Images Arizona October 2019

Grayhawk

DC Ranch

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Scottsdale PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT NO. 3418

Paradise Valley Gainey Ranch McCormick Ranch

October 2019

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Luxury Real Estate is Complicated After 40+ years in the business, Walt Danley knows a thing or two about solving problems. And the bigger the transaction, the more issues are likely to come up. That’s why Walt has spent years carefully curating a team of expert agents and teaching them how to professionally and successfully market, promote, negotiate and ultimately sell fine homes. And if complications

arise along the way...The odds are that Walt has seen them before and solved them before.

Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate | 480-991-2050 | WaltDanley.com

October 2019

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DAMIEN ESCOBAR

Friday, October 11 | 7:30 p.m. $55.50–$75.50

His musical career spans over a decade, and his inspiring journey of making it big, losing it all, fighting to rebuild, and getting a second chance at success is as much a part of his brand identity as being among the top violinists in the world.

“Damien is a master of his craft. He mixes genres like jazz, classical and hip-hop effortlessly.”

—Volume Magazine

Upcoming Concerts Che Apalache October 6 EmiSunshine October 10 Kurt Elling October 18 MusicaNova Orchestra: Beethoven to Tap Shoes Inspired by Dance around the World October 20 Matthew Whitaker October 22 SFJAZZ Collective October 24 Matt Dusk October 27 And many more!

2019 Concert Series sponsored by

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MIM.org | 480.478.6000 | 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ

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MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Courtesy of Lanning,

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A Bryant Nagel Gallery

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COMMUNITY EVENTS Writer Amanda Christmann

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CREATURES OF THE NIGHT Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Bruce Taubert

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GIVEN’ ‘EM PUMPKIN TO TALK ABOUT Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Courtesy of Town of Carefree and Villafane Studios

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FERRARI FRENZY Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photographer Bryan Black

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HONEY PEAR TART Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Christmann

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Hanie

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joseph Airdo Amanda Christmann Sue Kern-Fleischer Kyndra Kelly Shoshana Leon Shannon Severson Fadi Sitto

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Black Kyndra Kelly Loralei Lazurek Carl Schultz

ADVERTISING SALES Cooper Langston 480-544-8721 cooper@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com Submission of news for community section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 5th of the month prior to publication.

Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2019 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.

Local First A R I Z O NA

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There’s excitement in the air! It’s October, and as we begin our own version of autumn in the desert, our streets, parks and community spaces are coming back to life!

The month of October kicks off a dynamic season full of performances, exhibits and shows—all of which provide us with opportunities to appreciate the talented actors, artists, musicians, and even a professional pumpkin carver or two, who live among us.

From Ray Villafane’s Enchanted Pumpkin Garden, to artists Todd Volz, Casey Cheuvront and Sylvia Fugmann Brongo, to filmmaker Amber McGinnis, and jewelry designer Sweta Jain, we’re proud to share these stories of creativity. We hope you are inspired to appreciate the processes—and the passion— that goes into their work.

The arts form the most colorful threads in the beautifully woven tapestry of our community. The experiences and connections they provide are priceless, and they enrich our lives in so many ways.

There is no “heart” without “art.” and music, art and theater are the soul of our community. I hope this month’s Images Arizona stories encourage you to get out, get involved and enjoy all they have to offer!

Cheers!

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

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Laura Bicego is the force behind the successful Italian jewelry line, Nanis, Oc tob e rbased 2 019 out of Vicenza.

O N E

Y E A R

A N N I V E R S A R Y

C E L E B R A T I O N

CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY + ART

Meet renowned jewelry designer Laura Bicego,

whose Nanis collection is classically timeless and stunningly fashionable. Be the first to see Laura’s

[

newest creations at our annual event.

Private Design Collection Her exquisite 18-karat gold creations are one-of-a-kind. Just like you.

October 11 & 12

Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. with wine & appetizers 4–8 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

]

Located in Historic Spanish Village 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377 Open Daily: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

480.575.8080

GraceReneeGallery.com

October 2019

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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Courtesy of Lanning, A Bryant Nagel Gallery

A

Art is an illusion for ceramics artist Todd Volz. Upon first glance, what appears to be steampunk-style creations are, from Volz’s hands, something entirely different.

Like steampunk art, Volz’s work is inspired by the post-industrial age, but gone are the moving parts, functional gears and science lab odds and ends of classic steampunk art and fashion. They are replaced by clay, wood, metal and fabric, carefully constructed to look exactly like something they are not—and a little bit like something that has never existed.

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“I create ceramic sculptures and functional objects that resemble obscure mechanical devices from our industrial past,” he explains. “A lot of people have said my work has a steampunk aesthetic, but that’s not something I necessarily agree with. I’m not sure I relate to art that way, but obviously, there is a similarity in things [steampunk artists and I] both appreciate.”

Volz, with his long, brown-red beard and rimmed glasses, looks every bit the part of an artist as he sits atop a stool in an office at University of Wyoming. Now a Colorado resident, he is teaching here during a sabbatical placement.

In addition to passing along techniques and philosophies to aspiring students, he’s experiencing a bit of a homecoming.

A native of the tiny town of Wheatland, Wyoming, where the most current census still counts fewer than 4,000 people, Volz was raised with an appreciation for hard work and recognizing the slowly turning cycle that connects people, nature and history.

Those ingrained memories come out each time he spends hours creating rivets or screws in clay, or covers his work with a patina that adds years of perceived history to a newly-fired piece of clay.

“I grew up in a small town in Wyoming,” he explains.

“My family didn’t farm, but I grew up around agriculture.

I worked on farms, and in high school I liked to work on old crappy cars.

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“I have memories of being in my dad’s workshop with all the little glass jars of bolts and washers and things lined up on the shelves. Those things interested me when I was growing up, and something about them still interests me today.”

Today, he recreates those tiny moving parts and others, casting them in ceramic and giving them an aged metallike patina that fools the eye into believing that he’s created something that could actually work. They’re inventive and whimsical, and much more than meets the eye.

Jeremy Mueller Ins Agcy Inc Jeremy R Mueller, Agent 23341 N Pima Rd Suite D139 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Bus: 480-515-5223

His work is often so convincing that people search for elusive “on” switches, and turn them about in their hands taking guesses as to what they actually do.

These moments bring Volz the greatest satisfaction. It’s all about the dichotomy of the recognizable versus the unfamiliar—fact versus fantasy.

1606040

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

October 2019

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“Anything that looks like it’s riveted or metal—it’s always clay,” he says. “I’m thinking more of trying to bring out the idea of history, and to make people think backward in time.”

In today’s world, the functionality of something may not be obvious at first glance. Had one never seen an iPhone, for example, it would be difficult to equate it to a telephone. An uncharged iPad would have little resemblance to a fountain pen, a typewriter, or anything else that has been used to compose letters or other written communication.

In the past, however, whether it was a piece of manufacturing equipment during the Industrial Revolution or a Victrola phonograph, the purpose of just about anything was relatively conspicuous.

Volz’s work is an homage to that era, yet the reality is that, in his process of creating something that appears functional, there is no functionality.

At the same time, from Volz’s imagination come mechanicallooking pieces and parts that appear to be familiar, yet even if they were real, their function would be ambiguous.

It’s the unspoken question marks (or sometimes the spoken questions) that make him smile.

This master of artful disguise is finding that he has room to both evolve, and to return to his own past for inspiration.

“Teaching has been interesting here,” he says. “Coming back to Wyoming, it’s back to wood-fired pottery, soda-fired pottery— I’m back to my roots.”

FROM THE BEGINNING “In high school, I had an elective choice of either music or art,” Volz says with a laugh. “That’s what you have in a small town—music or art. I decided it would be an art class.”

He fell in love with his ability to express himself artistically, but coming from a salt-of-the-earth upbringing, he didn’t imagine that art could be his vocation.

“I graduated as salutatorian of my class with a good GPA, so I did pretty well in high school, but college was an entirely different league.

“In college, I went thinking I would do something like pharmacy—something that would make me some money. I had

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to take art as a general survey class, and when I did, it was the one thing that I thought was something I could get into.”

watershed moments in his life; at other times, they represent a feeling or memory he experienced.

And so he did.

Either way, he isn’t keen on sharing most of those meanings, not because he’s secretive, but because he wants the viewer to attach their own interpretations and ideas to his work.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in art education from University of Wyoming, and went on to earn his master’s degree from University of Idaho.

“

Anything that looks like it’s riveted or metal—it’s always clay.

I’m thinking more of trying to bring out the idea of history, and to make people think backward in time.

“

Todd Volz

“Early on in graduate school, I was doing the same thing I had been doing as an undergrad—referencing natural, organic surfaces,” he says. “I began working on pedestal displays, building big pots and making them sort of sit into these wood structures I was creating.

On one particular structure, I tried to use threaded rods and bolts, and I really liked the look of it.”

In some ways, it was a throwback to his early days, in the shop with his dad, when he’d been fascinated by the jars of odds and ends that sat neatly arranged on the shelves above the workbench.

“I decided then that that’s what I’m interested in,” he says. “That’s what I want to create.”

A CONTINUUM OF ART Volz has enjoyed both teaching and honing his craft for two decades now, earning acclaim in his field and helping young ceramics artists hone their craft and find their artistic voices.

He’s also learned a bit about himself, infusing the energy and emotion from events that have occurred in his life into his ceramics and pottery.

Today, Volz is still hard at work in the studio, not only creating intriguing fauxfunctional pieces, but also large wall art and pottery. Both aspects of his art have allowed him to explore new expressions and to engage in new perspectives.

