Images Arizona (November 2023)

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ABOUT

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TOWN

PHOTOGRAPHY ESSAY

RIDERS IN THE SKY

HI DDE N I N TH E H ILLS

ARTIST STUDIO TOUR

NOVEMBER 2023 PROUDLY SERVING THESE COMMUNITIES: DC Ranch Country Club l Desert Highlands Golf Club Grayhawk Golf Club l Happy Valley Ranch l McDowell Mountain Pinnacle Peak Country Club l Scottsdale National Golf Club C1 imagesar om November 2023 Silverleaf Country Club l Troon Northizona.c Golf Club and surrounding area

Exhibition Opens November 10!

Instruments played by the heroes of folk, blues, and bluegrass music

Iconic Guitars, Mandolins, and Banjos

#ACOUSTICAMERICA

Mandolin virtuoso David Grisman’s historic 1925 Gibson mandolin

Blues legend Mississippi John Hurt’s stunning 1964 Guild guitar

Loan courtesy of David Grisman

Loan courtesy of John Oates

Banjo superstar and bluegrass pioneer Earl Scruggs’s gold-plated 1928 Gibson banjo

Presenting sponsor

MIM.org | 4725 i mages|a r480.478.6000 i zo n a .c o m November 20 23 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix C2

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SANDERSON LINCOLN

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Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377 Hours: Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. By appointment Sun. and Mon. 480.575.8080

GraceReneeGallery.com 4

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Sky is the Limit

OUTDOO R A RT SHOW

A R T TO B E ENJO YED O UT SI DE

S ATURDAY & S U N D AY, NOVEM BER 2 5 - 2 6 F ROM 1 0 AM TO 4P M

AXTON-GIDDING

Suspensions, metal and mixed media

BRYCE PETTIT

Crane, bronze on metal base. 68” by 18” by 18”

TREVOR SWANSON

Season of Red, oil and patina on metal. 16” by 12”

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES, HOME FURNISHINGS & FINE ART GALLERY 36889 N. Tom Darlington Dr. Suite B1, Carefree | 480-595-0171 | suebickerdyke.com imagesar izona.c om November 2023 Hours: Mon. thru Sat. 9am - 5pm Allied ASID

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What's Inside?

Sky is the Limit

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OUTDOOR ART SHOW

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25-26 FROM 10AM TO 4PM

TASTING ABOUT TOWN

RIDERS IN THE SKY

DESIGNING HOMES, BUILDING COMMUNITY

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COMMUNITY

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SPARKING CREATIVE CONNECTIONS

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RECIPE

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INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES, HOME FURNISHINGS & FINE ART GALLERY 36889 N. Tom Darlington Dr. Suite B1, Carefree | 480-595-0171 | suebickerdyke.com i mages a r i zo n a .c o m November 20 23Hours: Mon. thru Sat. 9am - 5pm Allied ASID

THIRD THURSDAY, N O V E M B E R 1 6 F R O M 4 T O 7 P M Sip, Shop and Celebrate with Live Music by NuWrld Jazz Quartet

SUE KRZYSTON

Out of the Shadow, oil on canvas, 36” by 24”

AXTON-GIDDING Storm Impression, 48” by 48”

TREVOR SWANSON With the Wind, 12” by 16”

SUE BICKERDYKE 28 years in Carefree

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES, HOME FURNISHINGS & FINE ART GALLERY 36889 N. Tom Darlington Dr. Suite B1, Carefree | 480-595-0171 | suebickerdyke.com imagesar izona.c om November 2023 Hours: Mon. thru Sat. 9am - 5pm Allied ASID

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From the Publisher Publisher Shelly Spence

Managing Editor Joseph J. Airdo

Graphic Designer

Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo Francine Coles Susan Kern-Fleischer James Malcolmson Rebecca L. Rhoades Shannon Severson

Photographers

Francine Coles Loralei Lazurek

Advertising Sales

Cindi Calcinari 860-966-3271 cindi@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com

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Our communities — and our lives — are filled with history. We treasure forever the memories of our children’s first steps, the festival at which we met our significant other and the trip to Northern Arizona we took with our friends to see the autumn leaves. Our libraries, museums and antique shops are populated by historical artifacts that represent moments in time that we, ourselves, may not have experienced.

We are preservers of history by nature, often obsessed with taking pictures of moments we wish to always remember. Our art — be it painting, sculpture, jewelry, prose or performance piece — provides reflections of the past, ensuring that our ideas, feelings and experiences are safeguarded for future generations.

This month’s issue of Images Arizona is dedicated to the history that surrounds us and our conservation of it. From a feature about the legacies of our nation’s veterans to stories about some of the artists participating in this fall’s 27th annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour, these pages portray the many ways in which those in our communities are preserving the past through food, art, architecture and more.

There is no better month of the year than November to reflect on such things as we approach Thanksgiving — a time at which we are certain to make many more memories that we will treasure forever and think about all we are grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

Cheers!

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 © 2023 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.

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Photography by Loralei Lazurek

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

AT SUE BICKERDYKE INTERIORS THIRD THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16 FROM 4 TO 7PM

Sky is the Limit

ART TO BE ENJOYED OUTSIDE

SATURDAY & SUNDAY NOVEMBER 25-26 FROM 10AM TO 4PM

SUE BICKERDYKE 28 years in Carefree

FURNITURE • LAMPS • ART • ACCESSORIES • PILLOWS • THROWS • FOLIAGE • AREA RUGS • LEATHER BEDS

36889 N. Tom Darlington Dr Suite B1, Carefree | Hours: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm imagesar izona.c om November 2023 Allied ASID | 480-595-0171 | SUEBICKERDYKE.COM

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G R A C E

R E N E E

G A L L E R Y

NOVEMBER

ARTIST

Maura Allen

CONTEMPORARY WESTERN ARTIST

Real and romanticized, the West is the center of Maura Allen’s work.

Maura’s work is in museum, corporate and private collections in the West—and beyond.

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ARTIST RECEPTION Thursday, November 16 Wine & appetizers 4–7 p.m.

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Grace Renee Gallery Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377 Hours: Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

By appointment Sun. and Mon. 480.575.8080 10

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GraceReneeGallery.com

ABOVE :

Blue Sky Days Ahead, Acrylic on Wood Panel, 40” by 30”

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Photo by Willy Conley Born profoundly deaf, freelance writer, photographer and theater/ film artist Willy Conley is ceaselessly in search of ways to enrich and uplift the deaf — and human — experience. He recently shared with Images Arizona a collection of his photographs that he refers to as “watergraphs.”

“Although not a native of Arizona, I am a lover of all aspects of the Southwest,” says Conley, a retired professor/chair of theater at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. “These images are from my periodic visits to the state over a span of 22 years, beginning in 1997. “‘Watergraph’ is a term I invented that came from taking photographs of water reflections that have been turned upsidedown. Depending on environmental factors like the wind, debris in the water and the color of the sky, each inverted reflection creates a painting in its own right, bordered by whatever is surrounding the water.”

Conley suggests that Images Arizona readers turn this magazine upside-down to see how this image was originally discovered.

“Just as an artist chooses a type of frame and size to present a piece of art, these natural mirrors have their own self-contained frames in which they present themselves in the landscape,” Conley adds. “All reflections are recorded as is, without any double exposures or extreme image manipulation. This has been a part of my serendipitous quest around the world for water reflections that range from little puddles to large bodies of water.” willyconley.com

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SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS TO IMAGES@IMAGESAZ.COM OR TAG #IMAGESAZ ON INSTAGRAM FOR POSSIBLE PUBLICATION IN AN UPCOMING ISSUE. imagesar izona.c om November 2023

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Writer Shannon Severson

The birth of speakeasies dates back to the ill-fated 18th Amendment and the Prohibition era, which extended from 1920 to 1933.

The term “speakeasy” may have originated from the soft voices required of patrons in underground establishments, where a secret password was the key that opened the unmarked door to backrooms and basements that offered forbidden libations from moonshine to cocktails.

Wine, on the other hand, was a bit more accessible as people were allowed to make a limited amount for their own use. Small gatherings and wine “appreciation” clubs emerged, often in private homes.

While alcohol is perfectly legal these days, there’s still a touch of alluring mystery that lingers around the idea of speakeasies and smaller-scale opportunities to taste and toast. North Valley neighborhoods are abuzz with venues inspired by tradition for just such an experience.

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Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge 37555 N. HUM ROAD, SUITE 109 CAREFREE 480-575-0993 STICKSGOLF-CIGARLOUNGE.COM While the name of this Carefree establishment spotlights golf and cigars, as it should, there’s just not enough room on the sign to list all that Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge offers.

“I tell people, ‘We’re not a cigar lounge, we’re a social experience,’” says owner Larry Foppe. “It’s a place you can sit down and talk for a couple of hours.

We don’t do loud music or bands. We know our customers and what they drink, what they smoke. Everybody’s on a first-name basis. It’s very unique.”

Foppe’s’ customers enjoy a full bar; indoor and outdoor spaces with screens for catching a game; humidified cigar lockers for annual rental; a “Full Swing” golf simulator; and a laser shooting range.

A main lounge furnished with comfortable leather chairs is a laidback, clubby spot to smoke one of the over 1,500 brands and sizes of premium cigars available for purchase in the state-of-the-art 250-squarefoot walk-in humidor. Some rarefied smokes can be found and prominent cigar makers often visit to hold events and offer deals.

Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge is all about having something for everyone.

There are 50 different bourbons and

30 different scotch varieties with which to pair a cigar. Wine, beer and craft cocktails are also plentiful. The lounge doesn’t serve food, but has menus from nearby restaurants for to-go orders and will cater for sporting events like football games — with Sunday NFL being a top draw.

While Foppe has many regulars, including those who take advantage of the VIP membership experience with 24/7 access to a private lounge, newcomers are immediately welcomed into the fold.

“When somebody new comes in, they’re immediately asked to join the groups,” Foppe explains. “Everybody introduces themselves, and they sit down and have a conversation. I love it.”

Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge // Photos Courtesy of Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge

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While alcohol is perfectly legal these days, there’s still a touch of alluring mystery that lingers around the idea of speakeasies and smaller-scale opportunities to taste and toast.

The clientele skews heavily male but Foppe says that about 20% of his clientele is female, and he has some special events aimed at the demographic — including ladies’ golf instruction each Thursday night with a local golf pro in the simulator, which is a non-smoking space; gun safety training classes; a planned level two live ammunition course at Ben Avery Shooting Facility; and an “introduction to cigars” class especially for women.

The owner points out that you don’t have to smoke to enjoy Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge. Non-smokers often enjoy the beautiful outdoor patios and golf simulator.

“We are kind of known as the ‘Cheers’ of Carefree,” Foppe says. “Sticks is where everybody knows your name.”

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Poppy’s Office 34522 N. SCOTTSDALE ROAD, SUITE 160, SCOTTSDALE, KEELERHOSPITALITYGROUP.COM After the unexpected loss of Paul Keeler in 2021, the beloved founder of Keeler Hospitality Group, his son Matt had a vivid dream that became the seed of a new business — a speakeasy called Poppy’s Office right next door to its sister restaurant, Liberty Station.

