Images Arizona (August/September 2023)

T h e a p p r o a c h a t t h e C e n t e r f o r I n t e g r a t i v e H e a l i n g &

W e l l n e s s i s p e r s o n a l i z e d a n d c o m b i n e s t h e b e s t e l e m e n t s o f p r e v e n t a t i v e , r e g e n e r a t i v e , i n t e g r a t i v e , f u n c t i o n a l , a n d a n t i - a g i n g m e d i c i n e t o h e l p y o u a c h i e v e o p t i m a l h e a l t h .

I n a s l i t t l e a s 3 m o n t h s w e c a n h e l p y o u l o o k & f e e l 1 0 y e a r s y o u n g e r , l o s e w e i g h t , p r e v e n t d i s e a s e , r e v e r s e c h r o n i c c o n d i t i o n s , r e l i e v e p a i n , i n c r e a s e f u n c t i o n , a n d i m p r o v e q u a l i t y o f l i f e !

C o n c i e r g e A d u l t P r e v e n t a t i v e C a r e

I n t e g r a t i v e & F u n c t i o n a l M e d i c i n e

I n t e g r a t i v e C a n c e r C a r e

N u t r i t i o n & C u l i n a r y M e d i c i n e

A n t i - A g i n g M e d i c i n e

H o r m o n e B a l a n c e

W e i g h t L o s s

I V T h e r a p y

B i o - E n e r g y T h e r a p y

E x e r c i s e & F i t n e s s C o a c h i n g

Fabio Almeida, MD, ABOIM, ABNM, ABOM

Triple Board-Certified Physician Founder | Medical Director

Cindy Almeida, CNC

Master Holistic, Sports & Obesity Nutritional Counselor

Kelly Montana, CPT, TPI Fitness & Performance Expert

Locally owned and operated, Carefree Outdoor Living is a convenient resource for all your outdoor needs. The age of the outdoor room has arrived and Carefree Outdoor Living has firmly established itself as the go-to resource for innovative outdoor room components, designs and patio furniture. Located in the Carefree Marketplace

From the Publisher

Publisher

Shelly Spence

Managing Editor

Joseph J. Airdo

Graphic Designer

Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo

Amanda Christmann

Francine Coles

Rebecca L. Rhoades

Shannon Severson

Photographers

Francine Coles

Loralei Lazurek

Carl Schultz

Advertising Sales

Cindi Calcinari

860-966-3271

cindi@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona

P.O. Box 1416

Carefree, AZ. 85377

623-341-8221

imagesarizona.com

This special summer edition of Images Arizona showcases some of the captivating culture, history and stories of humanity that can be experienced through targeted trails and tours around our state. Our architecture, our art, our natural resources and our food reveal a record of why Arizona is the jewel of America. There is a wealth of insight and adventure that awaits those who seek it.

Meanwhile, our photo essay is devoted to some of the exciting expeditions around Arizona that you — our remarkable readers — have been enjoying so far this summer. We’ve also included information that we believe will be incredibly helpful to parents and students, ensuring that this issue remains a valuable resource as we transition from summer to fall.

It is important to note that summer is not over just yet, though. There is still plenty of time to explore your surroundings, embark on road trips, experience adventures and discover details about Arizona that you never knew. Spending time in the swimming pool or an airconditioned movie theater is nice, but there is so much more that our state has to offer.

I hope that this issue inspires you to gather a group of your family, friends or neighbors and set out on a journey through Arizona’s architecture, food, wine, water, mountains, murals or minerals. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your summer!

Cheers!

Shelly Spence

Publisher, Images Arizona magazine

shelly@imagesaz.com

623-341-8221

TPhotography by Loralei Lazurek

Artist Trevor Swanson

An avid outdoorsman and artist, Trevor Swanson uses the juxtaposition of various patinas on metal to create dramatic backgrounds that give his works amazing realism. Depending on what he feels best complements each piece, Swanson finishes some of his works by framing them with stainless steel or rusted tubing.

“Building on the experience of the play of light in our beautiful desert over this last wintery season, I have really strived to recreate that beauty with the changing effects of the backgrounds,” says Swanson. “We have so many different stages of seasonal color that it makes for an incredible resource of inspiration.”

Swanson also welcomes commissions. Call Sue Bickerdyke Interiors, Home Furnishings & Art Gallery at 480-595-0171 to schedule a personal appointment with the artist and discuss the perfect custom piece that will accentuate your home.

Evening Gathering, oil and patina on metal. 48” by 24”

TREVOR

Monsoon Azure, oil and patina on metal. 24” by 36”

SWANSON

TREVOR SWANSON

TREVOR SWANSON

Quail Family, oil and patina on metal. 38” by 36”

BRYCE PETTIT

Quail Family, life size

Hummingbirds and Bear, oil. 60” by 20” SUE

“Quiet Reflections” by Sue Krzyston, 24” by 30”

PPhoenix is known for many things: its perpetually blue skies and warm temperatures, its stunning desert landscapes, its vibrant culture filled with Native American and Mexican influences and its spicy Sonoran cuisine. But for architecture buffs, the Valley of the Sun offers another attraction: a plethora of midcentury modern homes and buildings.

According to the National Register of Historic Places, Phoenix has the second-largest concentration of midcentury modern architecture in the country. Its California neighbor Palm Springs comes in at No. 1. Both cities have attracted visionary architects who created sleek residences and innovative commercial structures that embraced the sunny environment.

Arizona Biltmore

MID-MOD DESTINATION

The first non-Native settlers arrived in what is now Phoenix in the mid-1800s. Some of the city’s most historic buildings were constructed during those early years, including the Queen Anne Victorian-style Rosson House, the Spanish Revival-style St. Mary’s Church and the art deco Luhrs Tower.

The arrival of architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the late 1930s brought with it a new aesthetic — a more utilitarian one that embraced sleek lines, minimalist decor and a connection to the surrounding natural environment. As the city continued to grow, especially following the end of World War II, residents and local architects fully embraced this design movement known as “midcentury modernism.”

What exactly is midcentury modern design? A response to post-war optimism and the fussy styles of the art deco-jazz age that included tufted furnishings; chintz, floral and plaid fabrics and wallpapers; and wall-to-wall carpeting.

Midcentury modern homes, on the other hand, showcased a more orderly, stripped-down look. Clean lines and sharp angles, concrete floors, floor-to-ceiling walls of windows, open floor plans, and the use of organic materials such as stone and natural wood, were defining elements of the era. The emphasis was on functionality over ornamentation.

From the 1940s through the ’60s, neighborhoods filled with low-slung midcentury modern homes began to pop up around the Valley. Eye-catching businesses with dramatic rooflines and expansive glass fronts lined the main streets. Innovative construction materials, such as precast concrete, breeze block and modular components, became commonplace.

By the 1970s, midcentury modern design had fallen out of style, replaced by planned communities filled with ranch houses and street after street of identical-looking beige faux-Pueblo — and later faux-Tuscan — homes. But recent years have seen a resurgence in the demand for the midcentury modern look. Luckily, many of these original structures survived and have been carefully restored to their former glory.

Writer Rebecca L. Rhoades

MASTERS OF DESIGN

The leader of the Valley’s midcentury modern movement was Frank Lloyd Wright. In the late 1930s, the architect built a winter home in what was then the middle of nowhere — 26 miles from downtown Phoenix, in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. Known as Taliesin West — named in concert with his home and studio in Spring Green, Wisconsin — the residence also served as a place to train his apprentices.

Wright and his students built the home by hand, using rocks and sand culled from the surrounding area to ensure that the structures looked as though they were an extension of the desert floor. Mixed with concrete, the stone composite became known as desert masonry. It is used on the exteriors of virtually every building at Taliesin West, and it became a characteristic element of Wright’s Southwest designs.

During the next 20 years — the architect passed away in 1959 — Wright designed and constructed multiple buildings throughout the Valley. Some are private homes; others are open to the public.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s First Christian Church Phoenix Financial Center

Two of the most easily accessible structures are Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium at Arizona State University and First Christian Church in Phoenix. Considered by many to be the crowning jewel of ASU’s Tempe campus, the auditorium, which seats more than 3,000 people, features 50 columns that frame the glass-walled lobby. It was one of Wright’s final projects. The church was commissioned in 1949 but not built until the early ’70s. It is defined by its towering roof spire filled with stained glass and a dramatic freestanding stone-and-concrete bell tower that appears to be floating above the grass.

The Price House, located on Tatum Boulevard just north of Lincoln Drive, was built in 1954 as a winter retreat for Harold and Mary Lou Price, who just two years earlier had commissioned the architect to create the now-famous Price Tower in their hometown of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. At 4,500 square feet, it is the largest Wright-designed dwelling in Arizona with seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a large central atrium with a fountain, fireplace and open skylight. The house occasionally is opened for corporate and charity events, as well as public tours.

While the Arizona Biltmore hotel is often credited to Wright, the extent of the architect’s involvement was limited. What is known is that Albert Chase McArthur incorporated Wright’s textile block construction — precast blocks with a geometric pattern made on-site from desert sand — resulting in an appearance that echoed many of Wright’s residential designs.

Future renovation would play up the hotel’s connection to Wright. A large stained-glass window designed

by Wright and fabricated by Taliesin students was installed in 1973. It greets visitors near the front entry. Reproduction “sprite” statues, also designed by Wright, dot the property. Officially, the complex is recognized as a collaboration between Wright and McArthur, a former draftsman at Wright’s studio.

Architect Ralph Haver is best known for designing modest tract homes from the 1940s to the early ’80s. His signature midcentury modern dwellings — known as Haver Homes — are characterized by their low-slung single-gable roofs, floor-to-ceiling and clerestory windows, and patioports, covered patios that connect the carport to the main house.

A number of “Haverhoods” remain scattered throughout the Valley. Some of the most popular include Marlen Grove in midtown Phoenix, Windemere in Arcadia and the Town & Country communities in Scottsdale and north Phoenix. These darling neighborhoods are chock-a-block with Haver Homes that have been meticulously restored or updated with contemporary design features. Brightly colored front doors, mature foliage and vintage cars add to the picture-perfect appeal.

Originally built as affordable starter houses, Haver Homes now fetch upward of $1 million.

