Images Arizona: Anthem August 2016 Issue

Alex Bauwens Bow, Barn and Brush Tramonto Anthem Desert Hills New River

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AUGUST 2016 IM AGE S A Z.C OM

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Contents

PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

EDITOR/CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jenn Korducki Krenn

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Donna Kublin Amanda Christmann Tom Scanlon Monica Longenbaker Rebecca Zaner Stephanie Maher Palenque Paula Theotocatos Peni Long Shannon Severson Nigel Spence Katherine Braden Lara Piu Grace Hill

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Black Loralei Lazurek Keri Meyers Mike Harvey Karen Hamilton Monica Longenbaker Brandon Tigrett

ADVERTISING SALES Loren Sheck

ART DIRECTOR/PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANT Jennifer Satterlee

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ 85377 623-341-8221 imagesaz.com Submission of news for Community News section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc.

Bow, Barn and Brush Alex Bauwen pictured Writer Shannon Severson Photographer Bryan Black P. 40

Copyright © 2016 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited.

The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

Local First A R I Z O NA 4

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Welcome

I

It’s been a year of exciting changes for Images Arizona. From a new design to new staff members to a brand new publication, our family has grown and evolved in both measurable and immeasurable ways in 2016. Through it all, we’ve remained dedicated to exploring local arts and culture, as well as businesses and members of our community — people making an impact, no matter how big or how small, in their own lives or in the lives of others.

We are Arizona proud. And I mean that quite literally, as this month we introduce our newest way of celebrating Arizona and the people who make our state great: iamAZproud.com.

Tuft & Needle P. 55

Our new website was built to ensure our readers and clients are the first to know about exclusive upcoming events highlighting the cultural and natural aspects of Arizona. Featuring local artists, architects, musicians and other unique talent, these events will be more than your average mixer — they are an unmatched, #iamAZproud experience. Visit iamAZproud.com and sign up for our newsletter to receive special VIP invitations.

Alongside these events created to celebrate our home state, the magazine itself will feature more Arizona-centric photographs and local photographers, such as this month’s photo essay on one of our most treasured desert icons: the saguaro cactus. If you’re a nature enthusiast, we encourage you to submit your favorite shots for a chance to be profiled.

Saguaro Splendor P. 26

Enjoy!

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Baroque Beauty: Orpheum Theater

Flamenco Flair Julia Chacon

P. 46

P. 60

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

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Local Artist CHRISTIANE BARBATO

I

I follow Christiane Barbato across her backyard and into a small white hut. Inside, dozens of unglazed clay pots and bowls rest upside-down on shelves, waiting. It’s bright and dusty, and the air smells earthy, like dirt and sunshine. A long table stands in the middle. Christiane turns to me, smiling.

“This is my studio,” she says.

For Christiane, it all officially started a few years ago.

Unhappy with the plates she had at home, she decided to make her own. She’d been making pottery since high school, but it had always been a hobby. Once friends saw her homemade plates, however, they asked if they could order some for themselves.

With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business, Christiane sensed an opportunity. She sold to her friends and started a website, putting her work online. In 2013, she relocated to a house in Phoenix. But there was a problem: The door of her new home was a nasty shade of green. Undeterred, Christiane painted it a bright, happy blue. Inspiration hit, and she named her business Blue Door Ceramics. And just like that, her hobby became her full-time job.

“It’s perfect for me,” says the mother of three, ages 9 to 18. “I need to be very present for my children and my work.” Christiane’s self-made schedule allows her to be flexible, dedicating time to both. “After [my children] go to bed, I have to go back to the studio.”

Writer Katherine Braden Photographer Loralei Lazurek

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Christiane works Sunday to Sunday, four to six hours a day. She has to get up early to glaze outside, or else the sun will be too hot.

“Most of the days, I work in a bikini, sunscreen, hat and flip-flops,” she says.

Before she begins her work, however, she meditates.

For her, it’s a way to sync with God, surrender and leave all problems behind.

It’s also how she receives inspiration. She tells me she recommends everyone do it, but especially artists.

Then, using California clay, Christiane shapes her pieces.

Most of the time she makes plates or mugs. Bowls are her favorite; they leave room for so much creativity.

Christiane is inspired by organic shapes, such as tropical plants and fruits.

She molds her bowls around rocks or watermelons, presses leaves into plates or shells into mugs. Sometimes she uses the potter’s wheel, but she doesn’t love the uniformity it produces. She likes all of her pieces to feel organic.

Christiane shows me mugs made on the wheel where she has purposefully pushed in one of the sides to give them a less perfect, less uniform feel.

She must then dry the piece, a four- to sevenday process that involves carefully covering the clay to prevent cracking.

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Next, a bisque firing prepares the clay to receive the glaze. Then, she glazes. She loves the colors turquoise, gray and off-white.

She also decorates the bottoms of her ceramics, an idea that was inspired by a bowl she bought from a Brazilian Indian tribe in Mato Grosso — a large state in the country — that was painted on the bottom.

She moved back to Brazil, went to college, got her master’s and started her own hotel and spa, which she ran for six years.

The whole time, she dabbled with clay as a hobby. By the time she was 40, however, she decided it was time to be happy, so she moved back to Phoenix. Now, she makes plates for spas and restaurants.

After she glazes the piece, it again goes into the kiln, where it is fired at 2,200 degrees for 12 hours. It takes another 12 to 24 hours for the kiln to cool down. Finally, the piece is ready to be wrapped and shipped.

“Funny how life goes around,” she says. Christiane has made plateware for more than six restaurants, and her work has been featured in cookbooks and gallery shows. She also does wedding registries.

It takes at least two weeks to complete a piece, and it’s a delicate procedure. One mistake can ruin hours of work.

A portion of all Blue Door Ceramics proceeds are donated to the charity Casa Brazil. An organization near to Christiane’s heart, Casa Brazil helps to feed and clothe impoverished children in Northern Brazil.

“There’s no way to speed up the process,” says Christiane.

Clay teaches you to be patient, and it’s a stern teacher. “Also, you can never get attached to anything you make because it might crack.”

But working with clay is something that Christiane has enjoyed doing for many years.

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“I really want to be able to help them more,” she tells me. She does what she can, donating her pieces to their silent auction and assisting them with events. Giving to them “makes [her] heart really happy.”

Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Christiane was a high school exchange student at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale in 1983. It’s where her love for pottery, and Arizona, first began.

Mother, businesswoman, benefactor, artist: Christiane works hard, but it’s obvious she passionately loves everything she does. I ask her advice for anyone thinking of becoming an artist full-time.

“I love [Phoenix],” she says. “I always felt like I belonged here.

Like it was my place.”

It’s totally doable, she says. She stresses there’s no such thing as a starving artist.

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“Don’t think an artist can’t make a living,” she says. It’s important, Christiane tells me, to always be professional, and treat your work as you would treat work in a corporate world.

However, it’s also essential to stay true to who you are and make things that give you pleasure.

“I’m only going to make things I like,” she says. “You don’t have to please everyone when you make something, but you must trust there are people out there looking for what you have to sell … someone who wants exactly what you have.”

Christiane likes to envision her clients as “goodhearted people who travel, are adventurous and kind.” Her ceramics

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are infused with her joy and love, and she hopes it blesses the homes and people who use it.

Her dream? To do what she loves, help others and make a difference in the world. And she’s doing it — joyfully, warmly. One plate at a time.

You can find Christiane at the Sonoran Arts League’s Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour and Sale this November, as well as the Italian Festival and open studios at her home.

480-528-8937 bluedoorceramics.com etsy.com/shop/bluedoorceramics

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Sports

Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Valerie Godfrey

COACH CAS PUMPS UP BC FOOTBALL The rough sport of football has been lorded over by some legendary tough coaches.

If he wasn’t happy with the first half of play, Bull Sullivan, a feared Mississippi junior college coach, would have his players bash into each other at halftime. Bear Bryant, one of college’s most revered coaches (in his Arizona Cardinals office, Bruce Arians sits under a poster of Bear), was so mean he didn’t allow water breaks, even in 100-degree summer practices.

Vince Lombardi, who led the Green Bay Packers to NFL championships and Super Bowl victories, was known to scream at players for a full hour.

