Images Arizona: Anthem February 2017 Issue

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February 2017

IMAGESA R IZ ONA .C O M

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BC WRESTLERS STRIVE TO TAKE DOWN A TITLE

WILD ARIZONA PHOTO ESSAY

TAPPING INTO TAOS

By Tom Scanlon

By Grace Hill

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

MYTHICAL MEETS METAL MEETS MCCALLISTER

By Grace Hill

By Katherine Braden

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By Tom Scanlon

54 BOB PARSONS GOES XTREME

By Nigel Spence Photo by Brandon Tigrett

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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

EDITOR/CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jenn Korducki Krenn

ASSISTANT EDITOR Janet Garner

ART DIRECTOR/PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANT Jennifer Satterlee

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ana Petrovic

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Breathe. Feel-good February is here. The hustle and bustle of the holidays are left behind and many of us are getting our first breath of fresh air. By this time of year, the pressure of New Year’s resolutions has either transformed into healthy habits or dropped by the wayside.

There’s a change of pace this time of year, and we can see this change unfold through February’s quieter occasions. Before rushing into spring, let’s pause and resolve to take things at a slower pace, soaking up some of this month’s carefree and creative moments.

STAFF WRITER Grace Hill

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tom Scanlon Beth Duckett Monica Longenbaker Kenneth LaFave Gregory Granillo Shannon Severson Katherine Braden Lara Piu Nigel Spence

This month’s Images Arizona brings you more of what matters, particularly as we breathe new focus into the arts, including music and photographs that invoke the spirit of Arizona. Celebrate with us Arizona Musicfest’s 26th year of bringing the best leading and promising musicians and singers from around the world to the Valley for its Winter Festival. Discover aweinspiring work at the Celebration of Fine Art, which gathers emerging and acclaimed artists together under a big white tent. And experience the breathtaking journeys undertaken by three Arizona wildlife photographers in this month’s photo essay, now a regular feature in our magazine.

While highlighting the creative stories, images and places of our vibrant community, it’s also fitting to pay tribute to our talented team of writers,

PHOTOGRAPHERS

photographers, editors and graphic designers. We especially want to thank

Bryan Black Loralei Lazurek Brandon Tigrett Michele Celentano Monica Longenbaker

our art director, Jenn Satterlee, for her ability to develop visual concepts,

ADVERTISING SALES Loren Sheck

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

oversee the creation of layouts that accompany magazine stories, supervise design efforts and determine the overall look and feel of the finished product prior to publication.

So, sit back, relax and savor February’s tranquil interlude — just breathe.

Enjoy!

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

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 © 2017 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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Local First A R I Z O NA

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Writer Grace Hill

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Through an eye for detail and a love of storytelling, Barbara Rudolph skillfully creates paintings that bring forth a myriad of positive emotions — nostalgia, comfort and joy.

a-kind paintings, sculptures, photography, glass work and more. After opening on January 14, these artists will continue to showcase their work until March 26.

“When people look at one of my paintings, they are often moved by the fine detail and the beauty in nature,” says Rudolph. “They feel a sense of attachment to the piece because of the emotion it evokes.”

Rudolph, who currently enjoys her 12th straight year as a participant, can attest to the importance of an art show like this.

With careful planning and meticulous strokes of the brush, Rudolph’s artwork showcases mastery of high-quality realism. However, her paintings also reflect her fun and imaginative side. Whether she paints a baseball glove or a delicate teacup, she places a small bird in the image that transforms it into a sweet moment in time.

“The Celebration of Fine Art has become a family of artists where we can all work and create together,” she says. “This show is unique in so many ways. It is always a wonderful opportunity to gain new friends, clients and experience exhibiting and selling work to true art lovers. It is the highlight of my year.”

Those looking to admire Rudolph’s exquisite artwork in person currently have the opportunity at this year’s 27th annual Celebration of Fine Art. As Arizona's longest-running art show, the Celebration of Fine Art brings more than 50,000 people from around the country and the Valley to the big white tents in Scottsdale.

Artists do not simply display their work at the Celebration of Fine Art; they create art in working studios right before guests' eyes. Throughout the 40,000-square-foot area, attendees enjoy watching creative pieces come to life, ranging in styles from realistic to impressionistic, and abstract to contemporary. In addition to the indoor space, a spectacular outdoor sculpture garden showcases nearly 100 pieces of life-size sculptures.

This creative gathering allows 100 emerging and acclaimed artists, who have been selected through an invitation-only process, to display their one-of-

“The Celebration of Fine Art brings some of the finest artists from across the country all together under one roof,” says Rudolph. “It is definitely one

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of the most inspiring and enjoyable art events in the Southwest. Guests can expect to be dazzled by the entire event.”

A special aspect of the Celebration of Fine Art belongs in its Art Discovery Series, held each Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. The series allows guests to interact with artists through informal panel discussions, where they can learn about various topics and techniques, and also hear personal stories from the artists. Wine and cheese will accompany each panel discussion.

Experience Celebration of Fine Art 18400 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale Jan. 14 - Mar. 26 Mon. - Sun.: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Adults: $10 Seniors/military: $8 Children under 12: free 480-443-7695 celebrateart.com

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The first panel discussion for the month on February 3, titled “Creative Couples,” discusses the working dynamic of artistic couples. The February 10 discussion, “Palette Perfection,” examines the use of color in art and how it affects viewer perception. The panel discussion scheduled for February 17, “The Story of the Celebration,” takes a look at the history and impact of the Celebration of Fine Art. And on February 24, "Strength Through Diversity: A Synthesis of Abstraction and Realism,” focuses on the fusion of classical realism with contemporary abstraction by artists.

With children and adults both encouraged to be a part of this exciting experience, the Celebration of Fine Art creates a welcoming environment for all who are eager to be fully immersed in the world of fine art. Whether the purpose of attending is to acquire artwork for an extensive collection or to make a first-time art purchase, something special will be found. celebrateart.com

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BOULDER CREEK

Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Rob Ascherl

BOULDER CREEK WRESTLERS STRIVE TO TAKE DOWN A TITLE!

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veryone wrestles. You may wrestle with your diet, choosing to eat healthy one moment, and then the next day satisfying your craving for junk food. Maybe you’re wrestling with your demanding boss, or with the third customer service representative who asks you to repeat your address and phone number for the umpteenth time.

It’s easy to say that you “wrestle” with things, but do you, really?

A real wrestler carries an extraordinary level of intentionality — every motion practiced thousands of times, every maneuver calculated like a move in a chess match.

Just ask John Irving, an award-winning, bestselling American novelist known for “The World According to Garp” and “The Cider House Rules,” and not so well known as a longtime wrestler.

“You have to love the process itself,” he says, about his wrestling and writing passions. "After all, if you’re only enamored with the final product — the moment that you walk out in front of the crowd to wrestle, or the moment

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that your book is published — you won’t do very well."

Having wrestled for 20 years, Irving knows all about the crucial art of the takedown, which is perhaps the most important moment in a match. Wrestling is divided into three periods. In the second and third periods, the wrestlers alternate positions, with one starting on hands and knees, and the other straddling his opponent.

Matches begin with the wrestlers in neutral positions on their feet. The opponents shake hands, and the whistle blows. The two wrestlers move forward, each intent on getting in the other’s space. They push, shove, tug, dodge and feint to gain an advantage, each trying to toss the other to the mat.

Eventually, one will shoot, suddenly lunging forward and, in an ideal situation, landing with one knee between the other wrestler’s feet, wrapping his or her hands around the opponent’s waist and, in a powerful, twisting motion, sending them to the mat — the takedown.

Stone Crooks of Boulder Creek High School is excellent at this takedown thing. As a senior, Stone is hoping to break the school record of 173 takedowns in a season. He

led the Jaguars with 117 takedowns through December, nearly three times as many as the second-place Jag. Tanner Henson had 43 takedowns, followed by Sheldon Cole with 40. Stone and Sheldon were tied with 27 victories.

“My favorite part of the takedown is the setup because I like the hand fighting aspect of it and being able to move my opponent,” Stone says. “Takedowns are essential to my success on the wrestling mat.”

Stone is the son of Doug Crooks, the wrestling guru who has coached BC to become one of the strongest programs in the state. This year’s wrestlers will get the chance to prove their strength when the regular season culminates with the sectional tournament on February 4 at BC. The top wrestlers there will qualify for the state tournament, held February 10-11 at the Prescott Valley Event Center.

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A student of the sport, Stone gave his analysis of his fellow BC starting wrestlers: • Jaxon Rhode: “He battles the whole match.”

• Hayden Braaten: “First year on varsity and already has a tournament championship.”

• Nick Tufte: “Our secret weapon in important matches.”

• Jarett Christofferson: “Since high school, his wrestling abilities have increased drastically.”

• Sheldon Cole: “Sheldon likes to scrap and always finds a way to win.”

• Michael Billingsley: “Moved into the lineup due to an injury and has improved each match.”

• Austin Clovis: “Tough as nails and never complains.”

• Tanner Henson: “Tanner has been putting in the time during offseason and is someone who truly loves the sport.”

• Jack Kollings: “Jack has put in a lot of time and work into the sport over the last year, and it is showing.”

• Joe Birsa: “Puts a lot of pressure on himself, but will be great when it clicks.”

