River City, TN May 2023

ES LUXURY, CENTERED AROUND YOU.

ES F SPORT MODELS ES 300H

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Two lightning-fast electric motors combine with a potent 2 5-liter engine for the most powerful ES Hybrid ever The most fuelefficient among all non-plug-in luxury vehicles It features a 44MPG combined estimate Lowlight pedestrian-detection technology and the advanced Mark Levinson PurePlay Surround Sound system are available on all ES models

ES F SPORT MODELS ES 250 AWD

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Pave your path with more confidence with all-wheel drive capability-and a 2 5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine for an impressive 28-MPG combined estimate Featuring the same evocative design and seamless connectivity as its ES 350 counterpart, the ES 250 AWD delivers refined luxury for every season

May 2023 –The Ladies’ Issue

This month features a woman’s point of view. It is our honor to recognize some of the women who add character, effect change and represent the charm and grace of our River City. Of course, the wives, mothers and daughters in our lives are some of the most influential women we know, and with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… So, don’t forget to call your mother! But also remember to thank the mother figures in your life who have made an indelible impact: family members, teachers, friends and neighbors who are irreplaceable caretakers in our communities.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to show a bit of local love as so many retail shops put great emphasis and effort towards celebrations like Mother’s Day. Why not take our women’s month one step further and consider patronizing local women-owned businesses?

Women are natural movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their service blesses those under their care, and their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

Our May issue also includes many references to flowers. First, I challenge our readers to show us floral design work anywhere in the world that is more beautiful, sophisticated and original than the presentations created by our two, local world-class design firms, Greg Campbell and Erick New of Garden District and Kevin Coble of Le Fleur. Another artist whose latest work revolves around flowers is our photo editor, Sarah Bell of Sélavie Photography. Read this month's story about her series, The Frailty of Flowers. We think May is all about flowers. Whether you are sending them to your mother for Mother's Day or simply enjoying spring 2023's first blooms, flowers have meaning and natural beauty, especially at this time of year, which these local artists recognize and, fortunately, share with us both locally and beyond.

Do take a few minutes on Mother's Day to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them. And perhaps ... send flowers.

Sincerely,

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Christian Owen | christian.owen@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lindsey Tonkin | lindsey.tonkin@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Sarah Bell, Sélavie Photography

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Jeannie Tabor | jeannie.tabor@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com

MARKET AREA COORDINATOR

Malise Culpepper | malise.culpepper@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER

Kim Lowrance

STAFF WRITERS

Amy Birdsong Golden, Margaret Ledbetter

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

CHRISTIAN OWEN, PUBLISHER @RIVERCITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

LIFESTYLE LETTER 4

Learn River City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the River City area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in River City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Holly Loveland FNP

Tex Song DPM

Trey Hester MD

Tyler Fraser MD

Beach, Please!

Great American River Run

This Memorial Day, May 27, you can sign up to run a half marathon, 10k or 5k. The registration fee is currently $65 and will be $85 on race day. This fee will get you a race t-shirt and a finisher medal! Runners and walkers will pass through the heart of Downtown and onto Mud Island. After the race, there will be food and drinks as you cross the finish line on Beale Street. MemphisInMay.org/events/ great-american-river-run

Stax Museum's 20th Birthday Party

On May 2, the Stax Museum will host a birthday party to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Stax Museum. The museum has events planned throughout the year, but this celebration will commemorate the history and accomplishments of this Memphis staple. Check out their website for more 20th Anniversary events with Stax this year! StaxMuseum.com

Grind City Market

Are you looking for a free, fun daytime activity? Grind City Market will be open May 20-21 from 12 PM - 6 PM at Grind City Brewing (76 Waterworks Ave, Memphis, TN 38107). The event will highlight vintage, handmade goods and more with over 20 local and regional vendors. You can grab a Grind City beer and enjoy local food - dogs are welcome and encouraged!

