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 Sue Kern-Fleischer Photography Courtesy of Jane Boggs [dropcap]T[/dropcap]he four seasons of Arizona sometimes blend together, but there is a fifth season that starts right around now: art season. For the past 26 years, the award-winning Thunderbird Artists has been kicking off the arts season with its Fall Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival, a…
Writer Sue Kern-Fleischer Photography courtesy of Sue Hunter. [dropcap]T[/dropcap]here’s no predicting what Sue Hunter will paint next—and that’s exactly how the talented artist likes it. Lately, she has devoted much of her time to creating whimsical mixed media collage paintings, but her diverse works include traditional oil paintings, acrylic non-objective paintings (abstract), impressionistic watercolors, and…
Writer Susan Kern-Fleischer Photography Courtesy of Sandy Pendleton and Nancy Pendleton [dropcap]S[/dropcap]ome sisters share clothes, and other sisters share recipes. Sandy and Nancy Pendleton share a passion for creating beautiful art, both independently and together. Sandy, a glass artist, and Nancy, a mixed-media painter, are two of 199 artists participating in the 23rd Annual Hidden…