Lombardi also said something quite telling during a 1970 lecture to his fellow NFL coaches: “I believe everybody wants discipline, especially young people. But one has to be careful of the spirit in which it’s given. They’ll take it if it’s done in the spirit of teaching … even of love, like the discipline one gets from a mother and father.”

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Which brings us to one of football’s newest head coaches: Anthony Casarella. He’s all about tough love, using discipline and toughness to lead his young players on an inner growth spurt — with a strong spirit to match their flexing muscles.

After years of being the team’s strength coach, “Coach Cas” takes over as the head coach of Boulder Creek High School football, which is coming off its worst season.

On a hot morning in June, a few dozen teenagers were wearing T-shirts stating “Iron Men” and increasingly becoming drenched in sweat. Casarella stood off to the side and blew his whistle every few minutes, the signal for groups to rotate from pushing heavy truck tires to pulling sleds, from shaking out long ropes to playing

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catch with heavy balls, or lifting padded barbells over their shoulders.

Casarella earned his reputation as a tough, fair-minded strength and conditioning coach in his decade-plus at BC. Now that he is the head of football, he is even more focused on building strength. Strong cores. Fat-free minds.

Chiseled characters. A powerful sense of team.

“We’re building a championship program,” Casarella said. “The three things that go into that are character, discipline and unity.”

He wants his players to hold themselves accountable every minute of every practice and game — and off the field, as well. And he wants these football players to

see themselves not just as linemen and skilled players, but as a band of brothers.

“We are going to create an army up here,” he said, gushing enthusiasm and energy. “An army that plays for the pride of their town.” Indeed, this coach is deeply invested in the school and surrounding community. He has four kids, including his son, Anthony, who runs track at BC and works out with the football team in these conditioning sessions, which are also open to wrestlers.

Casarella was named the head coach in February, and ever since has hurled himself into the job, seven days a week. Grinning, he said Debbie, his wife of 18 years, “gave me a one-year pass” for the long hours he is on the

“

We’re giving our kids a formula for success in life.

”

field and studying films. He can only do so much analyzing, strategizing and coaching. Ultimately, it will be time to turn the boys loose on the field, to see how they match up against other teams.

Though the smallish team will be facing some squads filled with 300-pound beasts, Casarella is guardedly optimistic: “We have some very good athletes. We have a seniordominated team — they all have experience.”

In late spring, high school football teams participate in seven-on-seven passing leagues that are fiercely

competitive, though contact is limited and tackling is not permitted.

Casarella was impressed by his young team, which battled to the finals of one all-day tournament.

After tough weeks of conditioning, the shoulder pads and helmets come on this month, in preparation for the season-opening road game on August 19. The first home game in the Casarella era is on August 26.

“We want to be connected to the cheerleaders, connected to the band, connected to the students,” the coach said. “I’m a community guy — I’m in this for the kids and the community.

I want to make Friday nights a great place in this community.”

In return, he’s already feeling the community support.

“The parents have been great,” he said.

This year’s team will be anchored by James Carolan, a tough center who is being recruited by various colleges for his long-snapping skills. In June, he made a verbal commitment to Bowling Green University. Coach Cas said this guy is top notch in his book: “Incredible worker. He’s a leader, good teammate, good friend. He loves Boulder Creek, loves his community.”

Sure, the new head coach hopes Carolan and his team reward Anthem with some exciting Friday night wins.

But most importantly, Casarella unwaveringly proclaimed — in a statement that might make Lombardi spin in his grave — football is about more than wins and losses.

“We’re building a championship program,” he said. “We’re giving our kids a formula for success in life.”

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COMMUNITY arts // announcements // culture Writer Grace Hill

AUG. 1-5

SUPERHEROES OF THE BIBLE SUMMER CAMP Children entering grades 1-6 will explore superheroes of the Bible with acting, singing, comic book art and much more! $60 per week. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Desert Mission United Methodist Church, 7373 E. Dixileta Dr., 480-595-1814, desertmissionumc.org.

AUG. 6

PHOENIX ZOO’S PROWL AND PLAY Calling all pirates and princesses!

Phoenix Zoo will be taken over by enchanting fairytale princesses and the swashbuckling pirate Jolly Roger for a special meet-andgreet. The fun will continue with musical entertainment, animal encounters, water slides and more. $6, members; $8, general admission; free, children 2 and under. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org.

AUG. 10, 24 STORY TIME FOR TOTS

Two favorites collide for kids at Butterfly Wonderland: butterflies and story time. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 are invited to hear a special story read to them. Certified massage therapist Laurie Schaefer will also lead a pediatric massage instructional at the event. Free with admission. 1011 a.m. Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, 480-800-3000, butterflywonderland.com.

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AUG. 25-28

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE BIRTHDAY Happy birthday to the National Park Service! 2016 marks the agency’s 100th birthday, and what better way to celebrate than to visit a national park. More than 400 national parks will offer free admission, which includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees and transportation entrance fees. Check website for details. nps.gov.

AUG. 14

PHOENIX ART MUSEUM’S FREE 2ND SUNDAY Discount Tire and the Phoenix Art Museum offer the public free admission for the whole family on the second Sunday of the month. Included in the visit are activities, scavenger hunts, live performances, story time, free tours and more. Free. 12-5 p.m.

Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., 602-257-1880, phxart.org.

AUG. 25

LEGO BUILDER'S CLUB Children ages 4 and up will be excited to show off their skills at Desert Foothills Library’s monthly building club. To include both young and old builders, the library makes available both chunky and regular building blocks.

Call to register. Free. 4-5 p.m.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., 480-488-2286, desertfoothillslibrary.org.

AUG. 26-27

3RD ANNUAL SEDONA BIKE AND BREW FESTIVAL Bicyclists will have the opportunity to participate in a truly unique experience: racing on a golf course. The six-mile track will take riders over all 18 holes, 400 feet of elevation change, 90 acres of fairways, tee boxes, cart paths and natural and manmade features. After the race, the festival continues with an awards ceremony, music, food, cold beer and a raffle. Check website for details. sedonagolfresort.com/race.

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AUG. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 LOCAL JONNY’S DRINK AND DRAW

Unwind after a long day of work by attending Local Jonny’s Drink and Draw each Wednesday evening of the month. There you will experience what is all the rage right now: adult coloring! The restaurant will also include live music, coloring supplies (or you can bring your own) and halfpriced flatbreads. 6-8 p.m. Local Jonny’s, 6033 E. Cave Creek Rd., 480-488-7473, localjonnys.com.

AUG. 6

LUNCH AND LEARN AT SANCTUARY ON CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN Celebrity chef Jeff Mauro,

AUG. 19

ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER’S SCIENCE WITH A TWIST It’s back to school time with a twist! Adults, 21 and older, are invited to a nighttime event at the Arizona Science Center. The theme for the night is “Coffee Chemistry” and will include a cash bar, music, live science demonstrations, hands-on

AUG. 5, 12, 19, 26

into the featured exhibition and

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT NIGHT LIGHTS TOUR

more. Check website for prices.

Enjoy Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin

6-10 p.m. Arizona Science

West in a spectacular way. Located

Center, 600 E. Washington St.,

in the McDowell Mountains outside

602-716-2000, azscience.org.

of Scottsdale, Wright’s winter home

activities, discounted tickets

is open for evening tours each Friday of the month and is a perfect option for a one-of-a-kind date night.

Reservations required. Taliesin West, 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., 480-627-5375, franklloydwright.org.

host of Food Network’s “Sandwich King” and “The Kitchen,” will participate in a cooking demonstration with Sanctuary’s executive chef, Beau MacMillan. Attendees will enjoy a three-course meal with wine, Q-and-A and take-home recipes. Reservations required. $125 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, 5700 E. McDonald Dr., 480-948-2100, sanctuaryoncamelback.com.

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Adult Fun

AUG. 20

VERDE CANYON RAILROAD’S STARLIGHT TOURS A romantic night awaits you on the Verde Canyon Railroad!

This Saturday Night Starlight Ride will showcase the Verde Canyon in a truly breathtaking way, as it comes alive under the luminous glow of moonkissed skies. Check website for prices. 5:30 p.m. 800-582-7245, verdecanyonrr.com.

*Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West at night. Photo by Andrew Pielage

*NVSO Youth Orchestra pictured.