• Chandler Deegan: “Hard-nosed and nothing but business.”

• Ryan Cazares: “Has battled injuries, but hoping he performs well when he returns.”

• Colton Hughes: “New to our school this year, he’s all in.”

Cory Crooks, Stone’s older brother, powered his way to a state title last February. Cory graduated last year with the school record for a season, and a career record of 507 takedowns. He is also second on the victory list with 176, one behind 2010 graduate Tim Ellison.

"Cory has been a role model for me my whole life,” says Stone. “He has taught me everything, what I need to do mentally and physically to be ready. The most important thing he has taught me is that you don't have to be the best athlete. If you work hard and believe in yourself, you will always prevail."

Stone came close to taking a state title his freshman year, losing in the final match to finish second. This year, he wants to close the deal and become the school’s sixth state champion. He and Tanner are the only senior starters on a young team that has impressed many during the regular season.

Stone's father and coach says, "Our whole team is working hard on becoming better wrestlers, and starting to understand that there are a lot of factors outside the practice room that contribute to their success in the sport."

“We spend more than half of our practice time wrestling from the neutral position, working on both scoring takedowns and defending them,” he says. “We believe that it is an important position to be successful in to win matches. It is where you start the match, have an opportunity to start one of the other periods and where you begin the overtime period, so you had better be able to wrestle on your feet.

"We talk about three phases of the takedown, even though you can break it down more and look at it from different positions: the setup, the attack or shot, and the finish."

While Stone is shooting to take down a state championship this month, he is all about the process of wrestling.

"I have battled adversity over the years, which has led me to become calmer and more confident on the mat," he says. "I have grown to love the sport over my years of wrestling at Boulder Creek. I've been working harder than I ever have in all aspects of my wrestling.

I have become obsessed with the battles."

John Irving would slap the mat in agreement.

Since practices started months ago, coach Crooks has been talking takedowns.

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bouldercreekwrestling.weebly.com

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COMMUNITY arts // announcements // culture Writer Grace Hill

FEB. 3-5

MAGIC BIRD FESTIVALS SPRING TREASURE FEST This one-of-a-kind event will bring together 70 local artists and vendors for a shopping extravaganza! Included items are boutique apparel, jewelry designs, original art, Native American crafts and gourmet packaged edibles. Event attendees are also invited to relax at the Cave Creek Roadhouse, which offers classic American fare and a full-service bar in a casual dining environment. Free. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cave Creek Roadhouse, 6900 E. Cave Creek Rd., 480-488-2014, carefreeazfestivals.com.

FEB. 4

FEB. 3-12

DESERT FOOTHILLS THEATER PRESENTS UNNECESSARY FARCE The hilarious play “Unnecessary Farce” brings confusion to a whole new level. Directed by Eric Schoen, the play follows an embezzling mayor, his female accountant, two undercover cops and a lot of confusion about who’s taking the money, who’s hired a hit man and who’s in which motel room. Don’t miss this play and all the confusing fun. Adults: $26-$32.50; youth: $16-$21. See website for show times. Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center's Black Box Theater, 33606 N. 60th St., 480-488-1981, dftheater.org.

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FEB. 4

3RD ANNUAL BREWERS BOWL The third annual Brewers Bowl celebrates at least 20 great local breweries of Arizona. Prior to the event, a competition will crown one of the breweries as the 2017 beer champion. Included in this fun event will be live music and food trucks. The Brewers Bowl benefits the Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank. General admission: $35 (20 sample tickets); VIP admission: $55 (25 sample tickets with gates opening at 4 p.m.). 5-10 p.m. Old Town Scottsdale, 4216 N. Brown Ave., 602-730-6361, brewersbowl.com.

ARIZONA FINE ART EXPO PRESENTS ROYAL ARABIAN HORSES The Arizona Fine Art EXPO invites the public to a special event, “Up Close with Royal Arabian Horses.” This event features Royal Arabian horses that guests can see up close.

During this two-hour event, artists will be drawing or painting pictures of the horses.

Season passes: $10; seniors/ military: $8; children under 12: free. 1-3 p.m. Arizona Fine Art EXPO, 26540 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-837-7163, arizonafineartexpo.com Photo courtesy of Arizona Fine Art Expo

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FEB. 10-12

6TH ANNUAL WATERFRONT FINE ART AND WINE FESTIVAL This exciting event, produced

by Thunderbird Artists, features the works of artists from around the world, as well as live musical entertainment featuring pianist Brandon Gaesser, Native World Flute player Peter Kendzia and Chapman Stick extraordinaire Michael Kollwitz. Attendees will also enjoy wine tasting from delicious wineries.

Adult admission: $3; wine tasting (includes a souvenir wine glass and six tasting tickets): $10; additional tasting tickets: $1. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Rd., 480-837-5637, thunderbirdartists.com.

FEB. 12

SCOTTSDALE PHILHARMONIC FEBRUARY CONCERT Enjoy an evening with the exquisite sounds of the Scottsdale Philharmonic.

The program for the event will include Wagner’s “Overture to Tannhäuser;” Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G Minor and Respighi’s “Pines of Rome.” Scottsdale Philharmonic, a nonprofit founded in 2012, desires to provide the community with classical music performed by professional musicians through free concerts. General admission: free; VIP preferred seating: $18. 4-6 p.m.

Scottsdale Bible Church, 7601 E. Shea Blvd., 480-951-6077, scottsdalephilharmonic.com.

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FEB. 18

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS RECEPTION The community is invited to the Hidden in the Hills reception at the Desert Foothills Gallery. For the past few months, the Desert Foothills Gallery has displayed the showcase works of Sonoran Arts League members who participated in the 2016 Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour. The reception will include refreshments for guests as they peruse the artwork. RSVP required. 4-5:30 p.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., 480-488-2286, dfla.org.

FEB. 23-26

MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM PRESENTS WINNIE THE POOH KIDS Travel to the Hundred Acre Wood during Musical Theatre of Anthem’s production of Disney’s “Winnie the Pooh KIDS.” This wonderful performance, based on the beloved characters of A.A. Milne and the 2011 Disney animated feature film, will be a hit with the whole family.

Adults: $19; students, seniors and children 12 and under: $16. See website for show times. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42323 N. Vision Way, 623-336-6001, musicaltheatreofanthem.org.

Fine Art

As a positive, arts-driven publication, Images Arizona magazine supports the fine artists in your community and reaches an affluent audience within the scope of Phoenix Business Journal’s Wealthiest Zip Codes.

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FEB. 25

CAVE CREEK MUSEUM ARTIST RECEPTION Talented wildlife artist and Cave Creek resident Linda Budge will be showcasing her awardwinning artwork for the rest of the season at Cave Creek Museum.

To celebrate Budge’s work, Cave Creek Museum invites everyone to her artist reception. Free. 5-7 p.m. Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Dr., 480-488-2764, cavecreekmuseum.org.

FEB. 25-26

PMAZ PRESENTS MOONLIGHT JOURNEY: SONGS OF TWILIGHT, DREAMS AND AWAKENING ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra has created a magical concert performance unlike any other. Attendees will experience a party, falling asleep, dreaming and awakening — all aspects of an entire night in the life of a city. PMAZ makes this possible through a multimedia experience of time-lapse photography accompanied by the music of Beethoven, Ola Gjello, Antonin Dvorak, Eric Whitacre and more. Adult/senior premium tickets: $22; general seating: $18; students (16-22): $12; children 15 and younger: free with paid adult. pmaz.org.

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Experience FEB. 10-12

CAREFREE ARTISAN GIFTS AND CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Celebrate Valentine’s Day early at Magic Bird Festivals’ sixth annual Carefree Artisan Gifts and Chocolate Festival.

This delicious event features some of the best chocolate and confection vendors in the Southwest, including fresh-dipped fruits by the San Francisco Chocolate Factory, handmade truffles

by Jason Wasser of Xocolatl and European-inspired sweets from It’s a Divine Bakery. The show also includes packaged culinary offerings, handcrafted gifts, original artwork and live music. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy St., 480-488-2014, carefreeazfestivals.com.

MARCH 4

NVSO SPECIAL CONCERT Come see Philip Johnson, winner of North Valley Symphony Orchestra’s concerto competition, which was held last September. He will perform Franz Strauss’ “Horn Concerto Op. 8” on the French horn.

The concert will also feature a performance by the winner of the Summerford Violin Concerto Competition, as well as a beautiful performance by the NVSO Orchestra. $5.

7 p.m. North Canyon High School Auditorium, 1700 E. Union Hills Dr., 623-980-4628, northvalleysymphony.org.

Announcements SOROPTIMIST CELEBRATES A SEASON OF CHRISTMAS GIVING During the Adopt-a-Family event at Foothills Foodbank, Soroptimist International of Saguaro Foothills wrapped gifts for food bank families.

They also collected and assembled personal care items to hand out at the food bank during the week of Christmas. Music for the event was performed by Soroptimist member Jane Perkins, who played on the piano and sang Christmas carols. A big thanks goes to the Scottsdale Chapter of PEO International for their generous donations to Soroptimist and Cave Creek Unified School District’s Bobcat's Closet project. For more information about Soroptimist International of Saguaro Foothills, visit sisaguarofoothills.org.

