Writer Susan Kern-FleischerPhotography Courtesy of Sonoran Arts League [dropcap]T[/dropcap]hey are eight artists with very different styles and strong opinions about what defines fine art. So, getting together to work on a collaborative project seemed like a crazy idea at first. But with the silver anniversary of the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour approaching,…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography by Michele Celentano [dropcap]E[/dropcap]arlier in her life, Sierra Litman used to turn her garage into a haunted house for Halloween. She invited neighbors to walk through the small space but, feeling cramped and therefore limited, she aspired to create something spooky on a much grander scale. She gets the opportunity to…
Writer Shannon SeversonPhotography Courtesy of Bravada Yachts, Arizona Game and Fish Department and Mark Laverman [dropcap]W[/dropcap]ater is healing. It hydrates, cleanses, and soothes the body, mind and spirit. Here in the desert, the presence of water is especially welcome and our Valley is fortunate to have lakes overflowing with active options for the whole family…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Arizona Game and Fish Department [dropcap]A[/dropcap]rizona is currently home to 35 native species of fish — 34 of which have been identified as species of greatest conservation need in our state and 20 of which have been federally listed as threatened or endangered. Although these incredible creatures have adapted…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography by Nate Decker [dropcap]T[/dropcap]his Sept. 11 marks the 20th anniversary of one of the most horrific events in United States’ history. “Many of us swore an oath on that day we would never forget what was done to our nation; but more importantly, we would never forget those who gave their…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Tender Little Hearts [dropcap]I[/dropcap]t is nearly impossible for McDowell Sonoran Conservancy steward Terry Holmes-Stecyk to travel very far along the McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s trails with her miniature horses — much less exit a library elevator — without being bombarded by questions and cameras. After all, as if her pint-sized…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Scottsdale Public Library [dropcap]A[/dropcap]nywhere you look around Arizona, horses play a very important role. They are a cowboy’s best friend, an outdoor enthusiast’s favorite form of transportation and an entire population’s primary symbol of simpler times. Horses have become synonymous with our state’s Western heritage. This is especially true…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography by Ann von Pentz [dropcap]H[/dropcap]orses have long been universal symbols of freedom without restraint. Way back in the days of the Wild West, riding a horse made a person feel as though they could free themselves from their own bindings. Therefore, it is only natural that horses are also linked as…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Phoenix Art Museum [dropcap]A[/dropcap]s Arizona’s temperatures begin to hit their 2021 peak, you have undoubtedly already reached for that swimsuit and taken a dip in a pool, lake or creek. If you are a woman, the chances of that swimsuit being a bikini may be somewhat high. But what…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Scottsdale Arts [dropcap]W[/dropcap]hile studying the art on display in the Center Space Gallery at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts during Scottsdale Arts’ Visions ‘21 exhibition, one can clearly see the paramount proficiency with which each piece was created. Delicate details collide with shocking ingenuity, resulting in works that…