Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Michael Wilson [dropcap]A[/dropcap]s the Arizona air is finally becoming a bit chillier, we are surrounded by colorful lights that signify the holidays are officially upon us. Believe it or not, the use of lights during the Christmas season actually predates the celebration of the holiday itself. Scandinavian and Germanic…
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Wonderspaces [dropcap]M[/dropcap]esplé’s background is a bit different than that of most artists. “I was blacksmithing by the time I was 11 years old,” Mesplé says. “I had my first welder by the time I was 13. At age 14, I began working in a foundry, making huge sculptures…
Writer Shannon Severson Photography Courtesy of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West [dropcap]E[/dropcap]ven if you’ve never heard the name of artist Maynard Dixon (1875-1946), you’ve seen his work. Dixon’s original drawings heavily influenced architect Irving Morrow’s ultimate design of the Golden Gate Bridge. He even chose its distinctive color. In fact, Dixon recommended Morrow…
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Michele Dawson Photography [dropcap]J[/dropcap]ulian Rodriguez estimates that she will go through as many as 18 pairs of ballet shoes this holiday season. The 14-year-old Cactus Shadows High School freshman has been cast as Clara in Legacy Ballet Foundation’s production of “The Nutcracker Suite,” which will take place Nov….
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Sharen Bradford [dropcap]M[/dropcap]any years ago, French-born dance choreographer Jacques Heim was living in an apartment complex in Hollywood. He did not know any of his neighbors until an earthquake shook the area. “Suddenly, the neighbors started sharing food, blankets and water,” Heim recalls. “We finally started creating this…
Writer Amanda Christmann Photography by Carl Schultz [dropcap]A[/dropcap]rtist Paul Pletka is notoriously private. At 73 years old, this renowned American neo-surrealist artist has never been one to demand a spotlight. In fact, he’s seldom even bothered with an interview. Instead, he allows his paintings and drawings of Native American warriors and shamans to speak for…
Writer Amanda Christmann Photography by Doug McNamee [dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a small studio in downtown Los Angeles’ Jewelry District, Aaron Furlong and his father Conrad are perched on benches a few feet apart, rapt in their work. Wearing pale blue aprons and magnification visors, they both hunch over their projects, with only the taps and brushing of…
Writer Shannon Severson Photography Courtesy of Phoenix Art Museum [dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Phoenix Art Museum has big plans to celebrate its 60th Anniversary in grand style. It all starts with the pARTy in the Garden Nov. 2 when long-time supporters Ellen and Howard Katz will be honored. The fall gala will also premiere two major exhibits: Legends…
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Keith Alstrin [dropcap]E[/dropcap]ach time that Amanda Huf designs a Christmas tree, she feels like she is sharing a personal piece of herself. “I am putting myself out there as a tree,” says Huf, who serves as the director of operations for Arizona Home and Holiday. Huf is just…
Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Adrienne McLeod [dropcap]J[/dropcap]ust as the colors of leaves signify the arrival of fall, the pretty plumage of many of our state’s desert birds creates a magnificent mosaic through which we can appreciate autumn in Arizona. Many of these birds blend in with the landscape as a means of protection…