EASTWOOD COMMUNITY COMING TO CAREFREE A new luxury living gated community is being planned in beautiful

Carefree. Eastwood, a home development by Keystone Homes, will feature impeccable craftsmanship, luxurious amenities, Energy Star certification and solar-powered net-zero homes. This community will have a total of 39 Arizona contemporary ranch single-level villas, as well as a heated community pool. Eastwood will be close to boutiques, restaurants, art festivals, golf courses, hiking trails, lakes and much more. Keystone Homes is an Arizona family business and has been building excellent homes since 1989.

NSDAR OCOTILLO CHAPTER INVITED TO MARY ELLEN’S PLACE The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s Ocotillo Chapter has been invited to visit Mary Ellen’s Place on February 11. Veterans First Ltd. created Mary Ellen’s Place in honor of Mary Ellen Piotrowski, who served in the United States Navy. Mary Ellen’s

February 2017

Place was created with the purpose of giving homeless and at-risk female veterans a comfortable, supportive and safe place to reintegrate into their family and social life. For more information, visit veteransfirstltd.org or ocotillo.arizonadar.org.

DAISY MOUNTAIN VETERANS PRESENT SLEEPING MATS TO VETERANS FIRST Daisy Mountain Veterans presented 25 plastic sleeping mats to Joan Sisco of Veterans First. These plastic sleeping mats will be distributed to homeless veterans to help them sleep more comfortably and stay warm. The sleeping mats could not have been completed without the help of many volunteers.

Daisy Mountain Veterans is a nonprofit made up of four different organizations with the purpose of serving local veterans. For more information, visit daisymtnvets.org.

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Writer Beth Duckett Photographer Terry Bollinger of the Zane Grey Historical Society and Zane Grey, Inc.

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In setting out to compose the score for America’s first Western opera, Craig Bohmler wanted to create a familiar sound the audience could relate to. Inspired by Western movie soundtracks, a popular reference point for the genre, the Phoenix-based composer incorporated big tunes and thrilling climaxes in the music for Arizona Opera’s upcoming production of “Riders of the Purple Sage,” based on the novel

by Zane Grey.

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Experience

Riders of the Purple Sage February 25-26 Tucson Music Hall 260 S. Church Ave., Tucson March 4-6 Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix

Meet Artists Working in Studios 480-837-7163 ArizonaFineArtEXPO.com 26540 N Scottsdale Rd Accompanied by a 54-piece orchestra, the opera performs before a backdrop of vivid desert scenes brought to life by scenic artist and renowned Southwestern painter, Ed Mell. Like musical theater, the performance features clear leading and secondary players as well as complex antagonists, whose appearances often belie their true natures.

January 13 - March 26 10-week Season Pass $10; Military/Seniors $8 • Open Daily 10-6

The scenes are set in a town near the Arizona-Utah border in the late 1800s. While Grey wrote the novel more than 100 years ago, contemporary themes of religious fundamentalism, vigilante justice and women's rights abound, adding to the show's relevancy.

“I was attracted by the strong characters and the way the scenes in the book were constructed,” says Bohmler, who studied under famed composer-librettist Carlisle Floyd. “Also, I knew I could write music that could reflect the landscape depicted therein. Because the emotions and the stakes are high, there is a kind of melodramatic quality to the work that lends itself well to opera.”

Part of what makes Grey’s “Riders” poignant today is its comparison between Jane, the show’s protagonist, and the religious undertones pushed by members of a fundamentalist church, who attempt to manipulate and take away Jane’s land, says Kathleen Trott, Arizona Opera’s costume shop manager.

“There are religions across the world today who do exactly what's happening in this story," says Trott, now in her fourth season at the Phoenix-based opera.

“They are interpreting their written dogma and doctrine in ways that seem very contrary to the intent behind their faith.”

WAT E R F R O N T FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL FEB 10-12 7135 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale

SURPRISE

FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL FEB 17-19 15940 N Bullard Ave, Surprise CAREFREE MAR 17-19

FOUNTAIN HILLS MAR 24-26

Meet renowned artists, stroll throughout juried fine arts, enjoy sipping fine wines and listening to live music. $3 Admission • Held Outdoors • 10-5

ThunderbirdArtists.com • 480-837-5637

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Trott, a 13-year veteran of the industry, oversaw the production of the show's more than 55 costumes. Through suggestive visuals, which focus largely on the show’s female silhouettes, the costumes indicate to audiences when and where the narrative takes place.

"The silhouette on the women tells us we're in the Victorian era of the West,” Trott says. “One of the things the director and I are trying to do with the costumes in this show is to help tell the story of Jane, who is the main character. She is the ideal person; she's loving and kind, and she loves her desert home."

Jane’s costumes of sage greens, browns and wildflower colors reflect her natural spirit, contrasting with the industrial grays, blues and blacks of men who live in the town, Trott says.

The show features a “man in black,” with hidden undertones that suggest to the audience that nothing is what it seems.

“We wanted to draw that comparison,” Trott says. “That’s another part of this story that is interesting and poignant: not judging a book by its cover. Just because someone looks one way doesn’t mean it’s the truth of the situation. You have to look past the surface layer to understand what’s happening.”

602-266-7464 azopera.org

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Home Sweet Brand New Home!

Deposit today to become a Gold Key Member and save $1,500!

• No buy-in fee • No second person fee • One bedrooms starting at $2,795 • Washer and dryer in each apartment • Stainless steel appliances • Granite countertops • Patio or balcony on most independent living apartments

Welcoming residents in 2017

This feels like home.®

Visit our Information Center located a half mile south of Anthem Way on Venture Drive.

TheEnclaveAtAnthemSeniorLiving.com | (623) 282-3283 | 42015 North Venture Drive | Phoenix, AZ 85086 A SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNITY ANT Images Feb 2017

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Writer Grace Hill

Mavis Staples :: March 6

Photo Credit Gary Alpert; Deafboy Photography

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For the past 26 years, Arizona Musicfest’s annual Winter Festival has consistently delivered outstanding musical events.

Through this excellently developed series, attendees experience performances by both leading and promising musicians and singers from around the world. Whether that talent comes from bluegrass bands or Broadway stars, the Winter Festival only brings the very best artists to the Valley.

"Musicfest is proud to offer festival performances that showcase a broad range of musical genres, as well as a breadth of musical talent, from superstars of the industry to up-and-coming artists,” says Allan Naplan, producer and executive director of Arizona Musicfest. “From Chris Botti, The Manhattan Transfer, Mavis Staples, Midori and celebrations of beloved legends, to young musicians, to the stellar Festival Orchestra, Musicfest audiences will enjoy outstanding performances that are entertaining, accessible and affordable.”

This year’s Winter Festival features a compelling performance given by music legend Mavis Staples. With a voice that has

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brought joy to listeners for more than six decades, Arizona Musicfest proudly presents Staples on March 6. Through her successful music career with her family band, The Staples Singers, and as a solo artist, Staples has affected generations with her gospel, civil rights and empowerment anthems. For all who attend this entertaining performance by Staples, not one person leaves with a heavy heart — this concert uplifts the soul. Staples performs at 7:30 p.m. at Highlands Church in Scottsdale.

This concert is just one of the many performances during the 2017 Winter Festival. The opening concert began on January 27, when the Valley had the pleasure of enjoying excellent music from festival headliner Chris Botti. Additionally, the Young Musicians Winter Concert on January 29 and the Mirage: Visions of Fleetwood Mac concert on January 30 delighted all who attended.

While some performances have already come and gone, there are still a slew of concerts scheduled for the months of February and March.

wigwam Fine Art & Wine

Fine Art & Wine

Festival February 17-19 10am – 5pm

ART WINE MUSIC FOOD The Wigwam 300 E. Wigwam Blvd.

Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

www.vermillionpromotions.com

623-734-6526

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Nicole Pesce :: Feb. 1 February will begin with a concert by pianist Nicole Pesce, the Arizona Spotlight Artist of the festival. Pesce, who was born in Phoenix, can skillfully play more than 12,000 songs from memory. Although she has been a professional pianist for 20 years, this is the first time she has performed during Musicfest. The concert will be held February 1, at the Fairway House at Grayhawk.

The next concert in the lineup on February 3 will feature the Grammy Award-winning group The Manhattan Transfer. Held at Highlands Church at 7:30 p.m., the group will entertain with performances of many beloved songs, including “The Boy from New York City,” “Birdland,” “Operator” and “Java Jive,” all songs they have been singing since their formation in 1972.

The Manhattan Transfer :: Feb. 3

A Band Called Honalee :: Feb. 10

Cantus :: Feb. 7

Following The Manhattan Transfer is the vocal ensemble Cantus, which performs on February 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Musical Instrument Museum. Cantus, comprised of eight male singers, will dazzle the crowd with a cappella ranging from classical to contemporary. Without the guidance of a music director, each of these talented men take part in creating their innovative music that always brings people to their feet.

Next, A Band Called Honalee: The ‘60s Music of Peter, Paul and Mary will take the stage on February 10. This folk group made up of eight revolving members take the songs from 1960s folk-rock bands and make them their own. Thanks to Barbara H. Breeden, who generously sponsors this energetic and fun concert, they will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Highlands Church.

