about this exhibit that no other Barbie exhibition has done is this concept of showing vintage fashion as it relates to Barbie fashion side by side,” Feder says. “So you can say, ‘Oh yeah, I totally get why that Barbie fashion happened.’”

In a press release announcing the exhibition at Phoenix Art Museum, Helen Jean, the museum’s Jacquie Dorrance curator of Fashion Design, said, “Barbie has always been associated with innovative fashion, wearing pantsuits and dresses, rollerblades and workout clothes, right in line with the trends of the time. Over the past decade, however, we’ve seen Barbie shift from a mirror of trends to a trendsetter, no longer simply wearing the silhouettes and styles most prominently promoted to girls and women but instead dictating what those fashions are or can be. She’s inspired runway fashion collections over the last 10 years.”

“Barbie: A Cultural Icon” is divided into six distinct sections: the doll’s origin story and all 22 original ensemble outfits; the influence of the Space Age; the creation of Christie, the first Black doll; the arrival of Ken; and the creation of the Barbie Dreamhouse.

Visitors will see the iconic fashions of the 1970s, including Groovy Style, beachwear and disco-themed designs. The 1980s and ’90s present a selection of diverse dolls that represent a range of ethnicities, body types and careers. The exhibition culminates in the 2000s, spotlighting the continued diversification of characters within the Barbie universe and connecting them to contemporary fashion trends.

Also on display will be more than 50 historical objects and life-size fashion designs, video interviews with Barbie designers on five custom-made Barbie Dreamhouse TVs, and even a life-size Barbie Mirror-Pink Corvette in which guests can take photos.

Many of the pieces in the exhibition are being displayed for the very first time.

“There are some pieces that Mattel didn’t even recognize,” Feder says. “They were so obscure that Mattel was like, ‘We’ve never even seen that piece before!’ That’s cool.”

“There are so many items to look at. But one of my favorite things is when a person stops in front of one piece and says, 'Oh my God, I remember that one!’ All of a sudden, they’re brought back to exactly when they were 9 years old, and they remember that one outfit that they just adored. So there are those nostalgic moments that you will come across as you traverse through the exhibition. When you’re least expecting it, you’ll be brought back to your childhood.”

phxart.org

Experience

“Barbie: A Cultural Icon”

Through July 7 | See website for hours Phoenix Art Museum

1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix

See website for price | phxart.org

March 22–23

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Come by 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to meet designer, Aaron Furlong.

The hallmarks to Aaron Henry jewelry are design integrity, gemstone quality, fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each brilliant piece is hand-crafted bringing classical Old World quality to modern design. GRACE

7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377

Hours Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and by appointment Sun. and Mon.

480.575.8080

GraceReneeGallery.com

Aaron Henry Designs

18-karat gold with diamonds, sapphires and fine gemstones.

COMMUNITY

March 2024

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

March 8 and 9

SARAH GRAHAM JEWELRY

Acclaimed jewelry artist Sarah Graham takes you on a journey of timeless elegance and organic wonder at Grace Renee Gallery in Carefree. Meet the artist, explore her captivating collections and discover exquisite pieces crafted from nature’s whispers — cast Jacaranda pods, microscopic marine forms and more. These textural tales, defined by muted palettes and striking contrasts, empower women with subtle femininity and effortless style. Find your perfect statement piece at this captivating event. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Through March 2

‘JOHN LOVES MARY’

Don Bluth Front Row Theater will present its production of “John Loves Mary,” a romantic 1940s-era comedy about a returning World War II soldier whose good deed goes awry. $35+; youth, student, senior, military and group discounts available. See website for times. Don Bluth Front Row Theater, 8989 E. Via Linda, Suite 118, Scottsdale. 480-314-0841; donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com

Through March 24

ARIZONA FINE ART EXPO

Set under the festive white tents on the southwest corner of Scottsdale and Jomax Roads, Arizona Fine Art EXPO this month will begin to celebrate its 20th season, featuring 75 diverse artists in 124 patron-friendly working studios within a 44,000-square-foot space. $12; senior, military and youth discounts available. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. arizonafineartexpo.com

Through March 30

‘COLORLOVE’

Scottsdale Public Art will host a new exhibition that celebrates the power of the full rainbow of colors. Free. See website for hours. Civic Center Public Gallery at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3948 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. scottsdalepublicart.org

Through March 31

SHELTERS IN THE DESERT GUIDED TOUR

Taliesin West will host a morning tour that takes guests on a 90-minute hike through the beautiful desert trails behind its historic core. Along the way, they’ll see and learn about the apprentice shelters, famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s learning-by-doing philosophy and the deep connection between architecture and nature. Sundays and Mondays. $49+; youth, student and member discounts available. Taliesin West, 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-860-2700; franklloydwright.org

March 1 and 2

M3F FEST

M3F will host its annual festival, featuring the dreamy sounds of Dominic Fike, award-winning London vocalist Arlo Parks, Minnesota indie rockers Hippo Campus and the mesmerizing music of Bakar. All proceeds will benefit local charities, with $2 million donated since 2022 and $5.2 million raised in total since the festival’s inception in 2004. See website for price and schedule. Steele Indian School Park, 3401 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. m3ffest.org

March 1–3

TOUR D’ARTISTES STUDIO TOUR AND SALE

Fountain Hills Arts League will host its 12th annual event, during which attendees can interact with more than 25

artists at 10 studios and galleries. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. See website for locations. fountainhillsartleague.com

March 1–24

‘MARJORIE PRIME’

The Theatre Artists Studio will present its production of “Marjorie Prime,” a timely play about artificial intelligence and a timeless play about family, memories and the human heart. See website for price and times. The Theatre Artists Studio, 12406 N. Paradise Village Parkway East, Scottsdale. thestudiophx.org