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AUG. 5

AUG. 16, 17

Get ready to roll with laughter

Grammy Award-winning singer

as one of the most recognizable

Adele brings her musical genius

figures in the world of comedy,

to Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Jay Leno, returns to the Valley

The Adele Live 2016 tour will

to entertain with his impressive

feature songs from her new

comedic skills made famous

album, “25.” Of course, old fan

on “The Tonight Show with

favorites will also be included

Jay Leno.” $65-$225. 8 p.m.

in one of this year’s most

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E.

entertaining and talked about

Indian Bend Rd., 480-850-7734,

concerts. $34.75-$144.75 7:30

talkingstickresort.com.

p.m. Talking Stick Resort Arena,

JAY LENO AT TALKING STICK RESORT

AUG. 12, 13

FOUR PHANTOMS AT TALKING STICK RESORT

ADELE AT TALKING STICK RESORT ARENA

201 E. Jefferson St., 480-8507734, talkingstickresort.com.

AUG. 23

comes to Talking Stick Resort.

COLDPLAY AT GILA RIVER ARENA

This event features Brent

Coldplay, the successful British

Barrett, Franc D’Ambrosio, Davis

rock band best known for songs

Gaines and Marcus Lovett, all

like “Paradise,” “The Scientist,”

of whom have had the privilege

and “Yellow,” bring their A Head

of playing one of the most

Full of Dreams Tour to Glendale.

iconic characters on stage:

Special guests of the tour

Phantom from Andrew Lloyd

include two singers/songwriters,

Webber’s famous musical,

Alessia Cara and Bishop Briggs.

“The Phantom of the Opera.”

$23-$173. 7 p.m. Gila River

$50-$200. 8 p.m. Talking Stick

Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave.,

Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend

800-745-3000, gilariverarena.com.

A celebration of Broadway

Rd., 480-850-7734, talkingstickresort.com.

AUG. 26, SEPT. 1,2

RED ROCKS MUSIC FESTIVAL The Red Rocks Music Festival has

AUG. 29

three upcoming concert dates for Phoenix. Located at the Jewish

8TH ANNUAL FITZ’S SUPPER CLUB

Heritage Center, the concerts will feature masterful performances by some of the world’s most

Enjoy a night filled with

acclaimed musicians. Check

celebrity servers, delicious

website for event details. $28

food and stand-up comedy

general admission. 7:30 p.m.

at the eighth annual Fitz’s

Jewish Heritage Center, 122

Supper Club. The event will

E. Culver St., 602-402-4551,

also include fundraising for

redrocksmusicfestival.com.

Larry Fitzgerald’s First Down Fund, a fund dedicated to helping kids and their families across the country. Check website for event details.

Dominick’s Steakhouse, 15169 N. Scottsdale Rd., larryfitzgerald.com.

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HOT

Summer Nights

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

PROMUSICA ARIZONA CHORALE AND ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS ProMusica Arizona, a leader in chorale and orchestra performances since 2003, has announced two audition dates for August. To audition for the chorale, the vocalist should be experienced in choral singing and also have the ability to read music. A one-minute song also needs to be prepared. To audition for the orchestra, instrumentalists need to have an intermediate or advanced skill level and be ready to perform a one-minute prepared piece. For more information, visit pmaz.org.

NVSO ADULT ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS

CALL FOR LOCAL ARTISTS

Auditions will be held all month

The Anthem Community Council and

long for the North Valley Symphony

Sonoran Arts League’s “Art in Public

Orchestra’s 2016-17 season. NVSO’s

Places” exhibit will showcase submitted

adult orchestra is a community-based,

art pieces at the Anthem Civic Building

75-plus member group and includes the

from October 1, 2016 through January

bassoon, horn and all strings. Rehearsal

27, 2017. Interested artists can submit

times, location, audition instructions and

pieces online through the Sonoran Arts

excerpts can be found on the website.

League website beginning August 1.

To schedule an audition, please call

Participating artists will need to adhere

623-980-4628. For more information,

to certain criteria, such as submitting

visit northvalleysymphony.org.

only original pieces, being 18 years of age or older, being located in Anthem or any part of the North Valley and paying a $25 non-refundable entry fee. To find out other criteria and more information about the submission process, visit sonoranartsleague.org.

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S aguaro splendor Writer Grace Hill Opening Photo AimĂŠe Madsen

A

Amidst the sprawling Sonoran Desert, the saguaro cactus makes its exclusive home. It is here, and only here, that the largest and perhaps most treasured cactus in the United States finds living conditions required for its survival: a hot, dry climate located between sea level and 4,000 feet in elevation. The summer monsoon season is also vitally important, as it supplies the rainfall that hydrates the saguaro all year long.

The saguaro’s scientific name is Carnegiea gigantea. It is not a coincidence that the name Carnegiea sounds similar to the last name of the famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

It was given in honor of Carnegie for his generous support in the research of desert plants.

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The quintessential saguaro is often depicted as having two arms growing upward out of its trunk. While an accurate portrayal for some, this form is not considered the standard.

In fact, it is possible for a saguaro to produce as many as 50 arms. Those arms do not always grow upward; if exposed to extreme frost, freezing temperatures or too much irrigation, the arms can droop.

While most saguaros produce a rounded head, some deviate from this norm, instead growing a fan-like form on the top of the trunk. Because of this rare formation, it is dubbed the cristate, or crested saguaro.

Scientists have yet to uncover the exact cause of this anomaly.

Professional experience: Aimée Madsen has

natural world gives me a clearer attachment

more than 20 years of experience shooting

to the complex beauty and yet the simplicity

stills for magazine and book publications,

of the Earth.”

some of which include: Native Peoples, Arizona Highways, Sunset, Outdoor

Your best nature photo: “I think the most

Photographer, New Mexico Magazine,

rewarding photos I’ve captured are of natural

Phoenix Magazine, Splash, Nip and

occurrences that don’t often take place, such

Transitions Abroad.

as a double rainbow, lightning and wildlife up close. Something that takes patience,

Aimée Madsen Hometown: Cheyenne, Wyoming Current: Cave Creek eyeamfilms.com paolosoleribeyondform.com

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Photography niche: photojournalism, the

devotion, hard work and putting yourself

natural world and indigenous cultures.

in a place where anything is possible, by running into the storm rather than running

Inspiration for taking nature photos: “I feel

away from it.”

most comfortable outdoors — always have since I was very young, especially in the

Best tip for nature photography: “Never put

undeveloped wilderness. Photographing the

your camera away too soon.”

Although saguaros engulf the desert landscape, the road to becoming a saguaro is not an easy journey. It is believed that out of a saguaro’s 40 million seeds, only one may survive to adulthood. This low survival rate is a result of many circumstances, including droughts, excessive freezing and being a food source for animals. However, if a saguaro does survive, it is thought that it can live between 150 and 200 years.

When a young saguaro is fortunate enough to take root under a tree, its chances of survival increase. This nurse tree, most often a palo verde, ironwood or mesquite, provides much needed protection from the harsh desert elements. Unfortunately for the nurse tree, as the saguaro grows, it absorbs all the nutrients and water from the surrounding soil, which can ultimately kill its protector.

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Bryan Black Hometown: Dromore, Northern Ireland Current: Cave Creek

Professional experience: Bryan spent six years working in portrait studios — two in Phoenix, followed by four years in Cancún, Mexico — before joining the Images Arizona team, where he has now worked for four years. In addition to his work for the magazine, Bryan shoots weddings, products and advertisements, as well as portrait sessions.

Photography niche: portraiture, environmental and studio.

Inspiration for taking nature photos: “Inspiration for nature and landscape photography is essentially the love of traveling. Old masters like Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. Kevin Whitley is another inspiration for his commitment to finding the right location, and his images are jaw-dropping.”

Your best nature photo: “A view of mesquite sand dunes in Death Valley, taken at sunset on a trip back from San Francisco. I decided to go through Yosemite and Death Valley instead of the quicker highway route.”

Best tip for nature photography: “Best tip: patience. Thinking more before taking the shot. Knowing what it is you want to capture, and understanding the camera and settings to achieve it.”

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From seed to adulthood, the growth of a saguaro is extremely slow: a 10-year-old Saguaro reaches a height of approximately two inches. Although the saguaro is on the short side during its youth, by adulthood — roughly 125 years of age — a saguaro’s height can be measured anywhere from 40 to 60 feet tall.