Another architect whose Valley residences command top dollar is Alfred Newman Beadle. Inspired by Bauhaus and greats such as Mies Van Der Rohe, Beadle designed homes and apartments, including the only case study home outside of California, the Triad apartment complex on North 28th Street.

Two of Beadle’s most well-known works are the landmark 21-story Executive Towers complex and White Gates, one of the city’s most Instagrammed architectural sites. Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, surrounded by contemporary McMansions, the tiny ultramodern box is defined by its white ellipsoid bris-soleil. It has never been lived in and, sadly, now sits abandoned. Next door is a similar white Beadle creation, the Uhlmann home, which has been lovingly rehabbed to showcase its characterdefining breeze block walls.

INNOVATION ON DISPLAY

Of course, these three masters are just the tip of the modernist iceberg that is Phoenix’s architectural legacy. Adding to the design landscape is Bennie Gonzales, an Arizona native whose work merged modernism with regionalism. Some of his signature details were parabolic arched windows and doorways and glass-tiled roof canales. Gonzales is best known for his work on the Scottsdale Civic Center and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley.

Hotel Valley Ho

A Haver House in Marlen Grove

Al Beadle’s White Gates

Blaine Drake was one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s original apprentices. He built hundreds of houses across the region, but his largest work was the Unitarian Universalist Church at 40th Street and Lincoln Drive.

On the commercial side, some must-see buildings include the Phoenix Financial Center on Central Avenue. Designed by Peruvian architect Wenceslao Sarmiento, a student of Oscar Niemeyer, the eye-catching complex consists of a curved tower and two rotunda buildings. The glass rotundas are wrapped in sweeping parabolic arches that call to mind the arched designs of Niemeyer and Broyhill’s famed Brasilia line of furnishings.

The Valley National Bank building, now a Chase bank, at 44th Street and Camelback Road is fronted by a forest of concrete dendriform columns. The whimsical shapes recall “Alice in Wonderland’s” magic fungi or the Seussian baobab trees of Madagascar. Architect Frank Henry was inspired by the mushroom-shaped columns of Wright’s Johnson Wax Headquarters. The curved main building is clad in a stone and concrete finish, echoing Wright’s desert masonry. Henry later went on to teach at Taliesin West.

Across town, the 300 Bowl and the Western Savings building are two of the city’s most unique structures. The 300 Bowl, also known as Bowlera, features a dramatic three-point Googie-style roofline, while the circular Western Savings building, also designed by Sarmiento and used for many years as a Souper Salad restaurant, is known for its funnel-like roof structure that’s reminiscent of a crown roast. Today, the building is home to a gun store.

Modern Phoenix is a local organization that’s devoted to celebrating and preserving the area’s midcentury architecture and design. Its website is a treasure trove of information, from profiles of architects to stories and photos of buildings long since demolished. And each year, the organization puts on Modern Phoenix Week, the Valley’s answer to Palm Springs’ Modernism Week — which includes lectures, visits to architectural studios and the always popular home tour.

modernphoenix.net

GRACE RENEE GALLERY FEATURED ARTISTS

A CURATED COLLECTION OF INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS

Grace Renee

foothills of Carefree, Arizona. Couture fine jewelry, inspiring sculptures, spectacular wall art, stunning ceramics and more await.

Left clockwise: Cathy Hegman, Figure with Dove, Acrylic on Canvas, 50” by 45”

Keneth Peloke, Found My Way, Oil on Wood Panel, 60” by 48”. Martin Blundell, Red Rock Cottonwood, Oil on Canvas, 20” by 24”

Left clockwise: Gabriela Aguilo, From Bloom To Fade V, Encaustic Painting on Walnut Panel, 24” by 24” John Bell, Sky III, Oil Painting on Wood Panel, 19” by 19”. Cathy Hegman, The Beekeeper, Oil on Canvas, 24” by 24”

COMMUNITY

August/September 2023

Through Aug. 6

‘VISIONS ‘23’

Scottsdale Arts Learning and Innovation hosts an exhibit that highlights the skills, inspirations and ideas exchanged between students and professional teaching artists over the course of its Visions program. $10+; student, senior, veteran and member discounts available. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale. scottsdaleartslearning.org

Through Aug. 12

PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY SUMMER CAMPS

The Phoenix Theatre Company hosts a series of summer camps for young performers. See website for price and schedule. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

Through Sept. 2

‘ON GOLDEN POND’

Don Bluth Front Row Theater presents its production of “On Golden Pond.” $30; youth, student, senior, military and group discounts available. See website for times. Don Bluth Front Row Theater, 8989 E. Via Linda, Suite 118, Scottsdale. 480-314-0841; donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com

Through Sept. 24

‘KIDS IN FOCUS’

Scottsdale Public Art hosts an exhibition of images produced by participants in its Kids in Focus after-school program, which provides a perspective and a voice to 10- to 14-year-olds who have experienced poverty, homelessness, neglect or abuse. Free. Civic Center Public Gallery at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3948 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. scottsdalepublicart.org

Aug. 2–Sept. 3

‘DREAMGIRLS’

Through April 29

‘COMING TO TERMS’

Artwork by Bill Dambrova

Scottsdale Arts Learning and Innovation will host an exhibition that invites audiences to ask themselves how artwork makes them think and feel. Free. Center Space Gallery at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. scottsdaleartslearning.org

The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “Dreamgirls.” See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

Aug.

5, Sept. 2 and Oct. 7

ANTHEM CARS AND COFFEE

Anthem Cars and Coffee will host its monthly car show. Food trucks and vendors will also be on-site for the event. Free. 7–10 a.m. Outlets North Phoenix, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Anthem. anthemcarsandcoffee.com

Aug. 8

GET LIT BOOK CLUB

Desert Foothills Library will host a happy hour discussion of “How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Problems” by Randall Munroe. Free. 5 p.m. RSVP. See website for location. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Aug. 10

LIBRARY BOOK CLUB

Desert Foothills Library will host a discussion of “The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict. Free. 10 a.m. RSVP. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Aug. 12 and Sept. 9

HAPPY CAT RESCUE

Desert Foothills Library will host a cat and kitten adoption event. Free. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Aug. 12 and 13

CELEBRATE HIP-HOP

The Musical Instrument Museum will host a special event celebrating the 50th anniversary of hiphop with dance workshops and musical performances. See website for schedule of events. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480478-6000; mim.org

Aug. 18–27

‘25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’

Desert Foothills Theatre will present its production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” See website for prices and times. The Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-4881981; dftheater.org

Aug. 18–Sept. 3

‘BLOOMING CACTUS’

The Theatre Artists Studio will present its production of “Blooming Cactus,” a witty new

comedy set at an independent living center in Yuma. See website for prices and times. The Theatre Artists Studio, 12406 N. Paradise Village Parkway East, Scottsdale. thestudiophx.org

Aug. 18–Sept. 3

‘FINDING NEMO, JR.’

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre presents its production of “Finding Nemo, Jr.” See website for price and times. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre at Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale. 480-483-1664; desertstages.org

Aug. 18–Sept. 15

‘DISASTER!’

Arizona Broadway Theatre will present its production of “Disaster!,” a new musical featuring some of the most unforgettable songs of the ’70s in a parody of the era’s disaster flicks. See website for prices and times. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400; azbroadway.org

Aug. 19

GET TO KNOW YOUR LIBRARY

Desert Foothills Library will host a showcase of all the different ways you can use the library as well as a meet-andgreet with its staff. Free. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Aug. 23

MURDER MYSTERY

BOOK CLUB

Desert Foothills Library will host a discussion of “A Rising Man” by Abir Mukherjee. Free. 1:30 p.m. RSVP. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-4882286; dfla.org

COMMUNITY

August/September 2023

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Aug. 26–Oct. 8

‘THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW’

The Madison Center for the Arts will present its production of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show,” a special event in which Eric Carle’s beautifully imagined stories come to life with a variety of enchanting puppets. $15+. See website for times. The Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-664-7777; themadison.org

Sept. 2 and 3

EXPERIENCE BRAZIL

The Musical Instrument Museum will host a special event during which attendees will discover how African and Latin American cultures influenced the music of modern Brazil. See website for schedule of events. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Sept. 6–Nov. 26

‘LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL’

The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” a tour-de-force portrait of the iconic jazz songstress Billie Holiday. See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

Sept. 11

LITERATE FOODIE CLUB

Literate Foodie Club will host a discussion of “My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family and Food” by Lidia Bastianich The club’s volunteer cooks will serve a sampling of foods related to the book. $15. Noon. RSVP. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Sept. 12

Aug. 24–27

ART IN THE PINES

Sixteen juried professional plein air artists will paint from Prescott’s beautiful forests, lakesides and downtown historical and architectural beauty as Yavapai College Prescott Art Gallery and the Highlands Center for Natural History present the city’s fourth annual plein air festival. The public is invited to observe and engage with the artists as they create their art at specific accessible demonstration sites. Free. See website for map of locations. yc.edu/v6/art-galleries

GET LIT BOOK CLUB

Desert Foothills Library will host a happy hour discussion of “Office of Historical Corrections” by Danielle Evans. Free. 5 p.m. RSVP. See website for location. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Sept. 13–17

‘CORTEO’

Cirque du Soleil will return to Phoenix to present “Corteo” — an enchanting arena production that brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth. See website for price and schedule. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. cirquedusoleil.com

Sept. 14

LIBRARY BOOK CLUB

Desert Foothills Library will host a discussion of “The Measure” by Nikki Erlick. Free. 10 a.m. RSVP. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Sept. 15–17

JUNK IN THE TRUNK VINTAGE MARKET

WestWorld of Scottsdale will host an event that provides attendees the opportunity to support more than 160 small businesses from across the country while shopping a vast selection of clothing, jewelry, furniture, vintage, decor and more. $8+. See website for hours. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com

Sept. 21–Oct. 28

‘DAMN YANKEES’

Don Bluth Front Row Theater presents its production of “Damn Yankees.” $30; youth, student, senior, military and group discounts available. See website for times. Don Bluth Front Row Theater, 8989 E. Via Linda, Suite 118, Scottsdale. 480-314-0841; donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com

Sept. 22–Oct. 8

‘DOGFIGHT’

