Images Arizona (November 2025)

S ANDERSON LINCOLN ANDERSON LINCOLN

DAVID GROSS FINE GEMSTONE COLLECTION

Each bespoke jewel the David Gross Group creates has its own character, its own story. The spectacular quality of each gemstone is further enhanced by the finest craftsmanship and elegant award-winning design.

Left: 13 carat asscher cut sapphire with trapezoid diamonds

Center: 11 carat royal blue sapphire with diamonds

Right: 10 carat emerald cut blue sapphire with diamonds

THIRD

FEATURING RENE PALOMINO

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 FROM 4 TO 7 PM

Artist Speaking at 5:15PM

ARTIST RENE PALOMINO Reversed Painted Mixed Media

f u l l s e r v i c e i n t e r i o r d e s i g n & f u r n i s h i n g s

w w w . o m d e s i g n g r o u p . c o m - 4 8 0 . 9 1 5 . 0 1 2 9

photo essay Where Wilderness Meets Wonder From Cotton Fields to Concert Halls Community

Creative Metamorphosis

PUBLISHER

Shelly Spence

MANAGING EDITOR

Joseph J. Airdo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Meaghan Mitchell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joseph J. Airdo

Francine Coles

Shannon Severson

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Francine Coles

Loralei Lazurek

ADVERTISING SALES

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

From the Publisher

Photography by Loralei Lazurek

As autumn settles over Arizona, there’s a palpable sense of gratitude in the air. November brings not just cooler temperatures but a collective pause to appreciate the abundance that surrounds us in our desert home — from the creative talents that flourish here to the world-class cultural offerings at our doorstep.

This month’s issue celebrates the profound evolution that can emerge from life’s most meaningful moments. Our cover story, “A Creative Metamorphosis,” follows artist Elizabeth Page’s dramatic transformation from floral painter to mixed media innovator, sparked by motherhood and a deeper connection to the Sonoran landscape. Her stunning desert collage graces this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory cover, exemplifying how authentic artistic vision can emerge when we find the courage to embrace change.

“From Cotton Fields to Concert Halls” offers an exclusive look at Morgan Freeman’s “Symphonic Blues Experience” at Arizona Musicfest, where the Academy Award winner bridges Mississippi Delta authenticity with orchestral grandeur. This unprecedented fusion of storytelling and symphonic artistry demonstrates the sophisticated cultural offerings that make our community truly special.

Our photo essay, “Wild Light,” showcases Dean Hueber’s stunning captures of Sonoran Desert wildlife during autumn’s subtle but spectacular transformation. His images remind us that even in our familiar landscapes, extraordinary beauty awaits those who know where to look and when to pause.

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416

Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221

shelly@imagesaz.com imagesarizona.com

As I reflect on this season of Thanksgiving, I’m profoundly grateful for artists who show us the beauty of transformation, for legends who honor our community with their artistry, and for photographers who help us see familiar landscapes with fresh eyes. I’m thankful for my family and friends who support this endeavor, for our advertisers who believe in our mission, and most of all, for readers like you who make our work meaningful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona

ELEVATING GUEST COMFORT: INSIGHTS FROM SUE B.

As the holidays approach, I suggest staying in your guest room to experience it from your guest’s perspective. Ensure every amenity is provided, that the space radiates luxury, and that plush towels convey the comfort your visitors deserve.

This guest room epitomizes sophisticated elegance with exquisite furnishings and sumptuous bedding. The midnight blue leather headboard and matching bench add opulence, while custom-made dark nightstands and contemporary champagne-finish lamps enhance the ambiance. A playful area rug introduces warmth and personality, complemented by raised velvet polka dot pillows and a sculptural fabric stool. This thoughtfully curated space creates a true sanctuary — one that makes your guests feel pampered while reflecting your impeccable taste.

The key to exceptional guest comfort lies in the details that speak to both luxury and thoughtfulness. When your guests settle into this carefully designed retreat, they’ll experience the same attention to comfort and style that defines your entire home.

SUE BICKERDYKE

From Cotton Fields to Concert Halls

Morgan Freeman Brings Delta Blues to the Desert

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Symphonic Blues Experience

The cotton fields stretch endlessly under the Mississippi sun, and somewhere among those 100 acres, a rhythm begins. It starts with the steady thwack of hoes against earth, builds with the natural cadence of human labor, and inevitably, someone begins to hum.

“That’s the absolute beginning,” says Morgan Freeman, his unmistakable voice carrying the weight of authentic memory. “You can’t separate blues from gospel music for that reason.”

On Jan. 8, the Academy Award-winning actor will bring his “Symphonic Blues Experience” to Arizona Musicfest, offering North Scottsdale audiences an unprecedented fusion of his legendary storytelling prowess with the raw, emotional power of Mississippi Delta blues. But this isn’t simply another celebrity concert — it’s a cultural bridge spanning centuries of American musical history, orchestrated by a man whose connection to the blues runs as deep as the Delta soil itself.

Freeman’s relationship with the blues began in childhood, long before Hollywood discovered his distinctive presence. Born in Memphis and raised in Charleston, Mississippi, by his paternal grandmother, Freeman absorbed blues music not as an outsider looking in but as someone raised within its authentic cultural context.

Morgan Freeman, co-owner of Mississippi’s Ground Zero Blues Club, presents a groundbreaking multimedia production that combines cinematic narration with symphonic orchestration at Arizona Musicfest.

Freeman’s childhood was immersed in this musical tradition, where blues emerged naturally from the rhythm of daily life. His grandmother would host traveling musicians, creating some of his earliest musical memories. This early exposure shaped Freeman’s understanding of blues as more than entertainment — it’s a cultural expression born from genuine human experience, rooted in the struggles and joys of Delta life.

This authentic foundation led Freeman, his late partner, Bill Luckett, and Howard Stovall, to establish Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 2001. The club emerged from a simple observation: Tourists visiting the Delta’s legendary crossroads had nowhere reliable to hear genuine blues music.

“Across the street from where we were working, we saw these backpackers — just a young guy and girl,” Freeman recalls. “Bill, being a hail fellow well met type, went over to ask if they needed help. They asked, ‘Where can we hear some blues music?’ There was no place we could recommend.”

So Freeman and Luckett decided to create that place themselves, establishing what would become Ground Zero Blues Club.

Today, the club operates under the guidance of Eric Meier, the Stanford MBA and healthcare executive who joined Ground Zero as co-owner in 2018, bringing entrepreneurial acumen to cultural preservation, viewing the club’s mission through both business and community development lenses.

“We’ve tried to make this as much about education as it is entertainment,” Meier explains. “You’ve got the beauty of great music, with Morgan providing connective tissue over a 100-year journey through his narration. Then you’ve got video storytelling.”

Ground Zero has evolved into what many consider “the world’s top blues club,” hosting more than 200 shows annually and launching careers of contemporary Delta talents including Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Anthony “Big A” Sherrod. The

Who knew that a symphony orchestra and a few blues musicians could blend so well and put on such a wonderful show? Morgan Freeman

club’s authenticity — maintained in a minimally renovated cotton warehouse with graffiticovered walls and mismatched chairs — attracts international media attention while preserving a genuine juke joint atmosphere.

“One of the things that’s made it so enduring — we’re approaching our 25th anniversary next May — is that we’ve kept it real,” Meier notes. “It doesn’t look like it was just hacked together. There are layers to it: the graffiti, the not-safe-for-work bathroom visits, the posters and flags. People want to come and experience this living history.”

The Symphonic Blues Experience represents Ground Zero’s most ambitious cultural expansion. Rather than simply transplanting club performances to concert halls, Freeman and Meier created a multimedia production combining filmed narration, live orchestra and authentic Delta musicians.

“We realized it’s not easy for everyone to reach Clarksdale, so we thought, ‘Let’s bring it to you,’” Freeman explains. “The symphony becomes a medium to narrate the blues story.”

The production deliberately challenges assumptions about both genres. Freeman, who appreciates diverse musical forms from Ravel to contemporary blues, sees no inherent conflict between symphonic sophistication and Delta authenticity.

“I listen to symphonies. I like Ravel. And I’ve listened to the blues,” he says. “I’m not a blues aficionado — I like music, period. I don’t think there’s any music I don’t like.”

Meier elaborates on this philosophical approach: “The beauty of the strings, right? Can the strings add more gravitas to a classic blues song? Absolutely. We’ve got a song called ‘Traveling Riverside Blues’ that Led Zeppelin covered. It originally was written

Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman brings his “Symphonic Blues Experience” to Arizona Musicfest Jan. 8, fusing his legendary storytelling with authentic Mississippi Delta blues and full orchestra.

Morgan Freeman and Eric Meier, co-owners of Mississippi’s Ground Zero Blues Club, have transformed their authentic Delta venue into a touring symphonic experience that brings blues history to concert halls nationwide.

by Robert Johnson, I believe. We have a gospel singer performing it, and it works.”

Arizona Musicfest Executive and Producing Director Allan Naplan immediately recognized the production’s significance when considering programming for the organization’s 35th anniversary season.

“When I learned about the Symphonic Blues show, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to present such a well-conceived and well-produced concert,” Naplan explains. “Along with the featured performances of acclaimed Delta blues artists, with the integration of our Musicfest Pops Ensemble orchestra, a beautifully produced multimedia retrospective on the history of the blues, and, of course, the presence of legendary Hollywood icon Morgan Freeman, I thought the concert would be ideal for our Musicfest series.”