“I feel like, early on, it was just about figuring out the technical aspects of things. I’ve always appreciated the aesthetics, but back then it was more about figuring out how to do everything.

My technical skills have developed, and now it’s easier to think about imbuing my work with narrative and meaning.”

Volz’s ceramics were on display at Northern Arizona University throughout the spring in an exhibition called Circuitous. Currently, several of his pieces are available at Lanning, a Bryant Nagel Gallery in Sedona, where he has already begun to earn his share of admirers who, like Volz, appreciate life’s ironies.

“Over the last 20 years I’ve been doing it, I’ve seen a lot of things change,” he says.

“I try to maintain a little bit of balance.

I’m not trying to be a trompe l'oeil artist, but I like the notion that people are fooled at their first impression.” lanninggallery.com

The names of his pieces, intended to resemble serial numbers, derive from encoded messages and dates that only he knows. Sometimes they represent

October 2019

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— LAURA BICEGO’S PRIVATE COLLECTION —

OCTOBER 11–12

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Friday: 10 a.m.– 8 p.m. with Wine and Appetizers: 4 – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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Meet renowned jewelry designer Laura Bicego, whose Nanis collection is classically timeless and stunningly fashionable. Be the first to see Laura’s newest creations at our annual event.

— ITALIAN DESIGNER JEWELRY WEEKEND —

NOVEMBER 8–10

..

Friday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Wine and Appetizers: 4 – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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From highly polished silver by Pesavento to chic South Sea pearls by Alessandra Dona, to the exquisite hand-textured gold by Nanis, experience three different designers—ultimately feminine and uniquely Italian.

— PAUL PLETKA “ SARSI ” PAINTING —

NOVEMBER 14

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“Sarsi,” a Paul Pletka original painting, from a private collection and is now on display and available for purchase for the first time ever, exclusively at Grace Renee Gallery.

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Thursday: 4 - 7 p.m.

Wine and appetizers served

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

|

480.575.8080

— GOSHWARA JEWELRY — ..

NOVEMBER 15–16

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Friday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Wine and appetizers: 4 - 8 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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Sweta Jain’s collection infuses couture with a sumptuous variety of color. Soft shapes and playful sophistication make this jewelry showcase one you won’t want to miss.

Grace Renee Gallery is a refreshingly beautiful way to explore fine contemporary art in the breathtaking shadows of the Sonoran Desert foothills of Carefree, Arizona. Artfully designed jewelry, inspiring sculptures, spectacular wall art, stunning ceramics and more await.

UPCOMING EVENTS — ARTIST RECEPTION WITH PETER KUTTNER —

NOVEMBER 21 ..

Thursday: 4–7 p.m.

Wine and Appetizers.

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Artist Peter Kuttner’s work embodies a simple yet thoughtful contemporary retrospective. Meet Peter and see for yourself why his work has been featured in national publications, popular films and television shows, museums and private, royal, and corporate collections worldwide.

— AARON HENRY JEWELRY — .. .

NOVEMBER 22–23

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Friday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Wine and appetizers: 4 - 8 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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Meet the father and son team behind this luxury jewelry collection. Each brilliant piece is hand-crafted bringing classical Old World quality to modern design.

GraceReneeGallery.com

October 2019

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COMMUNITY

2019 OCTOBER

Writer Amanda Christmann

Oct. 4, 5

HAND-CRAFTED NAVAJO RUGS Grace Renee Gallery features selections from one of the largest personal collections of authentic Navajo rugs from the 1930s to the 1950s. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd., #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Sept. 29–Oct. 5

CAREFREE RESTAURANT WEEK

way for younger women artists,

details. Bryant Nagel Galleries, 431

and the In Your Face exhibition is

SR 179, at Hozho in Sedona. 928-

representation of this era. Reception

282-6865; bryantnagelgalleries.com

Oct. 9 from 2–3 p.m. Free. Civic

You don’t have to leave town to have

Center Library, 3839 Drinkwater

great food! Carefree Restaurant Week

Blvd., Scottsdale.

features prix fixe dishes from some of the best restaurants in the West!

Check out the list and support local

OKTOBERFEST FOR PTO Come to Harold’s Corral for an

businesses. carefreerestaurants.com

MARTIN BLUNDELL: THE WESTERN LAND

Oct. 3–31

Martin Blundell: The Western Land

live music featuring Die Echten

opens to showcase the works of this

Waldbuam, on tour from Germany.

IN YOUR FACE

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Oct. 4–20

Oct. 5

authentic German buffet, a Bavarian beer garden, wine tastings and

accomplished landscape artist who

Proceeds benefit eight area parent

Nine Carefree, Cave Creek and

so successfully captures the grand

teacher organizations. 21+ only.

Scottsdale-area women artists will be

vistas, plateaus, rock faces and vast

$25. 6–11 p.m. 6895 E. Cave Creek

featured at this very special exhibit

skies unique to the desert Southwest.

Rd., Cave Creek. 480-488-1906;

that highlights self-portraits. This

Reception 5–8 p.m. Oct. 4; artist talk

haroldscorral.com

generation of women is paving the

at 5:45 p.m. Free. See website for

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RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

RENCORoofing ARIZONA’S PREMIER ROOFING CONTRACTOR

Oct. 5

OKTOBERFEST IN FLAGSTAFF It’s fall fun in the pines with over 6,000 attendees, 6 food vendors, and lots of beers to choose from.

Specializing in

Beer stein holding contests, frozen t-shirt contest, wiener man race, brat eating contest and more. $10 online; $15 at the gate; kids 12 and under enter free. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Wheeler Park, 212 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. flagstaffoktoberfest.com

Oct. 5

SCOTTSTOBERFEST Live entertainment, DJ, food trucks, German food, games and more at Scottsdale Fashion Square. A portion

Foam, Tile & Shingle Roofs Re-Roofing, Repairs & Maintenance Our Communication From the first call to our office to the final inspection with our team, we know that communication is key for our customers.

We promise to be in constant communication with our customers throughout the entire project - no surprises here.

We Cover it All!

of proceeds will benefit Scottsdale Firefighters Charities. 21+. $5.

FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Noon–5 p.m. 7014 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale. facebook.com/ scottstoberfest; @scottstoberfest on Instagram

Oct. 7

A TOUCH OF THE DESERT Explore plants, animals, soils and archaeological ruins at this Desert Awareness Committee presentation at Holland Community Center. Free.

Donations appreciated. 6:30–8 p.m.

Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. azfcf.org

602.296.5944

ROC # 195475 ROC # 196424

rencoroofing.com

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Oct. 11, 12

MEET LAURA BICEGO Renowned jewelry designer Laura Bicego, whose Nanis collection is classically timeless and stunningly fashionable, will be visiting Grace Renee Gallery from her home in Italy for this annual event. Free.

Friday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. with wine and appetizers 4–8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd., Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Oct. 8–Nov. 19

THE IMPROV SQUAD Teens 12–17 years old are invited

brewers, winemakers, distillers and merchants. $35. 6 p.m. 6710 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek. 480-4888031; cartwrightsmoderncuisine.com

GOLD PALETTE ARTWALK KICKOFF

to join Musical Theatre of

Scottsdale Gallery Association kicks

Anthem’s new comedy troupe, The

off its 45th season with Thursday

Improv Squad, to learn the art of improvisation, comedic timing, character creation and physical comedy. Rehearsals will be held Oct. 8–Nov. 12 from 6:45–8:45 p.m. Performance will be Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. $175, includes t-shirt.

Limited to 20 participants. 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Oct. 9

TRADING IN PRECOLUMBIAN DAYS

Oct. 9

INDOOR PICNIC AT CARTWRIGHT’S

evening ArtWalk and Gold Palette ArtWalk series, which take place at 28 galleries and two museums along

Arizona Archaeological Society’s

Main Street from Scottsdale Road

Desert Foothills chapter features

west to Goldwater Boulevard and on

archaeologist Ken Zoll, who will

Marshall Way north of Indian School

talk about ancient trade routes that

Road to Fifth Avenue. Entertainment

supplied Southwest Native American

and refreshments. Free. 6:30–9 p.m.

tribes with goods from Mesoamerica.

scottsdalegalleries.com

Free. Maitland Hall at The Good Shepard of the Hills Episcopal

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Oct. 10

Church, 6502 East Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek. 7 p.m. azarchsoc. wildapricot.org/desertfoothills

Oct. 10

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR SHARES ART

Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine’s

Jeanne Bonine, a 25-year breast

casual gatherings feature guest chefs,

cancer survivor, shares messages

i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m Oc tob e r 2 019

of hope through beautiful

the art of organization

paintings and prose. Free. 2–7 p.m. Thunderbird Artists Gallery, 99 Easy St., Suite 235, Carefree. thunderbirdartistsgallery.com

Oct. 11

TOAST AND ROAST TO CHEF VINCENT GUERITHAULT Local celebrities, including Chef Mark Tarbell and Jerry Colangelo, celebrate Chef Guerithault’s 50-year career. The event features a multicourse meal with wine pairings and signature dishes from Chef Guerithault. $295. 6 p.m. Vincent on Camelback, 3930 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix. vincentsoncamelback.com

Oct. 12

BLACK MOUNTAIN CAMPUS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS The Black Mountain Campus of Paradise Valley Community College is celebrating 10 years with fun for the whole family, including a bounce

Home Offices

Garages

Entertainment Centers

Wall Units

house, obstacle course, food trucks, STEAM activities, music and more.