In mid-February, the amazing performances continue with the Kruger Brothers and Kontras Quartet, a concert sponsored by Paul and Merle Marcus. The Kruger Brothers, with their folk and bluegrass music, mixed with the classical chamber music of the Kontras Quartet, is an experience unlike any other. The concert is at Highlands Church at 7:30 p.m. on February 13.

Kruger Brothers bluegrass trio & Kontras Quartet classical string ensemble :: Feb. 13

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The next concert, A Broadway Romance, will make for a special Valentine’s Day. On February 14, this concert features two leading artists from the Great White Way section of Broadway in New York City. They will perform love songs from “My Fair Lady,” “West Side Story,” “South Pacific,” “Guys and Dolls” and much more.

This concert is at Highlands Church at 7:30 p.m. and is sponsored by Arch and Laree Rambeau.

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Following the Valentine’s Day concert, guests can see Arizona Musicfest’s maestro, Robert Moody, up close and personal during the Bob Moody and Friends concert. This concert also features Broadway’s Telly Leung, singing many popular cabaret songs. Sponsored by Bill McManus and David Nelson, this concert is on February 16 at the Fairway House at Grayhawk, with a 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. showing.

Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” and SaintSaens’ “Organ Symphony” :: Feb. 21

On February 19, the Festival Orchestra will take center stage.

During the Festival Orchestra Chamber Players: Bach, Mozart and Stravinsky concert held at 3 p.m. at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, guests will enjoy classical masterpieces created by three of the greatest composers of all time. The evening also includes the talent of pianist Bryan Wallick.

Continuing the sounds of the orchestra is Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” and Saint-Saens’ “Organ Symphony” on February 21. For this concert, brothers Christoph (violinist) and Stephan (cellist) Koncz have traveled from Europe to perform with pianist Bryan Wallick. The second portion of the concert showcases the beautiful music of the Festival Orchestra and the largest pipe organ in Arizona. This concert, sponsored by John and Hope Furth, takes place at 7:30 p.m. at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church.

Bob Moody & Friends with Broadway’s Telly Leung :: Feb. 16

Midori with the Festival Orchestra :: Feb. 23

We’ve Only Just Begun: The Carpenters Remembered :: March 2

Elegant music from the Festival Orchestra comes on February 23 during the Midori with the Festival Orchestra concert.

This concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. at La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church and is sponsored by Paul and Merle Marcus and John and Joan D’Addario. Midori, one of America’s greatest violinists, joins the Festival Orchestra in performing Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto.”

Next in the lineup is an entertaining concert honoring one of America's most iconic singers, Ella Fitzgerald. This concert will celebrate the 100th birthday of Fitzgerald and her incredible career in music. With the help of Patti Austin and the Festival Orchestra, Fitzgerald’s songs will be performed as beautiful symphonic renditions. This concert is on February 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Highlands Church.

The final concert with the Festival Orchestra is the Italian Symphony and Opera: “Pagliacci” in Concert. “Pagliacci,” one of the most famous Italian operas, features stars from the Metropolitan Opera. This concert is sponsored by Robert Swanson and Cynthia Shevlin and is held on February 26 at 3 p.m. at La Casa de Christo Lutheran Church.

Decades of Divas: From Billie and Aretha to Celine and Barbra :: March 10

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After the beautiful orchestral music, the Winter Festival switches gears with some songs that defined the 1970s during the We've Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered concert. Celebrating the career of Richard and Karen Carpenter, this concert brings back hits from the duo and is performed by Michelle Berting Brett and a seven-piece band. Sponsored by Bob and Marcia Wolff, the performance will be held on March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Highlands Church.

The Winter Festival comes to a spectacular end with Decades of Divas: From Billie and Aretha to Celine and Barbra. The concert is on March 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Highlands Church. In the Winter Festival finale, audience members will be entertained with songs performed by award-winning entertainers who bring down the house with songs from some of the most famous women in music.

From the voices of great singers to the sounds of skilled musicians, the high-quality music of various genres makes the 2017 Arizona Musicfest Winter Festival an event not to be missed. It is truly an experience that is specifically created with the community in mind.

“For 26 years, Arizona Musicfest has been committed to enhancing the quality of life for area residents through its annual festival performances, as well as through our extensive music education programs, youth performance opportunities and lifelong learning initiatives,” Naplan says. “We are fortunate to serve a vibrant community that enjoys great culture and is eager to engage in quality activities. With the tremendous growth that Musicfest has seen in the last few years, it’s both clear and rewarding that we’re filling a need by providing this valuable asset to our community.”

The growth of Arizona Musicfest can only be accomplished through the support of those who attend these wonderful concerts.

"While we're thrilled for patrons to enjoy our concerts, as a nonprofit charity, we also want people to know that their attendance is helping Musicfest give back to the community through our education and youth programs,” he says.

“Between ticket sales and generous contributions, Musicfest can provide great opportunities for the North Scottsdale community and beyond."

Of course, with amazing concerts scheduled for this season, tickets sell out fast.

480-488-0806 azmusicfest.org February 2017

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Living in the city can make us oblivious to the wild world in which we live, and the wildlife that also calls it home.

Even those who live on the outskirts of the city, where wild animal appearances occur more frequently, don’t always get a chance to observe them long enough to get a good look. So for the general public, viewing wild animals in their natural habitat becomes an uncommon experience.

Thankfully, dedicated and skillful photographers wait patiently — and sometimes in harsh conditions — in order to capture amazing images of the diverse wildlife that surrounds us. Images Arizona proudly presents three Arizona photographers who showcase our state’s wildlife in the most spectacular way.

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Writer Grace Hill

Photo credit Bruce Taubert February 2017

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Fun Facts • Desert tortoises empty their bladders as a defense mechanism.

While this may protect them, it also puts them in subsequent danger. If they don’t find water shortly after urinating, they could die of dehydration.

• After it has been beheaded, a rattlesnake can still bite should an unwitting victim go near its head. This startling feat can occur up to an hour or more after its death.

• Gila monsters lazily stay underground about 90-95 percent of the time. They only emerge for food or to bathe in the warmth of the sun.

Photo credit Paul Gill

Arizona Reptiles Arizona reptiles epitomize our unique desert environment.

While they may neither be colorful and cute nor the favorite animal at the zoo, these animals thrive in harsh desert conditions and boast incredible features. From the desert tortoise and chuckwallas to the Gila monsters and rattlesnakes, the Arizona reptile world deserves the spotlight.

Photo credit Paul Gill

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Bruce Taubert Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin Current: Phoenix

Photography experience: “My mother was a wedding photographer and forced me to help her on occasion.

After leaving home and working on advanced degrees in wildlife science, I turned from photographing people to wildlife (one of the best decisions of my photographic life). I was passively involved in photography until about 20 years ago, when I became obsessed. I threw other hobbies out the window and devoted all my time to learning how to be a better wildlife photographer. Now I teach wildlife photo workshops around the world, take images for many publications and websites, and spend my spare time crawling around the wilds of Arizona.”

Most memorable wildlife photo: “For 13 years (I must be a slow learner) I worked on taking an image of an elf owl (the smallest owl in the world and a summer resident of Arizona) flying into its nest. The nest holes are found between 16 and 25 feet up the sides of saguaro cacti. To take the image, I needed infrared trips, high-speed flashes, remote camera releases and a mechanism to get all my equipment high over the desert floor, all in the dark of night. After years of trial and error (there are no books written on this type of photography), I finally managed to put it all together and reached my goal.”

Current projects: “I am in the process of honing my macrophotography skills so I can record images of beautiful patterns in the wings of butterflies and moths, eyes of bees, details of spiders and other small and underappreciated species. I am also driven to taking images of Arizona’s wildlife at night. Many of Arizona’s resident species are more active at night than during the day, and I want to record this nocturnal activity.” brucetaubert.com

Lisa Langell Hometown: Marine City, Michigan Current: Scottsdale

Photography experience: “I have passionately enjoyed both nature and photography from age 8 through college, as well as my career as both a psychologist and corporate director in the education technology and research field. As the audience for my photography swelled, it compelled me to launch Langell Photography in 2010, where I combined two things I adore: nature photography and teaching adults. I am largely self-taught and joyfully work hard to push photographic boundaries, host unique and fun workshops for anyone with a camera, and create emotionally evocative images of our natural world. I am truly honored to have my work hung in galleries and published in numerous local and national publications. I’ve taught photography for many wonderful organizations and have received multiple prestigious awards and distinctions as the result of my commitment to my passion.”

Most memorable wildlife photo: “Light is everything in photography. In fact, the word photography literally means ‘writing with light.’ My most memorable moment was photographing a tri-colored heron in a swamp where the most exquisite beam of late-day light poked through a nearly black canopy of trees above. ” Current projects: “I have two main projects I’m currently working on. One is a book series filled with moving imagery and inspirational writings. The other is a unique retreat-style workshop for creatives, including photographers, painters, musicians, etc., designed to foster personal growth, creativity, collaborative works of art and the art of seeing.” langellphotography.com

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Photo credit Bruce Taubert

Photo credit Lisa Langell

Fun Facts • The black-tailed jackrabbit can see almost 360 degrees around and all at once, due to its large eyes that are located high and on the sides of its slightly flat head.

• Mule deer do not have an upper set of teeth. Instead, they have a hard palate that helps them in eating a wide variety of vegetation.

• Most Arizonans may not know that the ringtail, a mammal of the raccoon family, became the state mammal of Arizona in 1986.

