ARTSource Volume Nine - Verde Valley Accent

VERDE VALLEY
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Sedona and the Valley of Light
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HONORING THE CREATIVE • ARTSOURCE VOLUME NINE
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
Verde Valley Accent is Volume 9 in the ARTSource
Magazine series, and what a joy it has been to put
this issue together. Though I’m not a salesperson,
I’ve stepped into that role for this edition, and it
has been ever-so-informative. I’ve met some really
wonderful people throughout the region and forged
new friendships in the process.
One joyous task has been asking people far and
wide to describe the boundaries of the Verde Valley.
Many differing definitions are in the air – so I’m
taking the simple approach. If rainwater on its slopes
flows to the Verde River, it’s part of the Verde Valley.
This straightforward definition gives shape to a
remarkably diverse and expansive map. From Oak
Creek Canyon to the southern confluence of Clear
Creek and the Verde River, from the walls of the
Colorado Plateau to the east-facing slopes of the
Black Hills — this is all the Verde Valley.
Communities such as Sedona, the Village of Oak
Creek, Jerome, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Page Springs,
Verde Village, Cornville, and Camp Verde all lie within
this designated valley. Each contributes meaningfully
to the region’s unique character and vibrant culture.
SPECTRUMS
Rainbows at The Fin
in Sedona beautify our
cover, and again the
broad mid-day rainbow
atop these pages
appeared to stretch
from Immaculate
Conception church in
Cottonwood all the
way to that same iconic
monument at the base
of Wilson Mountain
known as The Fin.
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Sedona and the Valley of Light
And what magnificent natural wonders and
ecological provinces are discoverable here! The
region’s geography, topography, geology, botany,
wildlife, and history abound in richness. Although
I’ve lived here for fifteen years, I am continually
renewed by its beauty and diversity.
Greg Lawson
Barbara Santangela
Kristina Gabrielle
Publisher
Editor
Art Director
As our readers know, our purpose is to amplify the
voices of creative individuals and to spotlight the
hidden gems within the regions we feature. While
we’ve produced statewide editions of ARTSource, and
even one national issue, it is exultantly delightful to
return our attentions to this incomparable valley of
red earth, blue sky, flowing water, enticing verdant
shades, and the myriad creatives who call Sedona
and the Verde Valley home.
With appreciation,
Greg Lawson
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Published by ARTSource Media
Post Office Box 72
Sedona, AZ 86339
ARTSource Volume Nine – Verde Valley Accent
Design elements: Erick Hale Agency and Nadezda Skocajic
Contributing writers: Greg Lawson, Erick Hale, Ramona Denver, Coddington, Barbara Santangela
Printed in USA
ArtSourceMedia.com
ARTSource Magazines are published annually.
Copyright © 2018-2026 ARTSource Media. All world rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system or used as a model
for any type of reproduction, in any medium, by any means without the publisher’s prior
written permission. The publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.

CONTENTS
6 Canyon Culture: The Briar Patch Inn
12 Christel Veraart: Music, Memory, and an Argentine Muse
14 Setting the Tone: Pink Jeep’s Sixty-Five Years of
Adventure Tours
18 Sip, Celebrate, Connect: The Spirit of D.A. Ranch
Estate Vineyards
22 The Arizona Copper Art Museum: Celebrating the
Copper Seduction
32 En Pointe: Winifred Muench and the Art of the Possible
38 Gayle’s Chocolates
41 Corey Turnbull: Master Winemaker
42 Colpitts & Colpitts: Of Pigment & Clay
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48 Lydia Gatzow: Windows to the Wilderness
53 Scene & Heard: The Sedona International Film Festival
54 Gerardo’s Pizzeria: Tradition Meets Innovation
56 Legends in the Landscape: Sedona’s Cinematic Legacy
61 Nate Meyers: Director of Sedona Heritage Museum
62 Dev Ross & Shondra Jepperson: Bringing Stories to Life
68 Christine DeSpain: Beyond the Lines
72 Verde Vis
78 Master Class: The Artists Consortium
80 Rachel Tucker: Out of Mystery
84 Tracy Weisel: Glassmith & Potter
87 Yavapai College: A Vibrant Cultural Hub
88 Barbara Ragalyi: Energies Made Visible
92 Gregg Howison: Crafted in Stone, Painted in Light
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94 Eagle Dancer: Private Luxury Estate
96 Jamie & Rick Inglett: Rock Stars
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250 Hull Avenue • Jerome, AZ 86331
RakuGallery.com • 928-639-0239
“The Day After” by Al Clymer
RAKU
Jerome’s Must-Visit Gallery Featuring
Fine Art
200 Artists & Expansive Verde Valley Views
With a history reaching back to the
previous century, Raku Gallery in Jerome
is one of the original art galleries in the
region. The name itself was selected for its
relationship to the elegant form of pottery
produced for nearly a thousand years by
traditional Japanese artisans. The word
raku has an etymological association with
comfort and relaxation with references to
the unpredictable and serendipitous nature
of the creative process. Meaningfully, raku
pottery is often the choice for Japanese
tea ceremonies. Sadia Victor is the current
gallerist at Raku Gallery and she maintains
the space following in the traditions of its
history, representing the work of some 200
artists, with 80% of these being regional
producers. Collectible and wearable art,
ranging from jewelry and wall décor to
garden pieces can be found at this unique
Jerome destination featuring the work
many known artists. Visit Raku Gallery at
250 Hull Avenue in Jerome and online at
RakuGallery.com. 4
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Navajo ❂ Zuni ❂ Hopi ❂ Santo Domingo ❂ Apache
NATIVE JEWELRY OF SEDONA
276 N SR 89A, Suite F1 | NativeJewelryGallery.com | 602-421-5858
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Canyon
Culture
The BRIAR
PATCH Inn
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If we’re quiet — and if we want to — we may be able to
hear the canyon itself whisper among the soft melodies of
birdsong, weaving through the trickling sounds produced
by disgorging springs and flowing creeks. We can sense
the historic currents of Native peoples and the diverse
patterns of coexisting life forms, from small to great, found
in abundance along this narrow slice of earthen paradise
known today as Oak Creek Canyon.