During the rainy season, a saguaro will expand its body to absorb as much water as possible. Because of this, it is possible for a saguaro to weigh an unbelievable 3,200 to 4,800 pounds. To put that into perspective, one cactus can weigh about the same size as a small adult elephant.

For many birds, the saguaro has become the perfect place to raise a family.

Burrows in the trunk will house nests made for baby gilded flickers, Gila woodpeckers, owls, sparrows and others.

Since larger birds might be too large for a burrow, the arms of a saguaro are the next best thing for their nests.

The saguaro’s creamy white flowers (Arizona’s state flower) are situated at the ends of its trunk and arms. Every year, from April through June, the flowers bloom and reveal an orange center ready for pollination. A few flowers open each night, only to close again by the next afternoon. Bats — especially because they are nocturnal — bees, butterflies and white-winged doves are some common pollinators of the saguaro.

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Once fertilization of the flower occurs, a green fruit will begin to grow. Inside this fruit is a sweet, red center that is a food source for many animals, such as woodpeckers, finches, bats, javelinas and coyotes. Some of the fruit’s seeds will pass unharmed through the animal and, once secreted, will begin the process of growing into another saguaro.

Native Americans have a special relationship with the saguaro.

They have used the cacti’s woody ribs for shade ramadas, fences, furniture and more. The saguaro boot, a hardened shell of a dead saguaro’s burrow, has been used to store and carry water. The Tohono O’odham tribe in Southern Arizona makes wine, jams and jellies from the saguaro’s fruit for the Nawait l’i, a rain ceremony for the coming monsoon season.

Though they have become an icon of the American West, you will only find the saguaro in Southern Arizona and Western Sonora, Mexico — although a few strays may also be found in Southeast California. They are a shining emblem of the Southwest, right in our own backyard.

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Judy McCord Hometown: Greenbelt, Maryland Current: Paradise Valley judymccord.com

INJURY SCREENING

Professional experience: Judy has been photographing for more than 10 years. Her work has been featured in various media outlets, including Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation, 12 News Arizona, The Arizona Republic, Saguaro National Park, Joshua Tree National Park and Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center.

Photography niche: “Landscape is my favorite, but I enjoy photographing just about everything!”

Inspiration for taking nature photos: “I am in awe of the beauty that surrounds us here in Arizona. I tend to chase the sun and the moon on a regular basis!”

Your best nature photo: “That’s a tough question; I love so many for different reasons. Perhaps a photo I took in Monument Valley of ‘The Mittens’ reflecting in a puddle of water while on a photography tour with a Navajo guide.

Best tip for nature photography: “Visit a National Park! We are fortunate to have one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World so close, the Grand Canyon. Saguaro National Park is another beauty!”

Join in!

If you love Sonoran scenes as much as we do and have an image you'd like to share, send it to images@imagesaz.com! Your work may be featured in an upcoming issue of Images Arizona magazine!

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1802 W. Camargo Ct. Offered at $664,950 Lovingly cared for, this impressive executive home sits on a highly elevated lot that overlooks the sharp greens of a golf course, with distant mountain views as the backdrop. This is the right neighborhood for value.

The spacious home wows with travertine floors and neutral paint throughout, and the living area features a dramatic semicircle of windows to capture that magnificent view. A custom theater room with seating and a tech center computer work station are also nice surprises.

This house is made for entertaining, and the party continues outside with a covered patio and heated pool for friends and family. Other attractive features include a security system, an entry courtyard with a fountain and turf with stone pavers.

This is a lovely home that you won’t want to miss.

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The kitchen boasts raised-panel maple cabinets, beautiful slab-granite counters and island, sub-zero refrigerator, gas cooktop, double ovens, double wine refrigerators and a separate breakfast nook. The master bedroom is carpeted with brand new carpeting and features a custom master closet. The master bath has granite counters, a jetted tub and luxurious Kohler fixtures.

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History is in the making, where the past and the present mesh seamlessly in a tradition of Western hospitality

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Where: Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House, 6710 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 When: Every other Wednesday through October, starting May 11, 2016. No-host cocktails begin at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 6 p.m. sharp! History presentation/discussion at 7 p.m.

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Ode to Whiskey Writer Amanda Christmann Photographer Brandon TIgrett

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Lance Carver leans back in his chair, happily worn from a good day’s work. Pausing for a moment, he raises a tulip-shaped glass to his nose and takes a hearty whiff.

“The first thing is the scent,” he explains, then holds the amber liquid under his nose once again, taking a calm, deep breath.

“That first sniff clears your nostrils. It’s the second and third sniffs that give you some of the true flavors of a good whiskey.”

With that, he takes a small sip and rolls it around his tongue, then swallows and smiles.

Whiskey is a drink that has personality and distinction of its own. It defines its enthusiasts as much as they define it, and Carver seems to fit the image.

By day, the longtime Arizona resident can be found outdoors, hiking, biking and enjoying all that the desert foothills have to offer. As hard as he plays, he works even harder. By evening, he manages Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House, one of the busiest restaurants in the North Valley.

And by nighttime, he is ready for some downtime. He sits back, relaxes and appreciates the very best that a good glass of Irish whiskey has to offer.

“My favorites are ones that have more of a smoked flavor to them,” he says. “I’m a pretty hearty eater, so I like smooth, smoky whiskeys.”

On nights like these, with a cool breeze tempering the desert heat, he prefers them neat — straight out of the bottle, poured into a glencairn to release

the subtle vanilla or caramel aromas. On hot days, he uses a solid cube of ice — specifically “The Rock,” as they call the large, round, single cube at Cartwright’s, so that the bold flavor does not become watered down.

Though he has his style, don’t confuse Carver or his whiskey for the gentleman type. What cognac and gin are to the suit-clad business types, whiskey is to guys like Lance.

“I’d say whiskey drinkers are hardworking, steak-eating, down-to-earth Americans,” he says with a wry smile. “Me, I like mountain biking, taking my truck out and going fishing. Whiskey suits my lifestyle.”

And the crowd who comes to Cartwright’s, where whiskey has its own shelf and even its own page on the liquor menu, seems to support that.

So who is the average whiskey drinker? According to Hospitality magazine, the average whiskey drinker today is 25-34 years old and male, a significant change from 2003 trends that showed whiskey drinkers were 65 years old and up. There is also a growing number of women who have taken up the toddy.

In the United States, it is the Southeast, home of famed distilleries based in Kentucky and Tennessee, where whiskey is most popular, and sales of whiskey worldwide have been growing at a rate of about 5 percent annually in recent years, says the U.S. International Trade Commission.

For Carver, whose passion brewed as he grew up in the restaurant business, it’s not about statistics; rather, it’s about simple appreciation.

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The nature of whiskey is that it is meant to be sipped in small quantities, not chugged by the glass like wine or beer.

“Kicking back having a nice glass of whiskey at the end of the day is my style,” he says matter-of-factly. “It’s an acquired taste.”

from other distilled beverages. Whiskey is simply distilled beer.

Like beer, grains are the source of the sugars necessary for fermentation.

Slowly sipping a glass of Elijah Craig, he kicked off his shoes and explained a few things while making the wince at the end of his sip look like a deep drag from a smooth cigar.

The grain is steeped in hot water to release sugars, and the remaining sweet liquid, called “wort,” is brought to room temperature. Yeast is added to convert the sugars to alcohol in an anaerobic process, basically creating the foundation for beer.

“First off,” he says, a grin forming in his eyes, “there’s the issue of the ‘e.’” He went on to explain that in Scotland, Canada and Japan, the liquor is spelled “whisky” — without the “–ey.”

Here in the United States and in Ireland, where whiskey is said to have been invented so that the Irish wouldn’t take over the world, it is spelled with the “e” that we all know and love.

Whiskey is made from grain. This is what distinguishes it

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The only difference is that beer brewers add hops to balance the sweetness and as a preservative, but whiskey flavors are balanced by aging them in oak barrels. The types of grain used, the distillation method and the particular casks used to age the whiskey are what make each flavor of whiskey a little different.

“A solid whiskey is aged for at least three years,” Carver explains. “It is a requirement for Irish whiskeys to age at least three years, which is probably a big part of why they are my favorite. The smooth and bold, smoky flavors I like are fermented at least that long.”