SixWaysMarkets.com

Interior Designer Avni Pathak in Shelby Jewel Boutique, designed by Domus Interiors & Design

Dress by Shelby Jewel

Bridal Registry at its Best

Calling all brides! Registry has never been easier. Make your selections at Babcock Gifts and Social, a Shop for Gracious Living, and guests can shop for wedding gifts on their easy to use online systems. Choose from one of a kind pottery and a wide variety of china, stemware and serving pieces. Knowledgeable staff members are eager to help you create the table scape of your dreams!  BabcockGifts.com

Social-Memphis.com

Symphony in the Gardens

On May 14th, celebrate Mother's Day at the Dixon with Big Band music performed by Memphis Symphony Orchestra on the South Lawn. Pack a picnic of mom's favorites or simply purchase food items from Cousins Maine Lobster and Memphis Dawgs and treat the moms in your life to a mess and stress-free, memorable evening surrounded by the beauty of nature from 5-7 p.m.  Dixon.org/events

Memphis Fashion Week 2023

Memphis Fashion Week kicks off Friday, May 12th with the festive Fashion Night Out where you can shop local vendors and visit with fellow fashionable Memphians. Saturday evening, watch headlining and emerging designers unveil their fashions on the runway at Arrow Creative, 653 Philadelphia St. MFW cultivates and celebrates local and regional fashion through designers, photographers, models and boutiques. Proceeds benefit Arrow Creative which serves as a hub for the Memphis creative community yearround.  ArrowCreative.org

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/RiverCity

From the

RIVER CITY KITCHEN

There is nothing like a summertime dinner with friends, complete with a seasonal cocktail or glass of wine. The River City Lifestyle team gathered this month to prepare and enjoy such a meal. The River City Kitchen collectively has many recipes, tips and kitchen hacks to share that are perfect for hosting this summer.

Whether you’re prepping for a graduation party or a casual barbeque, these recipes are crowd-pleasers. A Mediterranean-inspired salad topped with toasted garbanzo beans fills you up, leaving room for a few chip-fulls of avocado, tomato and feta dip. These fresh flavors are complimented by the perfect chicken tenders, fried or grilled, and picked up ready to serve from Abner’s Famous Chicken. Finally, spice up your typical sweet potato side of fries with cinnamon and sugar to break up all the wonderful savory flavors.

We headed to Joe’s Wines and Liquors in Midtown for our refreshment options. Sisco Larson, General Manager and beverage expert, provided insight into perfect wine pairings for our dishes. For our white wine, he pointed us towards Basque country. The crisp Txakolina Ameztoi we enjoyed is comparable to a sauvignon blanc with a little pop - perfect with our chicken and citrus flavors. For the red wine, Sisco showed us a Swick pinot noir. Swick does not add anything to their wine during the fermentation process, allowing the grapes to speak for themselves. We also prepared a crisp Southside cocktail with muddled mint, fresh-squeezed lemons and McQueen and the Violet Fog gin. This gin is summery, with over 21 botanicals gathered from all over the world. Cheers to the perfect early-summer night with great food, fresh drinks and wonderful company.

RECIPES AND TIPS TO MAKE A PERFECT SUMMER DINNER WITH FRIENDS

A berry and mascarpone trifle dessert can be made with innumerable combinations of fruits, nuts, soft cheeses, jams, custards and more.

ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BELL, SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Abner’s Chicken Tenders

An easy way to make everyone happy – and they deliver!

COOK TIME: You may need to reheat depending on the timing

INGREDIENTS

• Abner’s Sauce

• Fried or grilled chicken filets

DIRECTIONS

1. Plate chicken on a large serving platter with Abner’s signature sauces. Option to add a homemade ranch or mayonnaise!

Avocado, Tomato and Feta Dip

A light appetizer to get the party started!

PREP TIME: 10 minutes

READY IN: 10 minutes

SERVES: 6-8

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ripe avocados

• 1-2 Roma tomatoes

• Feta to taste - about ½ small carton

• Red onion

• Fresh lime juice

• Small tortilla chips or Frito’s scoops

DIRECTIONS

1. Chop everything up and squeeze lime on top.

2. Stir and serve with tortilla chips or Frito’s scoops

Kale and Shaved Brussels Sprouts Mediterranean Salad

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries

PREP TIME: 15 minutes

COOK TIME: 15-25 minutes

READY IN: 30-45 minutes

SERVES: 5-8

INGREDIENTS

• 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼ inch strips

• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon of sugar

• Cinnamon to taste

• Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees

2. Rinse, peel and cut the potatoes.

3. In a large bowl, place the potato strips and toss in oil, salt and pepper

4. On a large, non-stick baking sheet - you may need 2 - lay the sweet potatoes flat. Do not overcrowd them.

5. Option to sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over the potatoes for a caramelized texture.

6. Bake for 15-25 minutes. Remove from the oven after 10 minutes to flip the fries for even browning. Cook for the remaining time or until the potatoes are golden brown.