Before the Blues

Arizona Musicfest’s 35th anniversary season continues with four distinctive performances leading up to Morgan Freeman’s January spectacular, each offering unique cultural experiences for desert arts enthusiasts.

Kenny G takes the Highlands Church stage Nov. 14, bringing decades of contemporary jazz mastery to Scottsdale. The superstar saxophonist, with more than 75 million records sold worldwide, delivers smooth jazz favorites, including his signature “Songbird.” His expressive melodies and chart-topping instrumental albums have defined contemporary jazz for multiple generations.

The Texas Tenors return Nov. 22 for their highly anticipated third Arizona Musicfest appearance, presenting “Let Freedom Sing” in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The “America’s Got Talent” favorites showcase their acclaimed blend of country, pop, Broadway and classical repertoire, drawing from their extensive catalog of five studio albums and more than 2,000 concerts performed.

“We’re thrilled to bring back The Texas Tenors for their third appearance at Musicfest,” explains Allan Naplan, Arizona Musicfest’s executive and producing director. “As their first two appearances sold out, we look forward to another great success with this popular act. With their strong vocal prowess and captivating stage charisma, their special program ‘Let Freedom Sing’ will surely be a moving and powerful concert experience.”

December opens with Phat Cat Swinger Dec. 5, as Hollywood’s “Little Big Band” delivers its signature “Not So Silent Night” holiday celebration. The ensemble presents lively arrangements of Christmas favorites alongside new, unreleased material exclusive to this tour, complete with social dancing opportunities for adventurous audience members.

Naplan particularly appreciates this innovative approach to holiday programming. “For each season’s Christmas concerts, I’m always looking for inventive and engaging artists who will bring a fresh and entertaining take on holiday classics, and with Phat Cat Swinger, we’ve certainly got that,” he notes. “Their enthusiasm, exuberance, and entertaining excellence are really something special. This will be one of the most enjoyable Christmas concerts that we’ve ever presented.”

The holiday season concludes Dec. 8 with “Christmas with the Celts,” the PBS-featured celebration mixing ancient Irish carols, folk ballads, contemporary songs and spirited Irish dance. This interactive performance features traditional instruments, vibrant string arrangements and the warm humor characteristic of Celtic holiday traditions.

azmusicfest.org

Lee Williams

Heather Crosse

After attending the production at Chicago’s Ravinia Festival, Naplan witnessed its broad appeal firsthand.

“From blues aficionados to movie buffs, everyone in attendance was having a wonderful time,” he recalls. “Further, as this season Musicfest begins our extended celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, it’s a great time to celebrate and honor the legacy of this uniquely American musical genre.”

The production’s innovative approach attracts diverse audiences, expanding traditional boundaries between musical communities.

“There will be people who don’t regularly attend symphonies coming to this show,” Meier observes. “There will be symphony aficionados who don’t go to blues concerts saying, ‘I’m going to come listen to this.’ The show has sold extremely well and is approaching sellout status.”

This cross-pollination serves broader cultural purposes beyond entertainment.

“Symphony executives have approached us afterward and said, ‘Yeah, this is what we want. We want to appeal to a broader cross section, maybe a slightly younger population,’” Meier notes. “This production enables that.”

Freeman envisions the audience experience as uniquely collaborative.

“A symphony orchestra has its own audience. But then there are people who want to come and see something different and exciting,” he explains. “So you’re going to have that mix in the audience, each bringing their own perspective to the experience. That’s the other great thing about doing things together — you have this diverse audience.”

Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman partners with Stanford MBA Eric Meier to preserve and expand Delta blues culture through their Ground Zero Blues Club and innovative “Symphonic Blues Experience” production.

Slim Forrest

Big A

The production’s emphasis on authenticity extends to its featured performers — all regular Ground Zero artists under 40, representing blues as a living, evolving tradition rather than a historical artifact.

“One important point: When people think of blues artists, they often think of someone toward the end of their career,” Meier clarifies. “That’s not what this is. This is a living, breathing, vibrant music genre that’s embedded itself in rock, gospel and hip-hop.”

For Freeman, the ultimate measure of success transcends commercial metrics.

“What do I want for a legacy? Simply that people had a truly unique experience — something unbelievable,” he reflects. “Because who knew that a symphony orchestra and a few blues musicians could blend so well and put on such a wonderful show?”

The Jan. 8 performance promises North Scottsdale audiences an evening that Freeman describes as transformative — a journey through American musical history guided by authentic voices and elevated by symphonic grandeur. In a region celebrated for its cultural sophistication, Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience offers something genuinely unprecedented: the marriage of Hollywood storytelling, Mississippi authenticity, and orchestral elegance.

As Freeman puts it, “Music is communication, and it’s widespread. Every culture, every subculture has a way of expressing itself musically.” On a January evening in the desert, Arizona Musicfest will host that universal communication in its most compelling form — where voice meets blues, and both find their perfect symphonic expression. symphonicblues.com

MUSIC

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience

Thursday, Jan. 8 // 7:30 p.m. // Highlands Church 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale // $79+ 480-422-8449 // azmusicfest.org

ART & WINE FESTIVALS

Sip, savor, and celebrate!

Step into Arizona’s most unforgettable festival experiences, brought to you by Vermilion Promotions. Whether you’re an art lover, wine connoisseur, music enthusiast, or a culinary explorer, Vermillion curates an immersive celebration where creativity, flavor, and community come together in perfect harmony. Free admission.

Stagecoach Village Art & Wine Festival

Nov. 21-23, 2025

Jan. 9-11, 2026

Mar. 20-22, 2026

Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival

Nov. 1-2, 2025

Jan. 31- Feb. 1, 2026

WestWorld Art & Wine Experience

Nov. 8-9, 2025

Wigwam Fine Art Festivals

Dec. 5-7, 2025

Feb. 13-15, 2026

Tubac Festival of the Arts

Feb. 4-8, 2026

Oro Valley Art & Wine Festival

Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 2026

High Street Art Festival

Mar. 7-8, 2026

SanTan Art & Wine Festival

Oct 25-26, 2025

Mar. 28-29, 2026

ITALIAN WEEKEND LA DOLCE VITA IN GOLD

NOVEMBER 14–15

Friday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. // Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Celebrate Italian excellence with an exclusive showcase featuring FOPE’s revolutionary Flex’it technology, Demeglio’s innovative engineering, Mattia Cielo’s futuristic designs and Roberto Coin’s signature artistry. Join us Friday evening for cocktails as we toast the finest expressions of Italian goldsmithing, where centuries-old traditions meet contemporary innovation.

GOLDEN GEOMETRIES THE ARTISTRY OF ALEX ŠEPKUS

NOVEMBER 11–12

Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Enter the extraordinary world of Alex Šepkus, where microscopic artistry meets unparalleled vision. Each 18-karat gold masterpiece showcases intricate geometric patterns and textures that transform jewelry into wearable sculpture. Experience these collectible treasures that have captivated museums and connoisseurs worldwide.

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

NOVEMBER 20

Wine and hor d’oeuvre Thursday from 4–7 p.m.

Experience the intersection of architecture and art with Kathleen Hope’s textural cement compositions and Troy Axelrod’s bold geometric wall sculptures. Both artists explore structural beauty through mixed media, creating pieces that bridge the worlds of fine art and architectural design.

AARON HENRY’S GOLDEN LEGACY

NOVEMBER 21–22

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

Discover the warm luxury of Aaron Henry’s 18- to 19-karat gold creations, where each piece undergoes a meticulous 10-step process to achieve unmatched brilliance. These modern heirlooms blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sophistication, designed to be treasured for generations.

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

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

DECEMBER 11

Wine and hor d’oeuvre Thursday from 4–7 p.m.

Embrace the season in perfect comfort and style. Join us for an evening of holiday treats, mulled wine and festive warmth as we celebrate the year’s finest collections. Don your coziest cashmere and discover the perfect gifts for those who appreciate exceptional art and jewelry. A relaxed evening of seasonal celebration awaits.