Malt whiskey is made from malted barley, while grain whiskey is made from different types of grains, typically rye, corn or wheat. Grain whiskey (Maker’s Mark or Jack Daniels, for example) is enormously different from, say, Johnnie Walker Black, Yamazaki from Japan, Amrut from India or any malt whisky from Scotland. True whiskey aficionados insist that the word “scotch” is a better choice to refer to those brewed exclusively in Scotland.

The nature of whiskey is that it is meant to be sipped in small quantities, not chugged by the glass like wine or beer. For people like Carver, whose days demand a respite as the sun goes down, it creates a perfect, contemplative buzz and comforting warmth up and down the gullet.

And for those, like Carver, whose discriminating taste is less about swagger and more about satisfaction and savoring the good, natural things in life, whiskey is just one element in taking each day one moment at a time and enjoying each moment to its fullest.

Like his whiskey, men like Carver will never go out of style. His quick wit and earthy charm go perfectly with his choice of bold at the end of the day. Whether you love whiskey or not, that’s a pairing that’s worth appreciating.

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Alex Bauwens Bow, Barn and Brush Writer Shannon Severson Photographer Bryan Black

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There’s never been a time when art and horses haven’t been defining elements in the life of Alex Bauwens. An accomplished professional artist, the 27-year-old has found her true home in Arizona, a place where she can paint and pursue her passion for horses, mounted archery and competitive reining — and be part of a thriving community of creatives.

Bauwens is constantly on the move, yet nothing she does centers on immediate gratification. It’s antithetical to today’s fast-paced, wait-fornothing mentality. Each accomplishment has been carefully prepared for, studied, shaped and earned.

“I started riding and drawing when I was 3 or 4,” says Bauwens. “My mom is an artist and she rode horses. Riding was my reward. If I could sit at the barn and draw while she was riding, I would get to ride after she was finished.”

In fact, there wasn’t much young Alex wouldn’t do to get the chance to be on a horse. She pulled weeds, mucked stalls, awoke early every day to complete barn chores and, as a young adult, commuted for hours to train horses.

“It teaches work ethic,” says Bauwens. “I never slept in as a child. I was always up early, taking care of the horses and doing chores. Even getting the horse ready for a ride was left to me. … When you do the work and earn it, you appreciate it more. It also bonds you to the horse when you understand the work that goes into it.”

In her mother’s footsteps, Bauwens began competitive jumping and vaulting, then switched from thoroughbreds to quarter horses and competed across the country in all-around, English, Western pleasure and horsemanship. Her childhood in Northbrook, Illinois always centered around the balance between riding and creating art. She became seriously involved in competitive reining through high school and into adulthood.

During that time, she honed her artistic talent and would often sell her pencil drawings — and sometimes homemade horse treats — at her competitions. It was early confirmation that her art had value and prompted her to pursue art as a career.

When she was accepted at the American Academy of Art, her intention was to begin as an illustrator and then move into fine art, but after a summer internship as an illustrator, she found the technology that now dominates the industry wasn’t where her heart was. A four-week course with Vitruvian Fine Art Studio, under the tutelage of David Jamieson and Melinda Whitmore, changed everything.

“I learned more in four weeks than I had in an entire year of art school,” says Bauwens. “It was a lightbulb moment that something needed to change. What if I could design my own curriculum with them? What

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would that look like? It might put me ahead in terms of breaking into the fine art world.”

She worked with Jamieson and Whitmore to design her own intensive study program. Over the course of the next three years, she spent more than 60 hours per week painstakingly perfecting her technique. Her first six months centered solely on painting balls, cubes and cylinders in black and white grisaille.

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from illustrator to fine artist. It began another three years of learning, with a different approach and a lot of plein air painting. Powers remains one of her mentors and closest friends. Today, she uses the techniques of both experiences to produce her own style.

“We didn’t move on until we had perfected each form,” says Bauwens. “It’s basic, but they were perfectionists.

Then we painted grisaille still lives and figures and then we added in color.”

Bauwens works in pencil, charcoal and oil paintings, creating both commissioned and original pieces of art. She often paints children and explores the concepts of innocence and darkness, city and country, drawing inspiration from memories, film, literature, nature and time. Horses, of course, make frequent appearances in her work, as does cardboard, a material that appeals to children’s creativity but ultimately isn’t sturdy enough to withstand much pressure.

Soon, another opportunity arose to apprentice with renowned painter Scott Tallman Powers, who had also made the leap

“When I was a child, I created a lot of my own worlds with animals and me,” says Bauwens. “As a kid, you feel

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invincible, so in charge of your own destiny, but then you grow up. I’m inspired by the juxtaposition of how you thought life would be and how it really is now.

What is the same? And what is different?”

Looking back to her years in Chicago, when she used to commute hours out of the city for precious time at the barn, horses have always been a necessary break from painting, allowing her to step away and return with new eyes.

The walls of her studio are a collage of color studies, sketches, abstract paintings and 3-D figures that she paints from life. It’s an ongoing color journal where she records ideas and formulas for mixing certain color values of oil paints — including reminders of what doesn’t work.

“It’s a separate part of your brain to ride horses,” says Bauwens. “Now when I’m in the studio, I’m more focused, and it’s a better use of my time. When I’m only doing art, I think about it 24/7. When I am focusing on the archery or training horses, it gives me a break from the tunnel vision of painting. When your obsessive mind can’t get a break, it isn’t helpful.”

“I start with a feeling at the beginning of each paining,” says Bauwens, “and I mostly go based on the feeling. As the painting develops, so does the story. What I want is for my paintings to leave something up to the eye of the beholder. I don’t want to reveal all. I want people to draw their own conclusions.”

Horses are truly what brought her to Arizona — and mounted archery — in the first place. In 2009, her trainers, Dan and Wendy Huss of Huss Performance Horses, moved their operation to Rio Verde. Bauwens AUGUST 2016 IM AGE S A Z.C OM

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Clockwise from top left: "The Secret Truth of the Universe", "Downtown Harrison", "Between a Memory and a Dream" - Portrait of Olivia, "Captured", and "The Unihibited"

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visited four to six times per year to train and fell in love with the sport of mounted archery, as well as the area.

“Horseback archery is an adrenaline rush,” says Bauwens.

“It’s so cathartic. If I’m frustrated, I can go do that and it’s a release. In Japan, it’s called ‘yabusame.’ It’s a spiritual activity. You’re taking a prayer from the sky and releasing it through your heart line. It’s a meditative act. It’s like painting. You get into a zone and must be absolutely present with both.”

Treasuring her visits to Arizona each year, she knew her future would eventually bring her to the desert permanently.

“Since the first time I came to Arizona, I loved it,” says Bauwens. “I knew right away that I would live here someday. I was 20 years old. It was strange because I’d come here to visit and then on the flight home, I’d start to feel homesick. I was in Chicago feeling homesick for a place I’d never lived.”

Her chance came in 2014 and she permanently moved her studio to Carefree’s Spanish Village. It was an easy transition after spending so much time here over the years.

It’s close to the barn and she enjoys the community of fellow artists, show trainers, archery trainers and friends.

She spends at least three days each week training at Hamilton Ranch in Rio Verde.

“I’m not really a city person,” says Bauwens. “With art, I can live anywhere. There was no quiet in Chicago. Coming out to Cave Creek, it’s so quiet. I love the location and being able to look out at the mountains. I’ve met so many great, friendly people.”

One of those people is Eric Watson of Watson’s Hat Shop, who first made a cowboy hat for Bauwens and most recently designed a custom hat to accommodate her anchor point for archery. It’s been an example for Bauwens that she is in the right place with the right people: a community of artisans who are eager to collaborate and support one another.

“There are so many diverse art forms here,” says Bauwens.

“With creative people, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing.

You’re expressing a story or connecting with something.

Living a creative life means expressing yourself.” alexbauwens.com AUGUST 2016 IM AGE S A Z.C OM

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Baroque Beauty THE ORPHEUM THEATRE

Writer Paula Theotocatos Photography Fred Urlich Photography

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The year was 1929. The madcap era of the Roaring ‘20s was over and the country plunged into the Great Depression with the Wall Street stock market crash. The first Academy Awards ceremony was held in Los Angeles and the Museum of Modern Art opened in New York.

The Orpheum has a rich history and Anthem resident Fay Giordano, who is a docent at the theater, will be glad to tell you all about it. Fay first became a docent in 1994 when the theater was in the middle of its 12-year renovation.

at the tender age of 19, while she was teaching English as a second language as a Peace Corps volunteer on the Northern Mariana Island of Rota. Frank was a Seabee assigned to build the school library where Fay was also the librarian. After they were married, they moved to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and enjoyed what Fay refers to as “our 4.5-year honeymoon.”