March 2

‘AMERICAN SONGBOOK’

ProMusica Arizona’s Women in Song, an auditioned ensemble of female vocalists, will perform a concert of American Songbook classics. Free. 2 p.m. Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe St., Peoria. pmaz.org

March 3–10

FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA WEEK

Arizona Musicfest will present a series of concerts featuring the Festival Orchestra. $51+. See website for schedule. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

March 8–10

WORLDWIDE WOMEN'S FILM FESTIVAL

The Worldwide Women's Film Festival will host its annual event, featuring the exhibition of shorts, features, documentaries, web series and music videos, as well as free workshops. See website for prices and schedule. Harkins Shea 14, 7354 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. wwfilmfestival.org

March 9

‘NIGHT WITH THE STARS’

MusicaNova Orchestra will host a fundraising gala featuring gourmet dining, live music by its musicians and a silent auction. $200. 6–10 p.m. Scottsdale Community Ranch Community Center, 10585 N. 100th St., Scottsdale. musicanovaaz.org

March 9

PARADISE REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S CLUB

Paradise Republican Women’s Club will host its monthly meeting, featuring a guest speaker, breakfast, socializing and more. Free. 8:30 a.m. Maggiano’s Little Italy, 16405 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. prwcaz.org

March 9 and 10

PHOENIX CHORALE

Phoenix Chorale will perform a concert that includes “Mozart: Requiem” and “The Lost Birds.” $23+. Saturday 8 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 602-253-2224; phoenixchorale.org

COMMUNITY

March 2024

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

March 16

CHAMPAGNE MUSIC SALON

ProMusica Arizona will host its annual Champagne Music Salon, featuring performances from the organization’s talented soloists and small ensembles as well as hors d’oeuvres, desserts, champagne, wine and other beverages. 6 p.m. See website for price and location. pmaz.org

March 9 and 10

SANTAN VILLAGE ART AND WINE FESTIVAL

Vermillion Promotions will host its inaugural art and wine festival in SanTan Village, featuring more than 100 juried artists and craftsmen specializing in the creation of sensational original works. Patrons will also enjoy exploring Arizona’s wine regions with wine tastings from more than a dozen of the state’s best wineries. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. SanTan Village, 2218 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert. vermillionpromotions.com

March 12

GUNHILD CARLING

Swedish musical sensation Gunhild Carling will perform a concert as part of Arizona Musicfest. $39+. 7:30 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

March 15–30

‘AVENUE Q’

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre will present its production of “Avenue Q.” See website for price and times. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre at Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale. 480-483-1664; desertstages.org

March 16

CAVE CREEK RODEO DAYS PARADE

A precursor to its annual four-day event, Cave Creek Rodeo Days will host a parade at 9 a.m. in downtown Cave Creek, followed by mutton bustin’ at 2 p.m. at Cave Creek Memorial Arena, 37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek. A cornhole tournament and a kick-off dance will then take place at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively, at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. See website for additional details. cavecreekrodeo.com

March 16

‘POSTCARDS FROM BOHEMIA’

North Valley Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert of music from Bohemian composers. See website for price. 7 p.m. North Canyon High School Auditorium, 1700 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix. 623-980-4628; northvalleysymphony.org

March 16

‘RITA MORENO: IN CONVERSATION’

Rita Moreno will grace the stage for an intimate event as part of Arizona Musicfest. Far from your typical Q-and-A, the evening will unfold as a vibrant tapestry woven from the entertainment icon’s 92 years of life, laughter and lessons learned under the bright lights of Hollywood and beyond. $53+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

March 16 and 17

‘EXPERIENCE IRELAND’

The Musical Instrument Museum will host an event that celebrates Irish music and culture. Activities will include a musical craft, an opportunity to play a concertina, engaging lectures, an Irish stepdance workshop and lively performances from Irish-related artists. See website for schedule of events. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

March 17

‘A TRIBUTE TO MOZART’

Scottsdale Philharmonic will perform a concert of classical music. $20+; student, military and veteran discounts available. 4 p.m. North Canyon Performing Arts Center, 1700 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix. scottsdalephilharmonic.com

March 21

JENNYFER STRATMAN

Tour a collection of artwork rich with emotion, content and form during a special reception for artist Jennyfer Stratman. Expressed primarily through figuration and natural elements, Stratman’s work explores interconnections between everything from the subatomic to the galactic. Free. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

March 21–24

CAVE CREEK RODEO DAYS

Cave Creek Rodeo Days will present its 47th annual event, featuring three thrilling Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association performances as well as a night that will showcase the bull riders and bullfighters that bring fans to their feet. See website for price and schedule. Cave Creek Memorial Arena, 37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek. cavecreekrodeo.com

March 21–April 27

‘HOLMES AND WATSON’

Don Bluth Front Row Theater will present its production of “Holmes and Watson,” a twisting, tantalizing mystery set three years after the death of mastermind detective Sherlock Holmes. $35+; youth, student, senior, military and group discounts available. See website for times. Don Bluth Front Row Theater, 8989 E. Via Linda, Suite 118, Scottsdale. 480314-0841; donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com

March 22

JUDY COLLINS

Legendary singer-songwriter Judy Collins will perform a concert as part of Arizona Musicfest. $53+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

COMMUNITY

March 2024

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

April 6

‘COSMIC CRESCENDO’

Scottsdale Arts will host its annual ARTrageous Gala, which this year will capture the awe-inspiring essence of a solar eclipse. In addition to culinary delights, a live auction and photo opportunities, the fundraising event will entertain guests with a harmonious symphony of art forms as dance, music and contemporary art merge into a captivating spectacle. $450+. 6:30 p.m., Scottsdale Civic Center, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. gala.scottsdalearts.org