Community

THROUGH NOV. 9 LATER LIFE

The Theatre Artists Studio presents A.R. Gurney’s bittersweet romantic comedy directed by Shana Rebilas Bousard. At a cocktail party, Austin and Ruth reconnect after nearly 30 years, exploring second chances and the many possibilities that life, at any age, can hold. See website for prices and showtimes. Theatre Artists Studio, 12406 N. Paradise Village Parkway East, Scottsdale. thestudiophx.org

THROUGH JAN. 4

TIANYU LIGHTS FESTIVAL

Explore illuminated lantern installations featuring Bugs Aglow, Color of Holidays, Rainforest and Prehistoric Animals themes at this walk-through experience. Handcrafted displays include interactive elements, food court and marketplace with unique treasures. $25+. 6–10 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday. Camelback Ranch, 10710 W. Camelback Road, Glendale. tianyuculture.us

THROUGH DEC. 31 ARTISTS OF CATTLE TRACK

Scottsdale Public Art presents an exhibition highlighting artists who create at the historic Cattle Track Arts Compound, a National Register landmark and artist colony. The show features ceramics, photography, sculpture, paintings, furniture, printmaking and artist books. Free. See website for hours. Civic Center Public Gallery at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-312-7323; scottsdalearts.org

THROUGH JAN. 18 A PIVOTAL POINT IN TIME: ART IN SCOTTSDALE IN THE 1970S

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts presents this retrospective exhibition honoring artists who shaped the city’s creative scene during the 1970s. Works by Dorothy Fratt, Billy Schenck, Fritz Scholder, Ed Mell, Genevieve Reckling, Rip Woods, Philip C. Curtis, Beth Ames Swartz, Mark McDowell and others serve as a visual time capsule reflecting the era when the center first opened. Free. See website for hours. Center Space, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. scottsdaleperformingarts.org

NOV. 1–2

KIERLAND FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL

This North Scottsdale staple transforms Kierland Commons into an openair gallery and tasting room. Browse bronze, glass, metal and wood sculpture, paintings, mixed media, fiber art, artisan jewelry and fine photography while enjoying live music and gourmet

bites. Wine tasting packages feature a commemorative glass and tastings from 16 Arizona wineries, with proceeds benefiting Horses Help. Free admission and parking; valet available. Wine tasting packages $30+. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Kierland Commons, 15205 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale. 623-734-6526; vermillionpromotions.com

NOV. 7–8

DREAMY DRAW MUSIC FESTIVAL

Oh Wow Company and Scottsdale Arts present two days of live music from more than 20 artists across multiple stages, immersive art, local food and community connection. See website for prices and schedule. Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. dreamydrawfest.com

NOV. 8–9

WESTWORLD ART & WINE EXPERIENCE

Coinciding with the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, this new event brings together fine art and Arizona wine under one roof at WestWorld. Browse works by approximately 100 artists and

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

craftsmen while sampling selections from 20 in-state wineries, with additional interactive art demos, gourmet bites and luxury lifestyle exhibits rounding out the weekend. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. vermillionpromotions.com

NOV. 9

DRAW ON, SWEET NIGHT

Phoenix Chorale presents a charming a cappella concert celebrating milestone anniversaries of choral legends including John Rutter’s 80th birthday. The program features Rutter’s “Birthday Madrigals,” Renaissance gems, and French chansons in a celebration of musical storytelling. $47.50; discounts available for youth, seniors and military. 3 p.m., Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley. 602253-2224; phoenixchorale.org

NOV. 11–12

GOLDEN GEOMETRIES: THE ARTISTRY OF ALEX SEPKUS

Enter the extraordinary world of Alex Sepkus, where microscopic artistry meets unparalleled vision. Each 18-karat gold masterpiece showcases intricate geometric patterns and textures that transform jewelry into wearable sculpture. Experience these collectible treasures that have captivated museums and connoisseurs worldwide. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

NOV. 13–DEC. 23

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre presents its annual holiday tradition based on Frank Capra’s beloved film. $36+; discounts available for seniors, students, military and youth. See website for showtimes. Don Bluth Front Row Theatre, 8989 E. Via Linda, Suite 118, Scottsdale. 480-314-0841; donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com

Community

NOV. 14

CELEBRATING THE GUITAR

The Musical Instrument Museum hosts a concert honoring the 50th anniversary of Arizona’s Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery. Experience 14 acclaimed guitarists and touring artists performing with unique guitars built by RobertoVenn graduates, including a custom replica of George Harrison’s famed rosewood Fender Telecaster crafted by Fender Master Builder Paul Waller. British guitarist Laurence Juber, former lead for Paul McCartney’s Wings, headlines the event and will play the Harrison tribute guitar onstage. See website for prices. 7:30 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum Theatre, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

NOV. 14–15

ITALIAN

WEEKEND: LA DOLCE VITA IN GOLD

Celebrate Italian excellence with an exclusive showcase featuring FOPE’s revolutionary Flex’it technology, Demeglio’s innovative engineering, Mattia Cielo’s futuristic designs and Roberto Coin’s signature artistry. Discover the finest expressions of Italian goldsmithing, where centuries-

NOV. 8–9

BENTLEY SCOTTSDALE POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

The 14th annual Polo Party returns with six matches over four days, highlighted by Saturday’s 2 p.m. signature showdown as the Wales Polo Invitational Team — founded in 2008 under the patronage of King Charles III — challenges defending champions Wine Country Polo Club. The weekend also features an Army vs. Navy matchup, a “Battle of the Sexes,” and an “International All-Stars” game, plus fan favorites including Canine Couture by Lugari Pet Salon, the World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show by Phoenix Fashion Week, Casa Amigos Dayclub, and the BarrettJackson Champagne & Jazz Lounge in a new open-air format. See website for prices and schedule. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. thepoloparty.com

old traditions meet contemporary innovation. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480-5758080; gracereneegallery.com

NOV. 15–16

VERDE VALLEY POTTERY FESTIVAL

The Verde Valley Pottery Festival returns to Cornville, featuring more than a dozen Arizona potters, live demonstrations, food trucks and estate-grown wines. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. D.A.Ranch, 1900 Dancing Apache Road, Cornville. 928-247-6868; verdevalleypotteryfestival.com

NOV. 16

THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY

Scottsdale Philharmonic presents Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, his beloved musical portrait of America written during his years in New York and Iowa. $20; discounts available for students and veterans. 4 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-951-6077; scottsdalephilharmonic.com

NOV.

20

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

Experience the intersection of architecture and art with Kathleen Hope’s textural cement compositions and Troy Axelrod’s bold geometric wall sculptures. Both artists explore structural beauty through mixed media, creating pieces that bridge the worlds of fine art and architectural design. Free. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

NOV. 20–22

AARON HENRY’S GOLDEN LEGACY

Discover the warm luxury of Aaron Henry’s 18- to 19-karat gold creations, where each piece undergoes a meticulous 10-step process to achieve unmatched brilliance. These modern heirlooms blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sophistication, designed to be treasured for generations. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

NOV. 21–23

GOODGUYS 28TH

SPEEDWAY MOTORS

SOUTHWEST NATIONALS

WestWorld of Scottsdale hosts this premier automotive event showcasing hundreds of hot rods, customs, classics, trucks and muscle cars. Enthusiasts and families can explore vendor exhibits and enjoy an array of automotive displays throughout the three-day celebration. $28. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. good-guys.com/swn-25

NOV. 21–JAN. 3

CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into a winter wonderland for its 16th annual celebration, featuring more than 16 million lights, spectacular new light displays, a 6,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink, fire pits, S’mores Land, a Christmas train, photos with Santa, special holiday characters and festive treats across 65 acres. Enjoy holiday shows, themed rides, a four-story musical tree and magical moments for all ages. See website for prices and hours. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. christmasattheprincess.com

NOV. 23

LEGENDS AND LEGACY

Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra celebrates mythic heroism with an eclectic program ranging from Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” to John Williams’ “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter” suites alongside Alan Menken’s “Beauty and the Beast” overture. $20+. 4 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587; scottsdalesymphonicorchestra.org

NOV. 26–JAN. 16

ZOOLIGHTS

The Phoenix Zoo’s beloved holiday tradition transforms more than 2 miles

of trails into a winter wonderland with millions of dazzling lights, animated animal lanterns, a floating 50-foot LED tree, immersive light shows, Glow Garden and interactive displays. Enjoy the immersive light tunnel, s’mores by the fire, photos with Santa, wildlife lanterns, holiday treats, carousel rides and more. See website for prices. 5:30–10:30 p.m. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. phoenixzoo.org

NOV. 29

FANTASY OF LIGHTS

STREET PARADE + TREE LIGHTING

Downtown Tempe’s holiday season begins with the Fantasy of Lights Street Parade along Mill Avenue, featuring dazzling floats, performers, holiday characters and live music. Snack and drink vendors, photos with Santa and a kids’ letter-writing station add to the festivities. The event culminates in the lighting of a 30-foot holiday tree at CenterPoint Plaza. Free. 4–8 p.m. See website for route. downtowntempe.com

NOV. 29

JINGLE & JAZZ TREE

LIGHTING SPECTACULAR

Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the Scottsdale Waterfront Canal Bank with Scottsdazzle’s signature kickoff event hosted by community leader Kira Peters. Enjoy live jazz, dance performances, children’s activities, and stunning decorations. The evening features complimentary photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa, seasonal snacks, and unique pop-up boutiques from The Merchantile of Scottsdale at Stetson Plaza. The festivities conclude with the lighting of the 36-foot Scottsdazzle tree. Free. 7–9 p.m. 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. 480-3127177; scottsdazzle.com

NOV. 30

MESSIAH SING-ALONG

The Arts at Ascension presents the fourth annual sing-along of Handel’s classic

holiday oratorio featuring soloists and choristers from Arizona Masterworks Chorale and North Scottsdale United Methodist Church with musicians from the Women’s Orchestra of Arizona. Free. 3 p.m. North Scottsdale United Methodist Church, 11735 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. arizonamasterworks.com

SCOTTSDALE ARTS UNVEILS FIRE STATION ARTWORK

Scottsdale Arts has added “Wholeness” by Maria Salenger of Jones Studio to the Scottsdale Public Art Permanent Collection at Scottsdale Fire Station 612. Created in weathering steel with laser-cut imagery, the site-specific work depicts desert flora — mesquite, brittlebush, chaparral and creosote — casting dynamic shadows across the patio and sidewalk as sunlight shifts throughout the day and seasons. Each panel represents half of a Maltese cross, a symbol of the firefighting profession, with shadows completing the shape. Salenger developed the project through conversations with firefighters, visits to the Hall of Flame Museum and observations of the nearby McDowell Mountain Preserve landscape. scottsdalearts.org

SCOTTSDALE PICKLEBALL COMPLEX ADVANCES

CaliberCos Inc. has submitted construction documents for PURE Pickleball & Padel, billed as the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility. The $65 million complex will feature 48 indoor courts, a 1,200-seat professional arena, sports performance center by HonorHealth, restaurant by Wolfgang Puck Catering, pro shop and rooftop bar. Construction is expected to begin in March 2026 on an 11-acre site within the Riverwalk Development Project in the Talking Stick Entertainment District. caliberco.com

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Arizona’s Most Soul-Stirring Autumn Campsites

Where Wilderness Meets Wonder

As autumn’s first crisp breath sweeps across Arizona’s diverse landscapes, a particular restlessness stirs in those who understand that the state’s most profound beauty lies not in its famous destinations but in its hidden corners. This is not about disconnecting from the everyday — it’s about reconnecting to something deeper: to the rhythm of your own heartbeat under a canopy of stars, to the ancient silence that exists only in places where cell towers fear to tread and to the kind of solitude that doesn’t feel lonely but complete.