In 1983, a creative and appreciative family came upon this
canyon and had the same reaction that many of us have
today. The Olson family found a way to acquire a slice of it
and transform it into a natural sanctuary of scattered cabins
nestled in forested tranquility.
This small plot of wondrous natural realities has been
lovingly transformed from its original, mostly summer
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JoAnn Olson,
Founder
cabins for city dwellers into an
unpretentious, year-round inn
that draws your attention to the
very nature you came to this
canyon to enjoy.
JoAnn Olson, along with her
son, Rob, are the considerate
and hospitable owner-managers
of the delightful creekside retreat
known as the Briar Patch Inn.
JoAnn recalls being deeply
motivated to develop the property into
something meaningful and beneficial.
“Goodness,” she says, is what she
wanted the property to deliver to its
guests from the very beginning. And
goodness — in the form of natural
beauty and human kindness — is
exactly what they receive.
Kindness is a quality that JoAnn values
and strives to emulate. It took several
years, back in the 1980s, to gently
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relocate the former occupants
during the transition to a public
inn. She fondly recalls that some
of the drawer pulls in the cabins
were handmade from local
wood by a skilled woodworking
craftsman who was passing
through and looking for work —
work she kindly provided.
JoAnn Olson is an active,
positive, and practical woman
whose vibrant persona belies the
fact that she was born in 1928.
Her family came to Arizona from
the Pacific Northwest in the
early 1960s. Over the years, she
has been a rancher, a weaving
studio artist and shop owner, an
author, an interior designer for
her cabins, a loving mother and
a caring wife to her husband,
Ike, who suffered from multiple
sclerosis and was confined to a
wheelchair before the age of fifty.
She has a pleasant and
confident demeanor that reflects
in everything she touches. She
speaks appreciatively of the staff
who help run the Briar Patch
Inn and notes with pride that
some have worked alongside her
and Rob for several decades.
The Olsons can rightly be
proud of their reputation for
offering the “goodness” that
JoAnn holds dear.
Briar Patch Inn is a happy
choice for people seeking peace
and tranquility in the arms of
nature. My own family once
stayed there for an anniversary
celebration, and we were greeted
by a deer at check-in. As we
wandered beneath the verdant
canopy, immersed in sights and
sounds that echoed our deepest
roots, we were eloquently
reminded of the natural
richness of life itself.
I can speak for many when I
say: Thank you, JoAnn and Rob,
for holding on to The Patch and
maintaining its historic ambiance
and vital link to goodness. And
thank you to each member of the
Briar Patch family for helping so
many to slow down and accept your
invitation to nurture a relationship
with nature.
Learn more about the Briar Patch
Inn at BriarPatchInn.com. 4
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CHRISTEL
VERAART
Music, Memory,
and an Argentine Muse
A
library of information cannot be
contained on a single page — and
neither can the depth of accomplishments
attained by Christel Veraart. She is an
accomplished author, composer, musician,
singer, producer, creative director, filmmaker,
and graphic artist. Her personal history
is international in scope, with time spent
in her native Europe, North and South
America, Australia, and the Indonesian
archipelago. Diverse experiences have
shaped a tapestry of talents uniquely
textured by global immersion.
Since she and her husband Steve arrived in
the Sedona area five years ago, Christel has
enriched and elevated the local arts scene
in multiple ways. Consider this thumbnail of
recent highlights:
Christel recently concluded a dynamic
collaboration with Winifred Muench of
Sedona Ballet, making significant creative
contributions to the 2025 Choreography
Retreat held in Sedona.
Santa Fe & Esmeralda is the title of a
recently completed book authored by
Veraart, inspired by a personal experience
at the intersection of two streets — Santa
Fe and Esmeralda — in Buenos Aires,
Argentina.