After their island sojourn, they moved to the San Francisco Bay area for several years and then on to Phoenix in 1993.

The peripatetic couple moved again after retirement to Lake Tahoe for a few years, but were drawn back to Phoenix. They moved to Anthem in 2004 and Fay resumed her docent duties at the now-completed Orpheum Theatre.

“We did hard hat tours of the empty theater, telling its history and the plans for its future,” Fay explains. “It reopened in January of 1997 after a $14.5 million restoration.”

“After going to a performance at the Orpheum, I knew I had to go back to being a docent there,” Fay says. “It’s just such a beautiful, interesting historic building.

Fay has had an interesting history of her own.

“We do public tours every other Tuesday and private tours by arrangement. I’ve shared the story of the Orpheum with at least eight private tour groups from Anthem.”

Across the country in Phoenix, another prestigious opening for the benefit of the arts occurred that year: the beautiful Orpheum Theatre.

“Although I was born in Duluth, I was raised on a farm near the small town of Upsala in Central Minnesota, exactly where Garrison Keillor placed his fictitious town, Lake Wobegon,” she says. She completed an around-the-world tour when she was only 22 via the TransSiberian Railway and Eurail Pass, followed by a job on Park Avenue in New York City.

She met her husband, Frank,

After the Orpheum was opened in 1929, it became the venue for vaudeville acts for the next 20 years. After vaudeville died, the theater became a movie house, the Paramount, for about 20 years more, and then the well-known theater impresario, James Nederlander, took it over.

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and was the home to touring Broadway productions.

Finally, it was rented by a local family, the Coronas, who showed Spanish language films, boxing matches and talent shows.

The theater then fell into disarray and was to be torn down when the Junior League stepped up in 1985 to ensure the preservation of the historic building. The women of the League held fundraisers and saw that it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. After an ambitious 12-year restoration project, the Orpheum reopened in January 1997 with a performance

by Carol Channing in “Hello Dolly.”

The design of the building was meant to be atmospheric, suggesting an outdoor mission house garden. It is a blend of Spanish, Italian and Rococo architecture. Over

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the years, the lobby’s murals and moldings had been painted over and its beauty marred significantly. In order to restore it to its former glory, architectural detectives removed the top layer of paint where they could and worked with old photographs to discover what lay beneath the paint.

Highlights of the tour include: • The ceiling in the theater’s main hall, which is meant to represent the sky. During the daytime, it displays a blue sky and clouds and then turns mauve as the sky darkens to twilight. Finally, the ceiling turns dark blue with stars scattered over its surface, signaling the performance is about to begin.

• The 1,062 new seats on the first level of the theater and 302 original seats in the balcony.

• The Kissing Room, where you can hear a perfect echo of your voice as you stand in the center of the room. “Performers have been known to practice there,” Fay shares, “and marriage proposals have been made there!”

• The Peacock and Phoenix stairways, along with many artworks referencing ancient Greek theater.

“The elliptical Peacock Stairway is probably the most beautiful place in the theater,” Fay says.

“Looking up from the lower level, there are several elegant peacocks on the ceiling and under the stairway, done in aluminum leaf with beautifully colored glazing.”

• The ladies’ room, not only for its elegance but also for the fact that it is twice as large as the men’s room. “It affords a much quicker visit than the ladies’ room of most venues,” Fay explains. “The ladies love it and even the men usually say ‘wow’ when they are invited to enter.”

I asked Fay if there were any ghosts in this historic structure.

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“Although I’ve never had any experiences myself, there are so many stories that we recently began giving Ghost Tours as a fundraiser for the theater,” Fay shares.

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7/7/16 10:23 AM

The Orpheum Theatre is a fascinating glimpse into history. In addition to the free public tours every other Tuesday and the private tours by appointment, look for a Ghost Tour around Halloween this coming October. Also in October this year, a silent movie from the 1920s will be shown on the 23rd, accompanied by music on the 1929 Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.

Starting in September, free concerts will be offered in front of the fireplace by a small group of musicians approximately every other Tuesday, along with complimentary appetizers and a full, no-host bar.

As an extra attraction, the docents will also conduct short tours during intermission. Call the Phoenix Convention Center to verify dates.

And don’t leave without stopping by the Friends of the Orpheum Theatre gift counter in the lobby, from which any profits support the theater.

877-840-0457 phoenixconventioncenter.com/orpheum-theatre

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Writer Tom Scanlon

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ANTHEM’S 1-2 GOLF PUNCH

Only six Arizona boys ages 15-17 are invited to the Junior World Golf Championships — three from each of two qualifying events. So it’s pretty cool that one of the players who made the tournament at the dazzling Torrey Pines Golf Course is from Anthem.

That two of the players come from Anthem?

Downright amazing.

Here’s how it happened: In mid-June, a tournament took place at Dobson Ranch Golf Course in Mesa. The best of the boys under 18 would qualify for the prestigious IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships in La Jolla, California. On the first day, Mason Domecq, having just finished his freshman year at Boulder Creek High School, had an excellent round, shooting a 3-under-par 69. Yet he found himself trailing three golfers who had shot an astounding 68. One of those first-day leaders was Nicholas San Miguel, a year ahead of Mason at BC. Mason got ready to start his second day, hoping to hold down his strong position and qualify for the Torrey Pines tournament. He took a deep breath and a look around — bad idea. There were a few college coaches, ready to analyze the games of the leaders.

How’s that for pressure on a 15-year-old?

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He wasn’t just one of the youngest golfers in the qualifier; at 5-foot-11 and 135 pounds, he might have also been one of the skinniest. Yet he launched a strong tee shot and ended up with a birdie on the par-5 first hole.

Part of what kept Mason grounded in the tournament was that golf does not define his life. The Wyoming native came here 10 years ago when his father, a former minor-league baseball player, decided playing golf around Anthem beat shoveling snow in Jackson Hole. He soon was teaching Mason tips in both baseball and golf.

“He’s very much my coach, on and off the course,” said Mason. “He’s definitely been my biggest coach, and his professional baseball background helps me a lot, learning a mindset.”

At the Mesa qualifier, Mason planned out a strategy and stuck with it.

“Going into the event, you know you have to go low, as all of the players are capable of shooting low scores,” Mason recapped. “My game plan was to treat it like our Boulder Creek High School qualifiers, where we are playing for one of five spots for the following week’s match. But in this case, only three players of the 53 were going to receive an invite.

“I remember telling Nick before round two, ‘They are only taking three, so let’s make sure we are two of the three!’”

Two early birdies showed Mason was not planning on wilting under pressure. Meanwhile, as the two other first-day leaders fell behind, Mason’s teammate Nick kept up the blazing pace, matching Mason’s front-nine score of 35 (2 under par) to take a slim lead.

“At that point, it wasn’t so much about winning, but making sure we qualified,” said Mason. He was even stronger on the final nine holes, starting par, birdie, par. Nick faltered slightly, with a bogey on the 12th hole.

Mason had his chance to jump into first place on the 13th, and he came through.

“The shot of the day for me was actually a putt,” he said. “On the 13th hole, a par 3, I pushed my tee shot to the right and had a difficult lag putt of about 60 feet. I was able to get it within four feet and made the putt for par. Walking off that green, with two par 5s left, I felt as long as I could keep hitting fairways and greens, everything would work out.”

He did exactly that, holding a close grip on the lead.

Nicholas San Miguel

Meanwhile, after rebounding for solid pars on the middle of the back nine, Nick looked to be in trouble, with a bogey on 17. Another bogey — and possibly even a par — might knock him from second to fourth, out of qualifying.

“No, I wouldn’t say that was the best I have ever played,” Nick later summarized. “I played solid, but there have definitely been times when I was sharper with my game.”

Yet he was razor sharp when it mattered most, closing out with a birdie that locked in a second-place finish and a trip to California. In a word: wow.

The young kids from BC finished first and second, in a battle that was quite familiar to them.

“Nick always pushes me,” said Mason. “We have been competing against each other ever since I moved here, whether in golf or baseball. Nick is one grade ahead of me, so last year we got to know each other better playing on the varsity golf team at Boulder Creek.