Arizona’s autumn wilderness offers experiences that commercial campgrounds simply cannot deliver. These are places where silence has weight, where starlight tells stories and where the simple act of waking to sunrise over untamed landscapes becomes a form of prayer. From high-mountain meadows ablaze with color to sandstone moonscapes under the Milky Way, these eight destinations represent the pinnacle of Arizona’s wild camping experiences — each carefully selected for its ability to restore, inspire and transform.

Photo by Kevin Dooley

LOCKETT MEADOW: ARIZONA’S AUTUMN CATHEDRAL

When photographers speak of Arizona’s fall color epicenter, they’re talking about Lockett Meadow. Nestled at 8,600 feet on the flanks of the San Francisco Peaks, this alpine sanctuary hosts the Southwest’s largest aspen stands, creating a golden cathedral that draws pilgrims from across the country.

The journey here is currently an adventure in itself — road closures have transformed what was once a drive into a 6-mile round-trip hike or bike ride, effectively filtering out casual visitors and preserving the meadow’s sacred quiet. Those who make the effort are rewarded with camping beneath quaking aspens whose white trunks rise like columns in nature’s most magnificent hall.

The Inner Basin Trail begins at your tent door, winding 3 1/2 miles through groves so thick with golden leaves that the light itself seems to glow from within. Wildlife is abundant — elk bugle across the meadow at dusk while Abert’s squirrels chatter in the pines overhead. On clear nights, the thin mountain air reveals stars with startling clarity.

Pack extra layers; November nights can dip below freezing, but the crisp air only enhances the experience. Bring ample water, and prepare for the kind of silence that makes city dwellers remember what peace actually sounds like.

MOGOLLON RIM: ON THE EDGE OF INFINITY

Forest Road 9350 traces the dramatic precipice of the Mogollon Rim, where designated dispersed campsites perch literally on the edge of Arizona’s high country. At nearly 8,000 feet, these rim-side camps offer unobstructed views that plunge 2,000 feet to forested valleys below — a perspective that redefines the word “vista.”

Nearly 40 marked campsites dot this 2-mile corridor, most featuring established fire rings and picnic tables. The first mile accommodates RVs and trailers, while the final stretch rewards tent campers with increasingly dramatic rim-edge positions. Some sites hover so close to the precipice that morning coffee becomes a meditation on infinity — though parents should note these spectacular perches come with genuine safety considerations.

November brings peak color as aspen, maple and oak paint the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and reds. Nearby trails like the Cabin Loop and Highline Trail wind through groves of changing leaves, while Woods Canyon and Bear Canyon lakes offer excellent trout fishing surrounded by autumn’s palette.

The Rim Road corridor extends camping options far beyond Forest Road 9350, with forest roads branching into increasingly remote and private settings. Fire restrictions are common, so check current conditions before planning your trip.

Photo by Kevin Dooley

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service

These are places where silence has weight, where starlight tells stories and where the simple act of waking to sunrise over untamed landscapes becomes a form of prayer.

GRANITE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS: SECLUDED PEAKS ABOVE PRESCOTT

Twenty minutes from downtown Prescott, the Granite Mountain Wilderness offers accessible yet genuine solitude among towering granite domes and boulder fields. The 1,563-acre wilderness provides diverse camping options, from the developed Yavapai Campground to true backcountry dispersed sites.

Yavapai Campground delivers the perfect balance of comfort and wild beauty, with 19 shaded sites nestled among granite outcrops. Running water, flush toilets and established fire rings provide civilized amenities while maintaining the wilderness aesthetic. The adjacent Granite Basin Lake adds fishing opportunities to the impressive hiking available throughout the wilderness.

For deeper solitude, dispersed camping is permitted throughout the wilderness, though campfires are prohibited year-round due to fire danger. The granite formations create natural windbreaks and privacy, while the elevation provides pleasantly cool autumn weather just minutes from Prescott’s restaurants and amenities.

The area is renowned among rock climbers, with more than 1,000 established routes on the granite walls. Even non-climbers will appreciate the cathedral-like formations and their dramatic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.

WHITE POCKET: SURREAL STARLIT STONE

For those seeking the ultimate in primitive camping, White Pocket delivers an otherworldly experience that requires serious commitment. Located on the remote Paria Plateau within Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, this permit-free alternative to the Wave rewards the prepared with surreal beauty and absolute solitude.

The swirling red-and-white Navajo sandstone formations create a landscape so alien that visitors regularly describe feeling transported to another planet. At 6,100 feet elevation, autumn brings mild days and crisp nights perfect for photography and stargazing — this is among Arizona’s darkest locations, with zero light pollution and crystal-clear views of the Milky Way.

Access requires a true four-wheel-drive vehicle and considerable preparation. The final 8 miles traverse deep sand that regularly claims unprepared travelers, and once there, you’re entirely self-sufficient. No water, no facilities, no cell service — just you, the rocks, and silence so complete it has a physical presence.

Bring satellite communication devices, plenty of water and the kind of gear that could save your life if weather turns. This is wilderness camping for experts only, but the payoff — sunrise over formations that seem sculpted by alien hands — justifies every challenge.

Photo by Bob Wick and Courtesy of Bureau of Land Management

Photo by John Fowler

ARAVAIPA CANYON:

ARIZONA’S SECRET EDEN

Perhaps no Arizona wilderness experience is more transformative than Aravaipa Canyon. This 19,410-acre wilderness preserves a 12-mile-long, 1,000-foot-deep canyon carved by perennial Aravaipa Creek — a living oasis in the Sonoran Desert that explodes with autumn color from late October through December.

Access requires permits that limit visitors to 50 people per day, guaranteeing solitude that’s increasingly rare in outdoor recreation. The “trail” is the creek itself, requiring repeated stream crossings and sometimes walking directly in ankle- to knee-deep water for miles. This isn’t hiking — it’s an adventure.

Cottonwood, sycamore, walnut, willow and box elder create a kaleidoscope of yellow, gold, orange and rust beneath sheer canyon walls. Wildlife is abundant, with more than 200 bird species, deer, bighorn sheep, coatimundi and black bears calling the canyon home.

Camping is wherever you choose — sandbars, established clearings or hidden side canyons. The requirements are strict: bearproof food storage, pack-in/pack-out ethics and complete self-sufficiency. Weather awareness is critical, as flash flooding poses real danger in the narrow sections.

This is Arizona’s Holy Grail for experienced backpackers — less a destination than a pilgrimage to one of the Southwest’s most enchanting hidden places.

Photo by Bob Wick and Courtesy of Bureau of Land Management

Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Ahsaki LaFrance Chachere

Labelle LaFrance Lassos Million-Dollar Moment

Breakaway Belles

The crowd falls silent as a horse shifts in the box — little puffs of dust rise from eager hooves as the rider grips a rope with strong hands, her determined eyes scanning the arena, awaiting the moment when the calf is released from the chute and moments later, the pursuit begins.

Breakaway roping has captured rodeo audiences with its display of fast-paced athleticism from both horse and rider. Riders are judged on speed and technique as they chase and lasso a calf around the neck while on horseback. The rope, attached to the saddle horn, breaks cleanly the moment it meets its mark and the timer stops. This electrifying sport will be on full display at the second annual Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, Nov. 24–30 at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

The event showcases an elite field of 168 top-qualifying female breakaway ropers from across the country, each

competing for victory and generous cash prizes. The final days of this celebration of rodeo competition and Western culture will feature live performances by country music stars Josh Meloy and Grammy Award winner Ashley McBryde on Nov. 28 and 29, respectively.

Labelle LaFrance, 22, of Window Rock brings third-generation ranching expertise and Navajo heritage to the elite field at the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, competing Nov. 24–30 at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

My grandfather is my inspiration. To have a connection with animals and to have family support through the ups and downs, a family legacy — that’s what keeps me motivated in the sport. Labelle LaFrance

Among the competitors vying for a spot in the finals is Labelle LaFrance, 22, a third-generation Arizona rancher with a rich personal and cultural history woven from her Navajo and Creole heritage. Rodeo has been a lifelong passion for LaFrance, who says rodeo runs in her blood. During her upbringing on the Navajo Reservation near Window Rock, her grandfather encouraged her family to get involved in the sport — a natural outgrowth of the work they do on the family ranch.

“My grandfather is my inspiration,” she says. “To have a connection with animals and to have family support through the ups and downs, a family legacy — that’s what keeps me motivated in the sport.”