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre presents its production of “Dogfight.” See website for price and times. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre at Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale. 480-483-1664; desertstages.org

Sept. 27

MURDER MYSTERY BOOK CLUB

Desert Foothills Library will host a discussion of “They Never Learn” by Layne Fargo. Free. 1:30 p.m. RSVP. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Sept. 28–Oct. 1

‘WILLY WONKA KIDS’

Desert Foothills Theatre will present its production of “Willy Wonka Kids” See website for prices and times. The Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-4881981; dftheater.org

COMMUNITY

August/September 2023

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Sept. 29–Oct. 22

‘AGNES OF GOD’

The Theatre Artists Studio will present its production of “Agnes of God,” a play based on a true story of a possible murder in a convent. See website for prices and times. The Theatre Artists Studio, 12406 N. Paradise Village Parkway East, Scottsdale. thestudiophx.org

Sept. 29–Nov. 4

‘JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT’

Arizona Broadway Theatre will present its production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”. See website for prices and times. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400; azbroadway.org

Oct. 2

ARIZONI THEATRE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will host the 33rd annual ariZoni Theatre Awards, which promote the visibility, cooperation and growth of theaters in the Valley. The awards are dedicated to recognizing excellence in theatrical performances, as well as individuals who produce exceptional work in all aspects of theater. Youth celebration 5:30 p.m.; adult celebration 8 p.m. See website for prices. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Oct. 6–8

PRESCOTT AREA ARTIST STUDIO TOUR

GALA BREAKS RECORDS

This summer, Rosie’s House's Night of Stars Ovation Gala broke all fundraising records, nearly doubling the amount raised last year with more than $250,000 to support the nonprofit organization’s free music education programs for youth during the upcoming school year. rosieshouse.org

The city of Prescott will host an artist studio tour, giving attendees the opportunity to observe artists as they actively demonstrate their craft, allowing them to learn about the materials, techniques and processes used in creating a work of art while forging a personal connection with the artist. More than 60 juried artists participating in the tour will appear across 45 private studios, with more than 35 additional artists appearing at five area art centers. Free. See website for map of participating studios and art centers. prescottstudiotour.com

Oct. 7 and 8

SEDONA ARTS FESTIVAL

Sedona will host its 32nd annual festival, featuring a diverse lineup of more than 100 juried artists from across the country. The renowned fine art festival will also feature live music, raffle prizes, food and a beer and wine garden — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Sedona’s red rocks. $15. Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sedona Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona. 928-204-9456; sedonaartsfestival.org

Photo by Haute Media

LIBRARY RECOGNIZED AS LOCAL LANDMARK

This summer, the town of Cave Creek awarded Desert Foothills Library the distinction of being recognized as a local landmark. The program celebrates destinations that are an iconic part of the town’s culture and heritage. Desert Foothills Library is the 16th landmark to receive the honor. dfla.org

NONPROFIT SEEKS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Rosie's House is accepting donations of musical instruments — specifically playable trumpets, saxophones, violins and cellos. Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Rosie's House, 919 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-252-8475; rosieshouse.org

MUSIC SCHOOL LEADER NAMED YAMAHA ARTIST

This summer, Desert Hills Community School of Music’s artistic director Vitaly Serebriakov was named a Yamaha Artist. The prestigious designation is bestowed upon renowned artists who are active performers and/ or teachers in the music industry, currently play or have expressed a preference for Yamaha instruments and demonstrate a commitment to quality in all aspects of music. deserthillsmusic.org

HHidden beneath the red dirt, rugged boulders and scrubland of creosote and mesquite, are mineral and gem deposits to be discovered by the most intrepid seekers. The story of these precious resources are part of the history and character of Arizona, responsible for the rise, fall and sustenance of towns, industries and natural resources. Many are also prized for their perceived healing properties.

Gem mining in our state dates back to the mid-19th century. The earliest settlers came in search of gold and silver, but copper and gemstones soon became the dominant quest for pick, axe and drill in the early 1900s.

The notable gems detailed here are peridot, amethyst, turquoise and ant hill garnet, but obsidian, fire agate and quartz crystal are also notable for their proliferation and cultural significance.

Writer Shannon Severson

Copper // Photo by Gerson Repreza on Unsplash

KING COPPER

As “The Copper State” is but one moniker of Arizona — and one of the five Cs that school children still learn about as the industries that drove our early economy — copper remains a vital resource. It was first mined by the Hohokam, Sinagua and Anasazi Native American tribes who used the malleable mineral to fashion jewelry and tools and use for trade. In 1540, near what is now Nogales, the Spanish established the first recorded copper mine in Arizona.

By the early 20th century, mineral patents were granted to mining companies and large operations were established. The Phelps Dodge Corporation became a driving force in the state’s copper industry and developed enormous pit mining operations in Bisbee, Morenci and Bagdad.

This ultimately led to the development of modern mining technology and techniques, which can still be observed at the ASARCO Mission mine near Sahuarita. It’s the only public tour of a working copper mine in the area and also has a free exhibit center, video theater and cactus garden. A one-hour bus tour takes visitors to the open pit mine’s rim and gives them a glimpse inside the grinding mill building.

The Arizona Mining Association is an excellent resource for mine tours, museums and mining exhibits. Copper is still a very much in-demand mineral and is vital to the state’s economy as Arizona remains the top producer of copper in the United States.

The city of Bisbee is the spot to see where a mine’s boom and bust formed a town that is now a prime tourist destination. The Copper Queen Mine (1880–1975) can still be toured. In sum total, that mine produced approximately 8 billion pounds of copper, along with smaller amounts of gold, silver, zinc and lead, among other minerals.

The Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum offers a comprehensive overview, created in concert with the Smithsonian museums.

Copper // Photo by Tjflex2 on Flickr

Bisbee Copper Mine // Photo by Mia and Steve Mestdagh on Flickr

Gem mining in our state dates back to the mid-19th century. The earliest settlers came in search of gold and silver, but copper and gemstones soon became the dominant quest for pick, axe and drill in the early 1900s.

CASTLE WONDERS

Fluorescent and phosphorescent minerals were probably indistinguishable to early miners. But with blacklight, the colors are revealed. How does it do that?

According to Castle Dome Museum CEO Allen Armstrong, it all starts with small impurities in the rocks that serve as activators for the collision of protons and electrons; calcite, fluorite, scheelite, willemite, barite, hydrozincite, aragonite and selenite are activated when hit with black light. The proton collisions in this former silver galena mine continue for up to an hour after the lights go out.

“It looks like a starry night,” Armstrong says of the Hull Mine’s massive 50-foot-high chamber. “It’s like you’re in the Milky Way. Even the sand you stand on is glowing. [Ours is] the most colorful wall on the planet; like a big kaleidoscope that reaches up as far as you can see.”

Founded by Arizona’s first citizen, Colonel Jacob Snively, and William Ehrenbergy in 1864, Castle Dome City and mining district lies just outside of Yuma at the base of Castle Dome Mountain. It was first used to mine gold and silver galena and spans more than seven miles, with 300 patented mines and a full ghost town that was home to 4,000 people back in 1878.

The town holds 80 buildings — including five saloons, a church, banks, mercantiles, a shower house and an operational stamp mill that was used to crush thousand-pound rocks. During World War II, 9 million pounds of silver galena was pulled out by the Holmes brothers and the area was mined until the late 1970s when falling silver prices made the endeavor unprofitable. The entire place is a piece of national history and a geological marvel.

“A lot of people go into the mine and say it’s the most beautiful thing they’ve ever seen,” Armstrong says of the glowing chamber 100 vertical feet below ground, discovered in 2017. “There are only three walls like this in the world but the others have only three colors. It’s a mind-blower. These are minerals they had no use for at the time and there are rare earth minerals they didn’t know about.

“The mine is big enough to drive through and even has a blacksmith shop inside. We paved it with 250

Fluorite // Photo by Tjflex2 on Flickr

Aragonite //

Photo by Hadley Paul Garland on Flickr Barite // Photo by Tjflex2 on Flickr

yards of concrete and put decking in a few places. It’s 75 degrees inside with good airflow. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration called it the safest mine they’ve ever been in.

“Items we have found inside are in perfect condition. We even found ‘denim gold’ — a 150-year-old pair of Levi’s 201s with no left pocket and no belt loops. There was even a little knife with two blades inside a pocket.”

Armstrong says there is so much left intact that the sights above ground are a treasure trove in themselves. He, his wife Stephanie and a dedicated group of volunteers have painstakingly restored the site, created sustainable power infrastructure and shaped it into a place for the public to enjoy. The CEO adds that it’s impossible to see it all in one day.

“The mining and trails from the Spanish Conquistadors in 1590 are still here,” he notes. “They’ve filmed movies here; it’s the Yosemite of the desert with beautiful trees and landscape. Everybody loves it. You can’t have a museum on 350 acres anymore. It’s not profitable, but it’s something people long for. It’s not commercialized.”

Small group tours of the Hull Mine transport visitors along two miles of old trails dotted with large pieces of metal art and sculpture. Once inside, an underground mine vehicle takes visitors down into the mine and back in time to see the burst of glowing phosphorescent colors and to view an existing silver vein, desperado hideout and blacksmith shop.

castledomemuseum.org

JEWEL IN THE CROWN

Amethyst is a purple, quartz-based gemstone prized by royalty for its rich violet hue. It is believed that in the 18th century, Spanish settlers discovered what is now the Four Peaks Mine in the Mazatzal Mountains.

The amethyst that comes from within the mine is prized throughout the world for its deep color and flash of “Siberian red,” so called because the only other place in the world where these same characteristics can be found is in the Siberian mines of Russia’s Ural mountain range. It’s the high iron content, manganese and magnesium along with extreme heat that produces the highly prized gemstone color.

Susan Emberley, the general manager of Four Peaks Mining Company in Scottsdale, says the store opened to create a brand for the Four Peaks line of jewelry.

“It requires one ton of mined material to produce two handfuls of gemstones,” Emberley says. “The crystals that come out of the mine are transported by helicopter to be tumbled in Tempe. By the time it is sold in our store, it has traveled around the world.”

