FLAIR Artists Paint from the Heart

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

For mixed media artist Cathy Rae, creativity flows like a desert wash — sometimes in gentle trickles, other times in rushing torrents, but always carving deeper channels of artistic expression.

“My art has evolved significantly since joining FLAIR,” says Rae, referring to the Finest Local Artists in Residence collective at Anthem Country Club. “The support of FLAIR members has bolstered my confidence and encouraged me to take artistic risks.”

This Valentine’s Day weekend, Rae joins her fellow FLAIR artists for their annual exhibition, aptly themed “FLAIR is in the Air.” The show represents a departure from tradition, moving from its usual April timeframe to celebrate the season of love — and for good reason.

“Art is one of the most exquisite gifts one can give,” Rae reflects. “It endures a lifetime, carrying with it the power to be passed down through generations, each piece imbued with cherished memories. Every time the recipient gazes upon it, the artwork serves as a tangible reminder of the giver’s love and thoughtfulness.”

The evolution of FLAIR itself mirrors the artistic journeys of its members. What began as informal gatherings in members’ casitas has blossomed into a vibrant collective of approximately 24 talented artists. While some longtime members have returned to their families outside Arizona in recent years, the group continuously welcomes new artists drawn by the inspiring local landscape and the promise of creative community.

For Rae, that sense of community emerged through an unexpected encounter.

“Shortly after moving to Anthem, I sought new connections and ways to contribute,” she recalls. “During a golf outing at the Anthem Country Club, where I was assigned to deliver water to participants, I was paired with Linda Smith, a longtime FLAIR member. As we chatted, we discovered our shared passion for art. She told me about the painting group, and the rest, as they say, is history.”

The centerpiece of this year’s exhibition is a hand-painted bench, a collaborative masterpiece that embodies the group’s creative spirit. The project, proposed during October’s meeting by FLAIR Director Deb Manne, elevates the group’s traditional raffle offering from themed gift baskets to a functional piece of art. Rae contributed intricate designs to the bench’s lizard motif, enhancing its texture and visual appeal.

“The bench is a vibrant tapestry of shapes, patterns, colors and textures, all harmonizing to create an exquisite result,” she explains. “It perfectly mirrors the community spirit of our FLAIR group. Each of us brings something unique to the collective, which is the key to our success.”

The collaborative nature of the bench project offered Rae a refreshing counterpoint to her usual solitary creative process. 

“I relish the give-and-take process and find joy in allowing other artists to make decisions that influence the final result,” she says. “It was fascinating to observe how quickly decisions could be made based on gut feelings or intuition — quite a contrast to my typically slow, deliberate process.”

For Rae, who relocated to Arizona after retiring from teaching in Pennsylvania, the desert landscape has become a profound source of inspiration.

“The beauty of the West had captivated me during summer visits to my daughter and her family in Phoenix,” she says. “Despite the intense heat, my passion for the area never faded—or perhaps more accurately, never wilted. Upon retirement, I eagerly anticipated spending winter days basking in the sun rather than hiding from snow, sleet and freezing temperatures back East. Now, after seven years here, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Her artistic journey, however, began long before her Arizona chapter.

“My appreciation for art deepened through art history courses in college, but creativity has always been an integral part of my life,” Rae explains. “Over the years, it has manifested in various forms—from crafting and selling handmade cards to reimagining interiors while flipping homes. The pandemic sparked a renewed interest in painting, which has since evolved into my current passion: mixed media collage.”

Her artistic style, which she describes as a “gritty, grungy aesthetic,” draws directly from Arizona’s rugged environment. Working primarily in mixed media collage, Rae incorporates an eclectic array of materials — vintage papers, dried botanicals, hand-painted monoprints, textiles, fibers, and even wood and metal — into her pieces.

“My art has to be beautiful, though not in the conventional sense of ‘pretty,’” she notes. “Viewers can appreciate my work from afar, taking in the overall composition, but it truly comes alive upon closer inspection. It’s in this intimate viewing that one discovers the myriad small treasures interwoven in unexpected ways, evoking a profound emotional response.”

Her creative process remains highly intuitive and spontaneous.

“While I may begin with a general concept, I remain open to the possibilities that emerge as materials interact,” Rae says. “There’s no set formula for my work; each piece evolves uniquely. I tend to work more slowly than many artists, savoring the natural progression of each creation. You might be familiar with Bob Ross’ concept of ‘happy accidents’ in painting. In my art, these serendipitous moments abound, gently guided toward perfection by an artist’s vision and grateful, creative hands.”

For the Valentine’s weekend show, Rae is preparing a diverse collection showcasing her experimental style, including a large abstract landscape, several smaller landscape pieces and works incorporating unconventional materials from books.

“If time permits, I hope to include some assemblages too,” she adds. “It’s going to be a real sampler of my artistic range!”

The exhibition promises more than just visual delights. Original artwork in oils, acrylics and watercolors will fill the Persimmon Clubhouse, alongside artisan greeting cards perfect for Valentine’s Day giving. Saturday evening features a special chocolate bar event, where visitors can indulge in fruit and other delectable items while mingling with the artists over cocktails from the cash bar.

“What could be more fitting for Valentine’s weekend?” Manne asks. “It’s a departure from our usual charcuterie board and no-host bar, but we wanted to embrace the Valentine’s theme fully — after all, who doesn’t love chocolate?”

The Saturday evening reception runs from 5 to 7 p.m., offering the perfect prelude to Valentine’s weekend dinner plans.

The painted bench will be raffled off Sunday afternoon, offering one lucky winner the chance to own a piece of FLAIR’s collaborative artistry. Raffle tickets will be available throughout the three-day event, with the drawing held Sunday at 2 p.m. The winner need not be present to claim the prize.

“I hope the winner discovers joy in owning the bench and appreciates how all the artistic elements harmonize,” Rae says. “I’m confident that our community spirit will radiate through the piece, becoming evident to everyone who views it.”

FLAIR’s impact extends beyond the exhibition walls.

“Visitors are often pleasantly surprised to discover the wealth of artistic talent residing in Anthem,” Rae observes. “They’re eager to learn more about our artists, our group, and the vibrant artistic culture that thrives not just in Anthem, but throughout the greater Phoenix area. FLAIR members serve as excellent ambassadors for this rich artistic community.”

The group’s weekly Monday meetings at the Anthem Civic Center have become a cornerstone for artistic growth and friendship.

“FLAIR serves as a vibrant forum for artists at all stages of their journey — from novices to seasoned professionals,” Rae explains. “We provide a supportive environment that encourages experimentation, problem-solving, continuous learning, and celebration of our artistic achievements.

“The art show offers a unique opportunity to experience beauty and thought-provoking ideas in an exquisite setting. Viewing artistic creations is always enriching, but it becomes truly magical when you have the chance to meet and converse with the artists themselves. This interaction creates a joyful and enlightening experience for both viewer and creator. Art, at its core, is a shared experience.”

FLAIR is in the Air

Feb. 14–16 // Friday and Saturday Noon–7 p.m. // Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. // Persimmon Clubhouse at Anthem Golf & Country Club // 2708 W. Anthem Club Drive, Anthem // Free