LaFrance, whose father was a professional football player for the Green Bay Packers and several arena football league teams, has embraced her natural athleticism in the arena. She began barrel racing in fifth grade and has competed steadily over the past six years as part of the

Window Rock’s Labelle LaFrance combines natural athleticism with cultural pride as she prepares to compete against 167 other top breakaway ropers at this year’s million-dollar competition in Scottsdale.

Third-generation Arizona rancher Labelle LaFrance credits her grandfather’s inspiration and family legacy for fueling her passion in breakaway roping, a sport that celebrates both speed and precision.

National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration. While she says she’s always had a rope in her hand, her brother-in-law, Dennis Chachere, encouraged her to pursue breakaway roping, a discipline at which she quickly excelled.

LaFrance has lassoed calves at the Indian National Finals Rodeo and the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — a national showcase celebrating Black cowboy and cowgirl culture — and now looks forward to competing for the first time at the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway in her home state.

“I love breakaway because of the freedom of having another event aside from barrels,” LaFrance says. “We can throw a rope! I love the mental and physical challenge of it. Breakaway roping is fast and persistent; it requires focus and connection with the horse. I’m going up against girls who have been doing this all their lives. I look up to so many of them. They opened a doorway for us, and it helps push me to do my best.

“Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway is one of the biggest breakaway roping competitions in the country. It elevates women’s breakaway roping at its finest, and it’s an incredible platform for competitors at all levels to showcase their skills. I hope to perform my best and compete alongside some of the best in the sport.”

This marquee event celebrates the growing popularity and professionalism of women’s breakaway roping, shining a spotlight on the supremely talented field of top competitors and rewarding them with a generous prize purse.

milliondollarbreakaway.com

EXPERIENCE

Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway

Nov. 24–30 // See website for schedule of events // WestWorld of Scottsdale // 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

See website for prices // 480-312-6802 // milliondollarbreakaway.com

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In addition to losing weight and keeping it off, The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness’ medical weight loss program provides clients with the tools they need to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes as well as optimize hormones for energy, health and longevity.

T h e M o s t C o m p r e h e n s i v e &

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Regardless of the amount of weight you want to lose, the spa-like clinic’s Integrative Team will monitor and guide you throughout the process of reaching your goal. Our clients typically lose 15–20% or more of their body weight an average of 53 pounds in 6–12 months

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo

at Canal Convergence

Fire Jockeys Walter Productions Masters the Art of Flame

In the shadow of a 1950s film studio turned creative sanctuary, Kirk Strawn examines a DMX controller that will soon choreograph flames dancing across the Scottsdale Waterfront. It’s a fitting metaphor for Walter Productions — a collective that has spent more than a decade transforming salvaged machinery into spectacular art, and now stands as the beating heart of Canal Convergence’s most ambitious theme yet: “SHOWTIME.”

For the eighth consecutive year, Walter Productions returns to Canal Convergence (Nov. 7–16) not merely as participants, but as the festival’s emotional and pyrotechnic centerpiece. Its headline installation, “Showtime,” promises to capture the very essence of live entertainment through a marquee sign spelling “It’s Showtime” in vintage light bulbs, floating across the Arizona Canal while DMXcontrolled isopropyl alcohol flames pulse in harmony with carefully curated musical performances.

“This is the first year we’ve created a marquee sign,” Strawn explains from Walter Studios, the former recording facility that now serves as one of four Walter-owned spaces across the Valley. “The sign features old-timey marquee lighting with those classic clear bulbs you’d see on vintage theater signs. It’s being fabricated right now and will be mounted on floats with our DMX-controlled isopropyl alcohol flame effects embedded directly into the signage.”

The journey from salvaged firetruck to Scottsdale’s signature art installation reads like an Arizona fever dream. In 2008, Strawn discovered the chassis that would become Walter the Bus — a 1963 Walter Airport firetruck previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base — rusting away at the Gold King Mine in Jerome.

Photography Courtesy of Walter Productions

“It’s essentially a heavy machinery graveyard where equipment goes to spend its final days,” Strawn recalls. “This particular chassis had become a playground for kids. People could climb all over it, operate the turret on top, and pretend they were driving it. The firefighter staircases wrapped around it made it feel like a jungle gym.”

That playful spirit of interaction would become Walter Productions’ signature. What began as a single converted vehicle evolved into a fleet of three Walter chassis and a philosophy that bridges highconcept art with hands-on community engagement. Strawn and his partner Mary — both medical professionals who met while caring for a child at the county hospital — spent five years touring festivals like Burning Man, Electric Daisy Carnival and Bonnaroo before returning to plant permanent roots in Arizona soil.

“Mary and I both trained in medicine here in the Valley — Mary at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and I at what’s now HonorHealth Osborne Hospital,” Strawn says. “Our roots in the Valley run over 30 years deep.”

Those medical backgrounds inform Walter Productions’ community-centered approach. The Walter family of companies now includes the nonprofit Walter Hive, where high-risk youth learn welding, LED programming and fine arts; Walter Station Brewery, which has even used SRP’s reclaimed and purified wastewater to brew beer specifically for Canal Convergence; and multiple fabrication spaces totaling 45,000 square feet. It’s a model that treats art-making as essential healthcare.

“The arts are incredibly important,” Strawn explains. “As a physician, I can say that creative self-expression is as essential as many other healthrelated activities — eating well, getting enough sleep, taking medication, reducing stress. When you’re creating things, it genuinely does something positive for you.”

This therapeutic philosophy extends to Walter Productions’ signature fire choreography, a skill developed through collaboration with Purdue University’s graduate program in aeronautical and astronautical engineering. Over five courses, graduate students designed flame effect prototypes that Walter Productions then deployed in public spaces — knowledge that proved crucial when Canal Convergence organizers approached them in 2018.

Large-scale, complex art — especially with lighting, flame effects, and interactivity — elicits brain activity that’s very difficult to achieve through anything else. Kirk Strawn

“Canal Convergence organizers had seen our work at Lost Lake [Music Festival] in Phoenix and approached us asking, ‘Can you do it in running water?’” Strawn remembers. “We said we had absolutely no idea whether we could. We’d never worked in the canals or dealt with current before, but we did understand how to safely deploy isopropyl alcohol flame effects through submerged lines that feed floating art pieces.”

The gamble paid off spectacularly. Each year since, Walter Productions has refined its “fire jockeying” — Strawn’s term for the real-time manipulation of flame effects through keyboard interfaces. Operators control preprogrammed sequences while expressing individual creativity, creating performances that bridge human artistry with technological precision.

“There are preprogrammed sequences because you can’t move your fingers as fast as some of the effects we’re capable of producing,” Strawn notes.

For “Showtime,” this choreographed fire will be embedded directly into marquee signage, while attendees can interact with the lighting between performances. It’s a perfect embodiment of Canal Convergence’s mission to blur the line between audience and performer — a theme that resonates deeply with festival organizers.

“From our music stage and site-specific dance performances to Walter Productions’ fire shows, choreographed live by the artists each night, the art of performance is an integral part of Canal Convergence’s identity,” says Jennifer Gill, deputy director of Canal Convergence. “By blurring the line between audience and performer through interactive and performative public artworks, Canal Convergence seeks to inspire deeper understanding and appreciation of the performing arts and their impact.”

That blurred line reflects Walter Productions’ broader impact on Arizona’s cultural landscape. Beyond Canal Convergence, it has produced events for companies like SpaceX, Google and Twit-

Canal-Side Creativity

While Walter Productions commands center stage, Canal Convergence presents nine additional installations that explore the dynamic between audience and performer in distinctly innovative ways.

• “B!G TV” by Calgary’s BIG ART transforms nostalgic television aesthetics into cutting-edge interactivity. The 16-foot screen, wrapped in retro wood paneling and rabbit ears, invites viewers to trigger animations and contribute real-time content. “B!G TV isn’t just an installation — it’s an invitation for everyone to become part of the show,” says Paul Magnuson, founder of BIG ART.

• “HD-BPM” by Boston’s MASARY Studios converts rhythm into light through illuminated drum pads that send colored pulses down LED arrays. The transdisciplinary collective, which has collaborated with world-class ballet and opera companies, creates an inclusive environment where “the public is invited to ‘jam in light.’”

• “Long Wave” by Providence’s Pneuhaus spans nearly 200 feet as a helical sculpture that shifts perspective based on viewing angle. Built from modular PVC-coated polyester segments, the installation explores motion and repetition through light pulses that suggest orbital momentum.

• “Octopoda” by Australia’s Amigo and Amigo invites visitors to power a steampunk octopus drummer through eight giant barrel drums connected to computerized, light-responsive limbs. With more than 190 feet of LED animations, the installation creates impromptu drum circles that illuminate the sculpture with sound-activated sequences.

• “Parallel Flow” by Los Angeles artists Dina Fisher and David Howe features twin arrays of colorful light tubes exchanging call-and-response patterns across the canal. Participants use handheld sensors to create dynamic effects through exploratory movement, while nightly musical performances transform the accompanying lightshow.

• polychroma by Utah’s In Theory Art Studio creates a rainbow using dichroic materials and LED technology that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Visitors can walk beneath the sculptural rainbow and become part of the spectrum, experiencing how the installation casts vivid colors throughout the surrounding space.