Promising pieces that emerge from the tumbling process are sent to Indonesia to be cut to specification by skilled craftspeople. Those cut stones then travel to New Jersey where the owner of the mine sets them himself in sterling silver, marries the gems with designated settings and returns them to Indonesia for completion. The store also sells Four Peaks amethyst set in yellow, rose and white gold.

Amethyst //

Photo by Davin Lavikka

Emberley says the yellow gold settings are very popular because they really show off the flash of Siberian red. Cleaned, unadulterated crystals can also be purchased by collectors who want to polish and cut the stones themselves.

The store carries an enormous array of gems, minerals and rocks, including metaphysical healing crystals each labeled with their purpose. While Four Peaks Mining Company prides itself on carrying rocks and minerals from Arizona — fluorite from the Lucky Blue Mine; chrysocolla, a decorative secondary copper mineral often mistaken for turquoise, from the Rowley Mine; and turquoise from the Kingman and Sleeping Beauty mines — Emberley says there are gems, jewelry and geological specimens from all over the world.

“We also carry wulfenite, which is extremely rare,” she says. “It was named our state mineral in 2017. As miners dig out huge boulders of chrysocolla, they will come across a vein of wulfenite and it is usually damaged in the excavation process, but it’s bright orange and highly sought-after.”

There is even a replica of the mine within the store. Inside, young rockhounds can find and identify up to 30 minerals embedded in the walls and ceilings. In the adjacent blacklight room, naturally fluorescent minerals can be observed. The store is like a museum where one can learn, explore and then actually purchase pieces to take home for personal collection.

“We try to appeal to all ages,” Emberley says. “You can break open geodes and children can buy bags of polished stones. Lots of young kids are junior geologists and they are really into rocks and minerals. They can come in and see specimens from all over the world tagged with names and origins.”

To really get up close and personal with Four Peaks amethyst, the company offers public and private mine tours with access via helicopter beginning in September, weather permitting. Fires and the rock slides that resulted from a total lack of vegetation ravaged the area and destroyed the mine in 2021, but the mining company has been rebuilding ever since and is back to offering exclusive tours by reservation.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the private tours have really blossomed in this past year,” Emberley says.

fourpeaksminingco.com

Amethyst // Photo by Lilartsy on Unsplash

Amethyst // Photo by Renee Kiffin on Unsplash

GLOWING GREEN

Peridot — the traditional birthstone for August and the precious gem-quality version of olivine — varies in color from pale green to deeper olive. The only known location where this gem can be found in the United States is at the San Carlos Apache Reservation near Globe.

Like amethyst, peridot also consists of magnesium and iron. The green hue depends on the amount of chromium or nickel and so ranges from yellowish green to deep green. The higher the iron content, the darker the tint.

Peridot Mesa, as the area is known, consists of volcanic basalt rocks which are painstakingly chipped away by hand to reveal the small, rough green crystals encased in gas cavities. Sometimes the gems will spill out when a cavern is opened. While small, usually one to three carats, they are hard enough to be faceted.

The largest peridot from Peridot Mesa is housed at The Smithsonian and weighs in at a whopping 35 carats.

The mine is not open to the public and mining or collection is strictly prohibited on tribal lands, but rockhounds can do a bit of research on deposits and mining permits in the Williams area.

Peridot // Photo by James St. John on Flickr

INTO THE BLUE

Turquoise is perhaps the stone most closely associated with the culture and beauty of the American Southwest due to its use in Native American jewelry and the top quality of what is mined and produced here in Arizona.

In fact, turquoise and copper often go hand-in-hand as the deposits are found in tandem. The three most well-known types of Arizona turquoise are named for where they’re mined, including Sleeping Beauty and Kingman. Morenci and Bisbee Blue turquoise come from copper mining in their respective regions.

It’s a delicate stone, and yet mining crews must first blast away the rock and gravel layers that obscure it. Stabilizing processes are often used to make turquoise hard and durable enough to be set in jewelry. Early Native Americans used hot coals to heat rocks that contained the stones, followed by splashing cold water onto them so they would crack, revealing the blue-hued treasure within.

Sleeping Beauty turquoise has a distinctive, sky-blue color and little to no “matrix” — lines that naturally traverse the stone. The Sleeping Beauty Mine is located in the city of Globe, which was founded as a mining camp in 1875. The city’s economy is still largely dependent on the area’s mining industry.

The fairytale name of both the mine and its namesake turquoise refers to the location — a mountain that is said to look like a sleeping woman. Unfortunately, the mining operation ceased in 2012, making the sought-after stones even more precious.

The Kingman Turquoise Mine is the last full-time production mine remaining in the United States. Turquoise mining in the area is believed to date back to the Mayan culture in A.D. 1000, but the mine northwest of Kingman in the Acerbate Mountains has gone through many iterations and ownership since the late 1880s and is now owned by Colbaugh Processing, Inc.

The mine itself is not open to the public but a shop just off Highway 93 has a vast array of turquoise in many colors — blue and green being the most popular — for browsing and purchase. kingmanturquoise.com

Turquoise

// Photo by James St. John on Flickr

ANTS GO MINING

It may sound strange, but ant hill garnet is actually mined by ants on the state’s Navajo Reservation. Also known as Arizona ruby, chrome pyrope and pyrope, there’s no set production for these gems since ants aren’t exactly reliable employees. These small, shimmering, bright red stones are beautiful and made even more fascinating by their provenance.

First discovered in the 1500s by the Navajo and Hopi people, the tiny gems rarely weigh over a carat but can be faceted to be set in jewelry. When ants are repairing or digging their ant hills, the garnets they find in their way are pushed up and out of the hill where they spill down the sides and can accumulate for humans to find and collect.

Because these gems are collected on private lands — and mined at the whim of the ant population — the only way to secure an ant hill garnet is through a professional gem dealer or jeweler.

Ant Hill Garnet // Photo by Mauro Cateb on Flickr

MMalvasia bianca, picpoul blanc, counoise, carménère, mourvèdre, tempranillo: No, these aren’t the names or exotic European cities. Instead, they’re just a few of the many grape varietals grown in Arizona. And they join their A-lister cousins chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and pinot grigio in creating awardwinning wines

While the Sonoran Desert might not conjure images of elegant chateaus surrounded by verdant vineyards, the Grand Canyon State has supported grape growing and wine producing for thousands of years. Spanish missionaries introduced viticulture to the Southwest in the 1600s, and Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, who founded

the San José de Tumacácori mission and introduced wheat to the region, had a small vineyard in present-day Sonora, Mexico.

The first commercial winery in the state was established in Mesa in the 1880s; another popped up near Sedona a few years later. By the end of the 19th century, Arizona’s wine industry was flourishing.

Prohibition put a stop to the business, and it would take several decades for it to begin to come back. But come back it has — with gusto! Today, there are more than 120 wineries and tasting rooms across the state — located on more than 1,300 acres of vineyards — and most welcome guests for tastings, tours and even overnight stays. So join a group trip, hail the bus or hop in your car and head out for a vino-centric adventure through Arizona’s wine country.

KNOW YOUR REGION

Arizona offers three main American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs, located north and south of Phoenix: Sonoita-Elgin (the oldest), Willcox (the largest), and the Verde Valley (the newest). Additional vineyards and wineries exist in other parts of the state, in places like Kingman, Williams and Chino Valley. The Arizona Wine Growers Association refers to these outliers as Mavericks & Pioneers.

Writer Rebecca L. Rhoades

While the Sonoran Desert might not conjure images of elegant chateaus surrounded by verdant vineyards, the Grand Canyon State has supported grape growing and wine producing for thousands of years.

According to the AWGA, an AVA is “a designated wine grape-growing region in the U.S., providing an official appellation for the mutual benefit of wineries and consumers.” Some of the more well-known AVAs in the country include Napa Valley, Paso Robles and Sonoma.

Because Arizona’s regions sit at elevations between 3,500 and 5,000 feet above sea level, they tend to have climates and terroirs that are similar to regions in Italy, Spain and southern France: cooler temperatures, dry high-desert air, and rich loamy soil. It’s why so many grapes traditionally grown in the Mediterranean thrive here.

In order for a wine to be labeled with an AVA, at least 85% of the grapes used in the wine must have been grown in the AVA, and the wine must be fully finished within the state where the AVA is located. This also lends distinctive characteristics to wines from particular areas.

Established in 1984, the SonoitaElgin AVA covers about 320 square miles in southeastern Arizona, about an hour’s drive from Tucson. It was the first region in the state to be designated an AVA, and it has been recognized as one of the top 10 wine trails in the country by USA Today.

More than 15 wineries dot a 10mile radius along Route 82 wedged between the Santa Rita, Whetstone and Huachuca mountains. Eonophiles can sip their way through the temperate hilly locale, sampling vintages from wineries such as Callaghan Vineyards, Rune Wines and Flying Leap Vineyards.

NEW OWNER AT LOCAL TRAVEL COMPANY, THE CAREFREE TRAVELER

THE CAREFREE TRAVELER is a full-service travel company assisting the Carefree, Cave Creek and North Scottsdale communities with travel arrangements for 50 years.

In 2022, new owner and cruise travel veteran, Paula DeDario-Martori took over the company reins. Having worked for some of the world’s premier cruise lines, Paula brings 39 years of travel experience, specializing in luxury cruising. One of the many things she has learned when planning the perfect vacation “One Size Fits One Not All”.

An integral part of THE CAREFREE TRAVELER team is experienced travel advisor Kathy Mulder. With 37 years under her belt, Kathy has been at THE CAREFREE TRAVELER since 2010 and is an area resident. She welcomes current and new clients.

Let THE CAREFREE TRAVELER take the stress out of planning your next vacation. Our experts can enhance your experience by applying their worldwide knowledge of: where to go, where to stay, and important sights to see. They can book cruises, hotels, airlines, car rental, rail and travel insurance. Equally important is if your plans should change unexpectedly (missed, delayed or cancelled fl ights, need to return home sooner, or itinerary change), THE CAREFREE TRAVELER can easily assist you with alternate travel needs. Avoid the challenge of being put on timeless hold or contacting a person to help you for an online travel purchase.