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From this literary work comes Santa Fe & Esmeralda
– Nostalgia, , a short film based on one of the book’s
chapters. This film is part of a five-part cinematic
vignette series exploring the deep and enduring
friendship between Kita, a young Dutch woman, and
Lorenzo, the gay son of a prominent Argentine family.
Set against Argentina’s transition to democracy and
the vibrant art scene from 1987 to 1996, the vignettes
tell a moving story of love, loss, and legacy. Through
these films, their evolving relationship unfolds in a
world shaped by political change, family expectations,
and the devastating impact of AIDS. United by their
love for music, the two navigate personal and societal
complexities, with Kita ultimately becoming Lorenzo’s
caregiver. After his passing, she preserves his memory
through storytelling — honoring a friendship and love
that transcend boundaries and time.
Other titles in the series include:
• Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads
• Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Oblivion
• Santa Fe & Esmeralda – The Little Prince
• Santa Fe & Esmeralda – El Alazán
The first vignette in the series, Santa Fe & Esmeralda
– Crossroads, , is currently making its way through
international film festivals. As of this writing, it has
already received awards and accolades in London,
Toronto, and Austin.
In a related work, Christel recently released the album
Nostalgia – Reflections on Argentina, , which features
her original compositions alongside works by Astor
Piazzolla, Atahualpa Yupanqui, and María Elena Walsh.
Another exciting release coming later this year is
Sacred Arias, , where Christel Veraart reimagines timeless
classics with her distinctive vocals and innovative
arrangements.
For a personal introduction to this impactful Verde
Valley artist, visit ChristelVeraart.com. 4
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Pink Jeep’s Sixty-Five Years of
Adventure Tours in Sedona
1940s-era vehicle originally used for “general purpose” in the U.S. Army eventually
A became a beloved symbol for a very purposeful pastime: exploration.
Branded as “Jeep” in its infancy, the vehicle matured into an off-road staple due to its high
ground clearance, simple operational design, and four-wheel-drive capability — features
that allowed it to navigate terrain that would likely overwhelm or terrorize a standard
sedan.
Setting the Tone
By the 1960s, the Jeep had already earned recognition in the Sedona tourism scene, but it
was time for a fashionable upgrade.
After visiting the famously pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel on the island of Oahu, Don Pratt,
owner of a Jeep-based tour company in Sedona, was inspired to introduce a bold
tone-on-tone color variation for his red rock tours — and the now-famous Pink Jeep
Tours brand was born.
Following decades of acquisitions and expansions across the U.S., the company remains
true to its original mission: to mindfully explore some of the most extraordinary landscapes
on the planet. Don Pratt’s early partnership with the U.S. Forest Service endures,
and Pink Jeep continues to maintain many of the Sedona trails he once tended.
Key Milestones
• 1960: Founded by Don Pratt
• 1988: Purchased by Shawn Wendell
• 1995: Acquired Sedona-based Time Expedition Tours
• 1996: Acquired Sedona Adventure Tours
• 2001: Opened operation in Las Vegas, NV
• 2012: Opened Grand Canyon (Tusayan, AZ) operation
• 2018: Acquired by Herschend Enterprises
• 2019: Opened Smoky Mountains (Pigeon Forge, TN) operation
• 2022: Opened Branson, MO operation
Over the years, the shade of pink on the Jeeps has evolved, and so has the company’s
connection to it. It’s a color that refuses to blend in, which suits Pink Jeep perfectly.
The company is determined to be a positive presence. They want you to see them doing
good — hoping it might inspire you to do the same. Pink Adventure Tours encourages
everyone to make each visit to nature count: to be a good steward, tread lightly, and leave
no trace.
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From its Sedona location alone, Pink Adventure Tours offers more than fifteen different
tours, covering iconic local red rock destinations as well as the Grand Canyon and
Antelope Canyon areas. Discover more at PinkJeep.com. 4

EXPLORING
SEDONA
FOR 65 YEARS
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PinkJeep.com | (800) 873-3662 | 204 N State Rte 89A Tours depart from Uptown Sedona
PinkJeep.com | (800) 873-3662 | 204 N State Rte 89A Tours depart from Uptown Sedona
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Sip, Celebrate, Connect
The Spirit of D.A. Ranch Estate Vineyards
Tucked away in the lush landscape
of Arizona’s Verde Valley — just a
scenic drive from Sedona — lies a
vineyard where time seems to slow
and connection takes center stage. At
D.A. Ranch Estate Vineyards, rustic
soul meets boutique sophistication,
creating a wine-country experience
that feels more like a treasured secret
than a stop on the map.
Surrounded by towering
cottonwoods, majestic artesian
springs, and a rustic log Tasting
Room, the vineyard unfolds like a
storybook. Panoramic views stretch
across estate-grown vines, while the
air hums with live music, clinking
glasses, and the unmistakable
sense that you’ve stumbled upon
somewhere special.
But D.A. Ranch isn’t just about
scenery — it’s about soul.
“We’re intentional
about creating a space
that’s both elevated and
approachable,” says Lexie
Petznick, CEO of D.A.