March 22 and 23

AARON HENRY DESIGNS

Meet American luxury jewelry designer Aaron Henry during a special event showcasing an exquisite selection of his brilliant pieces, each of which has been meticulously handcrafted to bring classical Old World quality to modern design with the finest craftsmanship and utmost attention to detail. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

March 22–April 7

‘THE GREAT GATSBY’

Fountain Hills Theater will present the world premiere of “The Great Gatsby,” a new musical pulsing with the beat of the jazz age. $35; youth, student and senior discounts available. See website for times. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. fhtaz.org

March 23

SWING INTO SPRING SOCIAL

The Singletons, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of single-parent families battling cancer, will host its fourth annual Swing into Spring Social — a baseball inspired fundraiser that will feature live music and entertainment, multiple celebrity chefs, a silent auction, a wine pull and other exciting programming. Proceeds from the event will help fund monthly programs and support for current and newly onboarded Singletons families. $150+.

6–10 p.m. Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove Showroom, 15570 N. 83rd Way, Scottsdale. thesingletonsaz.org

March 24

‘DEAD ELVIS AND OTHER GEMS’

MusicaNova Orchestra will perform a classical tour de force inspired by the King of Rock and Roll. The concert will also feature a rare concerto for two clarinets. $33.50+.

6 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. musicanovaaz.org

March 24

‘SONGS OF AMERICA’

Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra will perform a concert featuring music by Bernstein, William Grant Still, Florence Price, William White and Dvorak. See website for price.

4 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale. scottsdalesymphonicorchestra.org

March 25

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

Designated “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world” by the late former South African President Nelson Mandela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform a concert as part of Arizona Musicfest. $39+. 7:30 p.m.

Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

March 28–31

‘CONTEMPORARY MOVES’

Ballet Arizona will present three diverse works from masterful choreographers — including Ib Andersen’s “Rio,” Paul Taylor’s “Piazzolla Caldera” and Nayon Iovino’s “Inner Layer.” $35+. See website for times. Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix. balletaz.org

March 28–31

FLAGSTAFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

The Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival will host its annual event, highlighting inspiring and thought-provoking cultural, environmental, outdoor and adventure-related documentary films from around the world. $12+. See website for schedule. The Orpheum Theater, 15 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. flagstaffmountainfilms.org

April 1

‘TRAILBLAZING WOMEN OF COUNTRY’

As part of Arizona Musicfest, CMT’s 2022 “Next Woman of Country” Miko Marks, Nashville singer Kristina Train and a five-member all-female band will take the stage in a show that features the music of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. $39+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

April 5

DANCE WITH ME GALA

Ballet Arizona will celebrate artistic director Ib Andersen for his 24-year legacy during its annual fundraising gala, which will include dinner, dancing and a special performance. $600. See website for time. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. balletaz.org

April 5

WORLD DOCTORS ORCHESTRA

As part of Arizona Musicfest, 85 physician musicians from around the world will perform a concert that will benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Virginia G. Piper Medical Clinic. $25+. 7:30 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

CLINIC OPENS NEW LOCATION

FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers last month opened its newest clinic in Scottsdale. Offering a holistic approach to wellness, FYZICAL not only helps clients recover from injuries and surgeries but also helps them achieve better overall health and wellness. With its Balance Therapy Program, FYZICAL helps treat the vast and complex range of issues that can cause balance disorders in a safe and challenging environment. FYZICAL North Scottsdale, 17250 N. Hartford Drive, Suite 135, Scottsdale. fyzical.com/north-scottsdale-az

AAccording to a recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, nearly 50% of adults in the U.S. attempt to lose weight each year. Motivated by factors such as improving overall health, preventing diseases, improving physical fitness and self-esteem and simply doing so for the benefit of family members, losing weight is one of the greatest challenges our country faces today.

Many experts define “successful weight loss” as a 10% reduction in body weight, maintained for at least a year — which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can improve your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. By this measure, according to a study published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, only about 20% of people who try to lose weight are successful at doing so.

Writer Joseph Airdo // Photography Courtesy of The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness

And keeping it off beyond that first year is even more difficult. According to a research review in Medical Clinics of North America, people tend to regain more than 50% of the weight they initially lost within two years. That figure increases to 80% within five years.

Needless to say, diet and exercise — although important and beneficial — may not be effective enough to achieve weight loss for many. Fortunately, The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness offers a medical weight loss program that specializes in helping clients who have been unsuccessful with previous weight loss methods, or who have tried over and over to lose weight yet keep regaining all the pounds they have lost.

PERSONALIZED AND DOCTOR-SUPERVISED WEIGHT LOSS

Rather than relying on fad diets, calorie counting and endless exercise, The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness’ medical weight loss program integrates FDA-approved medications with a natural and holistic approach to address the

Dr. Fabio Almeida M.D. ABIOM, ABNM, ABOM Medical Director Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness

biological and physical issues that have led each client to this point. The Center provides this medication in an easy to use once a week injection pen that allows precise individualized dosing – no other weight loss program does this!

In addition to losing weight and keeping it off, The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness’ medical weight loss program also provides clients with the tools they need to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes as well as feel more energized and healthier. Clients also have the option to receive multivitamins and metabolism-boosting injections that assist in reducing stored fat and building lean muscle.