Free. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. 60th Street and Carefree Highway, Phoenix. paradisevalley.edu/blackmountain

Oct.12

SCOTTSDALE WHISKEY FESTIVAL Sample a variety of scotches and whiskeys from around the world. $50–$60. 3–6 p.m. Wasted Grain, 7295 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale. azfests.com

480-998-2070 www.closetfactory.com

www.facebook.com/closetfactory

follow us: www.twitter.com/closetfactory

closets | garages | home offices | entertainment centers | pantries | wall units wall beds | craft rooms | laundry rooms | mud rooms | wine rooms ©2016 Closet Factory. All rights reserved. ROC#175443 October 2019

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Oct. 18–27

ENCHANTED PUMPKIN GARDEN Halloween once again invades the Town of Carefree in the form of whimsical pumpkin carvings from master sculptor Ray Villafane. Haunted house, giant slide, obstacle course, carnival games, petting zoo, pony rides and more! $15 Friday–Sunday; $10 Monday–Thursday; children 2 years and under enter free. See website for hours. 480-488-3686; enchantedpumpkingarden.com

Oct. 13

TOUR DE SCOTTSDALE

ARTS AT THE ROCKS PIANO CONCERT

the newly redesigned restaurant. $75.

6:30 p.m. ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. 480376-2600; hotelvalleyho.com

Cyclists get ready! DC Ranch’s

World-renowned concert pianist Sam

annual Tour de Scottsdale features

Rotman will thrill us with an all-

30- and 70-mile courses to benefit

Beethoven concert commemorating

McDowell Sonoran Preserve. See

the upcoming 250th anniversary of

website for fees and routes. 6:30

the composer’s birth followed by

a.m. start time. Begins at Market

his Christian testimony. Free. Desert

Street Ranch, 20645 N. Pima Rd.,

Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N.

opens at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s

Scottsdale. tourdescottsdale.net

Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. 480-488-

Museum of the West, featuring nearly

3384; deserthills.org

300 artworks from iconic Western

Oct. 13

SADDLE UP!

Oct. 14

of the West features their first annual fundraiser, a Western-themed gala. See

This event in the monthly dinner

website for details. 6 p.m. 3830 N.

series pairs four courses by Chef

Marshall Way, Scottsdale. 480-686-

Russell LaCasce with wine from

9539; scottsdalemuseumwest.org

Napa Valley’s Cakebread Cellars at

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Oct. 15

MAYNARD DIXON EXHIBIT Maynard Dixon’s American West

artist, Maynard Dixon. See website

MONDAY NIGHT CHEF'S TABLE

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum

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Oct. 13

for museum times and admission.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale. 480-686-9539; scottsdalemuseumwest.org

Oct. 16, 17

TASTE OF CAVE CREEK Enjoy samples from more than 30 local restaurants and bars, a beer garden, live music and more. $10 entry; free for children 12 and under; food and drink samples $3¬–$5.

5–9 p.m. Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek. tasteofcavecreek.com

Oct. 17

WINEMAKER DINNER The September event in the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale’s monthly winemaker dinner series begins with a reception, followed by a fourcourse dinner paired with wines from Napa Valley’s Orin Swift Cellars. $95. 6:30 p.m. 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale. 480-444-1234 ext. 8650; hyatt.com

Oct. 17

DESERT TO DISH The theme of the Omni Montelucia’s September Desert to Dish dinner is Dia de los Muertos. $125. 6 p.m.

4949 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale. 480627-3039; omnihotels.com

Oct. 18

FAMILY ESCAPE ROOM: THE ART THIEF Can you solve the mystery of the missing artwork? Find out who has been stealing art before time runs out—or you may be framed!

Free. Children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP. 4:30–6 p.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

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Oct. 24

FALSE EYELASHES BEAUTY TUTORIAL Insider application tips, selecting the perfect shape for your eyes, and what version to try for your lifestyle!

Celebrity make-up artist Charlie Green’s presents an informative and insightful look at false eyelashes for all ages. Free. Please bring non-perishable food item to be donated to the food bank. 5:30–6:30 p.m. RSVP. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek. 917-544-2425; dfla.org

Oct. 18–20

MARICOPA COUNTY HOME & GARDEN SHOW Martha Stewart will appear at this year’s Maricopa County Home &

$40. 1–3 p.m. RSVP. Marcellino Ristorante, 7114 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale. 480-990-9500; marcellinoristorante.com

NVSO DEBUT: A SCANDINAVIAN TOUR The eighth season of North Valley

Oct. 19

Symphony Orchestra kicks off with an evening of music that evokes the misty

Garden Show at Westworld. See

APPLAUSE! GALA

fjords, rugged mountains and deep

website for schedule. $10 adults;

Phoenix Theatre Company is

forests of Scandinavia. $5; $15 for four-

$2 children 3–12 years; children

celebrating its 100th anniversary

concert season tickets. 7 p.m. North

2 and under enter free. 10 a.m.–6

with a show-stopping Applause!

Canyon High School Auditorium, 1700

p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.–5

Gala featuring a cocktail reception

E. Union Hills Dr., Phoenix. 623-980-

p.m. Sunday. 16601 N. Pima Rd.,

followed by dinner on the lawn,

4628; northvalleysymphony.org

Scottsdale. mchomeshows.com

live auction and dancing under the stars. Guests will be treated to

Oct. 19

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Oct. 19

a spectacular stage show created

Oct. 19

LEARN AND LUNCH

Barnard, The Phoenix Theatre

Chef Marcellino will teach

Company’s producing artistic

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS SHOWCASE RECEPTION

participants how to cook pasta with

director. $1,000; table sponsorships

Desert Foothills Gallery presents

broccoli rabe and sausage during

$15,000. 5:30 p.m. 1825 N. Central

Hidden in the Hills Showcase. Learn

this intimate cooking class. After

Ave., Phoenix. 602-889-5288;

about the artwork and meet local

the class, guests will enjoy lunch.

phoenixtheatre.com

artists. Refreshments will be served;

i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m Oc tob e r 2 019

especially for the event by Michael

everyone is welcome. Free. 4–5:30 p.m. Desert Foothills Library, 8443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek. 480-488-2286, dfla.org

N OF CAREFR ~ T OWF I F T H A N N U A L EE ~

Oct. 20

AN AFTERNOON WITH EDGAR ALLAN POE English Rose Tea Room will be holding one of its signature

™

fun events, An Afternoon with Edgar Allan Poe, including an actor reading of The Raven. Gothic dress, pale palor and fun are welcome! 3–5 p.m. 201 Easy St., Ste. 103, Carefree. 480488-4812; carefreetea.com

Oct. 20

O ctober 18 - 27

Admission $15 per person

SUNDAY SUPPER CLUB

FRI - SUN

Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows’ monthly Sunday Supper

$10 per person

Club features four courses paired with wines from Napa

MON - THURS

Valley’s Rombauer Vineyards. $74. 6 p.m. 5445 E. Lincoln

Kids under 2 are free

Dr., Paradise Valley. 866-582-0607; mountainshadows.com

Oct. 25–27

SEDONA ARTS FESTIVAL AND OPEN STUDIO TOUR The annual Sedona Arts Festival will feature a new Open Studio Tour to give art lovers a chance to view and purchase art, as well as give them a good idea of which studios they will want to visit on the upcoming tour. Attendees will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $250 gift certificate to be used at a studio of their choice! Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon–5 p.m. Sunday. sedonaartistscoalition.org

Oct. 26

LARSEN GALLERY ART AUCTION The largest Larsen auction to-date with over 450 lots! Fantastic high-end artwork you don’t want to miss, including work by Pablo Picasso, Keith Haring, John Register, Gustave Loiseau and more.

Registration required. 10 a.m. 3705 N. Bishop Ln., Scottsdale.

480-941-0900; larsengallery.com; larsenartauction.com

Oct. 26

TALES OF THE OLD WEST You’re wanted! Celebrate the 20th anniversary of True West magazine being in the best damned town in the West at Desert Foothills Library. Meet True West’s Bob Boze Bell, Marshall Trimble and Janna Bommersbach. Each will tell a tale or two straight out of the Old West. Free. RSVP. Seating is limited.

1–4 p.m. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Even t Hours

Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Carefree Desert Gardens | Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion 101 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ 85377

EnchantedPumpkinGarden.com October 2019

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Nov. 2

ARIZONA FALL FEST Local First Arizona announces the 15th Annual Arizona Fall Fest at Hance Park in Downtown Phoenix. More than 200 vendors, 40 food trucks and 30,000 attendees will support the greater Phoenix community. Live music and dog-friendly space! Free. 10–4 p.m. localfirstaz.com

Oct. 26

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MARCELLINO!

Oct. 29

HALLOWEEN PARTY WITH WENDY THE WITCH

show both chefs’ passion for Pacific Northwest seafood to create five courses paired with beverages. $95–$125. 6:30p.m. 6710 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek. 480-4888031; cartwrightsmoderncuisine.com

Marcellino Ristorante Chef

Desert Foothills Library’s special

Marcellino and his wife Sima

Halloween event features local

celebrate the restaurant’s 16th

performer Jan Sandwich as Wendy

anniversary. Guests will be treated

the Witch, stories, face painting,

to a complimentary glass of bubbly

crafts, and treats! Come in

and dessert. Sima and her all-star trio

costume. Free. RSVP. 10–11 a.m.

THE SPOUSE WHISPERER

will perform. 4 p.m. 7114 E. Stetson

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N.