Matt, Judy and Ryan Keeler

“I woke up, called my family and said, ‘We have to do this,’ and they agreed,” recalls Matt, who is the chief executive officer of Keeler Hospitality Group.

“North Scottsdale doesn’t have a speakeasy and, like all our concepts, we are delighted to open in this part of town. These residents deserve the same type of amazing cocktails and experiences that other parts of the Valley offer. We will continue to innovate in this area. We love playing in the sandbox with our neighbors.”

Guests first enter a vestibule that is an exact replica of Paul’s office — furnished with his desk, lamp, bookshelves and memorabilia. A secret passageway leads to a richly appointed 1,500-square-foot bar adorned with luxe fabrics, wood, marble and family photos. Two family booths seat large parties and can be made more private by drawing a set of curtains.

The concept is a place to reminisce and create new memories — a bit of tradition with a nod to the new.

Poppy's Office // Photos by Tait Ludwick

“Poppyisms,” clever terms and sayings attributable to the elder Keeler, appear frequently around the establishment, including on the elevated cocktail menu designed by Keeler Hospitality Group’s director of beverage, Adam Downey.

Sip a refreshing Honey-Do List, a gin, honeydew-dill cordial and aquavit quaff adorned with lemon, cucumber air and dill, or go for something a bit bolder in Poppy’s Cigar, a blend of Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie, The Deacon Whiskey, apple, chocolate and Peychaud bitters, sweetened with local honey, smoked table side with a luscious Luxardo cherry to top it off.

Several drinks, including the Best in Class — a riff on a Manhattan — are prepared tableside. Wine drinkers will also find plenty to choose from.

Poppy’s Office hours are just like its hardworking namesake: open daily at 4 p.m. for happy hour until 10 p.m. on weekdays and later on weekends. Poppy’s Tacos are offered in a rotating selection each day or customers can order food to go from Liberty Station next door.

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Happy Bee Meadery // Photos Courtesy of Happy Bee Meadery

Happy Bee Meadery 6061 E. CAVE CREEK ROAD, CAVE CREEK 602-342-5624 INFO@HAPPYBEEMEADERY.COM A small but immediately recognizable, peaked-roof octagonal building with a bright, turquoise-hued door at the center of Cave Creek is the inviting home of the newly-christened Happy Bee Meadery.

Rick and Marie Robart have created an enchanting spot to gather and relax while sampling beer, wine and mead from entirely local sources. A newly furnished and landscaped patio is dotted with fire pits and fire towers to gently warm the cooler evenings we all relish.

If hunger pangs hit, Happy Bee Meadery has you covered in a most surprising way. On the second Saturday of each month, beginning at 5 p.m., live music serenades guests while a portable pizza oven created from a vintage Chevy Corvair cooks up a menu of pizza, pretzels and other delicious bites.

Mead — a fermented blend of honey, water and often fruits, herbs or spices for flavor — may be unfamiliar to us today, but it is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages on earth, with its origins in Northern China dating back to at least 7000–6500 B.C. The drink’s popularity in Europe is tied to its use as a sacred, ritualistic beverage by Norse and Celtic cultures, followed by a rise in regard in the British Isles during the Middle Ages.

Modern techniques continue to evolve as the drink — which can be sweet or dry, sparkling or still with varying proof levels — regains popularity and boasts a dedicated following. Unlike grape-based wine, it’s also got staying power; a bottle of mead can be enjoyed, recapped and stored in the fridge. Even after a couple of months, its taste and quality are unchanged.

“Marie first convinced me to try mead on a trip we took for her birthday in 2019,” Rick recalls. “It has so many natural qualities. I don’t like sweet stuff, but I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor and all the good things in it. Now, we have mead and local beer and wine at Happy Bee Meadery. [There’s] something for everyone.”

Happy Bee Meadery offers a choice of three or six tasting flights of mead. Beer, wine and mead are available in chilled or off-the-shelf bottles or cans for everything that’s available on draft. Patrons can purchase drinks to take home or to enjoy while sitting on the patio. The on-site team is also happy to cork up unfinished bottles for guests to take home with them.

“People really enjoy the patio area,” Rick says. “We want our guests to enjoy Arizona’s wines, beers and mead the Cave Creek way.”

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Carefree Spirits Distillery 6201 E. CAVE CREEK ROAD SUITE C, CAVE CREEK 480-466-7424 CAREFREE-SPIRITS.COM It may be surprising to learn that a town as small as Carefree has a locally owned distillery business known for carefully crafted bourbon and vodka, but it does — with a little help from Kansas.

Carefree Spirits Distillery founders and majority owners Renea McQuiggan and her husband, Mike, began their journey as hobbyists, using her family’s Midwest cornfield as an ingredient source.

After years of research, development and a degree from Moonshine University in Louisville, Kentucky to hone their skills, the couple opened Carefree Spirits Distillery’s tasting room in 2019. Visitors can learn about the international award-winning brand and taste flights of smooth-drinking Carefree Bourbon and Chakra Vodka.

Carefree Spirits Distillery // Photos Courtesy of Carefree Spirits Distillery

The single-barrel Carefree Bourbon is distilled and aged in the Midwest using the best water and grains and aged for a minimum of two to three years. It is then brought to Arizona, where it is toasted and waits for a month or two before bottling.

Several barrels from 2017, 2018 and on will be introduced as special

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In 2022, Jake Stuckey joined the ownership group and is a selfdescribed “expert drinker,” though the McQuiggans call him their “master taster.”

“Mike, Renea and I are all lovers of spirits,” Stuckey says. “I know what tastes good. I spent time in Kentucky and developed a love for bourbon.

We hit it off when I offered to help them out with sales. We’re having a wonderful time.”

Carefree Spirits Distillery has recently become the sponsor of Buffalo Chip’s Friday night buckle winner and the McQuiggans have expansion plans for 2025, including a new 15,000-square-foot facility in Carefree featuring a bottling and blending showroom; corporate offices; a tasting room; a retail shop; and an event center.

The current tasting room is meant to welcome the community and highlight the restaurants around the Valley that feature Carefree Spirits Distillery’s products.

It’s open daily for folks to come in, order a drink or a flight and enjoy a charcuterie board or bring their own food from nearby restaurants.

Each Wednesday is cigar night, in partnership with Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge, while bloody marys are served each Sunday. The space can also be reserved for private events.

releases in the coming years.

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Chakra Vodka is made right next door to the family farm in Kansas with imported water, then shipped to the distillery in Carefree to be proofed down, blended and filtered.

All natural ingredients and extracts are added to create flavors like pineapple and rosemary or green tea, mint and matcha, without any sugars or artificial flavors.

“We invite newcomers to talk to our mixologist and tell them what you typically like,” Stuckey says.

“You can start with a flight to try it, and they can tailor a drink to your preferences. Our guests say we serve some of the best old fashioneds they’ve ever had, the best craft cocktails and the best charcuterie boards.”

Venues Café 34 EASY STREET, CAREFREE, 480-595-9909, VENUESCAFE.COM Venues Café is a longtime fixture in the quaint downtown shopping district of Carefree. Along with specializing in comfort food with a southwestern accent, the restaurant is known for being a favorite of locals and out-of-towners with its friendly staff and a can’t-miss menu.

Owner Catherine Marr is entering her 14th year of operation and says it’s always a special night at Venues, where patrons can look forward to a different menu spotlight nearly every day of the week. She’s made highlighting local artists and charities a hallmark of her business.

“Our customers are the best and the area is a little slice of heaven,” Marr says.

An extensive wine list and specialty cocktails, including the Fig Moscow Mule, Carefree Colada and Catherine’s Cosmo — a classic cosmopolitan with a prosecco float — are on the happy hour menu. Specialty cocktails, such as the Ginger Apple Blush Martini that is now being featured for fall, are also offered.

Venues Cafe // Photos Courtesy of Venues Cafe

Patrons can sample their way through the menu with happy hour noshes like Asian lettuce wraps, assorted sliders, deviled eggs and charred honey garlic wings. Marr keeps it interesting with something special to look forward to nearly every day of the week.

On Tuesdays, a free glass of house wine or beer is served with the purchase of every burger. On Wednesdays, $3 street tacos escape the confines of Tuesday and can be paired with $5 house margaritas. Thursdays feature pasta creations and any two entrées can be paired with a half-priced bottle of wine. Fridays naturally lend themselves to all-you-can-eat beer-battered fish and chips. Saturday is all about the prime rib.

Meanwhile, brunch is served every Sunday, when guests can enjoy bottomless champagne or mimosas — one bottle per customer — with any brunch menu purchase.

Beyond daily specials, Venues Café’s regular menu has delicious specialty salads for lunch — the chicken taco salad being a favorite — and, starting at 5 p.m., entrées include crowd-pleasers like short ribs with wasabi mashed potatoes, chicken schnitzel with lingonberry sauce, salmon with lemon beurre blanc, and the chef’s creamy, homemade, stuffed jumbo shrimp with risotto or seafood enchiladas.

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— ALEX ŠEPKUS JEWELRY DESIGN —

NOVEMBER 2–4

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Sneak Peek Thursday from 4–7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

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Step into the enchanting world of Alex Šepkus, a renowned fine jewelry designer based in New York.

His creations are characterized by their delightful playfulness, distinctive quirkiness, and a celebrated blend of understated elegance and intricate craftsmanship. Each piece of jewelry crafted by Alex Šepkus is not just an accessory, but a unique work of art that captures the imagination and showcases the beauty of fine gemstones and precious metals.

— MEET AARON HENRY JEWELRY —

NOVEMBER 9–11

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Sneak Peek Thursday from 4–7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

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Aaron Henry Designs is a prestigious American luxury jewelry collection known for its meticulous craftsmanship and blend of classical Old World quality with contemporary design. The collection is the brainchild of Aaron Furlong, a brilliant designer who specializes in creating heirloom pieces using high karat gold and vibrant gemstones.

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— FOPE ITALIAN FLEX’IT JEWELRY —

NOVEMBER 16–18

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Sneak Peek Thursday from 4–7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

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FOPE Italian Fine Jewelry is a renowned brand that offers a diverse range of exquisite jewelry, all crafted by Italian goldsmiths who blend traditional artistry with continuous innovation. The brand is notably recognized for its iconic interlinked gold mesh design, a hallmark that symbolizes the fusion of everyday luxury with cutting-edge technological advancements.

Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7, Carefree, AZ | 480.575.8080 | GraceReneeGallery.com

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— EXPLORING HIGH JEWELRY —

NOVEMBER 30–DECEMBER 2 Sneak Peek Thursday from 4–7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

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Immerse yourself in the captivating world of High Jewelry at the Grace Renee Gallery’s exclusive event, where you will have the opportunity to witness an extraordinary array of natural color diamonds and exquisite color gemstone designs.

From the wonder of pink, blue and green diamonds to the enchanting allure of sapphires, the fiery brilliance of rubies and the lush greens of emeralds, this showcase promises to take your breath away. Each rarest of the rare piece is handcrafted by the top jewelers in the country, exhibiting a quality that is beyond compare.