Client Benefits

l Monthly GLP-1a (Semaglutide – the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wygovy) Prescription and Management

l Initial Metabolic Lab Testing and Analysis

l Inbody Body Composition Analysis

l Quarterly Metabolism, Thyroid and Hormone Testing

l Customized Weight-Loss Plan / Nutritional Consultation

l Telemedicine Support and Messaging with Expert Medical Team (office visits optional)

l Discount access to:

l Bio-Energy and Hyperthermia Therapy

l NAD+ Therapy

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE & EFFECTIVE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM AVAILABLE

The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness’ medical weight loss program is designed to help clients be the healthiest they have ever been, in the best body that they have ever had. Regardless of the amount of weight one wants to lose, the spa-like clinic’s Integrative Nutrition Team monitors and guides each patient throughout the process of reaching their goal.

The clinic’s clients typically lose 15–20% or more of their body weight — an average of 53 pounds — in 6–12 months. Best of all, the program ensures that clients keep the weight they lost off for life. That is because, unlike other programs, The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness’ medical weight loss program looks not only at scale weight but also takes into consideration body fat, muscle mass and water weight, which all affect one’s ultimate goal.

The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness’ expert staff even works with clients after the completion of the program to help them maintain the mindset of keeping their bodies healthy and energized. Whether you need to lose just 10 to 20 pounds or more than 50 pounds to optimize your weight, contact The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness to get a personalized assessment, start losing weight and take the first step to change your life today!

SSarah Graham believes that when we are exposed to art, we become less satisfied with what everyone else has and more drawn to what is unique. She finds this phenomenon to be true not just of paintings and sculptures but also of home decor and especially jewelry.

“Once you see or wear something truly different, the same old just does not cut it,” Graham says. “A big diamond is beautiful, but when you add a bit of design, contrast, texture and uniqueness, people stop you on the street to comment on your jewelry.”

From a unique creative process that blends oldworld techniques with cutting-edge technology to a distinctive, organic aesthetic that has become her signature, Graham creates exciting and elegant jewelry that subtly commands attention while simultaneously displaying a woman’s selfconfidence in taste and style.

As if the textural tales of her designs — a result of the inspiration she draws from the natural world — were not enough of an eye-catching element, her jewelry also boasts a matte black finish of oxidized cobalt chrome that is juxtaposed with 18-karat yellow, rose and white gold, set with colored diamonds.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Sarah Graham

Sarah Graham “

“The very act of choosing and wearing my jewelry shows that you, too, are an artist,” Graham says. “You have an eye for the unique and the confidence to stray from what everyone else is doing. My collectors often say to me, ‘I wish that I was creative like you.’ I point out that they are creative, or they would not be wearing my jewelry.”

The designer and metalsmith adds that jewelry is not about showing off your wealth; it is about showing off your true self.

“My relationship with my collectors is a collaboration of artists who notice, appreciate and spend their money on the beautiful little details in life,” she says.

CHANGING DIRECTIONS

Growing up, Graham was immersed in a vibrant world of creativity, as her mother was a highly skilled craft artist. Surrounded by colorful tapestries and exquisite objects, her artistic desires were nurtured from an early age.

“I always collected beads and made simple jewelry as a kid, but never considered it could be a career,” says Graham, who initially pursued a practical path, earning a bachelor’s degree in international business and working in the corporate world for some time.

Upon creating a bracelet as a heartfelt gift for her sister, Graham sought out a skilled jeweler to bring her design to life. This led to a job at a pawnbroker’s shop in Southern California, where she was exposed to jewelry of all different styles as well as the in-house bench jeweler — alongside whom she used one of her days off to work.

Jewelry has no purpose other than to make you happy. So if you aren’t having fun, then it isn’t doing its job.

From a unique creative process that blends old-world techniques with cutting-edge technology to a distinctive, organic aesthetic that has become her signature, designer and metalsmith Sarah Graham creates exciting and elegant jewelry that subtly commands attention while simultaneously displaying a woman’s self-confidence in taste and style.

Captivated by the harmonious blend of nature and fashion in the jewelry-making process, Graham then made a bold decision to pursue a career in jewelry design.

“I was fascinated simply by the process of making something out of nothing and decided I wanted to be able to do that myself,” she says.

Graham embarked on a transformative journey, spending two years traveling the world and drawing inspiration from the diverse jewelry collections showcased in museums, galleries and stores.

She then diligently honed her skills through a two-year apprenticeship under a master goldsmith, which she says gave her a very strong foundation in all the techniques for jewelry creation. With unwavering determination, she immersed herself in learning every facet of the craft, undeterred by the challenges of earning a living as an artist.

Following a full-time position as a bench jeweler, Graham started her own business in 2000 — and she remains amazed that she “can make something from nothing.”

“As I have aged, my appreciation for all of the sparkle and bling has increased,” the jewelry designer says. “But it started as just a love of creation, and that is still what brings me the most joy. I will add that the materials used to create jewelry bring an extra level of joy. Gold, in particular, is just so lovely, soft, malleable and beautiful that you cannot help but be happy when working with it.”

MELDING TECHNIQUES

Graham’s jewelry-making process includes just about every technique available, and she often incorporates several techniques on the same item.

“I use Old World processes, like wax carving and hand-fabricating metal, and the latest technology, like CAD and 3D printing, and everything in between,” she says. “For example, I may design a piece in CAD, print the wax, add the texture and detail by hand, then make rubber molds and cast in gold.”

The result is jewelry that is organic and textural, with a muted palate that is subtly feminine yet substantial; unique, yet universal in its appeal.

“My aesthetic has historically been based on inspiration from nature,” Graham says. “For many of my designs, I have cast directly from found items, like decayed wood and jacaranda pods.”

The artist has recently strayed somewhat from the subject and instead found inspiration in architecture and vintage designs.