Photo credit Paul Gill

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Photo credit Lisa Langell

Photo credit Paul Gill

Arizona Mammals From the small Harris's antelope squirrels to the large desert bighorn sheep, Arizona brags of a varied population of mammals. These mammals can make you smile, like the cliff chipmunk, or they can make you run, like the formidable mountain lion. Some mammals may be more familiar, like the javelina, while others are relatively unknown, like the white-nosed coati.

Paul Gill Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin Current: Phoenix

Photography experience: “I started shooting, processing and printing 35 mm black-and-white film at Scottsdale High School at age 16. Then I moved to medium format at Arizona State University, with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. After 17 years working and photographing in the graphic design business, I started shooting nature with a large format wood field camera and, finally, with digital cameras a decade ago in 2007. You can see my work in Arizona Highways magazine, National Geographic calendars and in the Smithsonian’s permanent collection of nature photography.”

Most memorable wildlife photo: “One of them is the shot of two male desert bighorn sheep on the cliffs of Fish Creek Canyon in the Superstition Mountains — right place at the right time.”

Current projects: “I am presently finishing my second book with Colleen MiniukSperry on photographing Arizona fall color.

If you would like to pick up our guide to photographing Arizona wildflowers, please go to wildinarizona.com.” paulgill.photoshelter.com paulgillphoto.zenfolio.com facebook.com/paulgillphoto

Photo credit Paul Gill February 2017

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Photo credit Bruce Taubert

Fun Facts • Hummingbirds are unique because they are the only birds with the ability to fly backward.

• Turkey vultures have a higher chance of finding food because they can smell it from up to a mile away.

• Owls cannot move their eyes, so they rely on their extra neck vertebrae. Their special neck structure allows them to turn their head about 270 degrees around.

Arizona Birds Arizona features many interesting sights in the sky. On an average day, a hummingbird, a white-winged dove or the Gila woodpecker can be spotted. However, more elusive birds also call Arizona home, birds like the flammulated owl, the buff-collared nightjar or more intimidating types, like black vultures or golden eagles.

Photo credit Bruce Taubert

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Photo credit Bruce Taubert

Photo credit Paul Gill

While it can be easy to gloss over images of animals that you have seen before, take a moment to look closely at these photographs capturing the diversity of animals found in Arizona. These photographs give us the opportunity to pause and see an animal’s intricate details — details that make Arizona, and this world, wildly beautiful.

Share your favorite Arizona wildlife photographs with our Images Arizona Facebook or Instagram pages using the hashtags #iamAZproud and #imagesAZ. facebook.com/imagesaz instagram.com/imagesaz

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Writer Lara Piu Photography: Arizona Craft Brewers Guild

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This month, Arizona craft beers will be foaming over with love at three different brew events. If you’re into all things local, as well as thoughtfully-crafted beer, here’s a chance to learn a thing or two while you sample the best of the best Arizona beer.

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Arizona Beer Week Arizona Beer Week is a statewide, nineday celebration of Arizona’s signature suds. It takes place from February 9-18 through special events at participating restaurants, breweries and other venues.

Both events are organized by the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, which represents nearly 100 breweries, breweries in the planning stages, craft beer bars, partners and distributors across the state of Arizona. The guild promotes the craft brewing industry in Arizona by providing educational opportunities to brewers, distributors and consumers; promotes quality craft beers and, most importantly, responsible consumption.

Check out the website for events held all month throughout the state. arizonabeerweek.com

INJURY SCREENING

Arizona Strong Beer Festival The Arizona Strong Beer Festival is among Arizona Beer Week’s main events. Now in its 17th year, the festival will feature the state’s most groundbreaking beers on February 11 at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix. Festival-goers can taste from the event’s largest selection to date of specialty brews, high alcohol by volume varieties and other one-of-a-kind craft beers. Local, regional and national brewers will feature innovative brewing techniques, barrel-aged beer varieties and collaborative offerings.

New this year are various game play zones, relaxation areas to kick back and enjoy the hops, and a super VIP area and brewer’s reception. arizonabeerweek.com Birds ‘n’ Beer Head to Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center on February 16 for an entertaining presentation on birds ‘n’ beer.

This monthly happy hour is a nature and beer lovers’ paradise. Audubon will serve up cold brews, wine, snacks and a chance to mingle, and then fill you to the brim with various topics on birds, wildlife and conservation education. riosalado.audubon.org

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Writer Katherine Braden Photographer Loralei Lazurek

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The best way to describe Ryan McCallister as an artist?

“I’m brand-spanking new,” he says, “but I know I’m talented enough to show everyone my work and be proud of it.”

Even though Ryan received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture from the University of Tampa in 2010, he’s just now working his way onto the sculpture scene. After college, he took a break for a bit, working odd jobs. He started McCallister Sculpture a few years ago in New Jersey, working in his basement.

But because of limited resources and space, Ryan felt his art wasn’t flourishing in Jersey City.

“The stuff I wanted to do was too big,” Ryan says. “People [in Jersey] didn't have space to put my stuff in their yards. Everything had to be tiny!”

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Ryan can do tiny (half of what he creates are table-sized), but he also wanted the option of making things big and bold. His larger, more recent sculptures are around 5 to 6 feet long, 3 to 4 feet wide, and 4 feet tall.

“I thought moving west would be great because everyone has space, plus the type of metal work I do would sell better,” Ryan says.

As for how he ended up living and working in North Scottsdale?

It all just “sort of happened,” he says. Ryan lived in Arizona when he was a child and remembered it fondly. When his parents retired, he came to visit them in the “stunning weather time” and was blown away.

“You’re telling me I can work outside?!” he says. He made the move.

Ryan worked briefly with the Cosanti Foundation in Paradise Valley and discovered he loved foundry work. He then converted a two-car garage into a one-man shop and has been working there for the past year. His main focus at this point is building enough inventory to start a gallery. He’s also just trying to meet other local artists, as he still feels rather new to the Phoenix art scene.

“One of the biggest challenges has been networking,” he says.

With a new baby and a recent divorce, he hasn’t felt like he’s been able to immerse himself fully in Phoenix or its art scene.

“I’ve been locked into my own world of creating a shop, building a house, building a shop, making inventory … I’ve been pretty isolated.”

Ryan works 9 to 5, six days a week, even in 120 degrees.

“I’m deep in a routine groove,” he tells me.

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As for inspiration?

“I draw inspiration from things that interest me — like horror movies,” he says. “I like things that scare you.”

But he also realizes he has to make compromises for his audiences: “I know a horse will sell better than a minotaur. I’ll do something that I want, like a dragon, and then do something that will appeal to a wide range of people, like a moose. You have to have income, so you compromise in a lot of places.”

His sculptures might start with a chalk drawing, or at least a stepby-step process in his head. He works mostly with steel, both scrap and pristine, welding with a torch. For the table-sized pieces, work can be tedious. Sometimes it takes him two weeks to complete. For the larger pieces? Usually a month each.

I always ask artists why they picked the medium they did. Ryan simply says, “I lacked talent in other areas. I loved drawing and painting, and I was OK at it. But everyone else around me [in college] was excelling! They were so good, I thought, ‘I don’t want to compete with this!’”

But he found his niche in the ceramics department, where he discovered bronze casting.

“It’s one of the coolest forms of art just because the process is amazing,” Ryan says. “You can achieve lifelike realism!”

“I’m becoming more efficient,” he says. “What once took a month only takes three weeks. It’s exciting to tackle!” His prediction for next year? Fifteen to 20 pieces.

He started working with bronze, welding and using an oxyacetylene torch.

His genre is difficult to pin down.

“I thought, ‘This is something I don’t see often — I can push the limits!’”

“I’d start off calling it ‘fantasy,’” he says. Think mythical creatures

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(gargoyle dragon, minotaur, 30-foot-long swimming dragon) meet metal welding.

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It’s true Ryan’s work is something you don’t see often. And that’s a good thing.

“My favorite part [about being an artist] is when people look at my art and they’re stunned,” he says. “That makes me really happy.”

It’s the kind of motivation he loves, and the sooner he can get his work viewed in person, the better. Pictures are great, he says, and they can make the sculpture look good, but you really need to see it in person to appreciate the amount of time put in.

“I want to make people happy with my art,” he says. “The biggest reward is all the support!”

Ryan references a video of his “Swimming Dragon” sculpture, the first large sculpture he made. He posted it on social media and it went viral, garnering more than 30,000 likes and shares.

“People really loved it,” he says. “I went from having 100 people who cared about my work to 8,000. It was really cool to watch.”

To view his art, purchase a piece or order a commission, head to his Facebook page or website. He’s not limited to sculpture; he also does metalwork for private residences. Another major goal is to get his work in public places like parks. He’s hoping for a public commission in the future.

“I’m at that stage right before I can actually bloom and promote everything,” Ryan says.

He’s not in any shows or galleries because he’s got to build his inventory and portfolio first, but he feels like he’s finally coming into his own.

“I just now have enough stuff to start rotating things in galleries. I’m excited for the future, but so far it’s just been keep your head down and work hard.”

If you’re looking for an up-and-coming artist, take note. Ryan McCallister is worth your time. mccallistersculpture.com

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Writer Tom Scanlon

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Taos: where art meets beer.