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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 — CYNTHIA ANN JEWELS MEDALLIONS —

DECEMBER 7–9

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Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Cynthia Ann Jewels’ Ancient + Old Medallions collection. This captivating showcase brings together a mesmerizing array of ancient relics, thoughtfully reimagined as wearable pieces of art. Each item seamlessly blends classic European design elements with contemporary metals, textures, and stunning precious and semiprecious stones.

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Sneak Peek Thursday from 4–7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7, Carefree, AZ | 480.575.8080 | GraceReneeGallery.com imagesar izona.c om November 2023

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COMMUNITY November 2023 Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Through Nov. 12 ‘13’

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre will present its production of “13.” See website for prices and times.

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre at Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale. 480-4831664; desertstages.org

Through Nov. 12 ‘The Gospel at Colonus’ Black Theatre Troupe will present its production of “Barbecue,” which blends the agony of Greek tragedy with the ecstasy of Black gospel music. $50. See website for times. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. 602-258-8128; blacktheatretroupe.org

Through Dec. 31 ‘HOME-ING’

Scottsdale Public Art will host an exhibition that centers on personal imagery and family memories that evoke “home” for artists Judith Ann Miller and David Dauncey.

Free. Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3948 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. scottsdalepublicart.org

Through Dec. 31

NIGHTFALL GUIDED TOUR Each Sunday and Monday, passionate and knowledgeable guides will guide guests in an after-dark exploration of Taliesin West. The 60-minute tour focuses on the outdoor spaces of Taliesin West’s Historic Core and what it looks like to live in harmony with the natural environment. $49; youth, student and member discounts available.

Dusk. Taliesin West, 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-860-2700; franklloydwright.org

Through June 3 Nov. 2–4

ALEX SEPKUS

Discover the wonderful world of New York fine jewelry designer Alex Sepkus, whose work reflects an irresistible playfulness and quirkiness and is celebrated for its understated elegance and intricacy. Explore a one-of-a-kind collection of hand-picked gemstone jewelry and other pieces of timeless, wearable art. Free.

Special sneak peek Thursday 4–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree.

480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

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AMERICAN ICONS TOUR Each Sunday and Monday, passionate and knowledgeable guides will guide guests in an after-dark exploration of Taliesin West. The 60-minute tour focuses on the outdoor spaces of Taliesin West’s Historic Core and what it looks like to live in harmony with the natural environment. $49; youth, student and member discounts available.

Dusk. Taliesin West, 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-860-2700; franklloydwright.org

Nov. 3–4

DREAMY DRAW MUSIC FESTIVAL Scottsdale Civic Center will host a two-day music festival that celebrates the harmonious fusion of country and Americana. Headliners will include Midland, Lord Huron, Margo Price and Trampled by Turtles. $80+. 1–11 p.m.

Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. dreamydrawfest.com

Nov. 3–12

CANAL CONVERGENCE Scottsdale Arts will host its 11th annual showcase of interactive, light-based artworks. The event will also include educational workshops, family-friendly activities, art tours, live music and dance performances, a beer and wine garden, food trucks and more. Free. Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. canalconvergence.com

Nov. 3–19

‘SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE’ Fountain Hills Theater presents its production of “Shakespeare in Love.”

See website for prices and times.

Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480837-9661; fhtaz.org

Nov. 4

BOYS TO MEN FESTIVAL Participating male singers from schools across the state will join male singers from local male choruses in an afternoon-long rehearsal session with guest clinicians, culminating in a concert consisting of selections by participating schools, performances by the participating local male choruses and a few songs by all participants. $5. 4:30 p.m. Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley. orpheus.org

Nov. 4

CENTRAL ARIZONA FLUTE ENSEMBLE Central Arizona Flute Ensemble will perform a concert that serves as an interactive journey into the world of melodies, emotions and unity. $25+. 2 p.m. The Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480488-1090; hollandcenter.org

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COMMUNITY November 2023 Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Nov. 4

MOVING DAY PHOENIX For the fifth straight year, Team Terravita Movers & Shakers will represent its North Scottsdale community during Moving Day Phoenix — an annual fundraising walk event that unites people around the country living with Parkinson’s disease, their care partners and loved ones. 9:30 a.m. Kiwanis Park, 5500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. movingdayphoenix.org

Nov. 5

FALL YOUNG MUSICIANS CONCERT Arizona Musicfest will present a concert showcasing Arizona’s brightest young classical musicians, each with astounding technique and prodigious musicianship. $23.50. 1 p.m. MIM Music Theater, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Nov. 6

‘ELVIS: THE CONCERT OF KINGS’ Arizona Musicfest will present a concert that possesses the legendary power and presence of music’s greatest icon, Elvis Presley. $39+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Nov. 8

A DOZEN WAYS TO DIE IN THE DESERT Len Marcisz, a legacy steward for the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, will discuss the unusual ways in which people end up ten toes in the air in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. $10. 10 a.m. The Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-1090; hollandcenter.org

Nov. 8

GET LIT BOOK CLUB

Nov. 17–19 and Nov. 24–26

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS

Sonorant Arts League’s signature artist studio tour will feature 164 artists at 41 studios throughout Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale. Free.

10 a.m.–5 p.m. See website for participating studios. hiddeninthehills.org

Desert Foothills Library will host a happy hour discussion of “Several People Are Typing” by Calvin Kasulke. Free. 5 p.m. RSVP. See website for location. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Nov. 8

HONOR, PROTECT, SERVE Veterans Heritage Project will host a casual evening during which attendees will discover how the nonprofit organization is working to honor veterans, protect America's heritage and serve the community. Free. 4 p.m.

Cochise-Geronimo Clubhouse, 10333 Rockaway Hills Drive, Scottsdale. veteransheritage.org

Nov. 9

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Archaeologist Allen Dart will discuss archaeological and ethnographic evidence of ancient astronomical and

calendrical reckoning practices seen in petroglyphs, architecture and settlement layouts in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah, and interpret how these discoveries may relate to ancient Native American rituals. Donations accepted. 6 p.m.

The Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480488-1090; hollandcenter.org

Nov. 9–11

AARON HENRY JEWELRY Meet the brilliant designer behind this marvelous American luxury jewelry collection and explore an exquisite selection of brilliant pieces, each one meticulously handcrafted to bring classical Old World quality to modern design. Free. Special sneak peek Thursday 4–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Nov. 10–12

‘ACOUSTIC AMERICA: ICONIC GUITARS, MANDOLINS AND BANJOS’ The Musical Instrument Museum will debut its latest exhibition, which tells the stories behind the rich and vibrant sounds of acoustic instruments in America. $10; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Nov. 10–19

‘DISNEY’S ALADDIN, JR.’ Desert Foothills Theatre will present its production of “Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.” See website for prices and times.

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480488-1981; dftheater.org

Nov. 11

FRANKIE AVALON Arizona Musicfest will present a concert featuring 83-year-old pop culture icon Frankie Avalon. $53+.

2 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E.

Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Nov. 11

PARADISE REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S CLUB Paradise Republican Women's Club will host its monthly meeting, which will feature a guest speaker, breakfast, socializing and more. Free. 8:30 a.m.

Maggiano's Little Italy, 16405 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. prwcaz.org

Nov. 12

SCOTTSDALE PHILHARMONIC Scottsdale Philharmonic will perform a concert of classical music. $20+.

4 p.m. Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. scottsdalephilharmonic.com

Nov. 16

ARTIST MAURA ALLEN Discover a collection of remarkably beautiful documentations of the American West that draw upon the continuum of its past and present during a special reception for artist Maura Allen. Like opening a forgotten trunk full of memories in an old attic, each of Allen’s works is full of intimate surprises. Free. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

jewelry from this Italian goldsmith built on a tradition that keeps innovating. Instantly recognizable for its famous interlinked gold mesh, each piece represents a marriage of everyday luxury and technological innovation. Free. Special sneak peek Thursday 4–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Nov.16–Dec. 23

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’ Don Bluth Front Row Theater will present its production of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” $30; youth, student, senior, military and group discounts available. See website for times. Don Bluth Front Row Theater, 8989 E. Via Linda, Suite 118, Scottsdale. 480-3140841; donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com

Nov. 17

THE MUSIC OF BILLY JOEL AND ELTON JOHN Arizona Musicfest will present a concert featuring charismatic performer and musician Michael Cavanaugh, reinterpreting the modern pop/rock songbook of Billy Joel and Elton John. $39+. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest. org

Nov. 17

Nov. 16

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S GOLF TOURNAMENT

Craig Hanneman, former defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, will discuss his successful effort to summit the highest peak on earth, Mt. Everest, at 63 years old. $20. 6 p.m. The Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-1090; hollandcenter.org

Phoenix Children’s will host its 24th annual golf tournament, which, this year, will benefit The Hope Fund — whose role is to provide aid for new programs at Phoenix Children’s and purchases of essential research while addressing the needs of patients in realtime and funding pioneering research.

Troon North Golf Club, 10320 E. Dynamite Blvd., Scottsdale. pchgolf.org

SUMMITING MT. EVEREST

Nov. 16–18

FOPE ITALIAN FINE JEWELRY Explore a vast collection of elegant imagesar izona.c om November 2023

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COMMUNITY November 2023 Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Nov. 17–Dec. 3

‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’ Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre will present its production of “The Play That Goes Wrong.” See website for prices and times. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre at Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale. 480-483-1664; desertstages.org

Nov. 17–Dec. 10 ‘THE VANDAL’

The Theatre Artists Studio will present its production of “The Vandal.” See website for prices and times. The Theatre Artists Studio, 12406 N. Paradise Village Parkway East, Scottsdale. thestudiophx.org

Nov. 17–Jan. 6

CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will host its annual holiday lights display and festival, featuring more than 6.5 million sparkling LED lights, ice skating, cheerful holiday characters and more. See website for prices and times.

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. 480-585-4848; fairmont.com

Nov. 19 Nov. 22–Jan. 14

ZOOLIGHTS

Phoenix Zoo will present its annual holiday lights display, featuring the tallest floating tree in North America, an interactive Glow Garden and an immersive 200-foot-long light tunnel. 5:30–10:30 p.m. $30+; member discounts available. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-286-3800; phoenixzoo.org

AMONGST HEROES Salt River Brass will present a concert of patriotic music. $20+; youth, student and senior discounts available. 3 p.m.

Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa. saltriverbrass.org

Nov. 19 CANTUS

Arizona Musicfest will present a concert featuring men’s vocal ensemble Cantus. $50.50+. 2 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Nov. 24

RHYTHM OF THE YULETIDE DANCE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL The National Dance Company of Ireland will present a festive journey and let the magic of Christmas begin with everyone’s favorite Christmas songs, performed by world-class musicians, star vocalists and world-champion dancers. See website for prices. 8 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. scottsdaleperformingarts.org

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THIRD THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16 FROM 4-7PM

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M & E STOYANOV GALLERY 30 Easy Street 480-575-7857

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36889 N. Tom Darlington Drive

ZUVA GALLERY

42 Easy Street 310-433-4465

WILD HOLLY GALLERY

22 Easy Street, Suite 235 480-595-8757

STEVE STENTO GALLERY 42 Easy Street 623-330-7647

99 Easy Street, Suite 235

GRACE RENEE GALLERY 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. Suite 7 480-575-8080

SONORAN ARTS LEAGUE GALLERY

BELLA FINE GOODS 36889 N. Tom Darlington Dr. 480-488-7062

GALLERY MICHÉLE

7275 E. Easy Street Suite A104

THUNDERBIRD ARTISTS GALLERY 100 Easy Steet Suite 1 480-313-8447

ADELANTE

7212 Ho Hum Rd. Suite 14 480-488-1285

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COMMUNITY November 2023 Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Nov. 24–Dec. 31

ENCHANT: THE MISCHIEVIOUS ELF Enchant will host an incredibly illuminated winter wonderland, featuring more than 4 million sparkling lights, creating an immersive walk-through, story-themed maze. The pop-up village will also offer ice skating, live entertainment, dining, holiday shopping and more. $34; youth, senior, military and group discounts available. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Resort, 7555 N. Pima Road, scottsdaleenchantchristmas.com

Nov. 24–Dec. 31

MESA TEMPLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Mesa Temple will host its annual holiday lights and international Nativity displays. Free. 5–10 p.m.

Mesa Temple, 101 S. LeSueur, Mesa. 480-964-7164; mesatemple.org

Nov. 25 and 26 SKY IS THE LIMIT

Sue Bickerdyke Interiors and Home Furnishings will host a special exhibition of outdoor art. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Sue Bickerdyke Interiors and Home Furnishings, 36889 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree. 480-595-0171; suebickerdyke.com

SCOTTSDALE ARTS RECEIVES $11.5 MILLION GIFT Scottsdale Arts recently received notification from the Michael and Ellen Ziegler trust that the Ziegler estate has awarded more than $11.5 million to the nonprofit organization. Most of these funds will be pledged toward a future capital infrastructure project, honoring the family’s passion for the arts and arts education. The extraordinary gift represents the largest single donation in Scottsdale Arts’ history. scottsdalearts.org

Nov. 25

CHRISTMAS IN HAWAI’I Ukulele master and jolly ambassador of aloha Jake Shimabukuro will bring joy to the world with an eclectic holiday show. See website for prices. 8 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Nov. 25

SCOTTSDAZZLE TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY The city of Scottsdale will host its annual tree lighting ceremony, which will kick off a month-long series of holiday events at various locations around the city.

Free. Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. scottsdazzle.com

Nov. 30–Dec. 2

NATURAL-COLORED DIAMONDS + RARECOLORED GEMSTONES Marvel at an exquisite and awe-inspiring selection of sapphires, rubies, emeralds and natural-colored diamonds during this special showcase of exclusive and one-of-akind pieces. Free. Special sneak peek Thursday 4–7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

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Dec. 1

JOHN PIZZARELLI AND CATHERINE RUSSELL Arizona Musicfest will present a holiday concert featuring Grammywinning producer, guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli and Grammynominated jazz vocalist Catherine Russell. $39+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Dec. 1

WINTER ARTISAN MARKET The Holland Community Center and the Sonoran Arts League will host their third annual Winter Artisan Market — a platform to showcase and celebrate the talents of local artists and makers. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-1090; hollandcenter.org

Dec. 2

APS ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE APS and the city of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department will host their 36th annual holiday parade. Free. 7 p.m. Downtown Phoenix. phoenix.gov

Dec. 2 and 10

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Upscale Singers will perform a concert of holiday music. $25; youth discounts available. Saturday 2 p.m. Sunday 5 p.m. Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. upscalesingers.com

Dec. 4

THE TEXAS TENORS Arizona Musicfest will present a holiday concert featuring 2022 Texas Country Hall of Fame Inductees The Texas Tenors. $59+. 7:30 p.m.

Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

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

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

Many experts define “successful weight loss” as a 10% reduction in body weight, maintained for at least a year — which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can improve your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

By this measure, according to a study published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, only about 20% of people who try to lose weight are successful at doing so.

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

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

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

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

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

Client Benefits

l Monthly GLP-1a (Semaglutide – the active ingredient

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

in Ozempic and Wygovy) Prescription and Management l Initial Metabolic Lab Testing and Analysis l Inbody Body Composition Analysis l Quarterly Metabolism, Thyroid and Hormone Testing l Customized Weight-Loss Plan / Nutritional Consultation l Telemedicine Support and Messaging with Expert Medical Team (office visits optional) l Discount access to: l Bio-Energy and Hyperthermia Therapy l NAD+ Therapy

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

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

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

Health

The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree | 480-881-5621 | drfabio.com

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Delighting For a Decade

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Pianist Avery Gagliano will take the stage Nov. 18 at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, kicking off the Living Music Performance Series’ 10th anniversary season of concerts.

Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Chris Lee

Ten years ago, following a successful career as a seasoned opera singer and professor of voice at Kent State University, Mary Sue Hyatt arrived in Carefree with an intense passion for classical music.

“Classical music has always been at the center of my musical being,” says Hyatt, acknowledging its presence throughout the generations.

Therefore, upon discovering the prominence of classical music in Christ the Lord Lutheran Church’s services, Hyatt became incredibly interested in the church and its programs.

Hyatt met Michael Johnson, who was Christ the Lord Lutheran Church’s pastor at the time, and learned that the church had a small concert series featuring local performers that had been initiated by its organist and choir director, Barbara Aldrich.

“The congregation was looking for an outreach tool to draw more people to the church, and they hoped to accomplish this through music and the arts — which was a common interest throughout the surrounding areas,” Hyatt says.

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“

Avery is an excellent example of an exceptionally gifted young musician with outstanding pianistic abilities coupled with intense emotional depth and musical expression.

Mary Sue Hyatt

Because Hyatt had a wealth of musical experience and many musical contacts to draw upon, the pastor asked if she would be willing to help the church expand its music program. Hyatt, of course, agreed and helped launch Christ the Lord Lutheran Church’s Ministry of Music, which aspired to engage the community, celebrate the arts and delight the spirit.

“The congregation embraced the idea of musical expansion and purchased a marvelous Steinway concert piano,” says Hyatt, noting that, in addition to its adult chorale and handbell choir, the church began to offer workshops and private lessons, as well as a new performance

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Pianist Avery Gagliano came to international acclaim as the First Prize and Best Concerto Prize winner of the 2020 National Chopin Piano Competition and was the only American semifinalist at the 18th International Chopin Competition in 2021.

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series that sought to present some of the finest secular and sacred music concerts.

“And here we are, celebrating the 10th anniversary of our Living Music Performance Series, which has featured international artists, nationally celebrated musicians and local musical celebrities/ensembles.”

Over the past decade, Christ the Lord Lutheran Church’s Living Music Performance Series has welcomed the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda, Africa and vocal chamber music ensemble the Italian Madrigals from Florence, Italy, as well as a number of exceptionally gifted alumni from the Curtis Institute of Music — including virtuoso pianist Eric Liu and virtuoso violinist Grace Clifford.

“Curtis accepts just 4% of applicants and has a student body of only 175,” says Hyatt, who is a Curtis alumna herself and notes that the music institute is a tuition-free conservatory. “Artistic promise and talent are the only considerations for admission.”

This month, another Curtis alumna will take the stage at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church as pianist Avery Gagliano kicks off the Living Music Performance Series’ 10th anniversary

season of concerts — which also features chamber choir Canticum Novum in December and tenor extraordinaire Tim Culver in February.

Having made her debut at Carnegie Hall at the age of just 20, Gagliano came to international acclaim as the First Prize and Best Concerto Prize winner of the 2020 National Chopin Piano Competition and as the only American semifinalist at the 18th International Chopin Competition in 2021.

“Avery is an excellent example of an exceptionally gifted young musician with outstanding pianistic abilities coupled with intense emotional depth and musical expression,” says Hyatt, who now serves as director of music ministries at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church. “I am blown away by the talent and the professionalism that these young performers display.

“As a student at the Curtis Institute of Music, Avery is at the finest conservatory in the world and has and will further receive a musical education of unparalleled quality. I feel she is extremely capable of becoming one of the most celebrated pianists of her generation.”

GUITARS & ACCESSORIES

www.blackmountainguitar.com 6220 E Cave Creek Road, Suite A Cave Creek, AZ 85331 480-488-5441 info@blackmountainguitar.com

LESSONS & REPAIRS

ctlcarefree.org

Music

Curtis on Tour: Avery Gagliano Saturday, Nov. 18 | 3 p.m.

Christ the Lord Lutheran Church | 9205 E. Cave Creek Road, Carefree See website for price | 480-488-2081 | ctlcarefree.org

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North Scottsdale resident and luxury realtor Laura Ingram has played competitive golf since the age of 9. She’s represented the University of Arizona as a student-athlete and traveled the world from tee to shining tee.

The Arizona native has combined her love of golf with her desire to benefit children’s charities as one of the leading organizers of the Phoenix Children’s 24th annual golf tournament on Nov. 17 at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, which coincides with the hospital’s 40th anniversary.

“I saw a good alliance between [my background] and this invitational event,” Ingram explains. “Children’s causes are near and dear to my heart. I’ve had several close friends who have had huge journeys with Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and I’ve seen the impact it makes on people’s lives. So I married the two and figured out where my energy could fit on the committee.”

Laura Ingram represented the University of Arizona as a student-athlete and traveled the world from tee to shining tee.

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“

Laura is directly responsible for adding a party feel to the event. We are endlessly grateful for the committee and all the efforts put in to make this the success it is. Tim Harrison

GIVING ON PAR The Hope Fund is this year’s beneficiary; its role is to provide aid for new programs at Phoenix Children’s and purchases of essential research, while addressing the needs of patients in real-time and funding pioneering research.

Over the years, the tournament has raised more than $9.3 million.

Last year’s fundraising total of $1.1 million has already been surpassed before the first swing is taken by one of the expected 288 participants.

This year’s target is $1.3 million.

Per usual, this year’s theme will be a surprise, but participating golfers can anticipate early morning breakfast and drinks on the driving range, a raffle and silent auction and a shotgun start with a scramble format.

Throughout the day, there will be entertainment and tastings available from local restaurants and various beverage purveyors.

Laura Ingram has combined her love of golf with her desire to benefit children’s charities as one of the leading organizers of the Phoenix Children’s 24th annual golf tournament on Nov. 17 at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale.

Writer Shannon Severson // Photography Courtesy of Laura Ingram

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Laura Ingram’s (far right) involvement with the tournament and foundation has deep, personal meaning to her.

An after-party rounds out the night with dinner, an awards ceremony and the announcement of raffle and silent auction winners. A mobile bidding site makes it easy to bid, purchase raffle tickets and check on the status of bids throughout the day.

“The Phoenix Children’s Golf Tournament is an integral part of our fundraising events,” says Tim Harrison, Phoenix Children’s Foundation’s vice president of corporate partnerships and special events. “Funds go directly to support our patients. With such a positive and upbeat experience, it makes sense why so many people want to join us.”

PARTY ON THE GREEN When Ingram approached Phoenix Children’s Foundation’s senior vice president and chief development officer, Steven Schnall, about joining the 24-person committee, she had two big ideas. The predominantly male committee could use some female input, and she had some innovative ways to boost fundraising with a fun, low-pressure approach. “[The committee was] very welcoming,” Ingram says. “I presented the idea for party holes. [Arizona State University Women’s Golf Coach and Arizona Golf Hall of Fame inductee] Missy Farr was great to lend us a hand. That first year, we raised over $20,000 on one hole in one day.”