“Having Nick in the final round definitely helped me, as it seemed like the whole day we were encouraging each other to do well. That is the cool thing about golf. Nick played very strong both days. One of the most exciting things was seeing Nick make a long birdie putt on the last hole of the tournament to secure his spot.”

Mason Domecq

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Nick was equally proud of his teammate: “Mason did great out there. He’s a great player and no doubt he’ll continue to get better, which is kind of scary to think since he’s already as good as he is and he’s just a sophomore.

His game was just solid all around and he didn’t make many, if any, mistakes.

“I definitely think we were able to feed off each other since we were both playing well, and since we’re good friends, I think it kind of relaxed us both, being that it was comfortable being paired together and we always have fun when we’re in the same group.”

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“But one of the biggest factors over the past year has been an equipment change to PXG. The head engineer at PXG is Brad Schweigert, who is also an Anthem resident.

Brad has made it possible to access the professional resources at PXG. I feel very blessed; if we still lived in Wyoming, I wouldn’t have these opportunities. I thank the whole PXG family.”

These two rising stars both thank their families — for scheduling, driving and, most of all, support in a sport that can be mentally grueling. Mason said he feels like he has a whole team behind him.

In the IMG tournament, these two Anthem hot shooters competed against kids from 56 countries and 42 states. At the Junior World Championships, Mason got off to a solid start, with an opening round score of 75. After a 76 on the second 18, his third day score of 81 for a combined 16 over par wasn’t good enough for the top 50 cut. Nick also missed out on the final round, with a combined 29 over par on the tough course. Joquain Niemann of Chile won the tournament, with a stunning 12 under par.

“There are also some really good players here in Anthem,” he said. “Chris Endres, our high school coach, played in a U.S. Senior Open, and I have been fortunate to play and practice with Gerry Norquist, another Anthem resident who played on the Asian and European tours.

While he was a long way from the top of the total leaderboard, Mason was in the top 10 of the class of 2019 golfers in the tournament, and the experience in this pressure-packed environment should make the Anthem duo all the stronger when they tee off for BC.

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Young, successful innovators use their software development backgrounds to take a startup from problem-solving idea to multimillion dollar industry breakthrough. It sounds like a Silicon Valley Cinderella story, but it’s happening right here in Phoenix at online mattress retailer Tuft & Needle.

John-Thomas “JT” Marino and Daehee Park were longtime friends who met at Penn State University and were burning the candle at both ends at an early stage, heavily financed Palo Alto, California software company. They had tossed around the idea of starting their own company for a long time, but didn’t want to follow the same old formula: become a founder, then find an idea to build a company around, followed by collecting massive amounts of investors’ cash to get things going, all while working endless hours until a buyout makes everyone involved massively wealthy.

“We wanted to do it differently,” says Marino. “We wanted to look at our own lives and find a problem we had that we could solve. We didn’t want to limit ourselves to software, but we knew we could use our software knowledge to our advantage.”

Soon, the problem that would launch a $100 million-plus business presented itself in the form of a poor night’s sleep on an overpriced mattress.

Newly married, Marino researched, shopped for (an experience he describes as “a nightmare”) and spent $3,300 on a top manufacturer’s mattress that he ended up hating. Despite claims that dissatisfied customers could return the mattress, it soon became clear that there were too many hoops to jump through to make such a thing feasible.

“We kept it and every night, I was reminded of my mistake,” says Marino. “Here was a problem that we might be able to solve. Daehee had experienced

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TUFT & NEEDLE Writer Shannon Severson

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similar problems with mattresses.

Maybe other people had, too. To understand what we could solve, we made a list of everything we hated about shopping for mattresses: the mattresses themselves, the return process, poor customer service. The list was so long it was unbelievable.

It was clear there was room here for innovation.”

The two figured that if they could alleviate even half of their gripes, there might be enough to start a business. They dismantled that expensive mattress and did some wily investigation and reverse engineering to learn about materials and actual manufacturing cost. The answer was shocking: $300. A 1,000 percent markup. Offering an alternative was starting to feel like a moral obligation.

In June 2012, a basic website they set up to test the waters generated a sale within the first 15 minutes of launch. This idea clearly had legs.

“It’s an entirely different mattress concept: simplicity, transparency and stripping away all the gimmicks,” says Park. “When we went shopping for a mattress, that is the type of company we were looking for. This validated that almost everyone else also hates shopping for a mattress the traditional way.”

With $6,000 between them, they quit their jobs and launched Tuft & Needle in October 2012, with only themselves and their brothers as employees for the next year and a half.

John-Thomas Marino and Daehee Park

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Not having outside investors raised a lot of eyebrows, but it meant passing on the savings to both customers and employees.

The goal was to build the best mattress in the industry, charge a

fair price and create a company that is 100 percent employee-owned.

“At the start, even our friends and family thought what we were doing was crazy,” says Park.

Why leave promising tech jobs in the fast-paced, big money tech capital of the world to launch what, on its face, seemed a stodgy, entrenched, traditional business? An idea so decidedly un-sexy couldn’t recruit solid talent in the astronomically-priced Silicon Valley. That was tough for any entrepreneur, unless you had a company that was seen as the next superstar — the next Uber, Facebook or Instagram. So, they left all that naysaying, prevailing wisdom stuff behind and moved to Arizona in 2012, drawn to the low cost of doing business, ease of incorporating (no need for expensive attorneys) and reasonable cost of living. They relished the opportunity to blaze their own trail outside of the Bay Area bubble and set up in an old transmission shop on Apache Boulevard in Tempe — nothing fancy, just the bare necessities.

“We created a mattress that appeals to those who like a firm mattress and those who want a softer mattress,” says Marino. “It sounds crazy, but we have proven that it is possible.”

What makes these “well-crafted mattresses at a fair price” revolutionary is a breakthrough in foam. Tuft & Needle invented a brand new proprietary material — T&N Adaptive Foam, a top layer that eliminates the need AUGUST 2016 IM AGE S A Z.C OM

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for multiple materials, with a support base of highdensity polyurethane foam that is also exclusive to the company and was created to be comfortable, cool, durable and responsive.

The price? From $350 for a twin mattress to $750 for a California King.

“The way we price is to charge what we need, not what we can,” says Marino. “We could price these mattresses at several thousand dollars, but we don’t need that. We view our pricing as very fair.”

Marino and Park, at 30 and 27 years old, respectively, are earnest in their philosophy of fairness: the price is the price. They never go on sale, and shipping is free.

They’re passionate about setting the gold standard for customer experience. They don’t hire individuals who have previously worked in the mattress industry,

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and no one works on commission. Employees are paid well, empowered and educated to be familiar with all aspects of the company: supply chain, social media and problem-solving. That education starts with making a mattress themselves at a Tuft & Needle factory (all mattresses are American-made). The confidence they have in their product is evidenced in the 100-night money-back trial and 10-year warranty, both free of fine print. As part of the company’s dedication to giving back to the community, returns are donated to charity, but those returns have helped them constantly refine and improve their product. They’ve seen returns rapidly diminish with each iteration.

The pair’s automated engineering skills contribute to efficiency at every point of production, marketing, packaging and delivery. Overhead is low, very little is outsourced and middlemen are cut out of the process.

The mattresses ship in compact boxes, can be unrolled

at home and, once the wrapping is snipped, quickly puff up to full size and are immediately ready to be slept on.

Marino and Park were rewarded with strong sales from the start, with year-over-year sales growing astronomically (from $1 million in 2013 to $42 million in 2015).

They now employ more than 100 workers and have purchased the historic Stapley building on Grand Avenue in downtown Phoenix, which they now own.

The 36,000-square-foot building now serves as both corporate headquarters and a sleek retail sales lab, with just one other showroom in San Francisco that displays their design aesthetic and offers a customer experience that is more Apple Genius Bar than mattress showroom.

“We chose downtown because we are big proponents of sustainability,” says Marino. “There’s lots of activity. Resources are all right here within walking distance. Phoenix is a young city, but it has so much potential. We wanted to plant our flag where we believed there could be a hub, and that was in downtown Phoenix. We like all of Arizona, but this was a big draw. Our hypothesis about how the area would support us proved true.”

With all sales occurring through their website, Marino and Park are experimenting with the showrooms, mostly operating on the notion that retail is dead, but willing to test it out to be sure. The top-notch product has done much to educate consumers who might have had initial hesitation about purchasing a mattress online. Customers now come from every age range and city across the country. Business is booming.