7. Remove from the oven, and while the potatoes are still warm, sprinkle with more salt, cinnamon and sugar if desired.

Kale and Shaved Brussels Sprouts Mediterranean Salad

PREP TIME: 20 minutes

COOK TIME: 5 minutes

READY IN: 25 minutes

SERVES: 5-8

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bag of kale, rinsed and destemmed

• 1 bag of pre-shaved Brussel sprouts. Option to slice whole Brussel sprouts

• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

• ¼ red onion, peeled and chopped

• Grape tomatoes, sliced

• 1 can garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed, and lightly toasted with dill, salt and pepper

• Feta cheese, crumbled

• Dill, finely chopped

Dressing

• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard

• Dill

• Salt, pepper and garlic to taste

• A few crumbles of feta cheese for the dressing base

DIRECTIONS

1. On a nonstick pan, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Over medium heat, add garbanzo beans, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Toast until lightly browned.

2. Add all dressing ingredients to your salad serving bowl. Whisk until combined and feta crumbles are broken down.

3. Rinse and de-stem the kale

4. While the kale sits in cold water, chop cucumber, onion, tomatoes and dill. Shave Brussel sprouts if needed

5. When ready to serve, add kale and shaved Brussel sprouts to the salad bowl. Mix well to coat in the salad dressing

6. Add chopped vegetables, garbanzo beans, feta and dill

7. Option to squeeze more lemon juice on the added veggies for a crisp finish

Southside Cocktail

A MINTY CITRUS REFRESHMENT

PREP TIME: 15 minutes

SERVES: 6-8

INGREDIENTS

• 12 ounces of dry gin – Ask Sisco at Joe’s Wines and Liquors!

• Juice of 7 lemons – 6 ounces of juice

• 6 ounces of simple syrup – 4 ounces if a more tarte taste is desired

• Fresh mint, muddled

DIRECTIONS

1. In your serving pitcher, pour the gin and add the mint leaves.

2. With a long, wooden spoon, roughly muddle the mint with the gin.

3. Add the lemon juice and simple syrup to the gin mixture. Stir well, or use a cocktail shaker and serve over ice.

RIPPLES ACROSS THE WATER

What I have, I give. What we have as an organization, we give. What we don’t have, others may have. We try to connect people that way. And if they’re willing to go to the next place, then our prayer is that they will do that. —

Ephie Johnson, president and CEO of Neighborhood Christian Centers

A GIVING ENVIRONMENT

Good intentions paired with actionable steps emanating from an initial stone tossed into the water in 1968 by Dr. JoeAnn Ballard continue to effect positive, local growth and change through the work of JoeAnn’s daughter Ephie Ballard-Johnson. Reacting to a need within her community, JoeAnn and her husband Monroe offered a full-time ministry providing housing and care as well as a foster home to 75 children. This was the giving environment of Ephie’s childhood. Her parents’ vision was to help families achieve upward mobility by creating pathways to higher education and to begin breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

In 1978, JoeAnn formally established Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc. (NCC). Today, under Ephie’s leadership, NCC serves the River City community through 12

neighborhood-based sites with a satellite organization in Decatur, Alabama. Ephie is the president and CEO of NCC. Two of her three siblings also work at NCC to continue the work their parents started.

Ephie and her mother were featured on NBC as part of the TODAY Show’s “Season of Giving” series in November of 2020, which shed light on NCC’s heart for Memphis and the families they serve.

NEIGHBORHOOD CHRISTIAN CENTERS

Not a day goes by without significant work underway at NCC. It’s not uncommon to see upwards of 400 seasonal event volunteers at work fulfilling the NCC mission, with 50 staff members and a core group of 60 community partners who routinely line up to help.

For Spring Jam 2023, NCC built Switzerland! They converted the 785 Jackson Avenue site into an abroad experience for an audience of children who don’t get many chances to travel more than three miles from their homes. The project requires about three months of preparation from January until it is time for the actual three-day event, Ephie explains. This year, 800 children visited Switzerland after school.