Farr first sent two of her players to be stationed on specific, sponsored party holes — complete with DJ, auctioneer and a celebratory atmosphere. The tradition continues with golfers donating $100 to the hospital in exchange for having one of the talented young women take the first drive on their behalf. For a $500 donation, they can skip the shot and get credit for a hole-in-one. The idea took off, the college athletes enjoyed benefitting a worthy charity and the tournament was enhanced by the new twist.

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“That first year, I was able to get $500 from every foursome except one,” Ingram recalls. “My partner, who was working on the other party hole, was pretty close; but we had a fun competition. The whole team we have each year is phenomenal. Everybody really chips in and does their part,”

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Friendly competition, an entertaining atmosphere and a shared mission have served to raise awareness in the community in addition to needed funds.

“Laura is directly responsible for adding a party feel to the event,” Harrison says. “We are endlessly grateful for the committee and all the efforts put in to make this the success it is.”

There are also patient holes where golfers can interact with the young people who directly benefit from the range of services that Phoenix Children’s provides.

Ingram says all the hard work has paid off — not just for Phoenix Children’s Foundation, but also for her, personally.

“It couldn’t go to a better cause,” Ingram says. “Every dollar supports these kids and they don’t turn any kids away. It’s our job to give these kids the opportunity to be seen and to know the community backs them.”

Her involvement with the tournament and foundation has deep, personal meaning to Ingram. She says it’s been very rewarding to be involved in the cause.

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“Even though I’m helping the children, this has done more for me than I ever feel I could give them,” she says. pchgolf.org

Experience

Phoenix Children’s Golf Tournament Friday, Nov. 17 | Troon North Golf Club 10320 E. Dynamite Blvd., Scottsdale | pchgolf.org

Beautiful Bathroom

Remodels

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Tori Jane Ostberg

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Photographer Tori Jane Ostberg spends several weeks each year living on the road in pursuit of untamed skies, driving tens of thousands of miles to go wherever the weather leads her throughout the North American Great Plains and Midwest.

In the summer, she chases the “uniquely beautiful and vastly underrated” southwestern monsoon across her home state of Arizona, which she notes could not be more different than the weatherrelated events that occur in most other regions.

“Every so often, I see plains chasers come out, thinking that it will be easy-peasy, only to quickly get frustrated,” Ostberg says. “You cannot chase out here like you do in the plains. It is a very different beast, and it is incredibly unique. The only other place on this entire planet that gets a monsoon season is South Asia. We get our very own monsoon pattern here in our little corner of the desert. Lucky us!”

This month, Images Arizona is grateful to be able to showcase some of the storms that Ostberg has chased and photographed around Arizona, many of which were part of this summer’s monsoons.

Although the National Weather Service’s official recording of just 0.15 of an inch of rainfall at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport marks the Valley’s driest summer ever — accentuated by a record-breaking 55 days at or above 110 degrees, 31 of which were consecutive — Arizona’s monsoons still managed to wreak havoc around our state this season.

Characterized by electrifying lightning, tumultuous winds, blinding dust and microbursts of rain, Arizona’s monsoons are certainly scary sights to behold — and even scarier to experience. Yet Ostberg runs eagerly toward them in an effort to capture these riders in the sky forever on camera — the epitome of catching lightning in a bottle.

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Tempest Teachings

Tori Jane Ostberg says that storm chasing and photographing extreme weatherrelated events have taught her patience and extreme perseverance.

“They have taught me that I am absolutely able to handle even the most stressful situations,” Ostberg explains. “Every single chase season, there are at least a couple of minor disasters to be taken care of; and, so far, I have been able to handle every last one of them.

Ostberg adds that her hobbies have also taught her an incredible amount about the amazing natural processes of our planet’s atmosphere, as well as the beautiful, fleeting nature of life.

“No two storms will ever be the same and no one storm will ever happen again,” the photographer acknowledges. “We need to witness these processes with the understanding that we are experiencing something incredibly unique.

“Doing this has taught me to appreciate all of that — and, of course, to always make sure that I have my SD cards with me.”

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‘It’s A Twister!

It’s A Twister!’

Storm chaser and photographer Tori Jane Ostberg will never forget her first-ever big-leagues tornadochasing adventure.

“It was May 7, 2016,” Ostberg says. “To say it went well would be the understatement of the century — except, in this case, my definition of ‘it went well’ is that my friends and I lingered a little too long after a beautiful Colorado tornado touched down and we ended up being the ones getting chased.

“It followed us very closely up the highway until we were able to find an eastbound road and whipped around onto it, narrowly avoiding being hit ourselves, while we watched it destroy a house and cross the road right behind us. It was eventually rated a highend EF2.

Later that year, one of the photos that Ostberg took of the tornado placed second in National Geographic’s Nature Photographer of the Year competition.

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About the Photographer For as long as she can remember, Arizona native Tori Jane Ostberg has been hopelessly obsessed with extreme weather.

“As a kid, I would turn The Weather Channel on and let it play for hours,” says Ostberg, who recalls going door to door at the apartment complex at which she lived to warn her neighbors about incoming storms. “Never mind that we live in the desert so it was never like there was a hurricane coming.”

While in high school, Ostberg — whose childhood hero was Tucson storm chaser and photographer Warren Faidley — realized that by incorporating photography into her obsession, she could keep the storms that she experienced with her long after they passed.

“However, to this day, it is first and foremost about the storms for me,” she says. “If I forget my camera at home, it is mildly annoying but, ultimately, what I care most about is being in the storm. The photos are my trophies that I get to keep forever as a record of the storms I track down and hunt successfully.

“Of course, the art of photography is now deeply ingrained in me as well and I find that, like any photographer, I am also very motivated by creating beautiful imagery. My photos are quite literally little pieces of my soul imprinted in pixels forever; beautiful little pieces of everything I have ever wanted to do and everything I have ever hoped for all rolled into extraordinary — and at times extreme — imagery.

“I hope to share the incredible, sublime beauty of severe weather with the world as I see it: as equal parts beautiful, humbling and frightening; and as much a grand spectacle as a force to be respected and revered.” copperstatestormchasing.com

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A

A true reflection of the creative diversity among Arizona’s artists, Sharon Albrektsen, Jacki Cohen, Carol McDonald and Kelly Charveaux may each work in different mediums and with different materials, but they all have one thing in common.

Fueled by their imagination, they are driven to create.

The four exceptionally talented women also share the distinct honor of having had their work selected to grace the cover of the directory for this fall’s 27th annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour. Coordinated by the Sharon Albrektsen’s imaginative, playful “Bee Free” ceramic sculpture graces the front cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory. // Photo by Jules Lafferty nonprofit Sonoran Arts League, 164 artists will participate in this year’s highly anticipated event, which will be spread across 41 studios throughout the scenic Desert Foothills communities of Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale.

Showcasing both nationally recognized and emerging artists, the popular art tour attracts thousands of patrons who appreciate fine art and seek a variety of mediums, styles and price ranges. With the event taking place the weekends before and after Thanksgiving, the tour also attracts holiday shoppers who want to find an original, unique gift.

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For art enthusiasts who return to Hidden in the Hills year after year, the artist directory has become quite a collectible. For participating artists hoping to gain more exposure, being selected as a featured cover artist is often an honor that adds more prestige to their professional achievements.

DAYDREAMS WITH CLAY Sharon Albrektsen grew up in Chula Vista, California, in an artistic family that encouraged her to explore her imagination. Her mother was a professional clown and a seamstress, and her grandfather helped spark her imagination as they played with Play-Doh. Being dyslexic, she struggled to read, but she thrived in her art classes. She loved working with clay so much, she earned the nickname “Muddpuppy” from her family.

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

Writer Susan Kern-Fleischer

Later, as a college student, Albrektsen realized that she wanted to use clay to share stories rather than create functional pottery.

“I started making pots and I always wanted to alter them,” she says. “It’s about daydreams for me ... that’s how my mind works.”

Finding her inspiration from nature, fantasy and journeys imagined or real. Sharon Albrektsen will exhibit and sell her work during Hidden in the Hills at glass artist Sandy Pendleton’s Studio No. 22 in Cave Creek.

Albrektsen earned her Bachelor and Master of Arts from Adams State College in Colorado, and Master of Fine Arts at Fort Hays State University in Kansas.

She spent more than four decades living in Colorado, where she owned and operated a coffee house. She also taught art in grades from kindergarten through college.

A few years ago, Albrektsen reconnected with a high school friend and moved to Scottsdale to start a life with him.

They married last year.

“I am a narrative artist who is in love with clay,” Albrektsen says. “Clay gives me the placidity to capture my thoughts when it is wet and permanency of the form when fired. My work is layered with meanings of who I am now and who I was.”

Using borrowed symbols from the Christian religion, other cultures visited in her travels, and those from history, she combines all to make her own personal symbolism.

“Previously, I made a vague reference to the figure in my imagery,” she says, adding that the costuming on her figures pays homage to her mother. “Lately, the figure has become of grave importance to the story-telling nature of my work.”

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HIDDEN IN THE HILLS ARTIST FEATURE

Left: Sharon Albrektsen's "High Horse'' Above: Sharon Albrektsen's "Glory Be"

Albrektsen finds her inspiration from nature, fantasy and journeys imagined or real. She is also influenced by her favorite two-dimensional artists, including Salvador Dali, Hieronymus Bosch and Remedios Varo.

“I see their work in my mind as 3D,” she says. “There’s also a bit of Dr. Seuss in my work, and I am also inspired

by James Cameron and Tim Burton.”

A Christian with two adult children and four grandchildren, she often pokes fun at religion and other societal topics.

“Sarcasm is a way of life for me, and satirical humor is a major portion of my narrative vocabulary,” she says.

“It makes the sarcasm a little easier to digest. My work, although seemingly fantasy, is a reality for me.”

Using a hand-built method, Albrektsen often works in the moment, letting the clay guide her, but sometimes she will create a thumbnail of the piece or doodle her ideas on paper. She fires her work up to five times in an oxidation kiln and she uses underglazes, glazes, stains, oxides and gold luster to give each sculpture its desired visual depth.

Color is of the utmost significance in her work.

“The layering of bold, vibrant colors invites the viewer to take a closer look,” she explains. “It is not my intention to give up my whole story, but to entice the viewer to make up their own.”

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The layering of bold, vibrant colors invites the viewer to take a closer look. It is not my intention to give up my whole story, but to entice the viewer to make up their own.

Sharon Albrektsen

Seven years ago, Albrektsen was invited to be an artist in residence for three months at the Yingge Museum of Ceramics in New Taipei City in Taiwan.

“It was an amazing experience,” she says. “I was working with Japanese porcelain, which was like working with cream cheese ... it was so good. I taught workshops and created so much work there. Two of my pieces are on permanent display in their sculpture garden.”

Albrektsen’s imaginative, playful “Bee Free” ceramic sculpture graces the front cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory. She started her bee series when she was working towards her MFA degree.