Ranch. “Whether it’s a
wedding, a tasting, or
simply a slow afternoon
under the trees, we
want guests to feel truly
connected — to the wine,
the land, and each other.”
Estate Tastings &
Immersive Tours
In the cozy, recently remodeled tasting
room or shaded groves outdoors,
guests savor small-batch wines crafted
exclusively from grapes grown on-site.
Every pour is a reflection of the region’s
terroir and the family’s commitment to
sustainability and artistry.
Curious about the magic in each bottle?
D.A. Ranch offers guided walking tours
through the vineyards (by appointment),
providing a glimpse into the grapegrowing
process and ranch history.
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Events that Celebrate Art,
Music & Community
The calendar at the vineyard is rich with immersive experiences.
From the Verde Valley Pottery Festival at D.A.Ranch, a celebration
of ceramics and local art every November, to SIP!, the vineyard’s
signature wine and music gathering in April, every event is
thoughtfully designed to bring people together.
“SIP! was born from our love for this land and the joy of shared
experiences,” says Dylan Jung, events manager. “We’re not just serving
wine — we’re creating moments that linger long after the last glass.”
Weddings Among the Vines
For couples seeking a romantic, down-to-earth venue, D.A. Ranch
offers one of the region’s most picturesque wedding backdrops.
Ceremonies unfold amid the vines, while receptions sparkle under
string lights and Arizona stars.
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The Arizona Wine Club
by D.A. Ranch
Whether you’re a seasoned wine-lover or
simply someone who knows a great glass
when you taste one, this new wine club
is your golden ticket to D.A. Ranch’s
small-batch magic. It’s an intimate, twicea-year
experience that lets you sip straight
from the source—no passport or plane
ticket required.
But make no mistake: this isn’t your average
wine club. With three membership tiers
— The Homestead, The Ranch, and The
Estate — members can expect carefully
curated selections of estate-grown wines,
including rare vintages and coveted Reserve
labels. Expect perks like complimentary
tastings, private event access, and early
invitations to some of the most down-toearth-yet-elevated
gatherings in the Arizona
wine scene.
D.A. Ranch isn’t just a destination — it’s a
discovery. A place where conversations flow
like wine, music drifts through the trees,
and each visit feels like coming home. 4
Plan your visit, schedule a tour,
or discover upcoming events at
daranch.com.
The vineyard is located at:
1900 Dancing Apache Rd,
Cornville, AZ 86325
You can also follow D.A. Ranch on
social @daranch_vineyards and
@daranch_weddings for event updates.
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THE
ARIZONA
COPPER
ART
MUSEUM
22 ARTSOURCE ACCENTAmerica

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C
Celebrating the
opper Seduction
When it comes to metals, copper holds
an elevated and noble position among
craftspeople, within the arts, and industry.
For those concerned with its practical utility,
copper is highly valuable. But for those who
appreciate its warm brilliance and elegant
aesthetic qualities, it is truly invaluable and
cherished.
Demand for copper arises from its many
uses, ranging from the humble penny to the
sculpted elegance of statues worldwide —
such as the Statue of Liberty in New York
and the giant Buddhas of Asia.
While escaping inclusion in the precious
metals list produced by metallurgists, it is
certainly considered precious by artisans,
craftspeople, and professionals in industries
where electrical conductivity is essential. In
many ways, it is a “precious metal.”
Many people trace their passion for
meaningful work back to their youthful
experiences, and this was certainly true
for Drake Meinke, the developer, curator,
and director of The Arizona Copper Art
Museum in Clarkdale of the Verde Valley.
“My mother was an antique salesperson and
regularly attended antique shows around
the country,” says Drake. She also spent
considerable time buying copper for resale in
Europe, the home of many antiquities. These
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The Kitchenware Collection consisits of cookware that was used in
open fires, fireplaces, wood or coal stoves, and gas or electric
ranges. Copper is the preferred choice of chefs due to its ability to
cook quickly, has uniform heating capabilities, and lovely color.
The Drinkware Collection
reveals vessels in which beer,
wine, water, and other liquids
were stored and served from.
The Distillery & Winery
Collection ehhibits stills
and tools used for harvesting and
making wine, beer, cognac, and other spirits.
experiences sparked both her personal interest and her business
acquisitions. “When I was only five, my mother had me polishing
her copper collections,” Drake recalls with a smile. “It wasn’t long
before I started my own collection.”
Over the years, both collections grew into thousands of pieces, and
Drake’s love and appreciation for the romance of copper deepened.
The seed for a museum was planted years ago when the family
recognized the potential for sharing their vast collection with
others who might relish an in-depth look at copper too. In the
early 21st century, Drake embarked on a search for a location
to house the collection. Though the Meinke family was living in
Minnesota at the time, and the nearby state of Michigan was
historically a major source of copper mining, they were motivated
to conduct a more thorough national search of worthy sites.
They soon became intrigued by a place out West that identified
itself as “The Copper State” — Arizona. It quickly moved to the
top of their list of places deserving a closer look!