Comedian Mark Cordes examines

Dr., Scottsdale. 480-990-9500;

Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek. 480-

the ups and downs of dating,

marcellinoristorante.com

488-2286; dfla.org

relationships, marriage, divorce and

Nov. 1

all other aspects of this crazy thing

Oct. 28

BANFI WINE DINNER five courses. $75. 6 p.m. Rusconi’s

CHEF COLLABORATION DINNER: FISHERMAN’S FEAST

American Kitchen, 10637 N. Tatum

Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine’s chef

Blvd., Phoenix. 480-483-0009;

owner Brett Vibber collaborates

rusconiskitchen.com

with Seattle chef Josh Delgado to

Enjoy Italian wines paired with

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Oct. 30

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we call life. Free. 7 p.m. Humor workshop 5:30–7:30. Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. 480-4883384; deserthills.org

Nov. 1–3

CAMELBACK STUDIO TOUR

A

H E M N T

The popular Camelback Studio Tour and Art Sale is back with nine local home art studios in a south Scottsdale. Art ranges from jewelry and handmade gifts to paintings and sculptures.

See website for map and details. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday. camelbackstudiotour.com

Autumnfest

Nov. 2

BENTLEY SCOTTSDALE POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS Polo matches, fashion shows, rugby matches, VIP Tents and cultural and musical performances. See website for schedule. $30. VIP tickets available. Westworld, 16601 N. Pima., Scottsdale. westworldaz.com

Nov. 2

RANCHO MILAGRO FUNDRAISER Join Rancho Milagro friends and family for their 3rd Annual Fundraiser and Chili Cook-Off with live music from Down Home Arizona Band. Bring your best chili for a chance at winning the Best Chili award. Purchase tickets and register chili online by Oct. 15. $25. 4 p.m. 32905 N 140th St, Scottsdale. ranchomilagroaz.com

PINSA AT PIZZICATA There’s something new in Carefree! Pizzicata Fresh Authentic Italian is now opening, featuring pinsa, a deliciously innovative and healthy alternative to pizza. Hand-made pasta, fabulous beer and wine, Italian gelato and so much more.

Support local businesses and give Pizzicata a try! 7212 E. Ho Rd., Carefree. facebook.com/pizzicatacarefree

BEHIND THE SCENES AT KIWANIS Last year’s Kiwanis Club of Carefree budgeted over $200,000 to benefit local schools and efforts, including $5,000 to

October 19-20

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Carnival opens Thursday evening.

Anthem Community Park 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway

Event Features Arts & Crafts Fair Food Court & Beer Garden Decorated Pumpkin Contest (prizes) Pumpkin Patch Live Music Strolling Magician Balloon Artists Kids’ Zone (fees apply) Train Rides (fees apply) Hayrides Carnival (opens Oct. 17)

Cactus Shadows High School for sport scholarships, $3,800 to CCUSD for an otoacoustic hearing screener, $35,000 to YMCA for swimming and summer camp, and $25,000 to Foothills Caring Corp. They also gave to Annunciation School, the Boy Scouts, Carefree Christian Academy, Cave Creek Rodeo, Foothills Food Bank, Foothills Academy, Holland Center, Jubilate Arts, Kachina’s Place, Our Lady of Joy, Scott Foundation, Sonoran Arts League, Soroptimist, Spirit Desert Retreat, Upscale Singers, and Veterans Heritage.

This year’s committee is expected to approve almost $215,000 to various school and youth programs. Images Arizona magazine thanks Kiwanis Club of Carefree for their

OnlineAtAnthem.com/Autumnfest October 2019

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P

Writer Shannon Severson Photography Courtesy of The Arizona Taco Festival

Passion. Competition. Discovery. Tacos!

The Arizona Taco Festival is celebrating its 10th “Taco-versary” with creative new festivities and a new, larger location. For the first time, WestWorld of Scottsdale’s 300-acre expanse will be home to the “taco playground” for an expected 30,000 to 40,000 taco lovers over the course of the weekend, Oct. 12–13.

Taco competitors will vie for the coveted multiple awards, including the grand champion trophy and $10,000 in prize money, along with major bragging rights.

The event has burst from its weekend confines to spur a slew of lead-up events, including free chef demonstrations at Williams-Sonoma at Biltmore Fashion Park, the last of which will be Oct. 3 from 6:30

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to 8 p.m. with Chef Richard Hinojosa, co-founder and executive chef of CRUjiente Tacos.

“We give traditional street tacos a new look with a refined approach, and introduce flavors and techniques from around the world,” says Hinojosa of his taco philosophy.

“I want to reinterpret tacos in a modern and unique way while keeping the integrity of what a taco is. Each taco has it’s own identity and is delicately plated with well-sourced ingredients, balanced flavors and textures."

Suny Santana of Taco Chelo created Rajas con Crema, a summer vegetable taco inspired by his mother’s recipe for his demonstration. He will also compete at the festival.

“I’m really excited,” says Santana.

“I’ve helped others compete in the past. Now that we have our own taqueria, I knew we had to go compete at the Taco Festival.”

The week preceding the festival is brimming like an overstuffed taco with fabulous events. For example, celebrity chef Beau MacMillan of Sanctuary on Camelback will host the Extreme Taco & Margarita Throwdown at Hotel Valley Ho Oct. 7. There will be a $5 suggested donation to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation.

“The concept seemed easy when we have so many great chefs in the Valley and so many great craft cocktail guys and gals,” says MacMillan. “Why not bring them all together and let them put their culinary prowess to the test in the shape of and form of a taco/ margarita? This is where the ordinary becomes the extraordinary, and I am ready to eat and drink!”

October 2019

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At another event, the Valley’s top mixologists will compete in Margarita Wars at the Merc Bar, judged by famed master mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim. More events are in the works for the week.

Believe it or not, this first-in-the-nation taco festival and competition has its roots in BBQ. Founder Rick Phillips is a native New Yorker who has a background in the food world and in the publishing industry as the originator Desert Living and Item magazines and EaterAZ food blog. He created Arizona’s first barbecue festival in Old Town Scottsdale.

“Afterward, I couldn’t wait another year to host a festival. What else could we do? Tacos were the obvious choice.”

Without pause, he began planning the first experiential taco competition.

“It was a party,” says Phillips. “Taco people are a different crowd from the serious business of BBQ. They want to eat tacos and drink margaritas. We are still serious about the competition though, and have a lot of rules in place to keep the integrity of the contest. We want to be the Wimbledon of taco events.”

After two years in Old Town Scottsdale, Phillips moved the festival to Salt River Fields. This year’s taco playground will debut at the much larger 300-acre Westworld complex.

“I think people are going to see a lot of thoughtfulness in this year’s event,” says Phillips. “We are going

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to have color commentators in a big booth narrating the event, which will be broadcast throughout the property on Jumbotrons and all the TVs. “Remote cameras will go inside the judges tent, allowing people to view the competition as it happens in real-time. We are even changing up our cooking demonstrations hosted

by AZ Foodie to get the attendees involved in prepping ingredients and giving them visually appealing recipes made for social media sharing. It’s about engagement.”

THE COMPETITION More than 60 taco vendors will compete for taco domination this year. Festival attendees can sample creative steak, pork, seafood, veggie and vegan tacos for $3 a pop and vote in the People’s Choice competition.

The panel of Taco Society-sanctioned judges includes media personalities and food connoisseurs. They spend their days sequestered for hours at a time in the judges’ tent, blind-tasting taco delicacies from Arizona’s top taquerias, food trucks, and top chefs. Only one taco will win the top prize.

Making the best taco is serious business. Phillips recalls Chef Matt Carter nervously ringing him up the night before the inaugural competition, wondering aloud what his exact strategy should be.

“He said, ‘What do I do? I have a crazy, complicated, authentic recipe, but I’m afraid it will be the Taco Bell taco that beats me,’” Phillips says.

“It’s a real thing. We do a lot of training with the judges to educate their palate and their minds. Great chefs are making duck confit tacos and using tweezers, but I remind them that the judges aren’t all Michelin chefs from San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. Many are regular folks, and we all have a memory connection to foods of our youth, comfort food tastes.

“Sometimes the most unlikely person or establishment wins. At our Austin competition, a chain restaurant took home the top award. There was social pushback, but we had the scores to show that it was legitimate.

“There are five proprietary categories in which to compete. You have to really compete in all five and bring your A-game, because anyone can win.

My mantra has always been, ‘It’s always about Taco Spirit,” says Phillips. “There’s aloha spirit and there’s taco spirit. Just do your best and lay it down.”

October 2019

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EXPERIENCE 10th Annual Arizona Taco Festival Oct. 12–13 | 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | WestWorld of Scottsdale | 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale | $15 General Admission per day or $25 Weekend Pass $150 iCantina dayOc ortob $220 Pass | Tequila Expo and Holy Hot Sauce Expo require additional tickets | aztacofestival.com m a g e s a r iVIP z o n aper .com e r Weekend 2 019

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THE PARTY With plenty of room to spread out, the Arizona Taco Festival is introducing new attractions and bringing back crowd favorites, like the Ay! Chihuahua beauty pageant, interactive photo booths and chili pepper and taco-eating contests.

A centerpiece of the festival will be the Lucha Bar, a tent with wrestling luchadors and bleacher seating with its own bar, described as having a Tijuana-meets-Quentin Tarantino vibe.” When the luchas aren’t grappling, live bands and DJs entertain celebrants.

MAKING MEMORIES H WESTERN STYLE

OLD WEST SPIRIT NEW WEST TALENT

Some like it (really, really) hot, so the Holy Hot Sauce expo tent will offer 100 styles of hot sauce to sample and purchase, along with a chance to vote on your favorites, all curated by Vic Clinco, who gained renown for having the largest private collection of hot sauces in the world.