“I was amazed that bees can fly with such big bodies and small wings,” she says. “But I was also affected by messages that said, ‘bee kind,’ ‘bee grateful’ and ‘bee blessed,’ and I thought, ‘What would it look like to bee free?’”

This is Albrektsen’s first year participating in Hidden in the Hills. She will exhibit and sell her work at glass artist Sandy Pendleton’s Studio No. 22 in Cave Creek.

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Emitting an energy that captivates its viewers with many subtle textures, Carol McDonald’s abstract acrylic painting, “Power From Within,” is one of three works featured on the back cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory.

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GOING WITH THE FLOW OF ABSTRACT ART Carol McDonald never thought of herself as a creative person until much later in life. As a child growing up in a suburb of New York City, she excelled at English, math and science. While she enjoyed drawing and coloring, it was never a focus. As an adult, art was more something she appreciated and collected rather than created.

It wasn’t until 2018, when she was approaching retirement from her left-brain, analytical, business administration career, that she began to pursue a newfound passion for painting. Spending time at art galleries and events, her husband saw something in her and told her she “needed a hobby in retirement.”

“That Christmas, my husband bought me an easel, art supplies and a video of one of my favorite artists, Bruce Marion, and encouraged me to ‘go play,’” says McDonald, who lives in Chandler. “That was all it took to re-ignite that creative spark and I have been painting ever since.”

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Carol McDonald's "Coming to Fruition" During Hidden in the Hills, guests can find abstract artist Carol McDonald and her work at mixed media painter Bela Fidel’s Studio No. 26 in Scottsdale.

During Hidden in the Hils, guests can find abstract artist Carol McDonald and her new work at mixed media painter Bela Fidel’s Studio No. 26 in Scottsdale.

“Abstract art has no agenda,” McDonald explains.

“It’s all about potential and what might happen next. In some ways, it’s a metaphor for my life, “I’m an observer in life. I watch and assess and then determine how I will respond. When I’m painting, I do the same thing. I start out with some basic shapes and then see where the painting wants to go.”

McDonald is drawn to how images flow and colors blend together. Some of her work is vibrant in color while others are more muted and soft. Many of her pieces have “S” curves within them, depicting movement and grace.

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While she has done some realism painting, she always comes back to her first love: abstract.

“My mood often affects the colors I choose,” she says. “I start with dark neutral colors to create a general composition, and add color and glazes on top of it. It’s a bit of a dance and I’m never sure where it will end up. It’s never a conscious choice; I go with the flow.”

Working with acrylic paint, McDonald uses many different tools to achieve her effects, including silicon scrapers, palette knives and various brushes.

“I also love to explore different textures and materials to see how they impact a painting,” the artist says. “Every painting has its own unique energy. It’s not always something tangible; many times, it’s an emotional reaction and we’re not even aware of why a piece of art appeals to us — we just know that it does.”

Emitting an energy that captivates its viewers with many subtle textures, McDonald’s abstract acrylic painting, “Power From Within,” is one of three works featured on the back cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory.

During the tour, guests can find McDonald and her new work at mixed media painter Bela Fidel’s Studio No. 26 in Scottsdale.

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Featured on the back cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory, Jacki Cohen’s stunning fused glass wall panel, “Blaze,” was inspired by the beauty of Arizona’s sunrises and sunsets. // Photo by Jacki Cohen

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CELEBRATING LIFE THROUGH FUSED GLASS Jacki Cohen discovered her passion for working with fused glass more than a decade ago; but just three years ago, she experienced what she calls a rebirth of her work and life.

“My mother was hospitalized with COVID pneumonia and was very ill,” she says. “This was before vaccines were available, and visitors were not allowed in the hospital, so she fought for her life alone. When she was released, she was like an infant ... basically helpless. I nursed her back to health with the help of my family.”

The experience had a profound effect on Cohen and she began to translate her emotions into her work.

“The art that I have been producing since her near-death experience has been all about life,” she says. “The joy of life, and the simplicity and complexity of nature. I have translated this realization with more color and more layers. Life has so many layers and I have been expanding my art to incorporate these many layers, textures, and details.”

A Scottsdale resident, Cohen is disciplined in her routine, and she finds she is most creative in the morning and she often sketches out her designs before getting started.

The process of fusing glass requires careful concentration. She begins by heating the glass to a minimum of 1,100 degrees to make it soft and pliable. Then she plans, cuts and pieces together the glass during the day, running her kilns overnight. Once the pieces have fused together, they must be cooled extremely slowly to avoid thermal shock.

In addition to incorporating circles and other symbols that celebrate life, she often mixes in dichroic glass, which is a metallic glass that sparkles and shines.

“The dichroic is layered to represent the deepness, layers and complexity of life,” she says.

An avid hiker, much of Cohen’s work is inspired by the beauty of her natural surroundings. Featured on the back cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory, her stunning fused glass wall panel, “Blaze,” was inspired by the beauty of Arizona’s sunrises and sunsets.

During the tour, Cohen will exhibit and sell her new work at Wesley Hartin Art Studio No. 8 in Carefree.

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GAIL HAIRE GailHaireArt.com

ROBIN RAY RobinRayArt.com

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Appearing on the back cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory, Kelly Charveaux’s breathtaking cuff, “Mother & Child Reunion,” features sterling silver, black onyx, Mother of Pearl, Black Lip Mother of Pearl, a Tahitian pearl and abalone. Her title for the piece was inspired by the pearl — or the “baby” within the mollusk of the shell. // Photo by Herb Hitchon

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JEWELRY GUIDED BY INTUITION Born in Faith, South Dakota, near the famous mineral-rich Black Hills region and adjoining Sioux Indian lands, Kelly Charveaux’s early collection of rocks and arrowheads evolved into a lifelong love of gems and jewelry.

She moved to Arizona in her early teens and immediately started collecting turquoise.

“Turquoise is my favorite mineral to work with,” Charveaux says. I love mixing it in with almost everything. The color variations from the greens to the blues and the variety of matrix makes turquoise so diverse.”

While working for a jewelry manufacturer, Charveaux left college to study at the Gemological Institute of America and furthered her education at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. She has also taken workshops from Jesse Monongya, an award-winning Native American inlay artist.

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She finds unique gemstones in a variety of places — including shops, gem shows, auctions and outside on the ground.

“When I’m shopping, I pay attention to the energy of the stones,” the jewelry designer says. “I’m drawn to their color and texture. The price tag is usually the last thing I look at.”

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A Fountain Hills resident, Charveaux plays the bass guitar in her free time. She also paints and creates mosaic art but her primary passion is creating jewelry. She is best known for her bold styles and exquisite inlay designs. Inspired by her surroundings and the energy of the stones, she relies on her intuition to guide her as creates her designs in the moment.

Skilled at lapidary, Charveaux says that cutting stone can be somewhat therapeutic.

Hidden in the Hills attendees can meet Kelly Charveaux at painter Marless Fellows’ Studio No. 23 in Cave Creek, where she will exhibit and sell a variety of new, one-of-a-kind contemporary and whimsical pieces — including earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and bolo ties.

“Nothing is more fun than slicing open a rock and seeing what is inside,” she notes.

This will be Charveaux’s first year participating in the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour.

Appearing on the back cover of this year’s directory, her breathtaking cuff, “Mother & Child Reunion,” features sterling silver, black onyx, Mother of Pearl, Black Lip Mother of Pearl, a Tahitian pearl and abalone. Her title for the piece was inspired by the pearl — or the “baby” within the mollusk of the shell.

Tour attendees can meet Charveaux at painter Marless Fellows’ Studio No. 23 in Cave Creek, where she will exhibit and sell a variety of new, one-of-a-kind contemporary and whimsical pieces — including earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and bolo ties. hiddeninthehills.org

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27th Annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour

izona.c om November 2023 Nov. 17–19 and Nov. 24–26 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | See website for participating studios | Free | imagesar hiddeninthehills.org

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Writer Susan Kern-Fleischer

I

It could have been exceptionally easy for Jan and Rick Griggs’ lives to never intersect.

Jan — a soulful, abstract fine art painter — grew up in Spokane, Washington, while Rick — an accomplished woodworker and photographer — was born on a United States Naval base in Canada and spent much of his childhood living in different states.

Four decades ago, they met at a party, and it was love at first sight.

“Rick asked me to marry him on our second date,” Jan says. “We got married six months later.”

"Cloud Story" by Jan Griggs Attracted by Arizona’s warmth and sunshine, the couple in 2012 moved to Scottsdale, where they continued their individual artistic paths and became members of the nonprofit Sonoran Arts League — whose signature Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour is set to take place during the last two weekends of this month.

Jan and Rick are two of 164 artists at 41 studios throughout Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale that will be participating in the popular event, which — now in its 27th year — is the largest and longest-running artist studio tour in Arizona.

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Jan has always been passionate about art. She has fond childhood memories of playing the scribble game with her father, and she credits an older cousin for inspiring her to explore her creativity.

“My cousin was a talented artist who taught art in high school,” she says. “I was in awe of him, and he had a definite influence on me.”

"Softly" by Jan Griggs

Early in her career, Jan created wildlife illustrations for a company that produced giftware for the Alaskan cruise industry. She also painted pet portraits in pastels and took a few watercolor classes.

Calling herself a “late bloomer,” Jan discovered her passion for abstract art not long after she and Rick moved to Scottsdale. She took a special week-long mentoring session with renowned artist Gwen Fox in Taos, New Mexico that challenged her to be intuitive and spontaneous as she painted. That was 13 years ago and, since then, she has been laserfocused on creating abstract art.

“Abstract painting is freeing and complicated at the same time,” she explains. “There are no limits or rules as to what you can or can’t do.

The workshop in Taos opened a direction I wanted to pursue, but didn’t know how to do it.”

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A NEED TO PAINT & EXPLORE

Now, Jan has more confidence in her work and believes that painting abstracts is her calling.

“I find that I actually need to paint and explore, so my style is constantly changing,” she says.

While much of her work is inspired by the beauty of the desert, Jan continues to be influenced by the cool grays, blues and greens of the Puget Sound area, where she and Rick spend their summers.

“When I paint in Washington, my colors tend towards cool blues and grays,” she says. “Inspiration comes from the water, mountains, sky and clouds. In Arizona, I’m influenced by the desert, warm neutrals, and desert plants.”

Energy, color, light and intuition are the elements that characterize her paintings. She works with acrylics on canvas or heavy watercolor paper, with a variety of tools to move and manipulate the paint.

“I like water media because it dries fast, and I can work quickly,” Jan says. “I prefer to paint on large canvases. It’s much easier to use large brushes and movements.”

Her artistic process is intuitive and spontaneous.

As Jan Griggs paints, she arranges and re-arranges colors and shapes to create the feelings and emotions coming from within her.

“My work is a collection of places, feelings of color, light and dark, movement and stillness that I translate into abstracted forms,” she says.

“When I begin a painting, I’ll decide first if I’m painting an abstract floral or landscape or pure abstraction. I don’t use reference photos as I paint, instead drawing from my memory.” imagesar izona.c om November 2023

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"Storm Before the Calm" by Jan Griggs

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Abstract painting is freeing and complicated at the same time. There are no limits or rules as to what you can or can’t do. Jan Griggs

As she paints, she arranges and re-arranges colors and shapes to create the feelings and emotions coming from within her.