“But the two consistent design themes that have existed in all of my collections since I started 25 years ago are the application of rich texture

and the incorporation of cobalt chrome, which I oxidize to a deep, matte black finish,” she says. “The contrast is what makes my jewelry recognizable. And no one else uses it the way I do.”

Graham’s pieces — which span more than two dozen collections — are currently carried at galleries in more than 20 states across the U.S. In Arizona, they are exclusively available at Grace Renee Gallery in Carefree. Among the collections carried is Confluence, which is named for the coming together of friends, ideas and inspiration.

“When my friend and fellow jeweler Tamar Collins needed a jewelry bench built, she asked my husband, a woodworker, to build it for her,” Graham says. “Unbeknownst to me, in return he asked her to design a piece of jewelry for me. When the bench was finished, I was very surprised to be presented with the most gorgeous, handmade 22-karat gold necklace.

“She had made each piece by dripping molten gold into water to achieve a multi-dimensional cup shape — like a moment frozen in time. The design was just too great not to share; so together we worked on the design to come up with our Confluence collection, reproducible in 18-karat gold and cobalt chrome. Each beautiful cup holds a pearl or diamond in the most precious way, and always reminds me of how lucky I am to have such talented and generous friends.”

Grace Renee Gallery also stocks Graham’s Chroma collection, which boasts brilliant diamonds in simple gold bezels surrounded by a cobalt chrome skirt.

“It has a very classic feel while still being very unique,” the designer says.

DESIGNING HAPPINESS

This month, Grace Renee Gallery will host a special event during which guests will be guided on a journey through the timeless elegance and organic wonder of Graham’s jewelry. On March 8 and 9, attendees can meet the acclaimed artist, explore her captivating collections and find the perfect new statement piece.

“I simply want my collectors to feel happy and beautiful,” Graham says. “And if they have an achievement or person or event they are celebrating by purchasing my jewelry, I hope it serves as a lasting reminder of that. I strive to make the process enjoyable. I always say, ‘Jewelry has no purpose other than to make you happy. So if you aren’t having fun, then it isn’t doing its job.’”

Other things that make Graham happy are her hobbies — reading, skiing and traveling — and participating in charitable causes. Each year, she raises funds for Namaste Direct, a nonprofit organization that makes microloans to women entrepreneurs in Central America, by holding an all-day jewelry demonstration and luncheon for supporters.

“If I were to take up another creative hobby that involved making things, it would be ceramics,” Graham adds. “I love clay and pottery! Mine would be very textured and would definitely somehow incorporate a lot of gold!”

gracereneegallery.com

BBeginning with a 1902 Curved Dash Oldsmobile — one of the world’s first popular vehicles of which a record number were produced — and culminating with a Kensington Green 1959 Cadillac Eldorado convertible with bucket seats, strolling through the Janet Cussler Car Collection in Scottsdale is like stepping back in time and being able to see five decades of innovation, art and societal progress all at once.

The vintage automobile collection, housed in a by-appointment-only private viewing space, represents owner Janet Cussler’s love not only for her late husband — best-selling author Clive Cussler — but also for fine art and history.

“An automobile is a rolling piece of artwork,” Janet says. “It is also reflective of our society and our history. Each one tells a story — of the industrial revolution, of the advancement of women’s rights, of different [fashion eras] and art periods and more.”

CRUISING WITH CLIVE

Having developed a love for classic cars during his youth, Clive started collecting vintage automobiles in the 1970s — many of which can be seen at a museum in Arvada, Colorado, that was opened in 2005 by his children, to whom he gifted his collection.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Loralei Lazurek

An automobile is a rolling piece of artwork. It is also reflective of our society and our history. Each one tells a story — of the industrial revolution, of the advancement of women’s rights, of different [fashion eras] and art periods and more. Janet Cussler

That same year, Clive met Janet, whom he then married in 2008. Deciding to make Paradise Valley their permanent home, the couple sought a few daily drivers with which they could get around town and supplemented their 1954 Jaguar XK120 Roadster — which Clive had already owned — with a 1930 Packard 734 Speedster Runabout.

Not long after that, Janet gave Clive a 1931 Ford Model A as a Christmas gift, which he modified with racing carburetors. The following year, Clive returned the favor and gifted Janet a red 1955 MG TF1500.

“It did not take long, but with my love of antique cars as rolling pieces of classical art as great as Clive’s, he and I were looking forward to the next car auction, networking with friends and purchasing our next favorite prewar car,” Janet says. “One car led to another until we had to take our sports court down so that we could put up temporary tents [to house them].”

However, those tents were quickly filled, prompting the couple to rent space for their ever-growing collection of vintage vehicles.

“Then a fire engine showed up in our driveway,” says Janet, noting that Clive had bought her the 1917 AhrensFox for her birthday. “I thanked my husband, then politely said to him, ‘It is absolutely gorgeous, but it will not fit

in my jewelry box.’ His immediate reply was, ‘Well, then let’s buy a bigger box.’

“We moved the cars from our sports court and rental spaces into a warehouse, but it was too full so we had to buy another space next to it. We then filled that one and another one and another one until we finally had four spaces filled with more than 40 cars, two airplanes and, of course, the fire engine.”

VINTAGE VIBES

Sadly, Clive passed away in early 2020. However, his memory continues to live on through his captivating adventure novels, such as “Gray Ghost” and “Raise the Titanic.” Moreover, the love that he had for both Janet and classic cars is still very strongly felt through the vintage collection that he and his wife accumulated and enjoyed together.

“Each of these cars has a story,” says Janet, who has a bachelor’s in fine art and a master’s in education. “It has some memory of how we bought it, why we bought it and the significance that it had to Clive because of his historical background and the significance that I related to having studied art and art history. And we enjoyed them together. We both saw the beauty in them and the ingenuity of what went into them.”