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Drake wended his way through the West,
considering sites in California and Montana,
among others. But it was “The Copper
State” that captivated him, and he eventually
discovered the historic,
copper-clad mining
town of Jerome.
Just down the
hill from Jerome
is Clarkdale, a
small community
on the banks of
the Verde River
that was originally
built to house
those associated
with the mining
operations in Jerome. The
town was named after William
A. Clark, a mining engineer and
magnate linked to the operation.
According to the City of Clarkdale’s website,
the town was founded in 1912. “Clarkdale
is renowned as the first master-planned
community in the State of Arizona,” it states.
“Originally a ‘company town,’ Clarkdale was
founded by the United Verde Copper Company
to provide housing and services for employees
of its copper smelter. The extensive smelter
complex, located near the Verde River,
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processed copper ore brought down from the mines in
Jerome from 1913 to 1953.
“Unlike other company towns of the period that grew
haphazardly, Clarkdale was designed and built from a
unified master plan. The main town site, located on a ridge
overlooking the industrial smelter complex, was developed
with residential homes (including upper and lower-income
housing), a commercial area, an administrative center, schools,
recreational facilities, parks, and cultural amenities.”
The Historical Information Collection
explores copper’s history, locations, affinities,
mysteries, and how copper and its ore were used
for a variety of purposes.
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Drake, an architecture enthusiast, was admiring the Spanish
Colonial Revival style in old Clarkdale as he passed through
on his way to a motel in nearby Cottonwood for the evening.
Then he saw it — a handsome structure with a big “For Sale”

The Art & Architecture Collection with Religious Art and Architecture Room
reveals human expression and the application of creative skill and
imagination through the use of copper and its alloys.
Copper and its alloy, bronze, have been commonly used in art since
the ancient Egyptians. Copper has been used for molding work,
bronze for statuary, and brass for casting.
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Military Art Collection (Trench Art) reveals individual creativity by
those in the military upon expended brass artillery shell casings and other
materials. While soldiers were in-between battles, many designs were
thought of and created as souvenirs for loved ones.
sign in the window. This was one of
those treasured epiphany moments!
He was gazing admiringly at the former
Clarkdale High School, and suddenly,
it hit him: “This building could be the
perfect site for our museum!”
After about nine months of
consideration and negotiation, the
building was purchased in 2002. By
2004, Drake and his family moved in
and began turning their dream into
reality. Over the next several years
of dedicated work and committed
preparation, the museum was officially
opened in 2012, coinciding with both
the town of Clarkdale’s and the State
of Arizona’s centennial celebrations.
Visitors to the Arizona Copper Art
Museum can now explore a massive
collection of over 6,000 copper works
of art and architecture, primarily
from Western Europe and North
America. Themed exhibits at the
museum include Copper History,
Art & Architecture with a Religious
Art room, Kitchenware, Drinkware,
Distillery and Winery, and Military
Trench Art collections.
Like any great love story, this one
continues to evolve. Expansion is
underway across the street, where
the Arizona Copper Art Museum is
creating an annex in the former town
grocery store revealing wonders
worthy of the wait. A new retail site
and pieces so large they couldn’t fit
into the current space are only a
couple of the elements in store for
tomorrow. This wonderful expansion
project has already been awarded
a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile’s
Hometown Grant Program for 2025.
The Meinke family also operates
three visitation and retail sites in
Jerome, and Cottonwood, with two
of these focusing on the precious
metal. Find them all on the map on
page 31. 4
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En Pointe
Winifred Muench
and the ART of the Possible
Delightful, accomplished, and sophisticated, Winifred Muench aims
for excellence. She has brought elegance to Sedona and the entire
Verde Valley through her generous spirit and tireless dedication to
enrich the community.
Thanks to Winnie’s consistent outreach, Sedona has enjoyed professional
performances of The Nutcracker ballet for over a decade. Now, in 2025
something new and exciting has been brought to town. Let’s meet our
extraordinary benefactor.
Winnie was raised in New Jersey and her life was shaped in the
metropolitan New York City area. Her father, a professor of music and
an accomplished musician, guided her not toward music or dance, but in
the direction of business administration — a path she followed diligently
as she climbed the rungs of the corporate ladder. Following an abrupt
change in her life, she set off sailing the seven seas with her new husband
on their sailboat, which they appropriately named the SV Grand Jeté.
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The Nutcracker. Photo by BMC Images.

SEDONA BALLET celebrates the art of dance
through world class ballet performances,
community programs, and dance education.
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After ten adventurous years at sea, the couple decided to trade their deck
shoes for dry soil. While living in Malta, they read a newspaper article that
introduced them to Sedona. Their curiosity led them to visit, and soon
after they bought a home in the land of enchanted red rocks.
With her background in both music and business, Winnie immediately
turned her attention to the local arts scene and became the sponsor of
an idea to benefit the community and its children. She took note of the
lack of professional dance opportunities and envisioned a way to fill that
gap — by bringing world-class ballet to Sedona and creating role models
for local youth. From this vision, Sedona Ballet was born — a
small rural company brimming with hopes,
dreams, and aspirations. Sedona Ballet’s
evolution continues to keep Winnie Muench
on her toes and center stage.