“My parameters are the color palette I choose and the shape and size of the surface I am painting on,” Jan says.

“I have a very basic idea of what I want to create and let the flow of color and paint guide me. Sometimes I listen to upbeat, energetic music while I paint. Other times, I get in a zone and silence helps me.”

Sometimes she chooses to take the painting in a different direction.

“I end up painting over pieces that aren’t working, or I cut them apart and use them in my deconstructed abstract series,” Jan explains. “One of my favorite pieces is called ‘Into the Desert,’ because that’s where it went, with a long garden hose and a power spray nozzle. I sprayed and washed off layers of paint and was left with an interesting, gritty texture that was the base for the new painting.”

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ALIVE WITH PATTERNING & COLOR Rick Griggs started his career in radio. While he enjoyed woodworking as a hobby, he didn’t pursue his passion for creating natural edge wood creations until later in life.

Growing up, Rick was surrounded by creative family members. His mother painted and created crafts. He credits his grandfather and his uncle, both talented wood carvers, with teaching him some of the basics of woodworking.

“The calmness and serenity my grandfather had when he was whittling was mesmerizing,” Rick says. “I could watch him endlessly. My uncle was more of a sculptor. The intrigue with him was his ability to create things out of a piece of wood. Later, I was inspired by acclaimed woodworker and architect, George Nakashima. The sleekness of his work with flowing lines and angles is amazing.”

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Early in his broadcast management career, Rick worked for Barry Ackerley, who owned radio stations and the Seattle SuperSonics.

“Jeff Smulyan had just started an all-sports station, WFAN, in New York,” Rick recalls. “I was intrigued by it and convinced Mr. Ackerley that we should take KJR to all-sports. We were one of the first stations to do sports.

It was exciting but challenging because there was no blueprint for it.”

Once the concept took off, Rick kept getting inquiries from people who wanted to replicate the format. That prompted him to start his own sports radio consulting firm, which he still has today.

“I have been fortunate to work with so many great people,” Rick says. “My clients were across the country and internationally, including ESPN and Fox Sports.

During that time, I began doing more woodworking, but nothing like the tables and wall pieces I create today until about eight years ago. I also did photography, showing my work in several galleries and at the Lishui International Photo Festival in China.”

About nine years ago, Rick began doing turning, which evolved into live edge slabs as tables and wall art. Live edge wood is the original shape of the tree along at least two of the edges.

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“Like everything, the more you do something, the more you learn and the better your work becomes because you challenge yourself to grow,” Rick explains, “Putting the pieces together is like a puzzle that has multiple answers.

There is no right or wrong way. There are options that create different experiences and points of view.”

Rick’s studio is in his garage, where he uses basic tools to create his furniture — including chisels, sanding blocks, a jigsaw and table saw and a rotex sander, which he says is invaluable.

“One of the instructors I had in a woodworking class had the best advice I have ever heard when using equipment,” Rick notes. “He said, ‘Become one with whatever you are working with.’ The equipment is an extension of you, making it easier to focus and concentrate on your work.”

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"Golf Table" by Rick Griggs

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Rick Griggs often counts on the wood to guide him in a certain direction.

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That’s exactly what fuels Rick’s passion for woodworking.

“Working with wood is therapeutic for me,” he says. “Plus, after years of creating content in radio that essentially disappears into the air, it was rewarding to see the results in a tangible product. Each piece of wood is a life form and, like people, each has unique characteristics. I really love that aspect.”

Many of Rick’s pieces include precious stone inlay that enhances the wood’s natural beauty.

“I use all types of stone and stone powder in the voids of the wood,” he says. “Chrysocolla is one of my favorites because the array of color is spectacular. Azurite, jaspers and turquoise are all great as well. I also like to use copper inlay.”

He often counts on the wood to guide him in a certain direction.

“I enjoy working with all woods, but I especially love working with burls,”

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Rick says. “They are so unique, with rich character in the patterning and color of the wood. I also love oddshaped pieces and putting them together as a unique artwork.”

Depending on the type of wood, the hardness can be a challenge. A lot of wood from tropical areas is very dense and sometimes oily, making it difficult to work with.

“Here in Arizona, because it is so dry, I have to make sure the wood has a moisture content of around 6%,” Rick adds. “Otherwise, it can crack or split when I’m cutting or sanding it.”

Rick finishes his pieces with a natural tung oil because it seeps into the wood and helps bring out the natural beauty.

Rick will showcase his live edge wood tables and wall pieces at Toni Perrin’s Studio No. 10 in Carefree.

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Putting the pieces together is like a puzzle that has multiple answers. There is no right or wrong way. There are options that create different experiences and points of view.

Rick Griggs

Jan says that, after 41 years of marriage, she appreciates being able to tap into Rick’s creative insight.

“We value each other’s opinion and often ask each other for advice and critiques,” the painter explains.

Rick agrees, adding that it is good to have another perspective that he trusts.

“Jan offers a lot of good insight and points out things I may not have thought of,” he says. jangriggsfineart.com naturalwoodedge.com

TRADING INSIGHT & PERSPECTIVE Guests to Hidden in the Hills will find Jan with her abstract paintings, abstract florals and deconstructed abstracts at Kathi Turner’s High Desert Creations Studio No. 15 in Scottsdale. Meanwhile,

27th Annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour

izona.c om November 2023 Nov. 17–19 and Nov. 24–26 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | See website for participating studios | Free | imagesar hiddeninthehills.org

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Greater Phoenix is home to numerous luxury masterplanned communities, from Desert Mountain in the far northern reaches of Scottsdale to Las Sendas on the eastern edge of Mesa.

Two of the most lauded and highly sought-after are DC Ranch and Silverleaf, nestled in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in North Scottsdale.

Developed more than 20 years ago, these two neighboring communities are known for verdant golf courses, upscale amenities, unparalleled desert views and custom luxury homes that frequently grace the pages of architecture and design publications. Serpentine drives wind around well-spaced greens, sprawling country clubs, meticulously landscaped park lands and large properties that offer privacy while still creating a sense of belonging.

These communities owe their reputations as much to their exclusivity as they do to the man who helped create them — architect Dale Gardon.

Architect Dale Gardon is the driving force behind some of the Valley’s most exclusive addresses.

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When you create community, that’s a higher calling. Dale Gardon

Writer Rebecca L. Rhoades

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Gardon fostered his design acumen at an early age, owning and running a vehicle pinstriping business as a teen and later, while in college, doing snow removal and landscaping.

“I had to bring a design sensibility to each step, so that prepped me for architecture while I was learning architecture,” he explains.

Sharp angles with minimalist decorative elements, large windows and glass doors, and a neutral paint scheme of black, white and gray are key features of this contemporary formal Mediterranean home.

A Fulbright scholarship brought Gardon to Phoenix, where he received his graduate degree in architecture while studying under the tutelage of some of the Valley’s most renowned practicing architects, including George Christensen, Calvin Straub and Jack Peterson.

“The sun was shining, and it’s a beautiful place,” Gardon says of his initial impressions of Arizona. “But the key was that my professors were practicing architects. In Buffalo, everything was theoretical, and not one of my professors was practicing. They were all just there to talk, and that bothered me.”

Walls of windows open up to a zero-edge pool and expansive lawn.

As a student, Gardon worked for a small satellite office of a Pennsylvania-based architecture firm, where he was given the freedom to work on large projects, such as the design of a 40,000-square-foot corporate center in Casa Grande. After receiving his degree, he started at the prestigious firm of Vernon Swaback Associates, now known as Swaback Partners. Vernon Swaback, the firm’s founder, was the youngest-ever apprentice of legendary, groundbreaking architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

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“There’s not an ounce of an arch on this home. The homeowner didn’t want it. He wanted a lot of glass,” Gardon says. A large covered patio includes outdoor living, dining and barbecue areas.

This bright and airy modern kitchen is located in a traditional formal Mediterranean-style residence.

This sprawling Mediterranean-style home is built into the hills overlooking Silverleaf.

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This home's new owners asked Gardon to update the interiors, giving the space a sleek, contemporary feel with clean lines, chrome and silver accents, and modern furnishings.

“On my first day there, Vern slides a 1,000-unit property at me and goes, ‘Can you do master planning?’ It was part of Fountain Hills, and next thing you know, I’m doing Eagle Mountain,” Gardon recalls. “I liked the fact that planning was macro scale, and architecture was fine-tuning your macro-scale perspective into a house or building.”

Always a call or click away.

By the time Gardon left Swaback after 13 years, he had been named one of the firm’s principals. And he was knee-deep in the creation of DC Ranch and Silverleaf.

The enormity of the projects consumed Gardon, who served as a project lead. His team included multiple architects, landscape architects, civil engineers, geologists, archaeologists, biologists and more. He farmed work back to Swaback, based on coordination with the developer, DMB. “And that’s how I started my firm in 1999,” he says. “It was architecture, planning and placemaking.”

RESHAPING THE VALLEY In Buffalo, as in many older cities across the country, variety dominates. Every house is different. This was also true in Phoenix — that is, until production building took over.

“My biggest observation about Phoenix in the mid’90s was everything looked the same,” Gardon says.

“The most successful master-planned communities of the time were Terravita, McDowell Mountain Ranch and Grayhawk, all of which have an air of sameness amongst the architecture, because the idea of value presentation back then was sameness. It was ‘don’t do something different, or you’re not protecting value.’

This was a blight to me.”

Gardon founded DC Ranch on the principle of diversity.

“Every home needs to feel the richness of something uniquely different, not just a Spanish mish-mash,” he says. “Then it becomes writing guidelines of style and character to effectuate.”

His firm authored the design guidelines for both DC Ranch and Silverleaf.

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Gardon flipped the traditional living arrangement on its head when he designed his own house, a contemporary dwelling in DC Ranch. The bedrooms are on the main level and the living spaces, including the kitchen and living room, are on the second floor.

Luxury home builder Anthony Salcito, president of Salcito Custom Homes, has worked with Gardon for close to 30 years. The two have completed more than 100 projects together.

“Dale has been very instrumental in writing the guidelines that not only we but also all others need to follow in order to work in these communities,” Salcito says. “The overall feel and sense of quality and place are a direct result of his involvement in the master planning and authoring of the community guidelines.”

During the early development stages of DC Ranch, Phoenix architecture was at a low point. Faux Tuscan and Puebloinfluenced dwellings shared space with tracts of indistinct rows of boring beige boxes topped with red clay tiles.

“There was no identifying root,” Gardon says.

Influenced by the Valley’s early Spanish colonial estates as well as the front porch character of ranch-style homes, the architect brought together Western regional and Spanish architecture for a look that was an instant hit with homebuyers.

For Silverleaf, he focused on the area’s grand estates, such as Wrigley Mansion or the homes surrounding Phoenix Country Club.

“We asked ourselves, ‘Can they have a desert hillside setting” Gardon recalls. “And we answered the question by providing all the Spanish heritage and formal and rural Mediterranean character.”