“Our success is a testament to the service and quality of the product,” says Marino. “We set out to solve our own problem, one that we had an emotional attachment to.

We are literally fixing an industry.”

Tuft & Needle 735 Grand Ave. Phoenix, 85007 877-842-2586 tuftandneedle.com

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FOUR PHANTOMS BROADWAY

Writer Rebecca Zaner

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Writer Amanda Christmann Photographer Brandon TIgrett

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Originating in Southern Spain, flamenco dance is known around the world for its Spanish attributes and sensual movements. Heavily influenced by Spanish culture, flamenco portrays an array of human emotion through notorious expression, power and passion.

Julia Chacon is a local choreographer and flamenco dancer, born in New Mexico, but raised in Arizona. Her local dance company, Inspiración Flamenca, was founded in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2008 before relocating to Phoenix, where Julia remains the artistic director. Inspiración Flamenca’s mission is to “share a connection; to celebrate the community nature of flamenco and to promote cultural understanding through this rich and complex art.”

“When I started my dance company, I named it Inspiración Flamenca because it translates to ‘flamenco inspiration,’ and I know how much it can inspire,” Julia shared of the first stage of building her company. “I have always loved teaching. My mom was an educator and I definitely feel inspired by her. This is what led me to start my dance company, so I could do what I love most — perform and teach.”

Julia primarily studied ballet throughout her life. She began taking Spanish dance lessons at age 12 but did not choose to pursue a career in that genre until college.

Julia graduated from the University of New Mexico, where she studied modern dance. During her undergraduate years, she attended New Mexico’s Festival Flamenco, which is known as the most prestigious flamenco event outside of Spain.

This festival became Julia’s inspiration to primarily study flamenco dance and strive to make it her career.

“The level of artistry at the flamenco festival was outstanding — prior to witnessing this festival, I was taking some dance classes just to stay in shape,” Julia admitted.

“Then I became inspired by flamenco and received a dance scholarship in addition to my academic scholarship.”

Julia ultimately received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance, as well as a Bachelor of Science in anthropology. Because of the encouragement she received within the dance program, flamenco turned out to be her calling.

After graduating college, Julia lived in Spain for several years, studying authentic Spanish dance in Madrid and Seville. While living and performing abroad, she was immersed in true Spanish culture. Following her studies in school and in Spain, Julia performed in six national tours alongside major flamenco dancers. Her touring has taken her across the United States and into Spain, Mexico and Colombia. She AUGUST 2016 IM AGE S A Z.C OM

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performed many solos amongst her touring companies, gaining experience and respect for the Spanish culture throughout her travels.

“My background is Spanish,” she said. “I started learning Spanish history and it really inspired me to have more respect and interest in my own culture. Exploring Spain has changed my cultural identity and makes me feel more in touch with my heritage. I’ve been inspired through flamenco in many ways, including my dance career, teaching and my exploration of the world.”

Doors continued to open, and Julia immediately started touring for 10 years, teaching during the same period. All of her tours were of flamenco dance, including Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco and Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana.

“I feel so blessed to be able to travel and work with amazing artists and also experience large theaters and stages,” she said. “Then to bring those experiences back

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home and share them with dancers and our local public is truly rewarding. I have about 30 young students. It is wonderful to see them inspired by flamenco the way I was when I was first introduced.”

In 2013, Julia moved back home to Arizona and reestablished her dance company. She began serving on the advisory committee of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Discovery Series, whose goal is to recognize a different national culture each year. In 2014, they featured Spain and Portugal. Because of her connection with the committee, Inspiración Flamenca was the closing act of Origination, the Discovery Series’ culminating festival, which celebrated Spanish culture, music, pottery and arts of Spain. The company was also asked to participate in the 2015 Live and Local Fridays summer concert series, and then became the first local dance company in over a decade to be presented by Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Inspiración Flamenca’s upcoming performance will be the

closing act of this year’s Live and Local Fridays. Last year, Inspiración Flamenca performed to a sold-out audience — crowds were being turned away at the door.

Julia’s dance company returns to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on August 26 at 8 p.m., featuring professional performers from the Valley as the closing act. The upcoming concert will showcase solo and group numbers.

“We improvise and build energy together,” Julia said. “It is impossible to create the same dynamic with recorded music. Our performance includes traditional and theatrical flamenco. We feature not only our five dancers, but guitar, vocals, piano, flute and percussion. While our dancers are taught much choreography, we also improvise many moves during the show. We have a large cast and live music — it’s sure to be a great time.”

The upcoming concert will highlight famous flamenco dances, such as “Guajiras,” a flirtatious duet between Julia and co-dancer Carlos Montufar; “Sevillanas,” which uses props such as fans and the mantón de Manila, a large fringed shawl manipulated around the body; and “Alegrías,” a joyful exploration of feminine movement.

Tickets for the show are available on Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ official website. Costs range from $12-15. All the costumes for the show are handmade specifically for the company. There has been an incredibly positive response from the Valley toward Inspiración Flamenca. The genre is definitely growing in the community and reaching more people.

Julia Chacon is also available to teach dance lessons to those who wish to join in the fun of flamenco. She teaches classes of all levels to all ages.

“My passion is the promotion of international culture in the Valley,” Julia shared of her love for flamenco.

“Flamenco is powerful and strong — it has a special kind of ferocity about it. It reaches people in many profound ways and transmits such a range of human emotion and experience. People of all ages can enjoy this art form. I do what I love. Do what you want to do and it can take you on amazing pathways.” scottsdaleperformingarts.org juliachacon.com AUGUST 2016 IM AGE S A Z.C OM

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If you are craving a reprieve from the soaring temperatures this summer, this Strawberry Champagne Granita is a refreshing frozen treat that is also incredibly easy to make. As opposed to sorbets, which tend to be creamy and dense, granitas are icier and airier in texture and require no fancy machinery.

In this recipe, fresh strawberries are pureed, then simply popped into the freezer and scraped over time until flaky.

Adding some bubbly Champagne to the strawberries takes this refreshment to the next level, resulting in a fruity, invigorating treat that’s definitely worthy of a toast.

Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker

Strawberry Champagne Granita STRAWBERRY CHAMPAGNE GRANITA Yield: Serves 4 1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 cup Brut Champagne 1 teaspoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS: Place the strawberries and sugar into the bowl of a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Optional: Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the seeds.

Stir in the Champagne and lemon juice. Transfer the mixture to a non-reactive metal or glass baking dish and place the dish into the freezer.

After about two hours, begin to scrape the mixture from the sides of the bowl toward the center to loosen the ice crystals. Repeat scraping about every hour until flaky ice crystals are formed (about 6-8 hours total).

Transfer the frozen granita to a glass and serve immediately.

Optional: Top the granita with a few splashes of Champagne.

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Once a staple of the Aztec and Mayan cultures, tomatillos are commonly known these days as the champion ingredient in green salsa. Not to be mistaken for a green tomato, tomatillos have a bright, tart flavor and a subtle sweetness. They are grown inside a papery husk and have a sticky film that should be removed before using. Once roasted, the tomatillos begin to yellow and blister, intensifying their sweetness and deepening the flavor of the salsa.

Serve alongside a bowl of crunchy tortilla chips or atop tacos or enchiladas for a mouthwatering fiesta.

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Writer and photographer Monica Longenbaker

ROASTED TOMATILLO SALSA Yield: 6-8 Servings 1½ pounds tomatillos, husks removed and rinsed 2 medium jalapeno peppers ½ medium white or yellow onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped Ÿ cup cilantro leaves, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice salt and pepper to taste

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DIRECTIONS: Preheat the broiler to high heat. Arrange the tomatillos and jalapeno peppers onto a sheet pan. Place the sheet pan under the broiler until the tomatillos and peppers are blackened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sheet pan from the oven, flip the tomatillos and peppers, and broil again until blackened. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Remove the stem from the jalapeno peppers.

Optional: For less heat, remove the seeds and veins, as well.

Place the jalapenos, tomatillos, onion, garlic, cilantro and lime juice into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse about 8-10 times, or until desired consistency is reached. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer the salsa to a bowl and refrigerate until chilled. Serve with tortilla chips or spoon over tacos or enchiladas. Store the salsa in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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