• “Pulse” by Toronto’s MattCreative explores trees’ hidden underground communication networks through suspended LED rings around each tree along the canal. The installation visualizes how trees share nutrients and information, with some responding to human presence by sending messages throughout the forest network.

• “Recognition” by Maine’s New American Public Art uses facial tracking to project participants’ faces onto a giant polygonal 3D canvas. This adaptation of “Your Big Face” explores digital self-representation and social media's performative nature, questioning our relationship with digital identity while visitors become unwitting stars of the show.

• “Stargate” by Melbourne's Chalk River Labs presents a 12-foot square encompassing a circular ring designed as an immersive cosmic journey. Projection mapping wraps the entire structure with mesmerizing visuals, while viewers are encouraged to climb into the central ring for both meditation and photography.

scottsdalearts.org

ter, while its community programming through Walter Hive reaches thousands of participants annually. It’s a model that treats large-scale public art not as spectacle divorced from daily life, but as community infrastructure.

“Large-scale, complex art — especially with lighting, flame effects, and interactivity — elicits brain activity that’s very difficult to achieve through anything else,” Strawn observes. “Being around art has a therapeutic effect and makes you think. It challenges your concept of reality, particularly when encountering very large installations, which Canal Convergence does exceptionally well.”

This year’s “SHOWTIME” theme coincides with the 50th anniversary of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, creating opportunities to examine performance art’s evolution and enduring power. For Walter Productions, it’s validation of its belief that art functions best when it builds genuine community connections.

“We’ve been observing the crowds over multiple years now. They’re enormous and getting bigger. They’re incredibly diverse — all ages, people from every walk of life,” Strawn notes. “Having a safe space with inspiring art where you interact with the rest of your community is vastly different

EXPERIENCE

Canal Convergence

from someone sitting on their phone, being stuck in the house or caught in the routines many of us fall into.”

As Canal Convergence commemorates its 13th year, Walter Productions’ continued presence speaks to both the festival’s success and the collective’s ability to evolve while maintaining their core mission. From salvaged firetrucks to marquee flames, it’s proven that Arizona’s most compelling art often emerges from the intersection of technical innovation, community engagement and the simple human desire to create something beautiful together.

“Whether it’s attending a concert, hearing a choir, or listening to a poet — there’s something about it that humans have always needed and participated in, going back as far as we can trace civilization,” Strawn reflects. “People were creating art from the very beginning. It’s that fundamental to us.”

When “Showtime” ignites across the Arizona Canal next month, it will represent more than pyrotechnic spectacle. It will embody Walter Productions’ decade-plus commitment to treating art as community medicine — flames that heal as much as they illuminate, performances that connect as deeply as they dazzle.

walterproductions.com

Nov. 7–16 // See website for schedule of events // Scottsdale Waterfront // 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale Free // 480-874-4666 // scottsdalearts.org

December 10–13

WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Wine and hor d’oeuvre from 4–7 p.m.

Discover William Henry’s award-winning fusion of rugged sophistication and artisan mastery. Each meticulously crafted piece — from luxury men’s jewelry to collectible pocket knives — combines precious metals, rare materials and advanced alloys. Experience limited-edition creations designed for the discerning collector who values both timeless elegance and masculine distinction.

For years, Elizabeth Page was known for her vibrant floral oil paintings at the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour. The classically trained artist had built a reputation for luminous works that captured nature’s vitality. But motherhood changed everything, sparking a dramatic evolution toward contemporary landscapes created through mixed-metal leaf collage.

The risk is paying off. Page’s mixed media collage “Lost Dutchman Copper Skies” graces the cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory — a striking work that captures the rugged Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix.

Now in its 29th year, Hidden in the Hills has grown into Arizona’s premier artist studio tour, drawing collectors and art enthusiasts throughout the Desert Foothills. The nonprofit Sonoran Arts League coordinates this expansive cultural event, which unfolds over the final two weekends of November: Nov. 21–23 and Nov. 28–30. Visitors can explore 164 artists across 41 studios throughout Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale at their own pace — and entirely free of charge.

For art collectors and enthusiasts who return year after year, the four-color, glossy artist directory has become quite a collectible. For participating artists hoping to gain more exposure, being selected as a featured cover artist represents a significant career milestone.

This year’s HITH artist directory also features four diverse artworks on the directory’s back cover: “King of the Desert” by contemporary glass artist Deb Wight; “Sweet Tweets” by oil painter Joye DeGoede; “Queen Valley Aloe” by oil painter Ann-Marie Graves; and “Ocean Whispers,” a sterling silver and 14-karat gold ring by fine jeweler Leonor Pisano that features aquamarine and sapphires.

HITH event co-chair Gail Haire says there were many wonderful submissions for cover art this year, but Page’s mixed media collage stood out to the HITH committee.

Writer Sue Kern-Fleischer //

by Loralei Lazurek

Each piece invites you into participation. Like walking through landscape, what you see depends on where you stand, how you move and your capacity to meet yourself in presence.

Elizabeth Page

A Creative Metamorphosis

Elizabeth

Page’s Artistic Evolution

Takes Center Stage at Hidden in the Hills

Photography

“It’s a breathtaking piece and a big departure from the floral oil paintings that Elizabeth had been known for,” says Haire, herself a highly acclaimed oil painter. “The collage combines earth tones with soft, shimmering hues of pink, purple, blue and green. It’s one of those pieces that makes you stop and reflect on the sheer beauty of nature.”

Page’s story of artistic transformation exemplifies why collectors and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the annual studio tour.

“For many collectors, visiting Hidden in the Hills has become a tradition, not only because they enjoy discovering artists who may be new to the studio tour, but also because many collectors like to follow artists through their careers,” Haire explains. “Collectors appreciate being able to see how an artist’s work evolves, and sometimes a dramatic change in style or medium can be a pivotal point in an artist’s career.”

NATURE AS CREATIVE FOUNDATION

An Arizona native and Cave Creek resident, Page received her BFA in figurative painting from Arizona State University. She began her career in portraiture and the figure before teaching for several years. When she transitioned into her professional practice, she turned her focus to florals — expansive oil works rooted in her fascination with the vitality of plants and the presence of nature.

“Nature has always been the soul of my work,” Page explains. “I’ve always been drawn to organic shapes and rhythms. In my previous floral work, I was already layering gold and silver leaf with natural, organic shapes, grounding them in earth elements while reaching for something that felt expansive.”

Collectors were drawn to the vibrancy and energy of these works, where repetition and variation created bold, beautiful and dynamic compositions. The introduction of precious metals gave the paintings a living surface, shifting with light and time, and marked the beginning of her ongoing dialogue with materials that reflect presence.

“The first time I used gold leaf was a tiny experiment that never ‘resolved’ — and yet it changed the trajectory of my art,” she recalls.

Page found herself increasingly drawn to landscapes, particularly the desert that shaped her.

“The more I leaned into the expansiveness of nature, the more landscapes called to me,” she says. “My mixed-metal leaf process grew from that call. It’s my way of embodying what I know to be true: We are not separate from nature. We are nature.”

MOTHERHOOD’S CREATIVE CATALYST

Falling in love and becoming a mother marked a profound turning point in Page’s life and work. Several years ago, she met her partner, Carlos, a renowned contemporary metal sculptor. In 2024, they welcomed their son, Zack.

“Nature has always been the driving force of my inspiration, but becoming a mother gave me a new capacity — both creatively and energetically,” she shares. “This body of work had been living in me for years, waiting for the space to emerge. Once Zack was born, I felt a boldness and a freedom to explore it fully.”

That shift opened the door to abstraction and landscapes, where Page now works primarily with mixed-metal leaf — gold, silver, copper and brass, layered with oil, paper or shell. Her process is both disciplined and intuitive: tearing fragile metal leaf by hand, surrendering to its unpredictability and shaping it into luminous surfaces that echo the experience of being in nature.

“This process allows me to be meditative and playful,” she says. “It’s about surrendering control, pivoting with the materials and letting the work become what it wants to be. In that letting go, I’ve found both stillness and momentum.”

Her works are not static objects; they are invitations to contemplation. The surfaces shift as light moves, asking the viewer to shift, too.

“Each piece invites you into participation,” she explains. “Like walking through landscape, what you see depends on where you stand, how you move and your capacity to meet yourself in presence. That’s why, for me, beauty is never mere decoration — it’s devotion.”

“Lost Dutchman Copper Skies” was inspired by a hike in the Superstition Mountains years ago — a landscape that continues to resonate with her.

“My process always begins with lived experience,” she explains. “There’s always both a structural composition and an emotional memory. Sometimes I return directly to a place I’ve walked. Other times I revisit a photo I’ve taken — but either way, I wait for one to call me back. That resonance guides the work. It’s never random.”

motherhood sparked Elizabeth Page’s dramatic artistic evolution from floral painter to mixed media innovator.

STUDIO COLLABORATIONS

During Hidden in the Hills, Page will exhibit her new mixed media collages alongside her partner, Carlos, who serves as host of Studio No. 27 in Cave Creek. The studio’s guest artists include photographer Jon Linton, contemporary pastel painter Michael McKee, jeweler Rollande Poirier and ceramic artist Myron Whitaker.

Recently, Page began collaborating with Whitaker by leafing one of his vessels. When she shared a glimpse of the vessel in a private collectors group, the response was immediate and enthusiastic.

“That’s the current of creative energy when it moves without hesitation,” Page recalls. “For me, it’s initiation — trusting desire, following sparks

even without knowing where they’ll land. There’s delight in it too, playing with an idea to see where it wants to go.”