These days, you can visit a variety of brew pubs and tap houses before or after gallery hopping in this quaint little town (population: 5,176) with a huge art culture and history.

The beer connection was the primary focus for one of the Taos art scene's founders. Oscar E. Berninghaus was a St. Louis native who tapped — so to speak — into his native city’s famous industry to fund a move from one of America’s Industrial Revolution cities to a place where he would lead a modest cultural revolution.

According to oeberninghaus.net, Berninghaus was lucky to have a major account with Anheuser-Busch, whose steady patronage was “a great help to him economically, allowing him to rent space in two different cities and, eventually, to move out of St. Louis entirely.”

For beer titan Anheuser-Busch, Berninghaus’ paintings turned into billboard illustrations, says Barbara Brandenburg Brenner, Berninghaus’ granddaughter. Her grandfather was also a social friend of Adolphus Busch, who founded what would become one of America's biggest breweries.

"My mother used to talk about going with her dad to the

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Eanger Irving Couse, "The Pottery Decorator," 1924, oil on canvas; Courtesy the Peterson Family Collection.

Busch farm,” she says. “My brother and she would run around and play while my grandfather and Mr. Busch would visit."

The relationship “was a lucky thing for him,” she adds. “Most artists had to do commercial work. He couldn’t make a living as a studio artist then.” That would change when Berninghaus, working in a quiet town far from the glitzy galleries of New York and Chicago, finally became a sought-after artist.

Indeed, Berninghaus and his Taos troupe took the early 20th century American art world by storm with their vivid, sun-drenched depictions of New Mexico, then little known to the rest of the country. Berninghaus discovered Taos at age 25 when he received his first big commission, a railroad assignment that led him to Colorado and New Mexico. His granddaughter relates that Berninghaus was sketching from a chair secured to the top of a railroad car.

"The conductor pointed out Taos to him," Brenner says, which led the artist to visit, fascinated with the town's Native American culture and vistas.

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This happened in 1899. The year before, painters Bert Geer Phillips and Ernest Blumenschein broke a wagon wheel just north of Taos while headed for Mexico. While repairing the wheel, they painted Pueblo tribe members and their culture, and ultimately fell in artistic love with the place just as Berninghaus did. Berninghaus, meanwhile, continued to visit Taos before leaving gritty, crowded St. Louis (then the fourth largest American city) to move there for good.

In 1915, after years of talking about starting an art colony in New Mexico, Phillips and Blumenschein became founding members of the Taos Society of Artists. The original members included Berninghaus, Buck Dunton, Eanger Irving Couse and Joseph Henry Sharp. Commerce was a big part of this association; initially, there were no galleries in Taos or anywhere nearby. Thus, the Taos Society of Artists put on traveling exhibits, which quickly became a critical and commercial success. But artists would rather create art than sell it, and the organization of and participation in the road shows soon became tiresome.

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Enjoy

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Top: Oscar Berninghaus, "The Long Wait," 1930s, oil on canvas; Berninghaus Family Collection.

Middle left to right: Oscar Berninghaus, "Glorieta," 1927, oil on canvas; Berninghaus Family Collection.

Ernest Blumenschein, "Church at Ranchos," 1921, oil on panel; Courtesy of Taos Historic Museums: The Blumenschein Home.

William Herbert Dunton, "Tapestry of Autumn," 1927, oil on canvas; JKM Collection, National Museum of Wildlife Art. Bottom left to right: Ernest Martin Hennings, "Homeward Bound," 1933-1934, oil on canvas; Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Julius Rolshoven, "The Town Council," ca. 1916-17, oil on paper, mounted on board; Courtesy the Peterson Family Collection.

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Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale The Taos Society of Artists Exhibition January 10 through April 30 Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat.: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tues., Feb.14: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Adults: $13; seniors/active military: $11; Students (full-time with ID) and children (6-17): $8; Members and children 5 and under: Free

“As the secretary of the group,” Brenner says of Berninghaus, “it was his job to put the show together each year. It was a hated job — my grandfather did it more years than anyone else.”

The Taos Society of Artists disbanded in 1927. In just over a decade, the association created financial success for the individual artists and put Taos on the map as a mecca for American art lovers, paving the way for Taos’ now thriving art scene.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is paying tribute to the short-lived but influential Taos Society of Artists. Through April 30, the museum will show 80 works from Berninghaus and his associates.

480-686-9539 scottsdalemuseumwest.org

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Brenner's memories of Taos' past are scheduled to be shared on April 7 at 2:15 p.m. After hearing her and seeing some of her grandfather's work, it might be fitting to toast her with a Budweiser, Busch, Michelob or other Anheuser-Busch product. After all, were it not for Adolphus Busch’s patronage, Oscar E. Berninghaus might have been stuck in St. Louis, pining for New Mexico and missing out on the whole Taos movement.

OC CH OL

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Additionally, "Taos Tuesdays" programs will be held at 11 a.m. and noon in the Virginia G. Piper Theater. Topics include Taos associate member John Sloan's advocacy of Native American art (March 14), and a screening of "Awakening in Taos," a documentary about Mabel Dodge Luhan and her role in making Taos a haven of inspiration and creativity for writers and artists (April 11).

FINE

Brenner will speak about her grandfather’s wonderful life as part of the Taos Society of Artists symposium, a two-day lecture scheduled for April 6-7 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the downtown Scottsdale museum. Scholars will discuss the society's members, artistic technique and the birth of tourism in Taos, which is about art patronage and its unique artistic association.

TS & CR

6th Annual

MAGIC BIRD’S CAREFREE

Artisan Gift & Chocolate Festival February 10 - February 12, 2017 Friday - Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm At Carefree Desert Gardens 100 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ

Admission is FREE! Festival Includes: - Works of Fine Art & Crafts & Valentines Gifts - Decadent Chocolate & Creative Confections - Live Music & Entertainment on The Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion

magicbirdfestivals.com | 480-488-2014 February 2017

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O

On the next-to-last day of the year, Amanda Howard was asked, "How was your 2016?"

"Oh, wow," she replied, taking a deep breath to process the question. "It's been a roller coaster for me — a real roller coaster. This year has been like, wow! So many ups and downs."

She laughed and raised her arms like a prize fighter after a long, tough fight.

"But I made it through!"

Inside the conference room of Pacific Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council, where Amanda is the administrative assistant and event coordinator, one of the first things that popped into her mind was having her divorce finalized. It's a bit of a tricky, modern situation, as she and her ex-husband still live together with their two children.

They bought their Anthem home in 2008, which may have been the worst time to buy a home in history. Like millions of other Americans, the Howards were hammered by the recession that followed the real estate bubble burst and received a pay-up-or-get-out letter.

That the Howards could fight off foreclosure and keep their Anthem home is perhaps the biggest up for Amanda.

Indeed, more than a house, it's a symbol of her never-giveup nature.

Her successful fight to keep her family home was recognized in November, when Arizona Women’s Education and Employment (AWEE) honored her as one of the group's Faces of Success in 2016.

Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Ben Arnold

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As she talked about in her acceptance speech at the ceremony located at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa, a combination of bills and loss put the Howards behind on the mortgage. In a short period, Amanda was hit with the death of her beloved grandmother and two close friends. Her therapy bills stacked on her co-pays, along with no coverage for her two children (both have ADHD). She was 30 days away from losing her home when she attended a foreclosure prevention resources fair, where she was introduced to AWEE. Amanda was working as a freelance journalist, but realized she needed a full-time job.

“Through AWEE,” she told the audience, “I learned the right way to develop my resume and most importantly, how to search for jobs by understanding how the different job search sites worked. I leaned heavily on the advice I received, but the biggest benefit was in building my confidence and self-esteem. Strengthening me from the inside helped me realize I could do whatever I set my mind to.”

The Howards got a little breathing room when, following a process illustrated at the workshop, they were approved for a loan modification program. But there were still bills to pay, and a steady income was needed.

Songs of Twilight, Dreams & Awakening

Coached by Jaclyn Boyce, Amanda spent months sending out resumes and making phone calls, with nothing to show for the effort. Many people might have given up, decided it’s just not meant to be and accepted the eventual loss of their home, pulling up the tempting blanket of depression.

Not Amanda. She kept fighting.

At the end of 2014, she landed the job she now says she loves, a position where she could not only help others (minority business owners), but also put herself on the path to stability.

If this journalist could have an out-of-body experience, look at herself from a detached position and write about it, how would the story go?

“I think one thing I would highlight,” she said, after a long a pause to analyze the question, “is keep fighting. Keep pushing — you can get through whatever you’re facing. It took eight months to get this job. I remember Jackie said, ‘You just keep going.’”

Over the years, the nonprofit AWEE has helped some 200,000 Arizonans find meaningful work. Statistics are great, but the smiling faces of people like Amanda, with the stress falling away, illustrate the true story.

"When I hear of moms or other people looking for jobs or having a hard time finding them, I always tell them to contact AWEE,” Amanda told the audience at the ceremony. “Knowing that there are people like Jaclyn and organizations like AWEE to help us reimagine our lives means we're not alone and not without hope."