THE CAREFREE TRAVELER is part of the most prestigious travel cooperative in America, Signature Travel Network. What that means to THE CAREFREE TRAVELER client is competitive pricing and in many cases bonus amenities, such as extra shipboard credit, private events, hotel room upgrades, and unique travel experiences at no extra cost. As we like to say the Internet is for looking and we are for booking!

Our travel advisors are here to provide you with consistent outstanding service. We are recognized leaders in the travel industry with a commitment to excellence and details. We hope you will give us a call or stop by our newly remodeled offi ce.

“Whether you are traveling by air, land or sea, be a Carefree Traveler, and leave the details to us.”

Paula DeDario-Martori (L), Kathy Mulder (R)

Dos Cabezas Wineworks is known for its rose blend, Pink, a refreshing mix of garnacha, syrah, graciano and more. Available in a bottle or carbonated in a can, it’s the perfect sipper on a hot summer day. The most recent addition, opened in February 2023 by Scottsdale restaurateur Pavle Milic, is Los Milics, a 20-acre vineyard, tasting room and winery. Overnight stays are available at Twisted Union Wine Co. and at NextDoor @ Dos Cabezas.

The Willcox AVA, which lies east of Tucson, produces about 75% of the state’s grapes. Covering about 833 square miles in northern Cochise and southern Graham counties, it includes the town of Willcox as well as Pearce, Sunsites and Sunizona.

Area vineyards supply fruit to local favorites, including Caduceus, Merkin Vineyards, Arizona Stronghold and Page Spring Cellars, all of which are based in the Verde Valley. Some stars of the region include viognier, tempranillo and mourvèdre, and its malbec, merlot, sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon varietals are award-winning.

Stop by Birds & Barrels Vineyards to watch the handharvesting and pressing of the grapes, or play with the resident pups at Four Tails Vineyards. Carlson Creek Vineyard, Zarpara Vineyard, Laramita Cellars and LDV Winery are just a quick drive away.

For an overnight option, check out Rhumb Line Vineyard, which offers chic, comfortable Quonset huts set amid a blooming lavender field.

Verde Valley AVA is the newest viticultural area, designated in November 2021. Located in the center of the state on 219 square miles in northeastern Yavapai County, the AVA encompasses the popular getaway destinations of Sedona, Jerome, Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville, Page Springs and Rimrock.

The high-desert region boasts about 20 vineyards and two dozen of Arizona’s most scenic tasting rooms, many of which rest on the banks of picturesque Oak Creek.

Here, travelers can sample white wines made with vermentino, seyval blank and malvasia bianca, and reds featuring syrah, sangiovese, tannat and barbera.

One unique way to experience northern Arizona’s wine country is to book a trip on the Verde Canyon Railroad. The Grape Train Escape takes passengers through the scenic mountains and red rocks of the Verde Valley while they sip on a selection of local wines. Additional trips focus on European varietals. Or, simply head into town, park and spend the afternoon walking between tasting rooms. If you don’t want to drive, the Wine Wagon will transport you from Scottsdale to the Verde Valley for a daylong hop-on hop-off drinking excursion.

No matter which region you choose to explore, you’re guaranteed to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and sample some delicious wine. Cheers!

azwinegrowersassociation.com

sonoitavineyards.com

willcoxwinecountry.org

vvwinetrail.com

Celebrating Arizona Wines

Open the drink menu at any upscale wine bar or finedining restaurant in the Valley, and you’ll find bottles from Napa, Sonoma and Willamette Valley, along with selections from France, Italy and even Argentina. But what if you want to sample some of the Grand Canyon State’s finest vintages?

Head to Old Town Scottsdale and the Wine Collective. The tasting room and retail shop, which debuted in April 2022, showcases the best of Arizona wines (and some bubbles from Gruet in New Mexico).

“There are so many excellent Arizona wines. But not everyone is familiar with them or knows which ones to try,” says owner Zoya Vora-Shah. “I wanted a tasting room that was virtually 100% Arizona wines.”

Vora-Shah is no stranger to the wine industry. She previously owned the popular My Wine Cellar in Ahwatukee and MWC in Gilbert, which offered wines from around the world. After selling the businesses, she took a position at Carlson Creek Vineyard’s Scottsdale tasting room and learned all she could about regionally produced wines.

“Arizona wines have come a long way,” says VoraShah, who personally curates the Collective’s diverse menu, often preferring to promote lesser-known varietals from small less-popular vineyards. “My tagline is ‘representing the unrepresented.”

The Collective offers about 40 different wines — bubby, white, rose, red and sweet — from makers throughout the state. Guests can buy a glass or a bottle — individual glasses start at $8 and most bottles are in the $30s — or try one of the six tasting flights. Light bites, including charcuterie and locally made chocolates, also are available.

Want to dive deeper into individual wineries? Each month, the Wine Collective holds Meet the Winemaker events. It also offers The Collective Club, a quarterly wine club that provides two or three bottles, depending on your membership.

The Wine Collective

4020 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale the-wine-collective.com

Checkmate!

IIt’s all there in black and white: the game of chess is hugely popular and, according to Dr. Debra Rose Wilson of Healthline Media, Inc., playing “can improve cognitive skills like memory, planning and problem-solving.” It’s that ability to stand back, assess what someone else might be thinking and visualize multiple scenarios that may be necessary to accomplish a task that is excellent practice for the game of life.

It’s also a lot of fun.

Chess Emporium is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and has taught more than 100,000 children the game of chess since its founding in 1993. The company operates chess clubs in 388 schools around the Valley and has three physical chess centers located in Scottsdale, North Phoenix and Tempe.

The school clubs are primarily for kindergarten through sixth-graders, with a few that extend to eighth grade. High schoolers learn and play at the centers during the school year and can attend camps during holidays and summer vacation. Weekend tournaments develop further skills, friendships and the opportunities to compete for trophies as a team.

Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Marion Joson

“Chess is pretty popular at the moment with shows like ‘Queen’s Gambit’ on Netflix,” says James Wicker, the director of business development at Chess Emporium. “We teach in public, charter and private schools and reach roughly 10,000 kids per year. You could name every city in Maricopa County and we are there in some type of form.”

Wicker himself is proof that it’s never too late to take up the game. After an injury that temporarily hampered his participation on his high school’s baseball team, he began playing chess at age 17. He loved it so much that, during college breaks, he continued to come back

It teaches a lot beyond the game. Life skills like accountability, tenacity, grit; you have to work hard and understand your planning.

James Wicker

to work for the company as a chess teacher. As business development director, he’s helped create partnerships beyond the classroom with the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury.

“Chess helped me,” Wicker says. “It teaches a lot beyond the game. Life skills like accountability, tenacity, grit; you have to work hard and understand your planning. Every game must be planned and is a whole new event.

“I learned late but it helped me in college, especially as a college athlete. It was hard with practices, games, homework and classes. I had to be on top of things. In chess, if you’re not on top of every single move, you’ll lose quickly. I liked winning on and off the field — whether in chess or baseball.”

Chess Emporium’s chess centers offer structured monthly classes and the flagship program hosts about 200 students each month.

“They pick a class and time slot based on their level — pawn, knight, bishop, rook or queen,” Wicker says. “It’s very intense, detailed work; not casual play. They’re building strategy while learning opening principles, tactics and theory. A lot of kids like it better than the after-school clubs if they want to take the game more seriously.”

Wicker says there’s no stereotype for kids who get involved in chess. Across the board, all different interests, backgrounds and personalities are represented.

“I’ve seen kids go from building their brain power to developing in every aspect,” Wicker explains. “Chess is building skills for life. Some kids have begun reading two or grade levels higher or go from being a C student to an A student. It’s brain development away from screens. We don’t teach online other than an occasional instructional video. It’s over-the-board play and instruction is over-the-board.

“With the pandemic, a lot of kids are lacking confidence and social skills. Chess [builds] confidence in kids [and it’s] a building block for the future. These kids will be our future leaders and we are helping them develop skills at a young age.”

chessemporium.com

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

EEarlier this summer, Images Arizona invited its readers to share photos of their expeditions and adventures, eager to see where the road has taken them. From our state’s majestic mountains to its relaxing lakes, the resulting submissions prove that Arizona is home to some of the best summer livin’ on Earth.

We hope that this month’s photo essay reminds you that while our state’s summers can be scorching, they also provide the perfect excuse to explore and experience all that Arizona has to offer. A short road trip in any direction will take you to surreal landscapes, peaceful waters and jaw-dropping rock formations.

Try your hand at paddleboarding, go fishing in a lake, ascend the highest peak, float down a river in a tube or simply lay down and take a nap surrounded by nature. There are plenty of opportunities to live life to its fullest around Arizona — and summer is the absolute best season to do so.

“There is just something magical about water in the desert. Nature is my therapy and I am happiest outside hiking, climbing or paddle boarding. Kelly Hahs

Saguaro Lake // Photo Courtesy of Kelly Hahs on Instagram (@kelhahs)

We recently visited Guano Point on the West Rim of the Grand Canyon with family in town. My 15-year-old son Mason wanted all of us to hike to the top of the rocks but we were exhausted from a day of ziplining and visiting different lookout points. He went to the top to grab the best view and catch a look at the Colorado River, which made his day.

Vanessa Weaver

Camelback Mountain is one of my go-to hikes in the Valley. It is always a good workout to climb this mountain. I love the outdoors and I am always drawn to mountains. They always remind me that we all have our own mountains to climb in life. If you get tired, rest; but never quit. Just keep going. You will overcome these mountains someday.

Caren Mitchell

I live about three miles from Watson Lake and it is a regular hangout of mine. Photography was something I have always been interested in but did not have the time while working. After retirement, that is where I spend most of my time. I love landscapes and nature photography — and the Prescott area is home to some of the best of both. Bob Luken

Watson Lake // Photo Courtesy of Bob Luken on Instagram (@rluken)

Rye // Photo Courtesy of Luis Lopez on Instagram (@shotsforthetop)

Willow Springs Lake //

Photo Courtesy of Arrem Lei Yanez on Instagram (@arremsdaytoday)

Horseshoe Reservoir // Photo Courtesy of Paul Adea on Instagram (@hiking_padawan)

Sedona // Photo Courtesy of Joanne Brown on Instagram (@jojo_living_life)

DAVID GROSS FINE GEMSTONE COLLECTION

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

Featured Sapphire Ring: 20.26 carat Cushion Blue Sapphire with two Trapezoid Modified Brilliant Diamonds 2.41 carats set in a handmade Platinum ring

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

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

480.575.8080

GraceReneeGallery.com

I was sitting on my back patio in Scottsdale, hoping to get some good bird photos, when this little guy showed up on a cactus. I wondered why he chose such an uncomfortable-looking place and took the picture of him before he changed his mind about the location.

