Writer Taylor Transtrum Photography Courtesy of Phoenix Art Museum and designer Anamika Khanna [dropcap]I[/dropcap]ndia has always held a special place in Helen Jean’s heart. “A love of this region has long been a professional curiosity of mine,” says Jean, Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion Design at Phoenix Art Museum. “When I was approached by the…
Writer Joseph J. Airdo [dropcap]E[/dropcap]mmy Award-winning filmmaker Kirstin Atwell Ford has been making movies for more than 25 years. However, the Arizona native believes that working on her latest project—a documentary about the unprecedented collaboration between three American masters—has been the most transformative experience of her career. “Riders of the Purple Sage: The Making of…
Writer Sue Kern-Fleischer Photography Courtesy of Arizona Fine Art EXPO [dropcap]H[/dropcap]e’s a cowboy at heart on an adventure full of imagination, ranging from dragons and stormtroopers to Hollywood icons, wildlife and western heroes. He’s been a big draw at Comicon, but he also has a strong following of western art collectors. He draws, paints and…
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…
No one could have predicted it 133 years ago, but Payson Pro Rodeo has since become the world’s oldest continuous rodeo. Not that it would have made any difference to its earliest contestants. The cowboys and ranch hands took pride in their skills and horses, and saw the rodeo as their chance to strut their stuff in the town square. It was how they had fun in the gap between spring and fall roundups at the ranch, and the entire town joined them.
It’s a bit off the beaten path, but a trip to Curt Mattson’s studio 9 during the 20th annual Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour and Sale is well worth it, especially if you love the explosive action of buckaroos and the lore and grandeur of the West.