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42035 N. Moss Springs Road Offered at $550,000

R E / M A X P r o f e s s i o n a l s | L i n d a R e h w a l t | 4 8 0 - 4 0 2 - 1 1 3 6 | l i n d a r e h w a l t @ a z r e a l t y. c o m

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No detail was left unfinished during an extensive, tasteful remodel of this beautiful home on an oversized north-south facing lot. With 12-foot ceilings, four bedrooms plus den and 3.5 bathrooms, the abundance of space is rivaled only by the richness of the features within it.

The living/dining room and den feature custom hardwood floors, while travertine stone floors guide you through an open kitchen complete with Thermador stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a custom walk-in pantry. The stone continues on into bathrooms with Kohler fixtures.

Then take a peek in the three-car garage, where you’ll find cabinetry and epoxy floors.

Custom lighting and skylights are featured throughout the home, as well as plantation shutters and surround sound. The large master bedroom boasts a sitting area and patio exit for when you are ready to head outdoors. Upon venturing into the inviting backyard, your eye will be immediately drawn to the sparkling pool, lush green trees, stainless steel barbecue, gas fire pit and three wind- and sunsensored custom awnings, all of which encourage you to kick back, relax and enjoy a leisurely lifestyle under the Arizona sun.

24 ton sand sculpture

by Ray Villafane in 2016

Event Schedule FEBRUARY 10 - 12 Carefree Artisan Gifts and Chocolate Festival

MARCH 4 - SEPTEMBER 1 Sand Sculptures by World Renowned Artist Ray Villafane

MARCH 17 - 19 Thunderbird Artists Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival Amidst the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion at the Carefree Desert Gardens.

Open 365 days a year.

Life as it should be! Carefree.

Please call Linda for your private showing Linda Rehwalt RE/MAX Professionals 39504 N. Daisy Mountain Dr., Ste. 106, Anthem 602-402-1136 lindarehwalt@azrealty.com

101 Easy Street Carefree AZ 85377 | 480.488.3686 VisitCarefree.com February 2017

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Writer Nigel Spence Photographer Brandon Tigrett

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When I first met Bob Parsons, he was trudging the fairways of Whisper Rock Golf Club on a daily basis with his loyal caddie, Stone Cold, by his side. Often playing alone, Bob pursued improvement of his performance on the golf course as fiercely as any member at the club, including the 25 or so who play the game for a living.

His strive for perfection led to post-round driving range sessions that became legendary at the club. With focused single-mindedness, Parsons hit hundreds of golf balls, many of them with his driver, striving for efficiency and consistency with each backswing, each downswing, each impact and every followthrough.

If the sinking sun gave way to nightfall and he still wasn’t satisfied, he would head down to the indoor simulator he’d built in his Scottsdale Airpark office complex to hit some more balls.

He didn’t stop with just his own performance.

Parsons bought the latest and greatest equipment, upgraded the shafts and took them to the course with the hope of adding distance or accuracy. More than once, he finished the round with a different set of clubs than what he brought to begin, switching at the turn or

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having a new set couriered to him out on the course.

Bob Parsons’ love for the game and infatuation with equipment has bordered on compulsion.

First introduced to the game by his father at the age of 12, Bob became an avid golfer in his mid-30s.

“I was having some business success and a couple of buddies and I were at about the same place in the game,” he told me recently. “We started taking Wednesday afternoons off [to play].

Then it became Wednesdays and Thursdays. Then it became Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Then it became Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and

She said, ‘Go West, young man, so I did.

Sundays. Then it became anytime we could get away, 36 holes; you name it.”

In 1994, after selling Parsons Technologies — a startup software company that he began in his basement — to Intuit for $64 million, Bob moved to Arizona with the encouragement of his ex-wife.

“She said, ‘Go West, young man,’” he said. “So I did.”

He landed at The Boulders, then joined Desert Mountain and many other golf courses in the North Scottsdale region. Parsons pursued his golf game and his new startup, GoDaddy, with equal fervor. His larger-thanlife personality and business success have grown to be almost as iconic on the fairways as they are in the boardroom.

Of course, the GoDaddy story is one of great success. But for the golf world, it is Parsons’ ventures

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since selling his majority share of the web hosting company in 2011 that have us most intrigued.

In 2013, Parsons purchased The Golf Club of Scottsdale and a surrounding property. He renamed the club Scottsdale National Golf Club, redesigned a few holes on the original course and began construction of a second 18-hole course, as well as a short course on the west side of the property.

As ambitious as Parsons’ move into owning and running a golf club was, it pales in significance to his venture into the golf equipment market. With doom and gloom all around the golf equipment industry — major players such as TaylorMade are reporting record losses and Nike recently announced its removal from the golf equipment business — the man nicknamed “Darkness” saw an opportunity.

“The idea came three years ago,” he explained with his usual plain

candor. “I talked to Mike Nicolette (former senior product designer at Ping) and just had the idea of producing a highend golf club.”

And produce one, he did — and so much more. In September 2014, he started Parsons Xtreme Golf, or PXG. Ryan Moore started introducing prototypes on the PGA Tour in the beginning of 2015, and they started showing up casually in golf bags around the Valley by the middle of the same year. National presence appeared in select locations in early 2016, and expansion has been rapid.

With a larger sole, but sleek lines, the clubs are easily identifiable by their trademark black tungsten alloy weights positioned around the edges of the back of the clubs.

“You know, there is no room in this market for another company to do what Callaway, Ping, TaylorMade and all them do,” Parsons said. “There is just no room for that. To make a beachhead, you’d get beat to death. You had to do something that they weren’t doing. So my thoughts were to try and make a club that was just in a class by itself.”

The designers were charged with the responsibility of producing a sexy set of irons that look like blades; a series that would launch higher, go farther, feel softer — and have a sweet spot the size of Texas. They were given no cost or time constraints and all the room they needed to research various alloys, explore new technologies and identify unique properties that would make PXG clubs unlike anything else.

To say they succeeded is an understatement. The PXG 0311 iron has been as progressive of a golf club to hit the market in recent memory.

By using HT1770 high-strength steel, the PXG iron introduced the thinnest face of any iron on the market, allowing designers to reposition the weight of the club for forgiveness and optimal launch. A thermo plastic elastomer was then injected into the center of the iron to stabilize the face and to dampen the vibration and give the club a buttery feel when struck. The benefit? Off-center hits produce shots that are almost the same as a well-struck shot.

Simply put, the clubs are amazing.

“There is nothing even close to our irons,” Parsons said.

“They are our flagship product. We also introduced a tour version of our irons, the 0311T, which are tantamount to

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a tour blade. I will say this; there is no other tour blade in existence or that has ever been made that compares to ours.”

In September of 2016, PXG released a third version of their flagship product, the 0311XF, an Xtreme forgiveness iron in the game improvement category that does not compromise the company’s dedication to maintaining the irresistible look of a tour blade.

But it comes at a cost, and a significant one to some critics, who see the clubs as too expensive. A PXG iron is $350 — twice that of a regular club.

While Parsons understands the criticism, he knew this going into the project.

“They are expensive because I knew it would take a long time to build, it would take very high-end materials, it would take a very sophisticated process and there would be many false starts before it was there,” he said.

But Parsons is certain that one swing will sway anyone concerned about the price tag.

“From the moment they swing the club and make contact, the clubs will go from a luxury to a necessity,” he explained. “That was our goal. That was the charge that I gave the guys. The first time you hit that club, you know that it is something special.”

The 0311 iron series are complimented by 0317 hybrids, 0341 fairway woods, the 0811 driver and an assortment of putters. The unique numbering system associated with each product segment references the Marine Corps’ Military Occupational Specialty, which Parsons served in for a tour of Vietnam, receiving the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

In January 2016, PXG revealed their lineup of PGA Tour, Champions Tour and LPGA Tour players who will be playing and endorsing the brand. Parsons signed some significant names to the list, including 2015 Open champion Zach Johnson, former FedEx champion Billy Horschel and former U.S. Women’s Open champion Christie Kerr. In July, former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel also joined the team. This month, PXG signed their biggest name, world number one in the ladies game, Lydia Ko.

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When asked how the stable was assembled, Parsons was his matter-of-fact self.

“They came to us,” he said.

“All of them came to us. My policy in signing tour players, and I tell everyone this, it is the same advice that my dad gave me when I was dating. He said, ‘The number one thing that you need to find in a girlfriend, is one that likes you.’”

Tour players aside, the full lineup of PXG clubs includes lofted hybrids and fairway woods to allow players with slower swing speeds to put together sets that combine seamlessly.

PXG has penetrated into most of the significant golf markets in the United States and has reached 27 countries. Now employing more than 80 people, Parsons indicated that the company’s growth has exceeded his wildest expectations.

A headquarters facility was opened in the Scottsdale Airpark in late May, where office space, building facilities, a retail outlet and fitting bays fill the 35,000 square feet.

Bob Parsons may not be producing racy GoDaddy commercials anymore, but he is still pushing the envelope in a number of areas. And as PXG research and development produces new prototypes to be tested, they have the perfect candidate to try them: Bob still hits golf balls on the driving range, hundreds at a time. pxg.com

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Writer Lara Piu Photographer Yeung Photography

Better Eats on the Street

STREET EATS FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

I

“I didn't know I’d like lamb, but I like your lamb.” Comments like this one are music to the ears of Lance Smith, co-owner of the Grilled Addiction food truck.

Lance doesn’t let an “I don’t like lamb” remark go without yelling to his staff, “Get me a lamb chop out here!” He gets a kick out of converting people.