The Taco Society culture tent, co-curated by local artist Gennaro Garcia will celebrate all things taco-centric in fashion, art, photography and music. Along similar lines, the folks who brought the Instagrammable “Tacotopia” experience to life in Tempe have created a Millennial Playground with taco seesaws, guacamole ball pits, and taco-themed toys.

For an extra fee, Chef Michael DeMaria of M Culinary will privately cater the VIP Cantina along with a full premium bar, ample lounge seating, games and entertainment. The tickets include RFID bracelets with $35 food credit to spend on samples throughout the festival. It’s important to note that all vendors will be cashless this year.

What’s a celebration without a wedding? One lucky couple will get married Day of the Dead-style on the main stage, which will be venue to dozens of spectacles and contests throughout the weekend.

While it might seem outlandish, Phillips attests that he, too, is planning a most unusual vow renewal for his tenth anniversary.

“I’m going to surprise my wife by renewing our vows at the Taco Bell Chapel in Las Vegas,” Phillips revealed.

That’s true taco spirit.

Events and tickets are updated on the festival’s website.

Single-day general admission tickets are $15 each.

Military discounts and VIP packages are also available. aztacofestival.com

6130 East Cave Creek Road • Cave Creek, AZ

www.lastiendascavecreek.com October 2019

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Bruce Taubert

W

Wildlife photographer Bruce Taubert knows better than most people that stumbling around in the desert is not easy at night.

“There are things that stick you and things that bite you out there,” Taubert says. “The coyotes are howling, the owls are hooting and the rattlesnakes are buzzing. You have to get over that fear of being out there in the dark by yourself.

“Most photographers are not as comfortable doing that as they are going out at sunset and taking a nice picture of the ocean.”

Taubert braves the night—and all of the eerie sights and sounds that accompany it— to capture remarkable photographs of creatures of which many people are absolutely terrified. Bats, owls, spiders, toads and ravens have all become synonymous with Halloween due to their creepy appearance.

But “creepy” is a subjective construct.

“They are no more creepy than a lot of people that I see downtown or in local bars and things like that,” Taubert says with a laugh. “And they are certainly no more dangerous. They are creepy only in the sense that people do not understand them very well and that they are different. People have a natural fear of things like that.”

Nonetheless, the fear that people experience is justified. Many of the creatures that people are commonly afraid of can hurt you and any wild animal will bite you in order to defend itself. Taubert wants people to understand that these creatures—especially the scary ones—do an awful lot of good things for the ecosystem. That is why he has spent the last 25 years photographing them.

“Most of my stimulation for photographing creepy crawlies is to help people see them,” Taubert explains.

“You cannot value what you cannot see. People did not really start to value whales and dolphins until they started seeing photographs of them. I am hoping that they can maybe value these creatures a little bit more if I show them images of them.”

Images Arizona magazine hopes to facilitate Taubert’s admirable mission by sharing his photography of creatures that usually send shivers down our spine. We implore you to resist the natural urge to look away and behold the many unique physical characteristics that make these creatures of the night so immensely fascinating.

October 2019

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During the reproductive season, owls are aggressively defending their territories, so I use a bird call and get them to call me back.

You have to be relaxed around them, though, because a great horned owl can hurt you. If you get too close to their nest, they will hit you with their talons.

Bruce Taubert

October 2019

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ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER Bruce Taubert grew up hunting and fishing in Madison, Wis. His mother was a wedding photographer who repeatedly tried to entice him to try his hand at photography. However, he was far more interested in studying wildlife.

In college, Taubert became involved with a project looking at an endangered fish in the Connecticut River. He fine-tuned his career goals and obtained a Ph.D. in wildlife management.

“At first, I was more interested in wildlife biology,” Taubert says. “But then I started to realize that, if you have good information, you can do better things with animals than if you have bad information or no information at all. So I became interested in wildlife conservation.”

Taubert’s career eventually brought him to Arizona, where he spent about 27 years with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. He worked his way up the ranks to become assistant director and began photographing wildlife to help the organization’s research biologists obtain higher-quality images.

His interest in photography did not truly take off until about 25 years ago when he became aware of ecologist, conservationist and wildlife photographer Merlin Tuttle, who founded a nonprofit organization for bat conservation.

“He is a wonderful photographer,” Taubert says. “His photos do more to help people understand bats than anything that can be done on a scientific basis. I started to see the connection between public information journalism and wildlife conservation, and I realized that photographing animals may be a better way of selling how valuable they are to the public.”

Though he retired from the Arizona Game and Fish Department several years ago, he maintains his career in wildlife photography.

Taubert has traveled and photographed animals around the world and has conducted workshops in several states in the U.S. and in Africa, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Canada. His work is prominently displayed in a number of magazines, including Arizona Highways, Science, Arizona Wildlife Views and Conservation International.

Taubert’s bat photography can be found in several different books, scientific publications and magazines, as well as on a poster titled “Bats of Arizona.” In his book “Wild in Arizona: Photographing Arizona's Wildlife,” Taubert shares his experience and insight on the best places and the best times to photograph animals in Arizona.

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brucetaubert.com imagesarizona.com

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Spiders are easy. You just have to get over your fear of getting bit.

Even the little guys can bite you.

The big thing is getting them to sit still, though. They are very much afraid of you. If you move too fast, you are going to scare them away, so you have to move slowly around them.

Bruce Taubert

October 2019

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Toads are best photographed in wet areas. I have to wade into cesspool waters and sometimes muddy fields where I am up to my knees in mud in order to get to them.

You do not do that with a suit and tie on.

You cannot be afraid to get dirty.

Bruce Taubert

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Putting a flying bat in front of your lens and getting a precisely lit and focused picture is really difficult.

You need to have specialized gear.

You have to either work with scientists to capture bats and photograph them in an artificial situation or you have to go into caves. And people do not like caves.

They are nasty little places.

Bruce Taubert

October 2019

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of The Phoenix Symphony

A

As Stuart Chafetz glanced around the concert hall, he saw several people dressed as Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King, and just as many made up to look like the character's humanoid ragdoll girlfriend, Sally. He even saw a few Lock, Shock and Barrels—the mischievous trio of trick-or-treaters who serve as henchmen to creepy villain Oogie Boogie.

It was then—the first time that he conducted an orchestra performing the score from “The Nightmare Before Christmas”—that he truly understood the massive cultural impact of the 1993 stop-motion animation film.

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“

Did You Know?

RISE OF THE PUMPKIN KING The concept of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” originated in a 1982 poem that Tim Burton wrote while he was working as an animator at Walt Disney Feature Animation. Burton unsuccessfully attempted to develop the idea as a television special for several years before Walt Disney Studios finally gave it the green light to become a major motion picture in 1990.

OFF WITH THEIR HEADS! Filmmakers constructed 227 puppets to represent the characters in “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” To allow for the expression of every possible emotion, each puppet had multiple heads—400 in the case of Jack Skellington.

A SCARY SUCCESS During its first theatrical run in the U.S., “The Nightmare Before Christmas” earned $50 million—a box office total that has since increased to $75 million as a result of multiple re-releases. In 2001, Disney considered producing a computer-animated sequel but later dropped the idea at the advice of Burton, who wished to preserve the purity of the original film.

“I had no idea of the impression that it has had on so many people,” Chafetz says.

“It has become a cultural phenomenon— kind of like a modern-day ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show.’ It also indicated to me just how much movies with orchestra resonate with the community.”

Because the score from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” frequently changes tempos and styles of music, Chafetz and all of the members of the orchestra must be on the top of their game to ensure that the music always remains in sync with the movie.

After having presented “The Nightmare Before Christmas” to sold-out audiences last year, The Phoenix Symphony will return to Halloween Town for five performances Oct. 31–Nov. 3. Each presentation will feature a screening of the film projected onto a big screen while the orchestra performs its score live on stage.

“It is a lot of responsibility—a lot more than a traditional symphony where you have a little wiggle room for interpretation, or you can take the tempo that you want,” Chafetz explains. “There is no give-and-take, and it is challenging for a conductor to line everything up. The moment that you get off by an eighthnote, it is all over—and, trust me, there is nothing like that feeling.”

“It was a slam-dunk all around,” says the symphony’s chief marketing director, Todd Vigil, of last year’s performances.

“Not only did we have a sold-out crowd, but it was a diverse crowd that included a lot of kids. We had a lot of people in attendance who we do not normally see at the symphony.”

Due to the strong attendance and even stronger patron feedback, The Phoenix Symphony decided to present the event again this year. Like last year, patrons are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters from the film. A pair of photo booths will be available to commemorate the event.

Chafetz, who has also conducted “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in concert for the Atlanta and Honolulu symphony orchestras, is thrilled that The Phoenix Symphony has invited him to come back and lead its performances again this year.

“It is a score that is quite intense, intimate and fun, but also incredibly challenging,” says Chafetz, who will also be conducting the concert this month for Columbus Symphony in Ohio and The Philly Pops in Pa.

On the other hand, there is no better feeling for a conductor than when everything lines up perfectly and the musicians are playing completely in tune with the movie—so much so that the audience forgets that the orchestra is even there. It is from those moments that Chafetz measures his success on stage.

“That is the biggest compliment I could receive,” says Chafetz, whose favorite musical number from the film is “What's This?” for its ability to capture the holiday spirit and wonderment of the season.

Chafetz believes that his experience conducting “The Nightmare Before Christmas” has given him a newfound appreciation for Danny Elfman, the composer of the film’s score.

“Danny Elfman's brilliance is his ability to take traditional instruments and make them sound non-traditional,” Chafetz says. “His music is dense. There are a lot of low octave notes as well as contrabass clarinets and other utility instruments that you do not normally have in a regular symphony orchestra.”