Don Powell

THE WILD BUNCH

Our readers are not the only Arizona residents who have been enjoying some fun in the summer sun; our furry, feathered and scaly neighbors have also been doing so. Fortunately, we live in an area that makes it possible for them to visit us as we embark on exploratory hikes of our desert surroundings, enjoy dinner on our backyard patios and even gaze out the windows of our air-conditioned homes.

As the sun began setting, I waited for that perfect light with no hot spots and gorgeous color. I followed this one little owl all over Scottsdale Community College’s burrowing owl habitat and finally said out loud, ‘Please just land a little closer to me’ — and he did. I audibly squeaked and he looked right at me. I took my shot and it was my favorite of the day.

Kelly Conrad

Scottsdale // Photo Courtesy of Don Powell

Scottsdale

//

Photo by Kelly Conrad

Calderwood Butte is surrounded by open desert; so we have a large variety of wildlife, which includes coyotes, great horned owls, bobcats and — one of my favorites — chuckwallas. I hide behind some rocks up on the side of the butte and wait. During one of my most recent outings, I discovered that the male chuckwalla was not alone. I saw a little body come creeping up the side of the rock. I particularly love that the baby chuckwalla seems to already be imitating the behavior of the adult, perched up on the top of the rock to claim it as his own.

Sue Welter

Calderwood Butte Trail // Photo Courtesy of Sue Welter on Instagram (@susan.kayimages)

School of Thought

KKristine Paul, who is a kindergarten teacher at Desert Sun Academy in the Cave Creek Unified School District, believes that each step in school — from preschool until senior year — is a new adventure filled with additional aspects of growing up.

“Every child is unique and you will find that levels of confidence, attitude and transition vary from sibling to sibling and neighbor to neighbor,” Paul acknowledges. “I love the quote that reminds us that cookie cutters are excellent for baked goods, but not for living beings.”

Every year is also unique, presenting a new roadmap for teachers, students and parents.

“Expectations and experiences are often adjusted and need flexibility,” Paul says. “That was certainly evident in March 2020 for both teachers and students; but we gained a lot of strength and innovative ideas as we worked together. Some years can be more stressful than others, but that is how we grow, learn and mature. We process and choose things with more depth in our future with hurdles and possible struggles along the way.”

This summer, Images Arizona invited four celebrated teachers in the Cave Creek Unified School District to share their tips for parents and students as they approach yet another school year.

“The teachers in the Cave Creek Unified School District strive to be highly qualified and involved in ongoing training to differentiate in the classroom in order to meet a variety of levels and needs,” says Paul, who was a recent recipient of the CCUSD Inspire Excellence Award due to the dedication, passion and excellence that she brings to her instructional practice and our school community.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Cave Creek Unified School District

Kristine Paul with Students

“It is a complete joy to be an educator and watch my students learn, grow and fill the planet with successful adults. I love building relationships and making a difference through having the best job in the world. As a teacher and a parent of two children who have traveled through Cave Creek Unified School District from preschool through Cactus Shadows High School, I can genuinely say that this time flies by very quickly; so soak up and appreciate every moment!”

THE 4 CS

When it comes to back-to-school tips, Paul subscribes to a notion that she refers to as her four Cs: connections, challenge, confidence and calendar.

“Help your child make connections with the world around them as they enjoy playgroups, church groups, gym classes, park visits, sports outings and possibly helping neighbors or community members in need by volunteering,” explains Paul, noting that her collegeage daughter still displays the word “connections” in her apartment.

Encouraging organization and routines are habits that will follow your child forever — and it is never too early to start!

Amanda Barnes

Fostering a sense of community among her students as she encourages them to collaborate with and support one another, Paul also provides them with numerous real-world experiences and guest speakers to help them make connections to what they are learning in the classroom.

“It is important to give your child a variety of experiences with smaller and larger gatherings,” Paul says. “Sympathize, empathize and take on different roles as a family. Schedule time for meaningful and positive conversations of, ‘Remember when...’”

She adds that in challenging your child to be the best that they can be, they will often exceed your expectations. Moreover, talking to your child about things to expect as they learn and grow helps them to build confidence.

“Remind them that making mistakes helps them gain success,” Paul explains. “Losing at a family Uno game helps us build strategies for the next time and a joyful heart for others who win.

“Finally, get a large magnetic calendar for the fridge as well as some fun stickers and colored pens. Plan out each month on this written document so it can be a visual for your child to plan thoughts, feelings and activities. The calendar should also be a reminder to be responsible, present and on time.”

REINFORCE ROUTINES

Amanda Barnes, who teaches second grade at Black Mountain Elementary, says that parents hoping to help their children start the school year off on the right foot should establish strong routines and reinforce them daily.

“Get your child into the habit of laying out their clothes and packing their bag the night before,” she says. “Having a routine of waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast and brushing their teeth will be so beneficial to their success — and your sanity!”

A recent recipient of the CCUSD Inspire Excellence Award in connection with her dedication to teaching, leading and culture-building, Barnes adds that organization works hand-in-hand with routines to ensure success as students start a new school year.

“Encourage your child to have one home-to-school folder and organize it with papers that go to school on the right (“right” back to school) and papers for

Black Mountain Elementary teacher Amanda Barnes (center) receives the CCUSD Inspire Excellence Award from principal Matt Owsley (left) and assistant superintendent of educational services Patty Jensen (right). // Photo by Gina Brown

Desert Sun Academy teacher Kristine Paul (center) receives the CCUSD Inspire Excellence Award from principal Kelly Zywczyk (left) and assistant superintendent of educational services Patty Jensen (right). // Photo by Gina Brown

Lone Mountain Elementary teacher Tiffani Simmons (center) receives the CCUSD Inspire Excellence Award from principal Emily Hill (left) and assistant superintendent of educational services Patty Jensen (right). // Photo by Gina Brown

home on the left (“left” at home),” she explains. “This helps mom and dad know what can be pulled out and what your child needs to keep to take back to school. It also helps prevent the inevitable “lost papers” in the bottom of the backpack.

“Encouraging organization and routines are habits that will follow your child forever — and it is never too early to start!”

EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST

Tiffani Simmons, who teaches third grade at Lone Mountain Elementary, agrees that setting and reinforcing routines is a key component of a student’s success in school.

“Setting routines with bedtimes and waking up earlier is one great way to be prepared for school to start,” says Simmons, who is also a recent CCUSD Inspire Excellence Award recipient. “Another benefit is ensuring your child eats a healthy breakfast before school every day. Research shows it helps improve memory, concentration, mood and alertness.”

BE INVOLVED

Finally, Antonella Nechtman, who teaches fifth grade at Black Mountain Elementary, says that parental involvement is essential.

“Check in with your child and their backpack every day,” explains Nechtman, who — in addition to being named a 2023 Teacher of the Year — was recently recognized for having 25 years of service to Cave Creek Unified School District at this year’s Inspire Excellence Awards.

“Ask them specific questions about their day — not just, ‘How was your day?’ — and stay on top of any communication (emails, notes, texts and phone calls) that you receive from their teachers.”

ccusd93.org

Black Mountain Elementary teacher Antonella Nechtman (second from right) receives the CCUSD Teacher of the Year Award from assistant superintendent of educational services Patty Jensen (left), CFO Marcie Rodriguez (second from left) and principal Matt Owsley (right).

A Heart for the Arts

TThe Holland Center in North Scottsdale operates from the premise that art — painting, writing, music, theater and creativity — brings people together and contributes to the overall wellness of individuals and the community.

“We are the best-kept secret in the desert,” says Kellen Brugman, who is responsible for community development at the nonprofit center. “We want to get the word out so people know about The Holland Center; if we benefit one person in the family, we benefit the whole family unit.”

Back to school means back to routines of learning, homework and extracurricular activities. There are many opportunities to build skills and stave off after-school lolling about, but The Holland Center offers a myriad of options that meet the needs of mind, body and spirit while having fun and developing the whole person.

TELL ME A STORY

Tell Me A Story is a six-week creative writing program developed by The Holland Center’s executive director Jennifer Rosvall for third through fifth and sixth through eighth grades. The classes, which are part of a partnership with the center’s Desert Foothills Book Festival board, are taught by published authors and illustrators of children’s books. Students write and illustrate their own book and take home a published copy at the end of the session.

“Tell Me A Story meets kids where they’re at,” Brugman says. “Little ones learn what a story is and how to use illustration to read and tell the story. It develops brain-based health as they read stories out loud to one another.

“The older students learn about literary genres and [how to] determine what it is they want to write about — poetry, mystery, a travel adventure they’ve experienced. They learn about story arcs, character development, how

Writer Shannon Severson // Photos Courtesy of The Holland Center

Photo Courtesy of The Holland Center

While schools are focused on fundamentals and meeting common core curriculum goals, external children’s arts programs are filling the gaps. Studies show that consistent participation in the arts actually increases academic performance.

to write dialogue and [how to develop] a compelling story. They also learn the business side of it — how authors market themselves and their books.”

The entire community can experience the upcoming second annual Desert Foothills Book Festival featuring local authors Saturday, Oct. 21 at The Holland Center.

DAILY ROUTINES FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT

Brugman has also developed and serves as a teacher for the newest addition to The Holland Center’s youth lineup: Daily Routines for Stress Management, The Science of Awareness and Self-Care. The course is designed as an after-school program for high school-aged students but has also been taught as part of a math and science summer bridge program at Cactus Shadows High School.

“We want kids to invest their time in creative endeavors after school rather than using devices that waste time,” Brugman says. “This course teaches easy, effective and enjoyable daily routines that address sleep habits, food choices, digestion, an understanding of the nervous system, goal setting and managing the use of personal technology.”

Brugman’s course helps students understand the three important areas of their lives where they can weave in routines — waking up; school assignments, tests and studying; and bedtime.