The high-tech corporate executive turned food trucker estimates he’s handed out at least 100 samples of chops since he and his wife, Beth, entered the food truck business four years ago. They focus on grilled American fare, with items like tri-tip and glazed pork sandwiches, and a signature grilled lollipop lamb chop that's blazing a trail for new lamb lovers.

“Food trucks need something unique that puts them on the map,” advises Lance.

For Grilled Addiction, it's the lamb chops.

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The couple also runs The Wandering Donkey, which Lance likens to a Chipotle on wheels. The 2015 Arizona Taco Festival Grand Champion, this truck has gourmet burros, bowls, tacos, nachos, carne asada fries and the like.

South American lamb barbacoa is deliciously true to form.

Taste

Street Eats Food Truck Festival Salt River Field 7555 N. Pima Rd. February 11-12, 11 a.m.

Admission: $12 Children 12 and younger: Free

These two trucks are among the approximately 70 slated to spread their food love at the Street Eats Food Truck Festival at Salt River Fields on February 11 and 12.

The Smiths spend about 50 working hours preparing for the event.

They meticulously organize their culinary-trained chefs to marinate meat, chop veggies and trim and prep the many racks of lamb

that yield several thousand chops. Their chefs also make salsas from scratch: habanero hot, roasted tomato and garlic, and mild tomatillo.

“Street Eats is one of the biggest events we’ll do throughout the year,” says Lance. “It gives us the opportunity to have a presence and for people to try our food and see how we operate.”

Brides-to-be and event planners come out to this event, shopping for potential caterers. The Smiths now cater for the Arizona Cardinals, the Chicago Cubs, Charles Schwab, American Express and many others — thanks to exposure at events like this.

"Name a company and chances are we've done something for them," he adds. "We never dreamed when we first came up with this vision that we would be where we are today.”

The food truck rave has allowed people to get into the business without risking hundreds of thousands of dollars, he says.

"It also allows people to make a name for themselves through a natural progression that can eventually become brick and mortar," says Lance, who plans to open their first restaurant, The Thirsty Donkey Gourmet Tequila and Taco Bar, in 2017.

Most importantly, eaters enjoy the ride.

“It’s kind of like the adult carnival of food comes to town — the ride is the food and it takes you on a journey,” jests Lance. “It allows chefs to showcase their food, and people to try something they never thought of trying. It’s a lot of fun and gives people the opportunity to explore their palate.”

Besides the food, the festival will also have cooking demonstrations, music, interesting beverages and food eating contests. Admission also includes entry to two new events on-site that weekend: UnCommon Markets, which brings in new and interesting artisans; and Food in Root farmers market, which sells fresh, local produce; salsas; sauces; jellies; baked items; and other local groceries. streeteatsaz.com February 2017

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Writer Katherine Braden

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When Lauren Lee enrolled at Arizona State University in 2003, the goal was to major in women’s studies — but she found it difficult to acclimate to the college environment. So when her mom suggested she take art classes to make the experience more enjoyable, Lauren agreed and took as many art classes as she could. So many, in fact, that when she looked at her transcript her senior year, she had enough credits to graduate with a degree in fine art.

“Everyone said, ‘You’ll never get a job with an art degree,’” Lauren says. But she proved them wrong. The New School for the Arts and Academics in Tempe hired her before she graduated. She taught basic drawing and art, as well as creating some classes herself, such as digital mixed media.

“Before I started teaching, I had probably only done two paintings,” Lauren says. She drew a lot and used Photoshop, but was intimidated by painting. “At ASU, unless you’re a painting major, you can’t take painting classes. I decided to just pick up a brush and learn.”

She went to the school’s painting teacher, who gave her a box of used oil paints. Two years later, her entire house was filled with her oil paintings. Too many, actually.

“I asked the owner of the Fair Trade Cafe if it would be possible for me to have a show,”

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Lauren says. “She said ‘Absolutely, but no one has ever sold any paintings here.’”

Lauren sold every single piece.

“That’s when I knew I could probably do that as a career,” she tells me. It was 2010.

Lauren happened upon mural painting almost accidentally. When GreenHaus had a design contest for a mural on the side of their building, she decided to apply.

“Murals are basically three 7-foot paintings, and I can do that,” she thought to herself. When her design won, reality hit. She called someone who did murals and they advised using acrylic paint.

“Now I’m going to have to figure out how to paint with acrylic,” she remembers thinking. She practiced, researched and did her homework.

Then she went out and painted her famous “Three Birds” mural.

“People really responded to the mural, and I was hooked,” she says. “From then on, it was about pursuing public art projects, murals and things that would reach the larger community.”

You’ve probably seen her murals.

They’re scattered all over Phoenix, on the side of apartment buildings and cafes, in libraries and dog parks. And they’re difficult to miss. Not only are they colorful, imaginative and bold, but they’re also quite large. “Don’t Wake the Dreamer,” the biggest one so far, is about 16 feet tall and 153 feet wide.

“I’m about to start on the Mount Everest of art projects,” she says, referencing her next project: murals on three four-story skyscrapers in Scottsdale. “It’s going to be a lot, but I’m excited.”

What does her mural process look like?

“First I go on-site, get a feel for the neighborhood, take photos, go home and sit in meditation,” Lauren says. “I wait for a vision to come.” She’ll see the finished project in her mind, then design it in Photoshop or draw it by hand. She then presents this design to a finalist panel.

If she wins the mural commission, she begins the process of preparation, packing up her truck with paints and brushes. If necessary, she’ll rent a boom lift. Unlike most mural artists who use spray paint, Lauren paints most of her murals by hand. It’s a laborious process.

“You have to just go step by step,” Lauren says. “If there are a hundred flowers, you have to tell yourself, ‘Today, I’m doing these three flowers.’ I don’t allow myself to get overwhelmed. It doesn’t get done in a day. You have to take your time and keep moving forward.”

Lauren typically paints five hours a day because her work is so physical.

She’ll work two weeks straight doing a large mural and then take two weeks of downtime working on smaller pieces.

Murals take her anywhere from four days to seven weeks, and she does about five a year.

Though the work is physical and taxing, Lauren finds it freeing and rewarding.

“It gives me a lot of joy to know I bring art into people’s everyday world,” she says. “If I have just some paint, a brush and a boom lift, I can make this 40-foot painting. It’s a pretty incredible gift that I take seriously.”

Lauren realizes the responsibility public art grants her.

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“[I’m driven] by knowing that if I slack off here, cut corners there, this is permanent,” she says. “Five years from now, the choices I make today are still going to be there on that wall. A lot of kids never go into an art gallery or museum. Mine might be the first art they ever see. That’s a lot of responsibility, and it fuels my desire to do well.”

we have done everything to remove ourselves from it. There’s a big urban disconnect, and art humanizes the urban element. It makes people feel like they have a friend there, that they’re not alone.”

Lauren’s paintings are often bold and colorful, but she achieves a balance of quiet intimacy in them, as well.

“I may not know them, but I believe in them,” she says. “I believe in their human potential. And they’re all artists. Every choice you make, the words you say, the clothes you wear, how you do your hair — you’re an artist, you’re creating. Life is an artistic experience.”

“My paintings are a glimpse into my inner world,” she says.

“It’s my way of sharing and giving hope to people — that we are beautiful and that life can be beautiful, magical and transcendent.”

Part of that magic includes bringing nature back into public, manmade spaces: “I want to reflect back on our natural world. People are so removed. We feel so much peace and joy in nature and yet

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Is there something she wants the people of Phoenix to know about her?

Aren’t we lucky, Phoenix, to be surrounded by murals that remind us of that truth? laurenleefineart.com

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Authentic, Creole-style Jambalaya is a must for celebrating Mardi Gras this month. Shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage are combined with the Cajun holy trinity (onions, celery and bell peppers) and a spicy tomato sauce to create this crowd-pleasing New Orleans specialty. Closely related to paella, this hearty, onepot rice dish is influenced by both Spanish and French cuisines, yet has its own bold, distinctly Cajun kick.

Jambalaya Yield: 8-10 servings Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into coins 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts, diced 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning 1½ cups onion, diced 1 cup green bell pepper, diced 1 cup celery, diced 6 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup beer (optional)

15 ounces diced tomatoes ½ teaspoon dried thyme pinch of cayenne pepper (or to taste) 2 cups chicken stock 1½ cups white rice, uncooked 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined salt and pepper to taste hot sauce (optional) chopped parsley or sliced green onions for garnish

Directions: Heat half of the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the andouille sausage and sauté until brown. Remove the sausage to a separate plate.

In the same pot, add the other half of the olive oil and the diced chicken. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the top of the chicken and sauté until the chicken is brown. (Note: The meat does not need to be cooked through at this point). Remove the chicken onto a separate plate.

Add the diced onions, green bell pepper, celery and garlic to the same pot and sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Deglaze the pot with beer (optional).

Add the diced tomatoes, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, chicken stock and the browned sausage and chicken to the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Stir in the uncooked rice. Bring the liquid back to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.

After about 12 minutes, stir in the shrimp. Place the lid back onto the pot and simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp is fully cooked and the rice is tender.

Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker

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Serve with hot sauce on the side. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions.

602-795-0555 February 2017

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