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“

Vigil hopes that “The Nightmare Before Christmas” will be presented each year around Halloween, and become an annual tradition for The Phoenix Symphony.

“We will see how this year goes, but I am optimistic that it will be even bigger and better than last year,” says Vigil, adding that The Phoenix Symphony is looking at additional films to incorporate into its programming. “We have a long list we would like to do if these concerts continue to be well-received by audiences.”

The Phoenix Symphony saw a record number of new people attend its concerts last season, thanks in part to innovative programming like “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” This season’s lineup includes “Home Alone” in December and the 1931 Charlie Chaplin classic “City Lights” in April.

Vigil says that presenting major motion pictures live in concert is a substantial investment for The Phoenix Symphony. They are expensive to perform, and come with a lot of rules and regulations from studios and rights holders. However, he wholeheartedly believes that the performances are worth the extra investment.

“Orchestral scoring for movies is so fantastic these days,” Vigil says. “It is part of the music of our time. One way that we can share that current music with both our existing and new audiences is by showing the full film and having our orchestra perform the score live. It is a very unique experience.”

Chafetz concurs.

“Film score composers have become modern-day Mozarts and Tchaikovskys,” the conductor explains. “These film scores resonate with the audience and transform them just as a Beethoven, Strauss or Mahler symphony does.”

New audiences who are drawn to the symphony by events like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” end up being so enthralled by the orchestra that they return for other performances—and more people in the seats means more energy on the stage.

“Everyone is even more stoked to play when they look out into the hall and see a packed house,” explains Chafetz, likening the phenomenon to a sports team performing their best in front of a packed stadium or arena. “It is really cool when the entire place erupts in applause.”

MUSIC

phoenixsymphony.org

The Phoenix Symphony Presents “The Nightmare Before Christmas” i m a g e s a r3 izo n a . c o m Oc tob e r 2 Hall 019 | 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix | $25+ | 602-495-1999 | phoenixsymphony.org | Phoenix Symphony 44Oct. 31–Nov.

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October 2019

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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Courtesy of Goshwara

S

Sweta Jain furrows her brow as she turns a pendant gently between her fingers. A smoothly polished blue topaz cabochon, more brilliant than a clear Arizona sky, sits steady in her gaze as if waiting for her approval. She gives it a youthful grin and places it aside, carefully arranging its delicate gold chain links.

Jain is surrounded by candy-like gems: rich purple amethyst with flashes of rose, sunny lemon quartz, juicy orange citrine and luscious lime peridot, and among them, she seems to shine. Small and energetic, she’s built a life upon a foundation of colorful stones—but she’s also done so much more.

Her story began more than an ocean away, long before she was born.

“I grew up in a family of gemstone dealers,” she explains. “My father started in the business when he was about 12 years old. He was from a very poor family, and he used to walk to school along the streets of Jaipur.

“Along the way, he would see workers cutting gemstones on the street corners in front of their tiny shops.

He was fascinated, and he knew he wanted to make money, so he would skip school without telling his parents and he would watch and watch as the workers cut and polished their stones. He got a break when one of them took him in and started him in the business.”

Her father worked hard, and he was smart about it. He grew his business, and by the time Sweta and her brother were born, he owned his own mine and was sourcing gems from around the world.

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diamonds guy,” she says with a laugh and a dismissive wave of her hand.

“People who know colored gemstones don’t know diamonds. There is such large variety. I only know it because I’m so involved in it, dealing with it on a day-to-day basis. It’s not rocket science; I’m just passionate.”

Ever an assiduous study, Sweta took it upon herself to learn her husband’s business. They formed a partnership that led them, in different ways, down a similar path that continues to bring happiness and success.

Sweta Jain's jewelry will be featured at a special two-day event at Grace Renee Gallery, including a wine reception Nov. 15 from 4–8 p.m.

“

While other children came home from school to toys and books, Jain’s childhood was less conventional.

I only know fine quality,” she says matter-offactly. “That’s

“

all I do. That’s my number one thing.

Sweta Jain

“I always saw emeralds in the house,” she recalls. “There would be 20 stacks of emeralds when I would come home from school. I would finish my homework, sort them into groups and wash them.”

“I didn’t know much about diamonds, so I went to Gemological Institute of America and learned about them,” she says.

She also took a two-year course in jewelry design at Fashion Institute of Technology, a move that ultimately returned her to her roots.

“I decided I wanted to do more than emeralds and loose gemstones,” she says.

As they grew older, Sweta and her brother accompanied their father mines throughout Africa, where they gained an understanding of and an appreciation for the beautiful gems that were so much a part of their lives. They saw the work that went into coaxing them from the earth, and they developed the gift of recognizing the potential of a raw stone.

Six years passed before she followed her calling. During that time, she and her husband, Paresh, had two children, and were living in New York. She kept busy doing accounting and marketing for Paresh’s diamond business, but she wanted more color in her life.

“You could say that this business has always been in my blood.”

HER TRUE COLORS

She wanted gemstones.

When she married at 21, she ventured away from the family’s gemstone heritage—but not by far.

For a while, Jain worked as a manufacturer with some of the biggest names in the jewelry industry. Her Rolodex contained well-worn pages for buyers from Tiffany, Cartier and Bulgari, and she made a name for herself as an expert in quality.

“My husband was—and still is—in the diamond trade. He doesn’t understand colored gemstones; he’s a loose

“I only know fine quality,” she says matter-of-factly. “That’s all I do. That’s my number one thing.”

A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND

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EXPERIENCE Goshwara Collection of Jewels Nov. 15, 16 | Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; wine and appetizers 4–8 p.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. a g e s a rGallery i z o n a . c |oHistoric m Oc tob e r 2 019 Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. #7, Carefree | 480-575-8080 | gracereneegallery.com 48Gracei mRenee

In 2008, just before the recession altered the country’s financial landscape, she launched her own design business.

Though times were difficult, this tiny dynamo was determined to make it work.

Jain named her business “Goshwara.”

“Goshwara is a word that suggests the perfect shape of the feminine silhouette.

It’s used to define the perfection of beauty, and it’s used to describe the female body in a very positive connotation,” she explains.

“It was known that only the finest of craftsman could create a goshwara. It is this sense of perfection and beauty that guides us today. I follow the same tenets as the masters of centuries ago, and my jewelry reflects the sensuous curves and confident colors of the goshwara.

“In a world where tradition has too often given way to the latest and greatest, my jewelry is guided by the principles that remain timeless.”

THE GOSHWARA WOMAN Today, Goshwara has grown—not only because Jain’s jewelry is fantastically stunning, but also because many women find that it is an expression of who they are.

“The woman who is attracted to Goshwara is determined,” Jain explains.

“She’s bold, and she’s somebody who is not afraid to take chances.

“She’s a woman who appreciates quality and who has seen another amethyst ring and chooses my ring because of quality—not only in the making of the jewelry, but gemstones themselves.”

Lines of design with names like “Rock ‘n Roll,” “Naughty,” “Gossip,” and other equally playful names capture fearless collections of jewelry. Like the women drawn to Goshwara, Jain’s

designs stand out from the crowd, outshining less imaginative pieces from less discriminating manufacturers.

cultures, whether it’s going to see the Taj Mahal or the temples in southern India, or traveling to Italy or Africa.

Daring uneven cabochon rings framed in sparkling diamonds, drop pendants suspended from 18K gold, and teardrop gemstone earrings dangling from brushed gold polka-dotted with diamonds are just a few favorites, and as tempting as they are in photos, they seem to come alive with their own fiery personalities in person.

It isn’t only travel and architecture that inspires the jewelry artist.

“I focus on just the gemstone and chose to highlight them in the best way possible,” she says. “We do all of the cutting ourselves, and we choose to cut them to showcase the quality and the luster of each stone.”

Whatever the inspiration, this talented jeweler is unapologetically confident in her groove—and rightfully so. Her collections have made their way into specialty jewelry houses throughout the world, including Carefree’s Grace Renee Gallery.

And she does it well.

Next month, Jain’s jewelry will be featured at a special two-day event at Grace Renee Gallery, including a wine reception Nov. 15 from 4–8 p.m. It will be an excellent time to see pieces from Goshwara’s playful, yet sophisticated collection, and find beautiful and outof-the-ordinary gifts for yourself or someone you love.

Though she describes herself as “bold all my life,” her style has changed through the years.

“We all start getting a little more perspective as we grow and evolve. The second half of my career has been influenced by symmetric patterns and architectural monuments. I look at lines and elements that inspire me. It’s not a literal translation; it’s just how I see it.

“A lot of times I have gemstones lying with me and I have not started working with them for lack of inspiration. I’ll see a geometric pattern on an historical building, and the lines and feeling of it will inspire me.

“Once in a while, I’ll be inspired by flowers and nature. It depends on the stone itself. Sometimes I will find a stone so dainty and feminine that I want to treat it that way. That’s when I turn to nature.”

“I think Goshwara is for the woman who has the diamond jewelry, and who is looking for something more bold and adventurous—but sophisticated,” Jain says with a smile.

In other words, someone very much like herself. gracereneegallery.com

“I think it’s the aesthetic I get out of traveling. I get exposed to a lot of

“

We all start getting a little more perspective as we grow and evolve.

Sweta Jain October 2019

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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Courtesy of Town of Carefree and Villafane Studios

W

We all know our little corner of Arizona is home to some of the most wonderful weather, people and things to see and do in the country, and the Town of Carefree is no exception. Beyond breathtaking views and brilliant night skies, Carefree is known for its sundial, its fabulous resorts, and something a bit unexpected here in the desert: pumpkins.