Janet’s cars are now beautifully displayed across 7,500 square feet of viewing space in Scottsdale, which is

gorgeously arranged to accommodate by-appointment-only private and corporate events.

Among her collection — which is mostly dedicated to prewar vehicles — are a 1906 Packard Model S; a 1907 Mitchell Model E Runabout; a 1908 Columbus 10HP Two-Cylinder Autobuggy; a 1911 Ford Model T; a 1914 Pathfinder Touring; a 1916 Pierce Arrow Seven-Passenger Model 66-A4; a 1917 Cadillac Opera Coupe; a 1919 Kissel 6-45 Speedster; a 1919 Locomobile Model 48 Six-Fender Town Car; and a 1937 Cord 812 Sportsman Coupe.

Of course, the collection also includes the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado, which Janet notes is the largest-finned automobile ever built.

“She is an icon of beauty,” Janet says. “She is also one of a kind. There is not another one that is finished like her. By the way, there is a reason that you refer to your car as a she; because she is expensive.”

Janet adds that many people may not realize that women have played a very active role in the development of vehicles. In fact, a woman was the first person to drive an automobile from one town to another.

“Mr. [Carl] Benz had made this contraption but did not really think that it could truly travel anywhere,” Janet explains. “He had gone away for the weekend and Mrs. Benz decided to take it out with her children to visit the next town. When her husband returned from his trip, he was absolutely flabbergasted at the fact that she was able to do this.”

Other women who made significant contributions to automotive history include Alice Huyler Ramsey, who was the first woman to drive an automobile across the U.S., and Mary Anderson, who is credited with inventing the windshield wiper while touring New York in a trolley car on a snowy day.

Sprinkled throughout the viewing space are also other collectibles that amplify the antique ambience — such as Mobil gas signs and pumps as well as several mannequins sporting examples of authentic driving attire and other outfits that women wore during each era.

“I have a 1908 day dress and a 1910 tea gown from Paris,” Janet notes. “Of course, I also have a flapper dress from the Roaring ‘20s. And I honestly believe that some of these [outfits] outdo even Ralph Lauren.”

CHARIOTS OF CHARITY

With so much passion for and knowledge about automobile history, Janet loves to share her collection with others. Therefore, in addition to offering the viewing space for private and corporate events, she also occasionally hosts charitable activities — such as last month’s Champagne, Chocolate and Cars fundraiser to benefit Carolyn Eynon Singers.

The daughter of a car dealer and wife of a car collector, Carolyn Eynon Singers’ namesake and founding director, Carolyn Eynon, shares Janet’s profound appreciation for vintage automobiles.

“Janet and I met five years ago at a social event for a car club,” Carolyn explains. “Two years ago, she graciously

opened her museum to my choir’s annual fundraiser and it was such a marvelous success — not just due to her wonderful hospitality but because of the uniqueness of her collection.”

Therefore, Carolyn was extremely pleased to present her fundraiser among Janet’s collection again this year.

“I really admire her historical knowledge, her artistic flair and her appreciation for both the interior and exterior of cars,” says Carolyn, noting that her choir members — who are used to singing in auditoriums, churches and public parks — find performing in Janet’s masterfully curated and beautifully designed private museum to be a very special experience.

Moreover, it allows Carolyn Eynon Singers to present exciting choral programs, such as “Songs from Across the Pond” — which, set for Sunday, March 17, at St. Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church in Paradise Valley, will feature music from English, Scottish and Irish composers.

“My choir is a 501(c)(3),” Carolyn says. “I do not have a big budget. But because of Janet’s hospitality, we have found success.”

Janet is more than happy to help.

“Carolyn’s group is absolutely wonderful,” she says. “I grew up with music and dance. I once lived right outside of New York City, surrounded by theater, the symphony, opera and ballet. So [the performing arts] have always been another passion of mine.”

janetcusslercarcollection.com

Housed in a by-appointment-only private viewing space in Scottsdale, Janet Cussler’s vintage automobile collection represents her love not only for her late husband — best-selling author Clive Cussler — but also for fine art and history.

OOne of photographer Mark E. Anderson’s favorite pastimes while growing up in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, was sitting trackside and watching the trains as they sped through town.

“I always wondered where they were going and imagined myself as a railroad hobo jumping into a boxcar and racing off to adventures unknown,” Anderson says.

However, he was not always as thrilled to see large locomotives so up close and personal.

“I have no memory of this, but my older brother tells a story about our dad taking us to watch the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad,” Anderson explains. “He says that when our dad took me up close to the engine, I freaked out and began kicking and screaming.”

Anderson believes that feeling the wind from the cars and having the engineer whistle or honk at him later during his childhood provided him with an adrenaline rush through which he was simultaneously facing and ultimately conquering his fears. He eventually even asked his father — a builder — to help him construct a model train platform in their home’s basement.

“I laid out track and did my best with little money and skill to construct buildings and scenery, creating my own little railroad,” says Anderson, noting that he would often request model train accessories as gifts for Christmases and birthdays. “I had some pretty cool scale engines that would go around our Christmas tree, where I would run them for hours until my mom told me to go to bed.”

Although one could say that Anderson’s railroad has since been decommissioned, he still has all of its pieces. He has also retained his interest in trains into adulthood.

“My interest in trains is their magnificent power — 3,000 horsepower per locomotive, to be exact, and several locomotives per train,” Anderson says. “The earth shakes, your chest shakes and they are loud. You could die under those wheels. Then, after a mile or more of cars go by, it is suddenly quiet again. Being so close to something so big and powerful really gives you some perspective in life. I am not all that — and my fears are not all that either.”