ARTICLE BY CHRISTIAN OWEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BELL, SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY

NCC holistically serves families through Compassionate Services (emergency and stability food, clothing, financial, furniture support), Youth Engagement Services (YES) (children and youth out-of-school literacy support, homework help, violence prevention and intervention, social and emotional support, college and career preparation) and Adult Empowerment and Family Enrichment Ministries (Case Management, Wellness Courses, Workforce Development/Social Enterprise, social and emotional support).

“There are a lot of people in our city who are great people but have just fallen on hard times or were born into challenging situations, but they’re good people. They are wanting better for their lives, better for themselves,” Ephie adds, “and our part is to be a surrogacy to their process.”

NCC annually provides multiple programs and assistance to more than 50,000 people and reaches 3,000-plus children alone in their neighborhood sites. In addition to special events like the Spring Jam, Ephie says they always need volunteers for their Bible studies, afterschool children’s clubs, reading volunteers and more. Ephie confirms, “We’re going to need a lot of people to help with reading this summer!”

EPHIE BALLARD-JOHNSON

In addition to her role at NCC, Ephie is a business owner, motivational speaker and professional singer and songwriter. She worked as an educator in the Memphis City Schools system before joining NCC. Her husband of 29 years is Rodney Johnson, and they have two sons, Andre and Jonathan.

Ephie is the owner of two gourmet popcorn shops named PopA-Roos. She also founded Bluff City Handling, a general services and third-party commercial logistics company and created the Hustlenomics entrepreneur and business development network and platform. She is an inspirational speaker who you may have heard on TedxTalk Memphis, as the host of FOX 13 WHBQ’s “Faith Forum” from 2008 to 2015 and as host of TBN WBUY-TV’s “Joy in Our Town” from 2016 to 2018.

Ephie, like her parents, continues to toss stones into the water, creating reassuring, positive ripples throughout the city. Next on Ephie’s list is a themed performance concept. Stay tuned because it’s going to be an exciting addition to our music scene. She recently produced a Faith and Family Night concert at a Memphis Grizzlies game in February, which was a glimpse of things to come. We can’t say too much, but think “Branson, Missouri,” for a hint of just what Ephie has on her mind!

ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BELL, SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Store Credit

MAY FLOWERS

Pop into Spruce, a design shop where you will find pieces sourced by interior designers Selena McAdams and Meg Johnson. These crisp floral photography pieces are printed on handmade paper.

We’ll be visiting The Metal Museum in May to see the current tribute to the late enamel artist Bill Helwig and the new exhibit of metalsmiths Ana M. Lopez and Natalie Macelliano. You’ll be inspired by the museum to take home this wearable art from the museum shop. We love Julie Cohn’s hand forged bronze pieces, like this tulip and black pearl pendant necklace and floral earrings. We Dream in Colour’s Vervet Monkey earrings and Dogwood studs are assembled by hand in their Salem, MA studio.

This month, it’s time to start planting summer annuals and perennial flowers. And if you prefer window shopping to window boxes, the experts at Urban Earth can plan and plant for you. For garden design and installation, their designers focus on environmental sustainability and of course, natural beauty.

Spruce Shop, 632 S. Perkins Rd.

“You’ll be inspired by the museum to take home this wearable art

from the museum shop.”

Floral tote from Stovall Collection, 430 S. Grove Park Rd. The Metal Museum, 374 Metal Museum Dr.

“May Flowers for planting ... celosia, petunias, blue point juniper, gerbera daisy and calibrachoa. Urban Earth is also a great resource to enhance “built” gardens - your porches, patios and rooftop spaces.”

Urban Earth, 80 Flicker St.

Creativity is an Early Riser

The Creative Process with Interior Designer Cindy McCord

ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSS CREATIVE GROUP

Cindy McCord has been decorating houses all her life. As a child, she constantly rearranged the furniture in her bedroom and the family room of her East Memphis home. Cindy loved continually changing things while simultaneously keeping them simple, well edited and organized. Her mother was a busy teacher and loved coming home to see Cindy’s newest look.

Cindy’s mom gave her the go-ahead to develop her design skills and contributed to her work ethic. Cindy rises early in the morning, like her mother did, to prepare for her day. She doesn’t set the alarm but often is awake at 2:00 in the morning. She heads up to her office and begins checking emails,

preparing the work baskets for her employees and checking-in design items that have shipped overnight.

As a busy mother herself to three grown children all living in Memphis, Cindy attributes her efficiency to having her office in her home. “I want to take it all on and make it happen. Working out of my home has been the key to getting everything done. I can stay up late or wake up early, and I don’t waste time in a car.”