For the fifth year, master sculptor Ray Villafane and the Villafane Studios team will be creating their Enchanted Pumpkin Garden to celebrate the magic of the season.

Carefree Desert Gardens will once again come alive with October’s most colorful (and rotund) residents Oct. 18 through Oct. 27.

Villafane is a world-renowned pumpkin and sand artist, and once again, he’ll be carving out some imaginative fun with his animated pumpkin vignettes. In fact, they’re the talk of the town when October rolls around.

This year’s festival promises to be the biggest and most wonderful yet, with demonstrations, live music, pie-eating contests, costume contests for both humans and pets, and a host of other activities.

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Everyone will have a gourd time Friday and Saturday nights, when Valley favorites take the stage. The Walkens Band; American Idol Season 17 favorite Wade Cota; and Steve Miller tribute band Pompatus of Love, featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Steve Miller Band guitarist Greg Douglass, are among the fantastic performers.

Every year brings something new to the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden, and the town will be spicing things up in 2019 with the debut of the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. on Community Stage, just outside of Carefree’s Historic Spanish Village.

The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off is expected to attract the chunkiest pumpkins in the state, thanks to the town’s partnership with Arizona Giant Pumpkin Growers Association. Hopefully this year’s crop of colossal squash will break a world record—and you can be part of the fun!

All of the pumpkins entered in the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off will remain at the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden, where Villafane and his team will do their magic and turn them into delightful characters before our eyes Other highlights of this most happy, haunted weekend are Bashas’ Adopt-a-Pumpkin patch, where proceeds will benefit Desert Foothills YMCA; the Four Peaks Brewery Jack-o’-Lantern Beer Garden operated by Sonoran Arts League volunteers; the Harvest Market with some of the best fall-themed treats in the Southwest; and the Haunted Happenings area with activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Don’t miss this year’s Enchanted Pumpkin Garden!

Admission is $15 per person Friday through Sunday, and $10 per person Monday through Thursday. Children two years of age and under are admitted free.

For the fifth year, master sculptor Ray Villafane and the Villafane Studios team will be creating their Enchanted Pumpkin Garden to celebrate the magic of the season.

carefree.org villafanestudios.com

EXPERIENCE Carefree Enchanted Pumpkin Garden i m a18–27 g e s a r i z |oSee n a . cwebsite o m Oc tob r 2 019 | Carefree Desert Gardens | 101 Easy St., Carefree | Free | 480-488-3686 | carefree.org | villafanestudios.com for eschedule 52October

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A

Arizona’s streets and freeways in November will be populated with several hundred Ferraris, all driving in different directions to grand adventures around our state.

The cars—and their owners—will be visiting the Valley to participate in the Ferrari Club of America’s Annual Experience, an event that is expected to benefit Arizona in a variety of ways, but most notably by exposing our spectacular cities to some very wealthy individuals. This is thanks, in part, to Peter Volny—an Australianborn car enthusiast who now takes pride in calling Arizona his home.

“For me, cars are therapy,” Volny says. “They are a source of relaxation and pleasure. When I get into a car on a Sunday morning and it is quiet and I can go out and play, I forget all of life’s hassles and problems.”

Volny’s obsession with automobiles goes back to when he was just a kid. He recalls that even at the age of 2 or 3 years old, he was fascinated by cars. That fascination expanded and intensified as he grew older to the point that he acquired his first car—a racecar—at the age of 16. Volny did not even have a driver’s license, but that did not stop him from pursuing his passion.

“I tried my hand at racing cars, but I just did not have the necessary skills to make a good living out of it,” he says. “That career in racing took me into automotive marketing, and that is where I had a business.”

Volny’s career in automotive marketing wound up being lucrative, allowing him to fully explore and enjoy his interests in not only automobiles, but also travel. To-date, he has visited 162 countries and lived in seven of them—including Canada and England. However, he wholeheartedly says that of all the places in the world he has been, Arizona is the one in which he is happiest living.

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photographer Bryan Black

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Peter Volny and his wife Linda arrived in Arizona 15 years ago and decided to make it their permenant home. He now serves as the sponsorship and PR director of the Ferrari Club of America's Desert Region.

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Volny arrived in Arizona about 15 years ago and fell in love with the state. He and his wife Linda decided to make it their permanent home. In 2011, he purchased a red 2010 Maserati Gran Turismo MC. In 2014, Volny founded Concours in the Hills—an annual high-performance car show in Fountain Hills. This past February’s event featured 941 cars, saw more than 25,000 spectators, included 108 dealers and sponsors, and raised more than $155,000 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

The Ferrari Club of America’s Desert Region participated in the event and, because Volny’s Maserati had a Ferrari motor in it, they invited him to join the organization. The next year, Volny solidified his association with the brand with the purchase of a red 1972 Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona— the same model that is owned by Barrett-Jackson Auction Company CEO and Chairman Craig Jackson.

Founded in 1962, the Ferrari Club of America now has more than 6,500 members across 16 regions and 51 chapters across the United States, Canada and Mexico who participate in social gatherings, parties, track events, rallies, drives and charitable events. More than 200 of those members belong to the Desert Region, which comprises all of Arizona and Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas.

Volny, who now serves as the Desert Region’s sponsorship and PR director, saw an opportunity to do something positive for Arizona by bringing the Ferrari Club of America’s Annual Experience to the state.

The event, which draws hundreds of participants and cars from around the world, features a swap meet, a Concours d'Elegance, a rally, a track event and banquets in a different city each year.

“I thought that bringing it here would expose Arizona to a lot of people with high net worth,” says Volny, noting that Ferrari is often acknowledged as one of the leading brands in the world and arguably the leading automotive brand in the world. “These cars are expensive. The least expensive new Ferrari that you can buy is in excess of a quarter of $1 million. And they go up into the millions.”

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Horseshoe Trails Elementary School offers the only Chinese Immersion Program in Cave Creek Unifed School District.

50% of daily instruction is conducted in Chinese; 50% is in English.

Thematic Units spiral throughout the academic content areas: Math, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts are taught in both languages.

INSPIRING EXCELLENCE

by perceiving our world through two cultural lenses Volny adds that used Ferraris—particularly the classics— can be very expensive. For example, one Ferrari Club of America member last year spent $72 million on a 1963 Ferrari. Therefore, the organization’s members tend to be older, more mature and distinctly wealthy individuals.

480.575.2000 480.575.2000 www.CCUSD93.org www.CCUSD93.org October 2019

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“They are going to come to Arizona and see how beautiful it is here,” Volny says. “Some of them, like me, will become permanent residents while others will buy holiday homes here.”

So, three years ago, Volny submitted a proposal to the Ferrari Club of America to host its Annual Experience in Arizona. The national organization accepted his proposal and work began on planning the massive event.

The Ferarri Club of America’s Annual Experience will take place Nov. 6–10 and feature two days of track time at Apex Motor Club in Maricopa, a cocktail party at Phoenix’s Penske Racing Museum in Phoenix, and a Concours d'Elegance at Scottsdale Sports Complex.

Several half-day, full-day and overnight drives are also planned, including to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Kartchner Caverns and Pima Air and Space Museum.

“It was originally estimated that we would get about 300 people to come along if we were lucky,” says Volny, noting that last year’s annual meeting was held in New York. “Now they are estimating that we are going to get more than 600 people. So it is a pretty big event. It is going to be very prestigious for Scottsdale, Phoenix and Arizona.”

Because of the unexpected bump in attendance, Volny and his roughly 70 volunteers have had to scramble to make changes in order to accommodate everyone. For example, the host hotel—Scottsdale’s Doubletree Resort—sold out in less than two weeks, so arrangements had to be made with six or seven other hotels.

EXPERIENCE Ferrari Club of America’s Concours d'Elegance i m a g eNov. s a r i z7 o n| a9. ca.m.–3 o m Ocp.m. tob e|rScottsdale 2 019 Sports Complex | 8081 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale | Free to Spectators | fca2019.net 58Thursday,

Restaurant reservations also had to be renegotiated or, in some cases, changed altogether due to seating limitations.

“It is a big project and there have been tons of challenges,” Volny says. “It has become virtually a fulltime, unpaid job. As my wife keeps telling me, I did not work this hard when I had my own business and was earning a very nice living. Now I am working harder, I am not earning anything and it costs me a lot of money.”

Volny picks up a lot of the expenses out of his own pocket but does not mind because he is having fun fully exploring that passion for cars that has given him pleasure throughout his entire life—and sharing it with others.

“This will be, by far, the most prestigious car event ever held in Arizona,” says Volny, who is also one of the directors of Scuderia Southwest—another organization that is known for its “cars and coffee” gatherings held 7–10 a.m. the first Saturday of every month at the Scottsdale 101 Shopping Center.

In addition to his Ferrari and Maserati, Volny owns a 2006 Ford GT and a 2014 Audi RS7—both also red. He says that most Ferrari Club of America members own multiple cars because Ferraris are not the ideal cars for driving around on a daily basis.

“If you have got a car worth $1 million, you do not want to park it in the Costco parking lot,” Volny explains.

As for all of those Ferraris that will be driving around Arizona’s streets and freeways next month, Volny says that we need not worry about the high-performance vehicles causing any problems beyond being eye-candy for those of us who dream of one day sitting behind the steering wheel of one of them ourselves.