This year, she and Whitaker will present collaborative works at Hidden in the Hills.

“As an artist, there’s nothing more exciting than when a spark becomes a turning point,” Page says. “I am so grateful to be on this journey — with Carlos, Zack and the desert itself, each a living force in my transformation.”

elizabethpage.art

Jeanne Bonine Studio

Stu

photo essay

Dean Hueber

Photographer

J.

Acclaimed photographer Dean Hueber captures the surprising vitality and unexpected beauty of Sonoran Desert wildlife during autumn’s subtle but spectacular transformation.

Wild Light

The Sonoran Desert doesn’t announce autumn with a cascade of crimson leaves or the crisp snap of New England air. Instead, it whispers its seasonal shift through subtler signs — the softer arc of winter solstice light, the restless energy of animals entering mating season, and the unexpected pockets of gold hiding in desert watersheds.

Acclaimed local photographer Dean Hueber has spent years learning to read these quiet cues, developing an intimate understanding of when and where the desert reveals its most spectacular autumn moments. His latest collection captures the surprising vitality of native wildlife during this season of transformation, from the piercing gaze of a great horned owl resting on a tree stump to the playful antics of bear cubs exploring their mountainous domain.

“Traveling through the Sonoran Desert during autumn does not generally present a plethora of fall colors, but if one knows where to look, it can be stunningly spec-

tacular,” Hueber explains, his enthusiasm evident as he describes discovering bigtooth maples in remote canyons and cottonwoods glowing gold along watershed corridors.

This month’s photo essay reveals the desert’s hidden autumn drama through Hueber’s lens — raccoons foraging with increased urgency, majestic elk bugling across mountain meadows, and elusive bobcats emerging from shadows in the season’s forgiving light. Each image tells a story of adaptation and survival, captured during that magical window when the sun sits lower in the sky, creating what Hueber calls “photography lottery” conditions.

For Hueber, beauty remains the driving force behind every frame, but his definition has evolved to embrace the unexpected moments that wildlife photography demands.

“This is not our planet — it belongs to all living creatures,” he reflects, “and we need to balance our needs with those of the many animals we share our state with.”

Writer Joseph

Airdo // Photography by Dean Hueber

Beauty being my key motivator, I am always hoping to find and photograph animals with stunning backdrops, and these autumn colors are nothing if not beautiful. Dean Hueber

Fall brings mating season, and that brings out different, often more public behaviors in many of these animals as they compete for the attention of groups of females. Dean Hueber

Combine this softer light with fall colors and it’s like hitting the photography lottery, keeping in mind that fall in the Sonoran Desert is mid-December through mid-January. Dean Hueber

Meet the Photographer

Dean Hueber’s journey from a Buffalo suburb to becoming one of Arizona’s most respected nature photographers began with a childhood fascination that drew him up water towers to glimpse unobstructed star-filled skies. Those early moments of wonder, combined with college dorm walls decorated with images of the Grand Tetons and Yosemite, hinted at a deeper calling that wouldn’t fully emerge until years later.

The transformation occurred during Hueber’s first visit to Yosemite National Park while attending graduate school in Northern California.

“The power of Yosemite was spectacular and overwhelming,” he recalls. “I spent the weekend awestruck, never having imagined that such pure beauty could exist. I had always loved nature, but that was the first time I had truly desired to take photos of it.”

What began as a practical purchase — an SLR camera to document his son’s childhood — evolved into what Hueber describes as a “passionate love affair” with landscape photography. Technical workshops and relentless study of other photographers’ work provided the foundation, but it was the addictive combination of adventure and artistic pursuit that sustained his commitment.

In recent years, Hueber has undergone a significant evolution, transitioning from pure landscape photography to include wildlife subjects. This shift has demanded an entirely different skill set and approach.

“Landscape photography is easy compared to animal photography,” he admits. “With animals, you can decide you want to photograph a particular species, but then you have to figure out where they are.”

His technical prowess has advanced dramatically as well. Hueber now employs sophisticated techniques including focus stacking, focal length blending and multi-image stitching, all enhanced by his Nikon Z8’s superior capabilities. The result is a body of work that captures not just the visual beauty of the Sonoran Desert’s wildlife, but the deeper connection between all living creatures sharing this remarkable landscape.

pbase.com/deanhueber

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography

Pulse Points

Machine Vision Captures Sonoran Desert’s Living Rhythms

Acholla cactus performs an almost imperceptible dance, its spiny arms swaying in slow motion against an azure sky. Sediment flows like liquid mercury across desert washes after phantom rains. Cactus blooms breathe in microscopic pulses, revealing the secret choreography of an ecosystem most consider static.

This is the Sonoran Desert as you’ve never seen it — captured through the electronic eyes of machines and transformed into “Framerate: Desert Pulse,” a groundbreaking exhibition that opened this fall at Desert Botanical Garden. Five monumental video installations now reveal the hidden life pulsing through our familiar landscape, challenging even longtime desert dwellers to see home through entirely new eyes.

London-based ScanLAB Projects has spent the past year documenting the subtle transformations of our desert landscape using pioneering 3D scanning technology, capturing billions of data points that reveal the constant, nearly imperceptible dance of life in the Sonoran ecosystem. The result is a multisensory experience that challenges even longtime desert residents to see their home through entirely new eyes.

Tephrocactus Geometricus, 2025

Pointcloud animation still Courtesy of the artist

If we can encourage people to recognize and appreciate that this landscape is always changing — and that those changes aren’t always about us — I think that’s a truly beautiful place for people to arrive at. Matt Shaw

“There’s this sense of surprising wonder — the thing that’s struck us most about the desert is just how full of life it is,” says Matt Shaw, co-founder and director of ScanLAB Projects. “That life is both vividly present and, at the same time, somehow hidden.”

Shaw and his creative partner William Trossell have built their artistic practice around what they call “machine vision” — the use of 3D scanning technology to capture reality with scientific precision while revealing poetic truths about the world around us. Their previous work has taken them to melting Arctic ice and former concentration camps, but the Sonoran Desert presented unique revelations.

“Phoenix, after all, is one of the hottest cities in America,” Shaw explains. “From our perspective, it exemplifies the realities of climate change — a city getting hotter and more extreme every year, sometimes to a dangerous degree.”

Yet what emerges from their yearlong documentation is not a story of harshness, but of resilience and surprising vitality. The installation’s five massive screens, positioned thoughtfully throughout Desert Botanical Garden’s landscape, display footage that transforms familiar desert scenes into something otherworldly yet deeply truthful.

The technology itself reads like science fiction. Teams of specialized photographers returned to the same 15 locations across the Valley every day for an entire year, capturing repeated 3D scans from identical positions. These sites ranged from the Tonto National Forest and Salt River to McDowell Mountain Preserve and carefully selected spots within Desert Botanical Garden itself.

“We don’t just show up with a concept and impose it on a location; it’s about engaging in a conversation with that place,” Trossell explains. “Asking how we can respond to it and how, through technology, we might tell truly beautiful and meaningful stories that come alive.”

The resulting footage captures phenomena invisible to casual observation: the microscopic movements of cactus blooms, the flow of sediment after rare desert rains, the seasonal breathing of an ecosystem that many mis-

One Giant Saguaro (from above), 2025 Pointcloud animation still Courtesy of the artist

Astrophytum Myriostigma Nudum, 2025 Pointcloud animation still Courtesy of the artist

takenly perceive as static. Layered onto this yearlong documentation are captures of events unfolding over mere hours, creating a temporal tapestry that reveals the desert’s multiple rhythms.

The visual complexity extends beyond individual screens. Shaw and Trossell, both trained architects, have designed the installation as a four-dimensional editing experience where images flow not just across screens but through the physical space of Desert Botanical Garden itself.

“The architectural design of the installation is critical to how audiences experience the piece,” Shaw notes.

“Even though it’s digital — just screens — we care deeply about the materiality of those pixels. Every detail is carefully crafted.”

Composer Pascal Wyse has created an equally sophisticated soundscape that responds to and enhances the visual revelations, having captured audio recordings in precious locations including Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands. The result is a 20-minute immersive journey distributed across multiple screens that functions as both meditation and revelation.

For Elaine McGinn, Desert Botanical Garden’s chief experience officer, the project represents more than artistic innovation — it embodies the institution’s

commitment to fostering deeper connections between visitors and the natural world.

“Curating ‘Desert Pulse’ has been a process of peeling back assumptions, inviting the viewer to consider not just what deserts are, but what they represent: resilience, transformation and the unseen networks that sustain life,” McGinn says. “The exhibition is not just a display of art — it is a meditation on what it means to belong, to remember and to reimagine the unique and beautiful place we call home, the Sonoran Desert.”

Desert Botanical Garden’s selection of ScanLAB Projects continues its tradition of hosting world-class artists like Dale Chihuly, Bruce Munro and Fernando Botero. But this exhibition breaks new ground by bridging art and science while addressing contemporary environmental concerns through a distinctly local lens.

McGinn discovered the artists at South by Southwest, where their prototype immediately resonated with her vision for art that transforms perspective.

“Will and Matt from ScanLAB have brought an entirely new dimension to what we hope to achieve with our art program,” she explains. “This exhibition is, above all, a deeply visceral experience. People leave not just thinking, but truly feeling — often in ways that are quite surprising.”