Cindy began her career in hospitality design in 1981. “It was honestly the best experience and training from a technical standpoint, not to mention the relationships developed and the exposure to 100 other designers and architects.

The dining room feels warm and cozy thanks to Madeaux wallpaper and upholstered chairs.

Alongside architect and builder, Cindy remodeled the home to flow perfectly from one room to the next.

It was not my passion to stay in hospitality design, but those 12 years paved the path to where I am today.”

Many years later, Cindy is one busy designer! She works on new construction projects that often last 2-3 years, in addition to renovation projects. She has two booths at La Maison, stocked with items for use in her own projects and for purchase. “I’ve done this a long time, and I love, love, love what I do. I do it all day long and half the evening!” And Cindy’s clients reciprocate that love.

A recent renovation in Germantown started as a small project and turned into a 4-year overhaul. “The clients originally asked me to come in and make some changes. These changes turned into my suggestion to bring in an architect. The next thing we knew, we changed a few walls and added square footage. We ended up with a complete transformation.” The project grew because of the client’s needs and wants, but it also evolved because Cindy was astute enough to realize that structural changes were needed to achieve the client’s overall design objectives. Their trust in Cindy grew during the process and they realized they wanted her involvement in every room in the house.

This house is large, and one of Cindy’s greatest challenges was finding ways to make it feel cozy. Cindy upholstered the chairs in the dining room and added a modern, oversized chandelier and Madeaux wallpaper to warm up the space. Cindy used many of the clients’ own items in styling the family room bookshelves while adding a wood-grained Thibaut wallpaper and colorful pillows. She also designed storage cabinets in the breakfast room with custom mirrors created by local framer Chris Garner.

Along with builder Thomas Wirth and architect Jeff Bramlett, Cindy created a home that flows seamlessly from one room to the next with functionality that meets all the client’s needs. In any project, the key to success is communication. According to Cindy, “I listen first to the client, and then it’s my job to lead them in the direction I think they should go.”

Storage cabinets in the breakfast room have custom mirrors created by local framer Chris Garner.

Cindy added a wood-grained Thibaut wallpaper in the bookshelves for texture.

Empowering

Whether it is for personal growth or to join our dynamic teaching team, CCB offers a unique learning program led by Nationally Certified Pilates teachers with ongoing mentorship throughout the rewarding process while being part of a supportive community environment.

Making Movies

ON LOCATION IN MEMPHIS

ARTICLE BY MARGARET LEDBETTER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BELL, SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Memphis is a very unique location for filmmaking with its rich history, musical roots and famous food scene as well as geography situated on the bluff above the Mississippi River. But making movies requires far more than a little personality and soul.

Just ask Film Commissioner Linn Sitler and her partner in crime Commissioner Sharon Fox O’Guin, the dynamic duo behind the Memphis and Shelby County Film/ TV Commission. These women are why MovieMaker magazine selected Memphis once more for its list of “The Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker.”

Film Commissioners in the editing room at VIA Productions.

The two wear many hats and share work with a board appointed by the City and County mayors to recruit and support productions from independent to blockbuster. With a background in journalism and television, Linn knows how to navigate the intricacies of production and works closely with local and state governments to enhance the movie making experience in the River City. Sharon oversees the “Location Library,” seeking out the best spots in town for filming. They also have a team of “Ambassadors” to provide the support necessary for quality productions. The Film Commission does not provide funding but supports worthy projects with their extensive resources and expertise as well as talent, hospitality and security. “We are basically a mini Chamber of Commerce,” says Linn.

Sharon O’Guin scouting locations.

While multiple blockbuster films have been shot in Memphis like Great Balls of Fire (1989), The Firm (1993) and Hustle & Flow (2005), Tennessee fell behind neighboring states like Georgia and Louisiana in incentivizing film making. However, just last year, The Tennessee Entertainment Commission announced a Franchise and Excise (F&E) tax credit program to bolster the state’s entertainment industry through job creation and economic development. The 40% tax credit is available to qualified productions in the state and an additional 10% is available in “economically distressed” areas like Shelby County. This has attracted recent projects to the River City including Bluff City Law and Young Rock. However, the credits on payroll expenses are available for feature films, scripted and unscripted TV, video games, commercials and post-production as well.