Thoughtful challenges are presented in ways that allow young people to try something new and see how it affects their lives for the better. For example, students experiment by spending 15 minutes at night outside in nature

Sandi Carll

Photos Courtesy of The Holland Center

Desert Foothills Theater Photos by Rob Madden

and take note of how they feel after that activity in comparison to spending 15 minutes on an electronic device, which can disrupt sleep rhythms and affect eye health and posture.

“Participants learn to use their senses in a way that supports the nervous system and connects them to nature or their family and friends instead of a limiting device,” Brugman says.

DESERT FOOTHILLS THEATER

Desert Foothills Theater, led by producing artistic director Sandi Carll, will offer after-school theater programs with performance opportunities and theater productions for children ages 7–18 during its 2023–24 season. Professional performing artists work with young thespians to develop skills in acting, singing and musical theater dance while building stage and presentation skills.

“Today, live theater is more important than ever,” Carll says. “While schools are focused on fundamentals and meeting common core curriculum goals, external children’s arts programs are filling the gaps. Studies show that consistent participation in the arts actually increases academic performance.”

Currently, children ages 6–12 can participate in Desert Foothills Theater’s no-cut production of “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Kids.” Later this fall, the theater will hold auditions for its production of “Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.,” based on the 1992 Academy Award-winning film and 2014 hit Broadway musical. “Seussical Kids” is also on this season’s roster, with auditions taking place just after the new year.

“Theater sparks the imagination, cultivates curiosity, empathy, literacy, courage and self-confidence,” Carll says. “Kids who participate in theater learn to be great collaborators, problem solvers and idea generators.”

hollandcenter.org

desertfoothillsbookfestival.com dftheater.org

CChef Maria Mazon laughs when asked about the public’s reaction to Tucson’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

“A lot of people were like, ‘Really?’” she recalls. “But we have a lot to offer, and there’s a story behind who we are.”

In 2015, the small city in southern Arizona garnered worldwide attention when it became the first city in the U.S. to receive the culinary accolade, besting such foodie favorites as New York City, New Orleans and San Francisco. One reason for its recognition is its rich agricultural heritage, which dates back some 4,000 years.

“Tucson has a really long history of many different cultures bringing their characteristic crops here,” says Jesús García, an education specialist at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert

The Coronet

Megan Evans

Museum and vice president of the board of Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace, a nonprofit organization that oversees Mission Garden, a 4-acre architectural museum that was founded in 2012.

The garden represents the historic foundation of the UNESCO recognition. The crops grown and harvested here tell the story of Tucson’s gastronomic roots.

For thousands of years, the Hohokam, ancestors of the Tohono O’odham people, cultivated the land along the Santa Cruz River, growing corn, beans and squash and harvesting desert plants. Archaeological records show that maize was grown here as early as 2590 B.C. — almost 5,000 years ago.

There’s just this rich culinary history that dates back through many cultures, and we have embraced that as a destination.

Writer Rebecca L. Rhoades

Don Guerra

As the centuries progressed, additional influences arrived, merging with and adding to the Native cultures. Spanish missionaries brought with them fruit trees, wheat, grapes and olives. Mexicans introduced chiles and chapalote corn. And in the 1800s, Chinese settlers arrived, bringing produce such as strawberries, artichokes and melons.

“There’s just this rich culinary history that dates back through many cultures, and we have embraced that as a destination,” says Megan Evans, former director of communications for Visit Tucson.

Organizations such as Mission Garden and Native Seeds/SEARCH, a nonprofit committed to the conservation of heirloom seeds, are raising awareness of traditional foods that were here long before there were any restaurants, and many of the region’s local chefs are dedicated to utilizing indigenous ingredients in their menus.

“That’s why we look and taste unlike anywhere else in the United States,” Evans notes.

With so many mouthwatering food options, the hardest decision you’ll have to make when visiting Tucson is choosing where to eat.

A SENSE OF PLACE

The first stop on any Tucsonan foodie tour should be Barrio Bread. The bakery, located in a 1960s-era shopping mall in central Tucson, is helmed by James Beard Award-winner Don Guerra.

For the past decade, Guerra has been at the forefront of a burgeoning movement to reintroduce some of the ancient and heritage grains that once predominated Arizona’s agricultural economy. His crusty, chewy sourdough-based breads are beloved by visitors and locals alike, who line up each morning to purchase their favorite loaves fresh from the oven.

In 2021, Guerra collaborated with Carlotta Flores, owner of El Charro Café, to open Barrio Charro, a fast-casual breakfast and lunch spot that emphasizes Guerra’s use of heritage grains in sandwiches, toasts and baked goods. In mid-2022, the pair opened The Monica, a chic downtown bistro and bar that serves pizzas, pastas and other comfort foods made from farm-fresh locally sourced ingredients.

Flores herself is a Tucson culinary icon. Her eatery, which was established more than a century ago by her aunt, Monica Flin, is the nation’s oldest continuously operated family-owned Mexican restaurant. And it’s just one stop along the “Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food” in the U.S.

“The Best 23 Miles is a foodie adventure,” Evans explains. “It sheds a light on some of the mom-and-pop establishments that have been passed down from family member to family member throughout the decades.”

Included are places like Taqueria Pico de Gallo, a Tucson staple for 33 years that’s known for its horchata, Baja-style fish tacos and homemade corn tortillas.

In 2018, Sonoran hot dog eatery El Güero Canelo received a James Beard Foundation American Classics Award for its bacon-wrapped franks that are topped with beans, jalapeño sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, onions, tomatoes and peppers. The foundation said the Tucson specialty “evinces the flow of culinary and cultural influences from the U.S. to Mexico and back.”

Taco Apson is the place to go for carne asada, lengua (beef tongue) and barbacoa; while Rollies Mexican Patio serves up rolled tacos and award-winning birria tacos. Hungry diners frequent Mi Nidito, which opened in 1952. Its “President’s Plate,” named after former President Bill Clinton, who visited in 1999, features a bean tostada, birria taco, chile relleno, chicken enchilada and beef tamale. And Oasis Fruit Cones has been the go-to spot for raspados, a shaved-ice treat. Have it “con leche” with evaporated milk and a scoop of ice cream, or add some chamoy for a touch of spicy-sweet goodness.

El Charro Cafe El Guero Canelo

“These tiny shops are dedicated to their craft, and they’re putting out incredible foods,” Evans says. “It’s the traditions and recipes, passed down from grandmothers and great-grandmothers, that are coming through these kitchens, and when you taste it, you’re like, ‘I didn’t know what Mexican food was.’ It’s part of the cultural experience in Tucson.”

Mazon’s BOCA Tacos Y Tequila is also part of the Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food. The former “Top Chef” contestant and James Beard Award-nominated chef puts a gourmet spin on traditional tacos. Flavors include steak-stuffed Anaheim chile, bacon-wrapped hot dog, chipotle barbecue pork rib, and honeymustard marinated tofu. The chef also is known for her fresh salsas that are, as a sign proclaims, “hotter than your wife.”

“When you see the sunset and you see every color there is, that’s the food we have to offer in Tucson,” Mazon notes. “I’m proud to be a Tucsonan, and I’m proud to be part of this movement.”

EDIBLE INNOVATION

Although the UNESCO designation doesn’t reward Tucson’s restaurants, it has had a marked effect on them — and on the city.

“It shed a light on some of the cool businesses and innovative things that were doing and continue to do,” Evans says. “I think it also elevated the culinary scene to a whole other level of creativity. It helped usher in a new era of innovation and ingenuity.”

Many Tucson chefs are incorporating indigenous ingredients in new and interesting ways and continuing to build restaurant empires.

Late last year, Southwestern-style bistro Tito & Pep was named one of The New York Times’ “50 places in America we’re most excited about right now.” According to the article, chef John Martinez is “re-examining the ingredients of his childhood with cooking that is understated and remarkable.” Martinez was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2022.

Joining the ever-growing list of James Beard nominees is chef Wendy Garcia of Tumerico, a Latin-inspired vegan and vegetarian restaurant,

The Parish

BOCA Tacos Y Tequila

Tito & Pep

who made the shortlist for the award in 2023. Her menu changes daily and showcases a variety of local ingredients, such as nopalitos, fresh chiles and tepary beans.

Scott Girod, owner of Anello, worked under legendary Phoenix pizzaiolo Chris Bianco before starting his own restaurant. The cozy 30-seat pizzeria offers four pizzas that are receiving praise for their perfect sourdough crusts and creative toppings, including chiltepins and parsley salsa verde.

LOCAL PRIDE

Jackie Alpers is the author of “Taste of Tucson: Sonoran Recipes Inspired by the Rich Culture of Southern Arizona.” This award-winning cookbook showcases recipes by 16 of Tucson’s top chefs — including Mazon, Guerra and Flores, as well as Daniel Contreras of El Güero Canelo and James Beard Award-winner Janos Wilder of Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails. There also are original dishes by Alpers herself.

“The chefs here are inspired by each other,” she says. “Instead of seeing each other as competition, they’re friends all working for a common cause. And that’s to elevate the food of Tucson — not by making it fancy but by appreciating the variety of unique ingredients and unique ways of cooking that are available here.”

Alpers points to the array of edible plants that grow in the Sonoran Desert, from the well-known prickly pear pads and fruit to the wolfberries, a relative of Asia’s Goji berry, and even mesquite beans, the long pods that grow on mesquite trees. When dried, the pods can be processed into a flour that has a sweet molasseslike flavor. The palo verde tree also produces edible pods and flowers.

“It’s neat to know that there’s this abundance of things growing here that you can eat if you need to or want to,” she says.

Her cookbook includes recipes for local favorites, such as menudo, pozole, elotes, huevos rancheros, chiltepin salsa and chile Colorado. But when it comes to choosing one must-try dish that embodies the spirit and creativity of Tucson’s culinary culture, Alpers recommends carne seca, a sun-dried shredded beef that’s often consumed like beef jerky.

“Tucson has the perfect conditions for making carne seca,” she explains. “Because it’s dried outside in the sun, the environment needs to be hot and very dry. It can’t be humid. Then the way it’s prepared with fairly unique to this region. It’s shredded, reconstituted and pan-fried, usually with green chiles, onions and tomatoes, and then served in tacos, burritos or other fare that would normally be filled with barbacoa or chicken. A lot of classically Sonoran restaurants serve carne seca.”