Echinopsis Bourne Mischief 2025 Pointcloud animation still Courtesy of the artist

Diamondbacks Baseball, 2025

Pointcloud animation still Courtesy of the artist

The project’s commitment to sustainability adds another layer of meaning to its environmental themes. ScanLAB has documented the carbon impact of every aspect of production, making choices that sometimes cost more but create less environmental impact. Its partnership with Rivian Automotive, which provides an electric R1T pickup for the project, underscores these values while supporting the artwork’s themes of innovation and environmental responsibility.

“We genuinely hope people appreciate the honesty with which we approach these decisions,” Shaw says. “Sometimes we make choices that complicate our process or cost us money, simply because they help us minimize our footprint.”

For viewers, the experience promises revelations both grand and intimate. McGinn has found her own relationship with the desert transformed by witnessing it through the artists’ technological lens.

“Now, when I drive out into the desert or even just around town, I find myself noticing things differently,” she reflects. “There’s one incredible cholla

that almost appears to do a little dance. You’ll see — it’s truly fascinating.”

The installation reveals moments of human celebration alongside natural processes — a baseball game recording captures community joy while documenting our collective footprint on the landscape. Such juxtapositions invite reflection on how we inhabit and impact the desert environment.

Shaw hopes visitors will expand their temporal perspective beyond daily routines and individual lifetimes.

“There are moments in this piece where we hope viewers reflect on the timescale of a landscape or a river — features that have existed long before any of us and will likely persist long after we’re gone,” he says.

Simultaneously, the work captures fleeting moments — events too quick for normal perception — encouraging appreciation for the desert’s constant, subtle transformations.

“If we can encourage people to recognize and appreciate that this landscape is always changing— and that those changes aren’t always about us — I think that’s a truly beautiful place for people to arrive at,” Shaw concludes. “‘Framerate’ is a glimpse into the future of cinema, a sobering observation, and a hopeful moment — all at once.”

For desert dwellers who thought they knew their landscape intimately, the exhibition offers a profound gift: the chance to fall in love with home all over again, seeing familiar terrain through eyes that miss nothing and reveal everything.

dbg.org

EXPERIENCE

Framerate: Desert Pulse Through May 10 // 8 a.m.–8 p.m. // Desert Botanical Garden // 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix // See website for prices 480-941-1225 // dbg.org

Trilogy Development (detail), 2025

Pointcloud animation still Courtesy of the artist

Aylostera Pulchella, 2025 Pointcloud animation still Courtesy of the artist

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Celebrates Global Flute Legacy

Breath of Humanity MIM

When Matthew Zeller, curator for Europe at the Musical Instrument Museum, describes the flute as expressing “what it means to be human,” he’s speaking from intimate knowledge of nearly 150 objects now gracing MIM’s newest exhibition. Opening Nov. 7, “The Magical Flute: Beauty, Enchantment, and Power” transforms the Phoenix museum into a global symphony hall where ancient breath meets contemporary artistry.

“Flutes represent the breath of humanity in so many ways,” Zeller explains. “Guests will see everything from a prehistoric bone flute to those used in spiritual practices such as a 19th-century shakuhachi.”

The exhibition’s crown jewel may be an 8,000-year-old Chinese yue bone flute, suggesting music accompanied humanity’s earliest civilizations, but Zeller finds equal fascination in the stories these instruments continue to tell.

Among the treasures: Napoleon’s faceted glass flute, presented to the emperor by its maker, Claude Laurent, following his catastrophic Russian campaign in 1812, featuring 540 individually ground facets that “catch and reflect light, making it absolutely sparkle.”

The exhibition bridges millennia through more than 100 instruments from every continent, each chosen to “engage with one another to develop and contextualize compelling narratives about the flute’s global impact,” as Zeller describes the curatorial process.

“We have a fantastic curatorial team at MIM,” he says. “It was such a pleasure to work with my colleagues to select

Curators Eddie Chia-Hao Hsu and Matthew Zeller analyze a pre-Columbian vessel whistle, part of the exhibition’s global scope // Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum

The flute, in all of its simplicity and complexity, illustrates shared cultural themes and distinctive musical practices from around the world.

Matthew Zeller

instruments from all around the world that engage with each other to develop and contextualize compelling narratives.”

Sir James Galway’s diamond-encrusted, 18-karat gold flute represents the pinnacle of modern virtuosic performance, one of two instruments acquired directly from “the Man with the Golden Flute” himself, along with a large contrabass flute. But the curatorial team’s expertise represented in this exhibition extends beyond European masterworks to pieces like an Edo-period miyogiri bearing the distinctive crest of the Taira samurai clan, displayed alongside samurai armor from the same clan.

“Together they show the importance of music in the warrior-scholar way of life,” Zeller explains.

The exhibition’s scope encompasses jazz flutist Herbie Mann’s instruments, Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai’s pieces, and flutes owned by Hollywood studio musician Sheridon Stokes, whose solos graced “Mission: Impossible,” “Jaws” and “Titanic.” MIM’s signature audiovisual technology allows visitors to hear these worldclass musicians playing the very instruments on display.

“MIM excels at bringing instruments to life,” Zeller explains. “The exhibition’s audiovisual content is the perfect platform to hear these world-class musicians play the very instruments that are on display. Guests at MIM experience music and musical instruments like no other.”

Beyond instruments, the exhibition features costumes from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” by Marc Chagall and Dame Zandra Rhodes, each bringing a distinctive artistic vision to the opera’s fairy-tale world. Chagall’s design combines bold geometric shapes with expressionistic elements, while Rhodes embodies “the opera’s inherent fantasy and whimsy through her imaginative approach,” according to Zeller.

An 1849 Theobald Boehm flute represents revolutionary innovation in musical instrument making. Crafted just two years after Boehm perfected his pivotal key system, this instrument “represents a cen-

Chorus costume from “The Magic Flute,” c. 1697 // Loan courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera Archives

tral pillar in the story of musical innovation,” Zeller says, noting that “nearly all modern Western woodwinds use a key system based on his revolutionary designs.”

EXPERIENCE

The Magical Flute: Beauty, Enchantment, and Power

The exhibition’s cultural breadth extends from richly decorated ancient panpipes from the Nazca people of Peru to an elaborately beaded Ndon flute belonging to a Bamileke chief of Cameroon, each contextualizing how flutes have shaped cultural identities across civilizations.

“The flute’s cultural resonance is contextualized throughout the show,” Zeller explains. “Costumes from Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’ open the imagination and bring the guest into an enchanting immersive experience. Likewise, the Taira samurai armor and Chokwe hunter’s outfits portray the power their flutes were endowed with.”

For Zeller, the exhibition’s ultimate message transcends individual instruments or cultures: “The flute, in all of its simplicity and complexity, illustrates shared cultural themes and distinctive musical practices from around the world.”

“The ultimate power of the flute is in its ubiquity around the world,” he reflects. “Its sound, craftsmanship and deep-rooted cultural symbolism are avenues we explore to show how impactful the flute has been on human civilization.”

mim.org

Through September 2026 // 9 a.m.–5 p.m. // The Musical Instrument Museum // 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix

$20; discounts available for youth, seniors and students // 480-478-6000 // mim.org

Nazca panpipe, 400–650 // Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum

Sheridon Stokes Pearl SS-100 model flute, 1979 // Loan in memory of Sheridon Stokes by Michael Stokes

Komuso Shakuhachi, late 19th century // Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum

Eddie Chia-Hao Hsu, MIM curator, holds an 8,000-year-old Chinese yue bone flute, one of the exhibition’s oldest pieces. // Anonymous Loan

Tamino, Papageno, and Griffin costumes from “The Magic Flute,” c. 2000 // Loan courtesy of Seattle Opera

Kathleen Hope + Troy Axelrod

CONTEMPORARY ARTIST

Experience the intersection of architecture and art with Kathleen Hope’s textural cement compositions and Troy Axelrod’s bold geometric wall sculptures. Both artists explore structural beauty through mixed media, creating pieces that bridge the worlds of fine art and architectural design.

ARTIST RECEPTION

Thursday, November 20 Wine & appetizers 4–7 p.m.

Hours: Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. By appointment Sun. and Mon. 480.575.8080

PUMPKIN SHEET CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Serves: 20

INGREDIENTS:

For the cake:

2 1/2 cups (330g) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs, room temperature

For the frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

This generously spiced pumpkin sheet cake captures autumn’s essence with warm notes of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. The tender, oil-enriched crumb paired with silky cream cheese frosting creates a dessert sophisticated enough for entertaining yet approachable for family gatherings. Its sheet pan format makes it ideal for feeding a crowd — perfect for those intimate dinner parties where conversation flows as freely as the wine.

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 cup granulated sugar

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

Recipe

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pinch of kosher salt

8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and ginger; set aside.

Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

Writer and Photographer

3. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, eggs and vanilla until smooth. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.

4. Transfer batter to the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack.

5. For the frosting: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until light and fluffy — approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

6. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla and salt.

7. Once cake is completely cooled, frost with the cream cheese frosting.

For an elegant autumn presentation, create a rustic buttercream base using an offset spatula. Divide remaining frosting among four bowls, tinting one orange, one dusty blue, one brown, and leaving one white. Transfer to piping bags fitted with Wilton tips 6B (orange), 4B (blue and white), and 3 (brown). Pipe decorative pumpkins on opposite corners of the cake and top with brown frosting stems.