Writer Joseph J. Airdo [dropcap]T[/dropcap]wo decades ago, Beth Ames Swartz had the idea to bring Arizona artists together to develop not only their professional practices but also their bonds with one another. Since then, the group has grown to more than 180 participants who — as informal members of Artists’ Breakfast Club — attend monthly…
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Rob Mains Photography [dropcap]T[/dropcap]he only thing about which North Scottsdale resident Alpio Barbara is more passionate than cars is community. That is why more than three years ago he began organizing Cars and Coffee at Pinnacle Peak — a monthly event that not only brings the community together…
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Booth Communications, Inc. [dropcap]L[/dropcap]ooking back at her past 18 years as executive director of Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, Pam DiPietro believes that she has learned an awful lot just by being around other people. “Learning about other people helps you to move in a direction that…
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Steven Ebright [dropcap]A[/dropcap]rizona transplants often balk at natives who bundle up with jackets, scarves and gloves this time of the year. It is the same sort of thing that happens when people who have lived in the Valley their entire lives express panic at even the lightest rainfall, rushing…
Writer Shannon Severson Photography Courtesy of Amber Standerfer [dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith piercing blue eyes and his skin bronze from long days spent working in the sun, Jim Gath looks like he’s always lived the life of a cowboy. As the founder of Tierra Madre Horse and Human Sanctuary in Cave Creek, he has found his life’s purpose…
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Carl Schultz [dropcap]A[/dropcap]nne Johnson admits that when she started her career in libraries 13 years ago, she did not truly grasp the significance and complexity of the institutions. “When people think of libraries, they immediately think of books,” Johnson says. “When I first started in this business, that was…
Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Submitted by Cathy Hegman [dropcap]B[/dropcap]rushes, palette knives and stories left untold beckon Cathy Hegman into her studio. Holding a paint-splattered palette and a wash brush, she stands before a blank canvas, listening to its whispers as blended layers of pigments begin to fill the space. Her studio becomes a creative kitchen…
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Mike Spinelli Photography [dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen Travis and Tyler Ringe were in fifth grade, the brothers embarked on their first business venture together — selling odd knickknacks that they had gotten from Oriental Trading Company to their classmates. “Our father taught us to be entrepreneurs at a very young age,”…
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Craig Miller [dropcap]T[/dropcap]here have been countless stories over the years about the various animals that have stepped into reindeer’s shoes — or should I say hooves — when the seasonally iconic creatures have been unavailable to lead Santa’s sleigh. The Grinch had his loyal dog Max begrudgingly help him…
Writer Shannon Severson Photography by Steven Thompson [dropcap]T[/dropcap]hroughout his life, architect Mark Tate has worked with individuals who have inspired and influenced him. The Oklahoma native and father of nine is the rare combination of artist and engineer. He has allowed every experience to propel him to the next adventure. Just prior to the COVID-19…