DESIGN EVOLUTION Of course, homeowners’ tastes and architectural styles have changed over the past several decades. Formal Mediterranean and Spanish colonial, with their arched doorways, Venetian plaster walls, heavy wood cabinetry, stone columns, ornate metalwork, tiled roofs and dark hues, have given way to more modern designs with clean lines, minimal ornamentation, bright and airy color schemes, and large walls of windows.

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“Dale and I tend to work in neighborhoods for which the guidelines were originally written with an emphasis on formal character,” Salcito says. “Today, some of the homes that we are doing have far less ornamentation, longer spans, more glass and extremely sharp details.”

While many homeowners still love a more formal exterior, they want to freshen things up inside.

“People ask me if it’s crazy to have a contemporary interior inside of a traditional home, and I say, ‘No, bring it on,’” Gardon remarks. “It’s like a beautiful, chic hotel in Europe. You’re walking down the street and you open the door, and you’re blown away by the contrast.”

Dark walls and textured wallpapers are gone in favor of light-colored or white paint. Chunky cherry wood cabinets are replaced with sleek Eurostyle cabinetry. Acrylic furnishings allow floor details to shine. Silk fabrics and low-profile furnishings add a modern touch. Columns and arches are removed, and French doors give way to retracting walls of glass that bring in natural sunlight.

Then there are those who want to execute formal Mediterranean architecture in a crisp, cleaner manner.

Zero-edge pools, crisp lines, narrow trim, cleaner fascias reinterpret traditional architecture with modern sensibility, modern furnishings and modern detail.

“That is how we’ve evolved in Silverleaf,” Gardon says. “The key is that nothing stands out. If we’re going to evolve out of the pure traditional and authenticity of styles, then it still has to have all the other good

principles of scale, proportion, texture and contract. Silverleaf has embraced this evolution.”

For his own home, a two-story contemporary design in DC Ranch, Gardon turned his work on its head — literally. He inverted the traditional layout, placing the bedrooms on the ground floor and the main living spaces, including the living room, dining room and kitchen on the upper level.

“The beauty of living at a second level allows us to embrace the extraordinary vistas and views that Phoenix offers,” he says.

These days, Gardon is focusing on the development of another masterplanned community. Located in Buckeye, Verrado will contain 14,000 dwellings when completed, as well as a golf course, dozens of community parks, miles of hiking paths, a swim park and a “downtown” area, complete with shopping, restaurants and residential services.

“There’s a distinction to any project that we’re doing,” he says. “We want people to drive in and take note of every detail, from the roads to the signage to the landscape to the architecture. And that’s usually the way it is. They may not notice or understand everything that’s going on behind the scenes, but there’s a foundation of materials or other principles linking them together.

Architect Dale Gardon’s firm authored the design guidelines for both DC Ranch and Silverleaf in North Scottsdale.

A sleek stone fireplace adds warmth to the patio without distracting from the views.

“We’ve been very fortunate with our clients. Not many architects get to work at the scale that we get to work at and influence. They may get to do a home here or there, but when you create community, that’s a higher calling, and it’s something I’m very proud of.” dalegardondesign.com

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As travelers headed north roll into Payson on the Beeline Highway, they’re greeted by a rather nondescript single-story brick building with a Dutch gable roof.

The structure — which once housed the popular Lasso American Kitchen — now stands empty, its lights off and its parking lot vacant.

But eagle-eyed drivers will notice a splash of color on the side of the otherwise drab brown exterior.

Brilliant pinks, purples, yellows and blues serve as a backdrop for fantastical, dreamlike images. A bold, smiling sunflower blossoms from a young girl’s head. A spaceman and cyclopic balloon float in the background.

Showcasing a world of imagination, the more than 50 murals that Isaac Caruso’s has painted around Arizona are now featured in his new children’s book, “Sam & Sara.”

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I think of this project as my love letter to Arizona. Isaac Caruso Writer Rebecca L. Rhoades

Complementing the playful scene, in white calligraphy, are the words: “It felt like home when she arrived that day / and loved it so much, she decided to stay. / Becoming the figment of her old persona … / A beautiful sunflower from Arizona. / Just like the ones that’d blossom and grow / at her old house, outside her window.”

The mural, which was created by Phoenix-based artist Isaac Caruso, showcases a world of imagination.

It’s just one of more than 50 he’s painted around the state that are now featured in his new children’s book, “Sam & Sara.”

Illustrated entirely with Caruso’s mural art, the book tells the story of a daydreamer who enters a land of dreams and make-believe. She loves it so much that she decides to stay and becomes what Caruso calls a “figment.” She has a daughter, Sara, who hears stories about her mom’s hometown of Phoenix and decides to go on her own adventure by land, sea and air to discover the beautiful desert destination.

Photo by Lori Bentley

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Camp Verde

“Before I did this book, I had no idea that sunflowers are indigenous to this part of the world,” Caruso says.

“They’re these worldwide icons of beauty — van Gogh painted them. But nobody knows they’re from here. I think our community gets slept on as a place with real creative potential. And we’re more influential than we even know.

We need to recognize our own abilities. So I use sunflowers as a symbol for creativity.”

The lovely yellow blooms also represent the contributions and possibilities of the neurodivergent community — one that’s especially significant for Caruso. The artist, who grew up in the Valley and went to college at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, has attention deficit disorder.

“A big theme in my work is people who are neurodivergent,” Caruso notes. “And I belong to that community. So for people with ADD, ADHD and autism, it’s kind of embracing the way we think and seeing it not so much as a disability but as a superpower.”

ART FOR ALL Caruso has been creating murals and public art for more than a decade. His large-scale scenes can be found on the sides of businesses and walls throughout the Valley, from a stunning display of nature at the popular 1-1/2 Street alley located behind The Churchill in downtown Phoenix to a multistory-high psychedelic collage on the top floors of the Canopy Tempe hotel.

APS, Free Arts, Scottsdale Public Art and Spaces of Opportunity are just some of the local companies and organizations that have commissioned artwork from him. His work has even taken him to such exotic locales as Montevideo, Uruguay, and Norway’s Svalbard islands.

But growing up with a creative mind wasn’t always easy. Like the characters in his book, Caruso used imagination to cope.

“Growing up as a neurodivergent learner, I definitely butted heads with all my teachers,” Caruso recalls. “My outlet became art. It was a place where I could be free to express and think the way that I do — and I was just really good at it, and people liked it.”

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Cottonwood

Caruso first came up with the idea to do a children’s book while he was studying at NAU more than 10 years ago. The concept really began to take shape four years ago, when the artist received a commission in Tucson to teach children how to paint murals.

“I didn’t know anything about Tucson or anybody in Tucson, so I thought, ‘I’m just going to sit down and write this book that I’ve always been wanting to do,’” he says. “I spent the whole summer making it work and then making it rhyme. But I felt that it was an interesting way to turn the classic children’s book format on its head.”

Once Caruso had the passages and illustrations sketched out, he decided to reach out to small towns — many of which don’t have budgets for public art — and offer to create murals for them free of charge.

“I always drove by these small towns and wondered, ‘What would it be like to live in Ajo or Chloride?’” he says. “I wanted to help cultivate interest in these small communities that are all special and diverse. I wanted to create a project that really tied the whole state together.”

From Tucson to Tubac, Winslow to Seligman, Payson to Patagonia, Caruso has traveled the state in his modified white Sprinter van, nicknamed Vanna White — with his adopted bull terrier, Gustavo, at his side — painting technicolor dreamscapes, complete with poetry, with spray paint and acrylic house paint.

Familiar images of Sonoran flora and fauna, as well as local landmarks, make frequent appearances. For example, in the mural painted at the Pinal County Historical Museum in Florence, Caruso added the town’s F Mountain into the background.

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Each mural, and each poem, connects to the next but also stands on its own.

“I wanted to make sure that every mural by itself was interesting, but then also interesting as a collective,” Caruso points out.

As such, art lovers who wish to follow the story in person can view one or 10 or 50 murals in any order they choose — and they’re always guaranteed to come away from the experience with a new outlook and appreciation for everyone around them.

BRINGING FIGMENTS TO LIFE This month, Caruso will bring the characters in his murals and book to life as part of an augmented reality activation during Canal Convergence in Scottsdale. A frequent contributor to the annual waterfront art festival, the artist will paint a 20-by-8-foot mural, and viewers, using a special app, will be able to interact with the characters.

“They’ll start to make noise and move around,” Caruso explains. “You can take a selfie with them and make it feel like a really immersive environment that you can walk into.”

Caruso is also creating two additional murals: one in Scottsdale Fashion Square and another at Scottsdale Civic Center. The project is a collaboration between the mall, Canal Convergence and apparel company Lululemon,

which is holding its popular 10K race in the city on the last day of the public art event.

This month, Isaac Caruso will bring the characters in his murals and book to life as part of an augmented reality activation during Canal Convergence in Scottsdale.

“I think of this project as my love letter to Arizona,” Caruso says.

Jennifer Gill, deputy director for Canal Convergence, says that the trio of augmented reality activations will create an interesting narrative that takes on the imaginative component of play and the role that it has in our lives.

“Art and imagination allow people to push past whatever hurdles they may face,” Gill says. “By drawing from his own personal experience and his attention to the neurodivergent audience, there’s a level of acceptance.

He’s showing us that you can do anything, that you don’t have to be pigeon-holed into one place — whether you were putting yourself there or someone else was.”

For Caruso, his artwork and his book are ways to share his love for his home state and his nontraditional approach to life.

“I really hope that people will go out and look for the murals,” he says. “I hope that it’s a break from the norm.

I hope that people will become more interested in public art because of it.

And I hope that people will embrace the neurodivergent community more because of it.”

Miami Globe

samandsara.org isaacncaruso.com

Art

Canal Convergence Nov. 3–12 | Scottsdale Waterfront | 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale Free | canalconvergence.com

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RECIPE

Pumpkin Pie Gooey Butter Cake Serves: 8

Ingredients: For the Spiced Butter Cake: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 large egg, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon apple cider or white distilled vinegar 1-1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt For the Pumpkin Pie Topping: 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) 2 cups powdered sugar 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of kosher salt Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

The biggest issue I find with pumpkin pie is that not everyone loves its texture. So switch it up this year and serve this cake to your Thanksgiving dinner guests. You’ll be everyone’s holiday hero! It’s a delicious spiced butter cake topped with a pumpkin pie mixture that, when baked, is out of this world!

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray the inside of a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, spices and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together butter and sugars, followed by egg, vanilla and vinegar. Pour in dry ingredients and use a rubber spatula to fold the batter together. Spread in the bottom of the prepared pan and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together cream cheese and pumpkin puree.

Whisk in powdered sugar one cup at a time, followed by vanilla, eggs, cinnamon and salt. Pour pumpkin pie topping over the spice cake batter.

It should self-level, so there’s no need to spread it.

Bake for 35-40 minutes. When the cake is fresh from the oven, carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to prevent it from sticking to the sides. Allow to cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then remove the springform ring and continue to cool to room temperature. Chilling the cake will speed up this process.

Once cooled, top the cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar, slice, serve and enjoy!

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thefancypantskitchen.com

7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. #7 Carefree, AZ 85377 | gracereneegallery.com imagesar izona.c om November 2023

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