To realize her vision, Winnie reached out
to performance players on a global scale
and began hosting professional productions
Tchaikovsky's
The Nutcracker performed at
Sedona Performing Arts Center.
Photos by BMC Images.
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SEDONA
CHAMBER BALLET
presents
EXPERIMENTAL/DANCE/
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Best
Sound & Music
Toronto
2024
MEROPE
A FILM BY JUAN CARLOS ZALDIVAR
MUSIC DANCE
FESTIVAL CONSONANCE
Best
Dance Film
Tblisi
2024
CLIMAX FILM FESTIVAL
Semi Finalist
Best Dance
or Poetic Film
Madrid
2025
10TH MUSIC FILM FESTIVAL
Best Film
Soundtrack
Los Angeles
2023
Cinescape
Nominee
Best Dance
or Poetic
Lisbon
2024
Cannes World
Film Festival
Nominee
Best Dance Film
Cannes
2024
WORLD FILM FESTIVAL
Best Composer
of the Future
Cannes
2024
Oniros
Film Awards
New York
Finalist
Best Soundtrack
New York
2024
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL
FILM AWARDS
Best Dance
Choreography
New York
2024
New York International
Film Awards
Finalist
Best Soundtrack
New York
2024
every year in Sedona. Notably, she introduced
performances of one of ballet’s most beloved and
enduring works: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
ONIROS FILM AWARDS
Best
POSTER
New York
2024
J O R D A N
P E L L I T E R I
A M Y
E R N S T
C H R I S T E L
V E R A A R T
“Our success was only possible thanks to
Phoenix Ballet’s Slawomir Wozniak, Artistic
Director, and Irena Wozniak, Ballet Mistress,”
Winnie explains. “Their
combined artistic
vision, breathtaking
choreography, awardwinning
masterteaching,
and lifelong
passion for the ballet,
plus a commitment to
share this level of dance
in our community with
The Nutcracker for five
years have afforded
Sedona and Northern
Arizona audiences access to magnificent live
dance productions,” she enthusiastically
acknowledges.
Now, in 2025, Winnie has orchestrated a
new and significant achievement in what
she calls “the art of the possible.” Through a
series of visionary collaborations, she hosted a
professional choreography retreat in Sedona that
included open rehearsals for the public to enrich
S E D O N A C H A M B E R B A L L E T P R E S E N T S : " M E R O P E , " A F I L M B Y J U A N C A R L O S Z A L D I V A R
M U S I C & N A R R A T I O N B Y C H R I S T E L V E R A A R T , D A N C E & C H O R E O G R A P H Y B Y J O R D A N P E L L I T E R I
A S S O C I A T E P R O D U C E R & D A N C E D I R E C T O R : R A C H E L C A H A Y L A - W Y N N E , D I R E C T O R O F P H O T O G R A P H Y : L E V I H O L I M A N
S O U N D E N G I N E E R S : P E T E R R A T N E R & D A V E K A L B E R G , V I S U A L A R T B Y A M Y E R N S T , S T I L L P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y J A M E S P E T E R S O N
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y G L E N N G R A Y S O N , P O E T R Y B Y N I K I T A G I L L & H E R M A N N H E S S E , P L A N E T A R Y G E O L O G I S T : S T E V E N W I L L I A M S
G R A P H I C D E S I G N B Y C H R I S T E L V E R A A R T , R E D R O C K & D A N C E R I M A G E S - C O U R T E S Y J A M E S P E T E R S O N , C A T E R I N G B Y G E E R T B O O N K
P R O D U C E D B Y W I N I F R E D M U E N C H , C H R I S T E L V E R A A R T & J U A N C A R L O S Z A L D I V A R
MEROPE, filmed in
Sedona, is a multi-
award-winning
short film directed
by Juan Carlos
Zaldivar, produced
by Winifred
Muench and
Christel Veraart,
featuring choreographer
Jordan
Pelliteri. Photos by
Jim Peterson.
© 2023 sedonaballet.org / reflectionsfestival.org
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35

the lives of people young and old interested in dance education and
its pursuit.
This exciting development is the result of a passionate collaboration with
Ballet Arizona, the state’s premier ballet company. Its Creative Director,
Daniella Cardim, has embraced Winnie’s vision, aligning the company’s
resources to help infuse it with life. One of the first results of this
collaboration was the ten-day Sedona Choreography Retreat in the month
of June at Sedona Performing Arts Center, a milestone event for the region.
Similar to performing arts residencies like the Jacob’s Pillow Dance
Festival, the Vail International Dance Festival, and the Aspen Music and
The Nutcracker, featuring local youth. Photos by BMC Images.
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Dance Festival, Sedona Ballet now dreams of establishing its own annual
tradition. The vision fulfilled will see Sedona Summer Dance, Choreography
Music Retreat and Visual Arts Festival equally celebrated with worldwide
recognition over time.