El Charro Café is renowned for its carne seca. Tucson Weekly called the dish “Arizona’s sunshine.” The local institution dries its beef, about 300 pounds at a time, in a massive cage that dangles above the roof of its downtown location. The cage is almost as big of an attraction as the food itself.

“For a long time, people thought we're in this small town and nobody paid attention to what we’re doing,” Alpers says. “But people are paying attention, and we're realizing that our mix of cultures and cuisines is what makes us special. And I think it's really inspiring.”

FFor many visitors to Phoenix, a meal at Barrio Café is a must-do. James Beard Award-nominated chef Silvana Salcido Esparza’s award-winning Mexican cuisine tops best-of lists across the country. But that’s not the only thing that draws raves. Once guests pull up to the unassuming eatery at 16th Street and Thomas Avenue, they’re immediately awed by the kaleidoscopic array of murals that cover the block.

Writer Rebecca L. Rhoades

There are luchadores and lowriders, native flora and fauna, and one of the city’s most iconic pieces of street art — the “Bienvenidos a Phoenix” mural that served as a backdrop for President Joe Biden’s and Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign visit to the Valley. The images stretch around the building and along the back alley. At any time of day, you’ll find diners and locals wandering around the property, admiring the artworks and discussing the images’ sometimes thought-provoking messages.

This collection of murals is known as the Calle Dies Y Sies (Calle 16) Project. While downtown Phoenix in recent years has become a veritable outdoor gallery, with talented artists taking over walls and buildings and transforming them with eye-catching designs, the concept of showcasing street art to beautify the city — and make a statement — really took hold here.

The Calle 16 Project was established in 2002 by Esparza as a way to celebrate Mexican American culture and art and build community pride in a predominantly Latino neighborhood. It was a response to Senate Bill 1070, Arizona’s controversial immigration law that allowed police officers to question the immigration status of people they suspected were in the country illegally.

Vibrant paintings of landscapes, animals, cartoon characters, geometric patterns and abstract swirls decorate buildings, walls, garages and even dumpsters across the region.

Esparza turned to some of the Valley’s best-known graffiti artists, including Lalo Cato, Hugo Medina and the late Pablo Luna to create larger-thanlife paintings that would showcase the talent and diversity of Arizona and Phoenix — and build a bridge between the city’s populations.

Today, Calle 16 remains an important destination for the Valley’s street art and continues to attract top artists, including Tato Caraveo, Thomas “Breeze” Marcus, Angel Diaz, Cato and more, who update old works and even cover up images with new, timely pieces.

Further downtown, along the nowbooming stretch of Roosevelt Street between 16th Street and Seventh Avenue — an area commonly known as the Roosevelt Row Arts District — just about every corner unveils a new work of art. Visitors can spend hours exploring the many side streets, alleys and courtyards that flank Roosevelt Street. Some businesses, such as Carly’s Bistro, act as oversized cavasses, while a nine-story-tall portrait of Black author and activist James Baldwin by Antionette Cauley towers over the neighborhood.

A must-see stop for street art aficionados is the 1 1/2 Street Mural Project. This vibrant alley is tucked behind food court and event space The Churchill. It’s known as Mural Alley because every square inch of wall space is swathed in glorious paintings that celebrate music, reference Sonoran wildlife and spotlight social issues.

A who’s-who of the city’s muralists are showcased here. Fans will instantly recognize Cota’s signature calacas with their bold colors and saucer-like eyes. Caraveo’s surrealist elongated characters with delicate, pinched facial features frolic whimsically on candy-colored backgrounds. And Douglas Miles contemporary Apache figures deconstruct stereotypes and address inequalities that affect Native communities.

One of the most powerful pieces found in Mural Alley is by Lucinda “La Morena” Hinojos. “No More Stolen Sisters” has garnered national attention for the Chicana/Indigenous artist. Depicting a Native American woman with a red hand painted over her face, it calls attention to the epidemic of murdered and missing Indigenous women.

La Morena also made news in late 2022 when she was selected by the NFL to design the official Super Bowl LVII ticket as well as a massive mural for the sporting event that can be found at the corner of First and Washington streets in downtown Phoenix. The dazzling 9,500-squarefoot display of turquoise, orange and pink celebrates the people, lands and culture of Hinojos’ ancestors.

Another popular arts district is Grand Avenue, which has long been known for its many galleries and artist studios. Here, streets are lined with works by locally renowned muralists including El Mac, Jeremie “Bacpac” Franko, Luster Kaboom, Sentrock, Laura Best, Lucretia Torva, Tyler Krank and Maggie Keane.

Keane is best known for her murals that pay homage to musical legends. Her tribute to Prince, which spans the side of a building at the corner of Roosevelt Street and 15th Avenue is a purple-tinged collage of four portraits, a silhouette, the musician’s unmistakable symbol and doves. Two 36-inch mirrors serve as the High Priest of Pop’s sunglasses.

Another of Keane’s musical tributes honors David Bowie. Painted on a brick wall behind a parking lot on Seventh Street in the Coronado district, the 80-foot-long mural comprises eight different images of the singer once known as Ziggy Stardust.

Of course, these are just a few of the many places around metro Phoenix — and the entire Valley — where beautiful works of art add color and interest. Vibrant paintings of landscapes, animals, cartoon characters, geometric patterns and abstract swirls decorate buildings, walls, garages and even dumpsters across the region, from Glendale to Scottsdale, El Mirage to Mesa.

What Esparza started more than 20 years ago has grown into an integral thread in the fabric that is Phoenix culture. So step outside, and enjoy the beauty found in the city’s open-air galleries. And don’t forget your camera!

phoenixmurals.com

DINING GUIDE S

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Serving authentic cuisine with a focus on presentation and flavor from the different states of Mexico — including Puebla, Oaxaca, Veracruz and Mexico City — in an environment that evokes artisanship, exquisite attention to detail and the connective roots we all share, Ofrenda elevates classic comfort food to the next level.

Upon walking into the restaurant, guests are immediately immersed in the vitality of Mexico, surrounded by vibrant color schemes and artwork that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort and prepare them for a meal that is as memorable as it is mouthwatering. Everything on Ofrenda’s menu features fresh, authentic, homemade ingredients.

Highlights include a delectable mole poblano as well as a grilled chile relleno stuffed with Mexican shrimp, topped with poblano sauce and served with traditional rice and beans. Other highlights include tasty tomahawk-style pork chops smothered in homemade mole verde and filet mignon served with huitlacoche (corn truffle) sauce.

General manager Hector Soto trains Ofrenda’s staff to understand, appreciate and honor the origins of every dish and the flavorful ingredients with which each one

comes together. He has also ensured that each and every corner of the restaurant’s space is utilized — as evidenced by the cigar bar with a specially built, walkin humidor that partially occupies Ofrenda’s first floor.

The restaurant’s second floor is even more impressive, featuring an amazing view of Cave Creek’s stunning landscape and a library of more than 700 bottles of tequila that are used to create Ofrenda’s many signature cocktails — including its fabulous fresh fruit margaritas. And each weekend starting in September, in honor of the restaurant's anniversary, the second floor transforms into the electrifying Sunset Lounge Bar & Nightclub.

Also boasting a superb wine selection and availability for private events, Ofrenda is one of Cave Creek’s newest and most high-spirited restaurants that effervescently accomplishes its mission of gathering people to enjoy a meal, a sip and a special occasion.

DINING GUIDE

Black Mountain Cafe

OOriginally established as a restaurant in 1964, Black Mountain Coffee Shop was officially founded in 1978 and has a storied history and stellar reputation for serving tasty, homemade meals at a great value.

Current owners Don and Lisa Little purchased the shop in 2017, changing its name to Black Mountain Cafe and expanding its menu to include gluten-free, vegetarian and children’s options. The couple also completed a great deal of research and extensive taste testing to identify the best locally roasted coffee and espresso beans available.

In addition to offering exquisite breakfast and lunch choices every day, Black Mountain Cafe now also serves delicious dinner items every Friday night. Current options include jumbo lump crab cakes, shrimp and asparagus risotto and beer-battered mahi mahi tacos, each prudently prepared by chef Sean Kenney.

Black Mountain Cafe’s dinner menu also boasts a selection of decadent desserts — such as basque cheesecake, topped with macerated berries, powdered

sugar and cinnamon whip. Though currently only offered on Friday nights, Don and Lisa say dinner will expand to more evenings this fall.

Accentuating the pre-weekend vibes are Black Mountain Jam Sessions, held 5–9 p.m. every Friday night during dinner. Patrons are invited to dine, relax, enjoy and even join the jam session themselves should they be musically inclined.

Boasting seating in its dining room, at its breakfast counter and on its outdoor main patio — where dogs are always welcome and views are always stunning — Black Mountain Cafe continues its legacy of serving some of the most satisfying Southwest traditional food choices in the area. Black

Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon pesto

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 teaspoon honey

For the Chicken:

1-1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

Kosher salt and black pepper

For the Salad:

5 ounces baby spinach

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mini fresh mozzarella balls

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil

For the Pesto Dressing:

1/3 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

1/4 cup low-fat milk

1-1/2 tablespoons pesto

2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together all of the marinade ingredients until combined. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper then place them in a gallon size freezer bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and seal the bag, pressing out all of the air as you do. Massage the marinade into the chicken then place the bag in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat and spray or brush the grates with oil. Place marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 4–6 minutes per side. Remove chicken breasts from the grill and let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

Place spinach on a serving platter or in a bowl. Arrange tomatoes, mozzarella balls and sliced chicken on top of spinach, then top with a sprinkle of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper and fresh basil.

In a small bowl, whisk together all of the pesto dressing ingredients until combined. Drizzle the salad with the pesto dressing or serve on the side.

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

This grilled chicken caprese salad is perfect for summer feasting. The presentation is spectacular and the taste is so good! It’s also quick and easy to make, which is a huge bonus! Hearty, filling and still healthy — you’re going to love it!

$

North Scottsdale-Carefree Office

$1,700,000

$3,000,000