With tax incentives in place, Linn is focusing her efforts on training crew at every level. Her team is asking Governor Bill Lee for a grant to fund an apprenticeship program for painters, builders, costumers, grips, gaffers, sound mixers and tailors. This so-called “Operation Bootstrap’’ is an outgrowth of the workshops Sitler started years ago to nurture local talent. She partnered with On Location Memphis with funding from the Gates Foundation to train crew and promote “best practices.” In addition to training, Memphis offers world class infrastructure like the new sound studio in the Graceland Exhibition Center. Every piece of the puzzle helps to “promote the art,” says Linn and to attract the best of the industry to the River City.

Memphis Film Commissioners conspiring with board members and Ambassadors.

Historical marker in front of Arcade Restaurant memorializes “Modern Movie Making in Memphis.”

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER IN

I’m proud to announce that the Ware Jones Real Estate firm is my new home in 2023. Now, let me help you with your move!

NEW TO ME TENNESSEE

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Curated pieces are selected from interior designers or private collections in Memphis, Tennessee. New pieces are added to the website daily and are below market prices. Shop or sell.

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Sculpture by Icelandic artist Steinunn Thórarinsdóttir on view at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens

ELIZABETH KUHLO

ARTICLE BY CHRISTIAN OWEN

The Frailty of Flowers

Sarah Bell is captivated by flowers – their colors, shapes, and scents. One of her favorite childhood memories is gardening with her mother in Corsica, France, but Sarah prefers wild flowers, the imperfect ones.

Her latest series of fine art photography shows flowers with a black background to remove distraction. She photographs fresh-cut and dying flowers, then weaves both prints together. Sarah says, “Weaving is a strong metaphor for understanding workings of the universe and our place in it.”

Each image examines the flower’s beauty as well as its irregularities and shortcomings…its frailty.

For more information, contact Sarah Bell at SelaviePhoto.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BELL, SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY

A NEW SERIES BY MEMPHIS-BASED ARTIST SARAH BELL NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH GOETZE ART & DESIGN

SUIT UP AND SHOW UP

Sharon Cash and Extraordinary Compassion

Since 2001, Sharon Cash dedicated herself to the mission of Memphis’ Salvation Army. In January, the organization held a retirement celebration where attendees witnessed an endless spring of admiration for her and recounted memories and shared successes.

“I’m grateful that people like me, but I’m even more humbled that  I like me,” says Sharon. “There were times that I couldn’t look in the mirror.” it is abundantly clear from the moment you encounter Sharon that she is living out her purpose. She sees people, deeply connects with them, and never gives up on them. Since the beginning of her career, Sharon has, as she says, “suit up and show up” for those who come to the Salvation Army.

Sharon’s attitude towards life was born out of intense challenges growing up. “We have to acknowledge on the front end that most behavior at 30 is influenced by what happened between 0 and 18 years old,” she says. In the late 1990s, Sharon returned to school - over 20 years after finishing high school - completing her undergraduate degree from Christian Brothers University and two master’s degrees in psychology and leadership.

“We address mental health, addiction and domestic violence and see what happens.”

ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH BELL, SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY

The Purdue Center is a haven for mothers and children for up to 2 years.

As a recovering addict herself with years of sobriety to her credit, Sharon possesses the empathy required to succeed as Executive Social Services Director at the Purdue Center of Hope for the past 22 years. During that time she also helped establish a transitional housing program called Renewal Place. “We address mental health, addiction and domestic violence and see what happens,” she says. Along with her team, she created an environment that opens its doors to women and their children, ready to love them no matter where they come from. “You have to have a village to heal with your children,” Sharon asserts. “We create the village.”

Sharon summarizes her time with the Salvation Army as one of “extraordinary compassion.” Upon entering the Perdue Center, you are enveloped by the hope that fills the rooms. The Center allows women and their children to spend up to two years there - two years to heal. The emphasis on providing ample time to aid the healing process sets the Center apart from other facilities or emergency housing programs.

Sharon believes the moments she experienced over the past 22 years were made up of miracles. “You must see the woman walking through that door. Take a moment and truly see her. Simply say, ‘Good morning, did you sleep well?’ For me, it’s always, ‘Come here, do you mind if I hug you?’,” she recounts. These are the seemingly small moments of connection that lead to changed lives.

Sharon worked with the Salvation Army for 22 years.