To this end, Sedona Ballet and artist Christel Veraart proudly co-founded
the Reflections Festival, designed to celebrate the best in performing and
visual arts. “We plan to be Arizona’s annual performance celebration,
featuring master teachers, performers, and emerging artists exploring
contemporary life in light of world cultures and universal wisdom,”
Winnie Muench thoughtfully concludes. She invites interested parties to
learn more at Sedona Ballet's website: SedonaBallet.org. 4
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Serenade, Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust. Sedona Choreography Retreat, 2025, featuring Ballet Arizona. Photo by Greg Lawson.
37

Gayle’s
Chocolates
“Forget love,
I’d rather fall
in chocolate”
Chocolate Heart Box
containing assorted Truffles
While the origin of the love-line quote
above is unknown, the sentiment of
it seems like it could be linked to chocolatier
Gayle Harte. She so loved chocolate that
she became enthralled with the notion of
recreating the magical taste of chocolate that
she remembered from childhood. So, Gayle’s
memories of small batches of chocolates
made daily with all natural ingredients at the
neighborhood chocolate shop were the sweet
foundation for launching her own creative
kitchen in 1979.
Gayle Harte
Love & Kisses Tin
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Louis, Andrea, and Michael
After thirty-four years of operation in her native
Michigan the store was relocated to Cottonwood,
Arizona. The transplanted house of distinct chocolates
was acquired by a new family in 2019, a family who came
to cherish and operate the store by continuing with the
same recipes and creative culinary traditions which had
garnered an international reputation and clientele.
Today Louis is the chocolatier and overseer of operations
for Gayle’s Chocolates operating for six years at 541
North Main Street in Cottonwood. He, along with
family members Michael and Andrea, continue the
Chocolate Sunflower Suckers
Almond Toffee –
Butter toffee dipped in chocolate and rolled in crushed, salted almonds
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Left: Chocolate “Piñatas” stuffed with
various chocolates, candies, and truffles
Right: Vortex Crunch – loaded with
rice krispies, dried Michigan
cherries, almonds. cashews,
glacé orange peel, toasted
coconut, and toffee
with semi-sweet
chocolate
legacy of Gayle’s Chocolates by maintaining the recipes and
formulas they inherited, and by using the finest chocolates.
However, while they continue creating from Gayle’s original
recipes they have also added some distinctive new chocolate
creations of their own, consequently extending their reach
to an even wider audience.
Unique truffles and specialty chocolates are hand-made
daily. The menu delights us with a full selection of shapes
and holiday favorites that can be ordered online for
immediate shipment, or purchased right in the store. The
varietal lineup includes novel chocolate shapes and models
ranging from shoes, to cars, to animals, to architectural
edibles, and even DIY gift boxes that get filled with
personal selections of melt-in-your-mouth favorites. Have
a special request? Just ask! Visit Gayle's Chocolates in
Cottonwood and also online at GaylesChocolates.com. 4
Fashionable Decadence – Choose from Gayle’s selection of chocolate shoes
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Jeep, Porsche, Mercedes Convertible, Corvette Stingray, and Model T made of milk chocolate with white and dark chocolate details

COREY
TURNBULL
Master Winemaker
In just a few minutes of conversation, one
can sense the depth of Corey Turnbull’s
passion for all that is the wine industry.
His immersion began in 1994 as a teen
working as a busser at a restaurant in
Sedona, where he had a corker of an
introduction to wine appreciation. A
couple who were patrons dining at the restaurant had ordered
a five-hundred-dollar bottle of 1985 French Roederer Cristal
Champagne and left the table with half the bottle untouched.
It was late. The restaurant was closing. Corey decided, while
mopping the floor, that he’d like to discover what five-hundreddollars
tastes like. So he located a Styrofoam cup and took sips
of the Champagne between essential mop-ringings. It was tasty
stuff. He decided then and
there that there was likely
more promise in the bottle
than in the bucket.
Long story short, Corey
Turnbull matured into
a wine aficionado, a
winemaker, a sommelier, a
tasting room owner, and a
Francophile when it comes
to wine. His life became
so intertwined with the vine that today he and his family
are deeply ensconced in all facets of
winemaking and wine-sharing.
Corey is currently a head winemaker
for the respected Page Springs Cellars,
while also producing vintages under
his own brands.
Hayley Turnbull is a wife, mother, and
manager of many aspects of the family
business. They operate a historic wine
tasting room in Old Town Cottonwood
at 1040 North Main Street, currently
Above: Rubrix wine
label artwork by
Shayla Jo Turnbull,
under the name Rubrix. Daughter Shayla
Jo contributes creative touches, including
the designs of their wine labels. Learn
more at RubrixWines.com. 4
including a rendering
of Corey as a duke.
Also shown, Hayley &
Corey at Rubrix Wine
Tasting Room.
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41

Creative people often have an independent
vision, yet for practical and harmonious
reasons, the overlapping and blending of
talents can produce a beneficial symbiosis.