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Mark E. Anderson

As a kid, I asked my dad to build a train layout in our basement. I laid out track and did my best with little money and skill to construct buildings and scenery, creating my own little railroad. I had some pretty cool scale engines that would go around our Christmas tree, where I would run them for hours until my mom told me to go to bed. Mark E. Anderson

“

My interest in trains is their magnificent power — 3,000 horsepower per locomotive, to be exact, and several locomotives per train. The earth shakes, your chest shakes and they are loud. You could die under those wheels. Then, after a mile or more of cars go by, it is suddenly quiet again. Mark E. Anderson

“As a young boy, I would get on my bicycle and go watch the trains speed through town. I always wondered where they were going and imagined myself as a railroad hobo jumping into a boxcar and racing off to adventures unknown. Mark E. Anderson

About the Photographer

While growing up, Mark E. Anderson always looked up to his brother, who was 12 years older than him. Therefore, when his brother took up photography upon returning home from the Navy, it was only a matter of time before Anderson pursued the hobby himself.

“I bought my first camera, a Pentax K1000, and my brother taught me to use it,” says Anderson, who went on to pursue a career as an Entertainment Technician Certification Program rigger but never lost his passion for photography — especially the aerial and landscape varieties. “Once my children were all grown, I decided to retire from rigging to focus on aerial and landscape photography full time.”

Anderson is particularly drawn to the fact that photography is an emotional medium capable of making someone laugh, cry, remember or be transported somewhere else.

“When people are emotionally connected to something, out come the cameras,” says Anderson, citing birthdays, concerts, events, marriages and births as examples of emotional events that people desire to capture. “Emotional reactions are often reproduced poorly, but a high-quality reproduction can bring back those emotions in a powerful way. That is where the magic is.”

The Gilbert resident’s favorite subject is the beauty that surrounds us, which he says is sometimes natural and other times produced — such as art, music and dance. He also likes taking a closer or different look at things that are commonplace — such as trains, cranes, boats and shipping — and especially rare or even one-time events — such as fires, storms, snow and accidents.

“I am a man of faith and being in nature is a spiritual experience for me,” Anderson explains. “It is humbling to contemplate the complexities of creation — the beauty of a sunset, the power of a storm. I strive to capture those images as I experience them through my lens. For this reason, I prefer raw images; my editing is limited to removing the occasional speck of dust or cropping an image to fit a layout.”

Of the many lessons that photography has taught him, the brevity of time is the one that Anderson feels has been most significant.

“A scene can change quickly as the sun sets, the clouds move, the weather changes,” he says. “While one might think a landscape doesn’t move, it is actually quite fluid, and a photographer must be ready to capture an image when the conditions are right. All of this is true in life as well. A play, a dance, a meeting with a friend, time with a loved one: all are but a breath. Make the most of every moment that comes to you.”

instagram.com/markeandersonphotography

NNestled within the diverse tapestry of Arizona’s cultural landscape lies a vibrant thread woven with the rich history and enduring influence of Irish heritage.

“Our state was founded by a lot of Irish folks,” says Ciara Archer, operations director of Arizona’s Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library.

According to authors Janice Ryan Bryson and Kathleen Shappee Wood in their book, “Irish Arizona,” the first documented Irishman in Arizona was Hugo O'Conor, who established the Presidio of Tucson for the Spanish government in 1775.

Other notable Irishmen who left their mark on our state include former Yavapai County Sheriff Buckey O'Neill, the Brophy and Riordan families and the Sisters of Mercy, who in 1895 established the Phoenix area’s first hospital, St. Joseph’s.

Therefore, owing so much of its history and landscape to Irish influence, it is only natural that our state’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are among the best in the entire country. From parades to green fountains, the traditions, tastes, sounds and spirit of Ireland can be experienced this month in communities across Arizona.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Sedona St. Patrick’s Day Parade

// Photo by Donna Shoemaker

Owing so much of its history and landscape to Irish influence, it is only natural that our state’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are among the best in the entire country.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FAIRE

Set for Saturday, March 16, at 10 a.m., the 41st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will stroll down Third Street from Oak Street to Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix, where until 5 p.m. attendees can enjoy a traditional Irish faire.

Highlights of the faire include local and international Irish bands, Irish dancers, Irish sports and traditional St. Patrick’s Day foods and beverages such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish beer and Busker Irish Whiskey.

“We are going into our 41st year, and it all started with a passionate mixture of Irish-born and Irish Americans with a love of Irish culture and heritage,” says Jeff Aspland, president of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire. “It takes passion from a dedicated group who are willing to work through hurdles of time and change to persevere over four decades.”

A particularly notable new addition to the event is the Arizona Irish History Walkway, where attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the Irish individuals who helped build our state.

“As the community has grown, so should our parade and faire,” Aspland says. “We are here to share and celebrate the Arizona Irish community and reference ‘Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day’ when considering the diverse community in Arizona.

“The biggest thing that makes the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire unique in Arizona is the weather. Our patrons wear shorts and a bit of sunscreen. It is rare to get that weather in Chicago, Boston or New York on St. Patrick’s Day. We also bring a Southwestern flair with our theme of ‘The Greenest Day in the Desert;’ our [parade] floats have clovers and cacti.”

The following day, the nearby Irish Cultural Center will host its official St. Patrick’s Day events, including a ceili — a family-oriented Irish social dance.