“The vast majority of us are very sensible driving around the street,” he adds. “I have got cars that do well over 200 miles an hour. But as we drive along Shea Blvd., my wife says, ‘You are like a little old man. You the slowest car out here.’ I try to explain to her that, on a racetrack, everybody is going in the same direction and nobody is texting, so I feel a lot safer on a racetrack than I do driving around the street.” fca2019.net

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Scottsdale International Film Festival

A

Amber McGinnis is a firm believer in the art of storytelling by way of film—not only as a means to entertain, but also for its capacity to alter our perception of the world around us.

“Film reflects back to us intimate stories of the human experience,” McGinnis says. “I think we can learn powerful things about ourselves and our society by submerging ourselves in someone else’s story.”

In McGinnis’s new movie “International Falls,” Rachael Harris plays a woman stuck in a small, snowbound border town who dreams of becoming a comedian when she meets a washed-up, burned-out comedian played by Rob Huebel.

The director believes that the dark comedy—which also stars Kevin Nealon and Mindy Sterling—offers a powerful examination of how humor and darkness can sit side-by-side in our lives.

“Too often we compartmentalize different versions of ourselves, and I think it is important to approach life with vulnerability and honesty and crack through social stigmas,” McGinnis explains.

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B E T T E R C L U B S . B E T T E R R E S U LT S .

“International Falls” is just one of more than 55 films from dozens of countries, originating from both firsttime and seasoned filmmakers, that will be screened Nov. 1–10 during the 19th Annual Scottsdale International Film Festival.

P X G 0 3 1 1 G E N 2 I R O N S.

B I L LY H O R S C H E L 5x PGA TOUR Winner 2014 FedEx Cup Champion

Last year, event organizers expanded the festival’s run from five days to 10 days.

The longer run was well-received by the community, so they not only retained the length this year, but also doubled the number of weeknight screenings.

Organizers have also increased the number of locations across Scottsdale where audiences can enjoy the event.

The opening night film will be screened Nov. 1 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The festival will then move to Harkins Shea 14 for its Nov. 2 and 3 screenings. Nov. 4–7 screenings will be held at Harkins Camelview at Fashion Square before the festival moves back to Harkins Shea 14 Nov. 8–10.

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The titles of this year’s opening night, closing night and centerpiece films and names of special guests were not yet available at Images Arizona magazine’s press time. However, Scottsdale International Film Festival’s executive director, Amy Ettinger, assures that audiences will be blown away by this year’s event.

“During years one through year five, we had almost no credibility around the world or in Hollywood,” Ettinger explains. “The festival was a blip on the radar. But steadily over time, and with strategic partnerships and the ability to work with specialized contractors who have very deep connections in Los Angeles and New York, we are more of a contender now. We are not just a little fringe film festival anymore.”

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"Love Them First Lessons From Lucy Lane Elementary," Photo Courtesy of KARE 11 Originals

While about 80% of Scottsdale International Film Festival’s programming will be movies that audiences will likely never have heard of and will not see anywhere else on the big screen in Arizona, there will be some films that are certain to be hot commodities during this year’s award season.

For example, last year’s opening night film “Roma” went on to win numerous accolades, including the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.

Ultimately, smaller movies from new, up-and-coming filmmakers that make up the bulk of Scottsdale International Film Festival’s programming are those that give the event its unique signature in both the Valley and in the film industry.

“There are festivals in all of the nooks and crannies of our country that program purely what is submitted to them,” Ettinger says. “That is not the best subset of film programming available. We are happy to support filmmakers by paying some pretty significant rental fees and, as a byproduct, we are able to showcase what we consider to be the cream-of-the-crop films from around the world.”

Members from the Phoenix Film Critics Society have been viewing and voting on the movies that will be shown during this year’s Scottsdale International Film Festival for the past several months in consideration for various awards. Audiences also have the opportunity to vote on the films that they see during the event.

Ettinger says that this year’s narrative fiction submissions, like “International Falls,” are extremely strong, but this year’s assortment of documentaries are the films that she is most excited for audiences to discover.

“They are so timely,” Ettinger says. “They are different bites of the apple on what is happening in corporate America, in politics, in schools, in every walk of life that touches us. They are set so perfectly to get people looking at issues from different points of view before next year’s election.”

One such documentary is “The Great American Lie.” The film’s director, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, believes that today’s cultural pendulum swings too far toward revering masculine concepts like individualism, power and money at the expense of feminine concepts like empathy, care and collaboration. “‘The Great American Lie’ challenges and questions the promise of the American Dream that says that all people—no matter where you come from, no matter your background, no matter your circumstances—can

EXPERIENCE Scottsdale International Film Festival i m a g e|s a$14+ r i z o n|ascottsdalefilmfestival.com . c o m Oc tob e r 2 019 62Nov. 1–10

begin to provide the needed context about a failing school in a state with the largest achievement gap between black and white students in the nation.

"International Falls," Photo Courtesy of Amber McGinnis

“

make it if you try hard enough,” Newsom says. “This film takes a deep look at the connection between inequality and our gendered values.”

Filmmakers continue to perfect the art of storytelling.

I am constantly delighted and thrilled each year as I watch the films that we find from around the globe at how inventive, unique and outof-the-box their storylines are.

“

Amy Ettinger

Newsom adds that media is the biggest cultural communicator of our time, and she uses the documentary film format to spark change.

“As a documentary filmmaker, it is important to pull back the curtain and tell uncomfortable truths about our society's shortcomings so that we can fix those problems, heal and move forward as a country,” Newsom explains. “I think that it is time for us to start having a national conversation about our values.

I hope that this film can help jumpstart that conversation.”

Another documentary, “Love Them First: Lessons from Lucy Lane Elementary,” follows the determination of a Minneapolis school principal to get her elementary off the bottom of the state's list of underperforming schools— where it had been for two decades.

Lindsey Seavert, who co-directed the film with Ben Garvin, says that the documentary was born from their inner conflict as journalists. She and Garvin sought to break the mold when a 90-second broadcast story could not

“The [film] medium is important because it is an immersive call to action, where our audiences can live the stories of the students for a moment in time and walk away changed,” Seavert explains.

“Our greatest hope is because of this experience, the questions raised in our documentary will motivate and empower others to take this story back to their own sphere of influence and help revolutionize education for children of color.”

Ettinger notes that “International Falls,” “The Great American Lie” and “Love Them First: Lessons from Lucy Lane Elementary” are just three of the many magnificent movies that audiences can discover during this year’s Scottsdale International Film Festival.

The executive director encourages people from around the Valley to view this year’s program online and choose at least one movie to see. She believes that they will be so moved—emotionally, mentally or both—that they will be persuaded to purchase tickets to additional films and invite their friends with whom they can discuss the stories and situations that unfold on the screen.

“There is quite a lot to digest and chew on during this year’s film festival,” Ettinger says. “Filmmakers continue to perfect the art of storytelling. I am constantly delighted and thrilled each year as I watch the films that we find from around the globe at how inventive, unique and out-of-the-box their storylines are.

“Nobody will want to leave the theater without talking about what they just saw.” scottsdalefilmfestival.com October 2019

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Honey Pear Tart Simple ingredients, super delicious! Feel free to take the core out of the pears for easier eating. I enjoy the way this dish looks with the entire pear, but taking the core out is just as easy!

Ingredients: 1 package frozen puff pastry 2 tablespoons butter 4–5 peaches 1/4 cup honey 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cardamom ice cream, if desired

Directions: Thaw puff pastry according to directions on package. This may take a day or a few hours.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees, or heat according to puff pastry package. Halve pears and place in a 12-inch skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter on medium-high heat. Cook for about 4 minutes. Pour honey over peaches, and sprinkle cardamom on top. Turn heat to low.

Place puff pastry directly over peaches. Gently push down into corners surrounding peaches. Cut off excess, or just fold under.

Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let sit for 1 minute, then turn out onto a serving plate. Top with ice cream and honey. Yum!

Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

kyndraclaire.com

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Fall Salad with Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette Full of fall flavors, this salad is perfect to serve at your next fall gathering! Greens called for are just a suggestion. Feel free to use any combination that you like or may have on hand.

You may substitute another vinegar if you don't have sherry. Try apple cider or white wine vinegar.

Hemp oil is found in the refrigerated section of "health food" area of your store. It is delicious in a vinaigrette!

Ingredients: Salad: 2 cups fresh baby spinach 2 cups baby butter lettuce 1 cup chopped fresh kale 1 cup watercress leaves 2 red apples, chopped or sliced 1/2 cup candied pecans 1/8 cup roasted pepitas 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped 1/2 cup dried cranberries, shaved or crumbled parmesan or crumbled bleu cheese Vinaigrette: 1/2 cup olive oil (or combination of olive and hemp oil) 1/4 cup sherry vinegar 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried thyme salt & pepper to taste

Directions: In a large shaker top jar, combine vinaigrette ingredients and shake well. Store in refrigerator until ready to use.

Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

kyndraclaire.com

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In a large serving bowl, combine spinach, butter lettuce, chopped kale and watercress and toss. Top with apples, pecans, pepitas, bacon, cranberries and cheese. Drizzle with pumpkin vinaigrette to taste and serve.

Store leftover vinaigrette in refrigerator for up to a week.

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THE REAL ESTATE MARKET DOESN’T DICTATE YOUR RESULTS, THE REAL ESTATE TEAM YOU HIRE DOES!

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“Anyone who dreams of an uncommon life eventually discovers there is no choice but to seek an uncommon approach to living it.” - Gary Keller, The ONE Thing Andrew Bloom REALTOR®, Senior Partner Andrew@BVOLuxury.com

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David Van Omen Associate Broker, Senior Partner David@BVOLuxury.com

(480) 999-5460 | www.BVOLuxuryGroup.com