Over two millennia ago, Aristotle opined that art imitates life. It took more than 2,200 years of human pondering before Oscar Wilde countered his theory, saying that it is life that does the imitating. Art, he said, provides the language we need to appreciate life, and without it, that appreciation would not exist.
Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Courtesy of Goldenstein Gallery [dropcap]A[/dropcap]s I approached the front door of Adele Seronde’s Pine Valley home near Sedona, I couldn’t help but feel a bit of excitement and awe. Adele’s reputation preceded our meeting. Years prior at a retreat, she was hailed as an example of an archetypal crone—not the thin,…
Way out east on Cave Creek Road, long past the manicured homes of the town it’s named for, is the wild of open desert that has lured artists and dreamers for half a century or so. Though it is still within city limits, the surrounding silent hush of Tonto National Forest’s three million acres of open space lends itself to a tranquil energy different from the buzz of the nearby towns.
Writer Amanda Christmann Photographer Saija Lehtonen [dropcap]I[/dropcap]f we ever were to forget exactly why we chose to live in the desert Southwest, all we need to do is look up. Every morning and evening, no matter if it’s in the dead of summer or the glory of Arizona winter, we’re treated to the kind…
Writer Amanda Christmann [dropcap]T[/dropcap]he heat is on, and so is the fun at Independence Day festivals around the Valley. Indoors and out, there’s no better place to share salutes and smiles than Phoenix! Here are just a few of the celebrations to choose from this year: June 29–July 4 Scottsdale Princess Star-Spangled Spectacular Kick off…
Writer Amanda Christmann Photographer Loralei Lazurek [dropcap]I[/dropcap]n the early 19th century, Horace Mann launched the public school movement, advocating for, and eventually winning, educational opportunities for all Americans as universal right. Like many of his successors, Mann believed that education should be approached holistically, and include not only reading, writing and arithmetic, but also fine…
The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce honored the annual Celebration of Excellence Award recipients for 2017 to spotlight outstanding members of the chamber. This year’s ceremony took place at Venues Café in Carefree.
Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly [dropcap]C[/dropcap]rostatas (or gallettes, as some people call them) are a great alternative to pie, and much easier to throw together in a pinch! This is the perfect summer dessert, packed full of antioxidants. Thyme is optional, as it is a stronger flavor. If making pie dough isn’t your thing, a…
Writer Lynette Carrington Food Photography by Debby Wolvos Resort Photography by David B. Moore [dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Hermosa Inn has been a cherished boutique hotel in Paradise Valley for decades. Its signature AAA Four Diamond restaurant, LON’s at the Hermosa Inn, is also part of the property’s luxurious appeal. What Arizona residents and visitors may not know…