SEDONA ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Those who want to complement their green with a splash of red can travel north to Sedona — where, on Saturday, March 16, at 10:30 a.m., the city’s Parks and Recreation Department will host its 52nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“The Sedona St. Patrick’s Day Parade stands out with its breathtaking backdrop of stunning red rock formations, creating a uniquely picturesque setting for this event,” says Josh Frewin, the department’s manager. “This celebration

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire

in Sedona offers a distinctive blend of Irish spirit and Southwestern charm, making it an experience that sets it apart from any other St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Arizona.”

Once staged on the main thoroughfare of Highway 89A, the parade now marches down Jordan Road from Jordan Historical Park south to Mesquite Avenue.

“The Sedona St. Patrick’s Day Parade enriches Arizona’s cultural tapestry by fostering a sense of community unity through a celebration that transcends cultural boundaries,” Frewin says. “It serves as a vibrant example of how diverse traditions can come together, showcasing the commitment to embracing and celebrating various cultures and their influences, ultimately enhancing the richness and diversity of Arizona’s cultural landscape.

GREENING OF THE FOUNTAIN

One of America’s most well-known St. Patrick’s Day traditions takes place in Illinois, where the Chicago River has been dyed green each March 17 for the past 60 years. However, did you know that one of Arizona’s communities also celebrates the holiday in a similar fashion?

“It all started on St. Patrick’s Day in 1978 when a young homebuilder rode his horse into a local tavern to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and his heritage,” says Bowen “Bo” Larsen, community relations director and public information officer for the town of Fountain Hills.

This then led to a $250 bet to turn the town’s fountain green and water-ski around it the following year.

“So, on St. Patrick’s Day 1979, with a large crowd watching from shore, the world-famous fountain was dyed green, and all of the bettors skied around [it] as planned, except for one [who] could not get up on the skis,” Larsen adds.

Sedona St. Patrick’s Day Parade // Photos by Donna Shoemaker

Greening of the Fountain // Photo Courtesy of the Town of Fountain Hills

“Now, 45 years later, what started as a bet in a bar has become the annual Greening of the Fountain in Fountain Hills on St. Patrick’s Day.”

The tradition will continue this year on Sunday, March 17, at noon, when 55 gallons of environmentally friendly dye will be injected into the fountain’s jet spray, thereby turning the water emerald green. Built in 1970 in Zurich, Switzerland, by Fountain Hills developer Robert P. McCulloch, the fountain reaches a full height of 560 feet, making it the fourth tallest in the world.

“The dye causes no harm to the water,” says Larsen, noting that the fountain irrigates the surrounding park, which is home to a variety of wildlife.

At sunset, the fountain will also be bathed in green light to extend the town’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration well into the night.

EXPERIENCE IRELAND AT MIM

At the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, guests have the opportunity to travel to countries around the globe —

including Ireland — all yearlong through the fascinating cultural lens of the many musical instruments on display in its galleries. Among them is a 200-year-old Irish harp.

“Irish harps are commonly known from their use as the symbol of Guinness Beer,” says Naomi Primeau, MIM’s public programs specialist. “There is also a violin from 1762, which is a tangible example of fiddle music in Ireland. Another instrument is uillean pipes from 1950. These provide another interpretation of bagpipes. Rather than blowing into the bag like a typical bagpipe, the player uses a bellows operated by pumping the arm.”

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day weekend, MIM will on March 16 and 17 shine an even brighter spotlight on the Emerald Isle with its Experience Ireland event, which is part of the museum’s popular Signature Event series that focuses on a different region of the world, genre of music or musical icon each month.

“MIM always aims to showcase an appreciation of the world’s diverse culture through music, which we

refer to as ‘the language of the soul,’” Primeau says. “Through the historical storytelling of instruments and performances, our museum is able to capture how music connects the world — which will be seen through our Experience Ireland program.”

Activities will include a musical craft, an opportunity to play a concertina, engaging lectures, an Irish stepdance workshop and lively performances from Irish-related artists — including Altan, whose repertoire features touching old Irish songs and hard-hitting reels and jigs.

“This program specifically celebrates the beauty of the Irish culture by focusing on how music has impacted society throughout history and that alone sets us apart from other celebrations around the Valley,” Primeau adds. “The Irish have been in Arizona since the early 18th century. Although the population size of the community has not been the largest in the Valley, they have contributed immensely to Arizona as a whole through shared histories, culture and music.”

Altan // Photo Courtesy of MIM

RECIPE

Pecan-Stuffed Mushrooms

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

For the Mushrooms

1 pound mushrooms (about 25 large mushrooms)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 shallot, minced (about 1/4 cup)

1/2 cup chopped pecans

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup parsley, minced

4 ounces goat cheese

1/4 cup panko bread crumbs (or gluten free bread crumbs)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Honeyed Pecans

25 pecan halves

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon olive oil

Pinch of salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Carefully break off the stems from the mushrooms. Chop the stems extremely finely, discarding the tough ends.

These little beauties are stuffed with an irresistible filling of mushrooms, pecans and goat cheese, then topped with honeyed pecans. They make for an absolutely delicious appetizer for any occasion!

Heat the butter over medium heat in a small skillet. Add the shallots, pecans, mushroom stems and garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until everything has softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the warm ingredients to a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir in the goat cheese, parsley, bread crumbs, salt and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

Spread out the mushroom caps on a large baking sheet. Working with one mushroom at a time, brush both the inside and outside with olive oil (or melted butter) and stuff with 1 teaspoon of filling. Place on the center rack of the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

While the mushrooms are baking, heat the honey and olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over low heat. Add the pecan halves to the skillet and stir until they are completely coated. Continue to cook over medium-low heat until the pecans have taken on a slightly darker color, about 3–4 minutes. Spread the pecans on a piece of parchment to cool.

Once the mushrooms have finished baking, top with candied pecans and serve immediately.

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