COLPITTS & COLPITTS
Of Pigment & Clay
Michael and Sumati Colpitts of Sedona have
been creating independently for decades
— but working together harmoniously for
the past twenty-five years. He is a potter,
sculptor, painter, and layerist; she is primarily
a sculptor and patina finisher. Both excel
and produce exquisitely along their chosen
artistic paths.
“Michael and I first met in India and later
reconnected in Sedona,” Sumati recalls.
“Though I had art education and loved using
my hands creatively, he gave me specific
direction with clay sculpting, and I embraced
it. The pinching and molding of the clay was
tactile and welcoming to my fingers.”
They both laugh remembering her first
attempt at sculpting a bear from a lump of
clay — a bear that entered into what might
wittily be called a “permanent hibernation.”
As she matured and refined her art, Sumati
would often call Michael in to help with the
final “gesturing” because, as she says with an
admiring smile, “he’s so good at it.”
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Today, her dimensional depictions of wildlife, her favorite subject,
have a timeless charm that might recall the illustrated delights
of Beatrix Potter from more than a century ago. Her menagerie
includes birds, frogs, and even hippos, with rabbits holding
Sumati's special admiration, crafting them all artistically and
beautifully.
Michael’s creative range spans clay sculptures, where he
particularly enjoys creating textures that mimic textiles, to
layered mixed-media works. One of his favorites, titled Celebration,
layers man-made materials with paint, creating a richly textured
PASSION
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Clay Process
& Technique
The Colpitts’ process revolves around
their deep passion for working with clay.
Employing slab and pinch techniques, they
meticulouly design and handcraft
each piece without the use of molds
or forms. Natural colors and various
textures are skillfully incorporated to
create subtle variations, infusing a
sense of elegance and fun. After air
drying for 1-2 weeks, the sculptures
undergo firing in a kiln reaching
temperatures of up to 1600 degrees
Fahrenheit. This initial firing
strengthens the pieces and removes
moisture. Colored washes such as
iron oxide and manganese dioxide
are then applied, as well as various
glazed accents enhancing the colors
and giving the sculptures their final
sheen and tones. A second firing
at 2300 degrees Fahrenheit melts
the glazes, resulting in captivating
patinas. The finishing touches
involve the addition of glass eyes, wire
whiskers, bases, and color enhancements,
further elevating the uniqueness of each
individual sculpture.With their clay rendered
water-tight during the process, many of
the finished pieces can be safely displayed
outdoors, as the colors are fade resistant
under the sun.
surface that rewards viewers with new
details the closer they look.
Some months ago, as the Colpitts
barreled down an Interstate in a diesel
truck hauling a trailer-full of their
creations to an art show in Dallas, Texas,
Michael voiced a thought that could have
tested their harmony.
“Sumati,” he sighed, watching the endless
ribbon of concrete fold beneath his
steering wheel, “I don’t want to do this
anymore.”
For all practical purposes, this was a
straightforward challenge to their artproduction
and marketing partnership of
more than two decades. Her response
came without hesitation: “OK!” she said.
And so, in complete agreement, they
began to scale back — NOT in the
ever-stimulating creative sphere, but in
the exhausting logistics. They divested
themselves of their major kiln and have
formed a working relationship with
another respected kiln operator in
Sumati’s bears today.
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45

“As an artist, I am passionate about creating
unique atmospheres through color. The challenge
of finding the perfect color combinations is deeply
rewarding for me.
Currently, my inspiration comes from creating
abstract and landscape paintings on canvas or
wooden panels bonded to canvas. I enjoy using
acrylics or oils on hand-applied surfaces made of
kaolin and marble dust, which add depth and
richness to my paintings. I love to build texture and
dimension through a variety of materials, such as
gesso, light charcoal, modeling paste, grog, sand,
thick oil colors, acrylic washes, and transparent oil
washes. This technique results in a luminescent
quality that fascinates me.
I strive to find the balance between man-made
structure and natural elements like earth, air, fire,
and water in my art. I aim to leave enough space in
my paintings to allow the viewer to be drawn in and
create their own unique interpretation. As an artist,
my biggest challenge is to let the painting happen
and not interfere too much. It’s a dance that leads
me to the perfect color palette every time.”
– Michael Colpitts
CELEBRATION
Sedona to continue the topping-off firing process so essential to their
craft. And importantly, they’ve stopped making those arduous trips to
art shows and fairs in distant destinations. Now, they’re staying closer to
home and making their art available to galleries and website visitors.
Sumati’s work can be acquired at Kuivato Gallery in Sedona, at Raku
Gallery in Jerome, and at the Ian Russell Gallery of Fine Art in Prescott.
Their creations can also be explored online at ArtfulCeramics.com and
MichaelColpittsPaintings.com. 4
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Oriental influences
shape much of Michael’s
work, infusing his Asian
figurative pieces with the
inner qualities of silence
and peace derived from
Michael’s practice of
meditation.
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47

“I am drawn to both classic and overlooked scenes across Arizona and the Southwest,
offering my unique vision and love for the miracle of life through paint. To me, my art
is my greatest offering to others. I hope to create a window into the very soul of the
desert, leading us back to the desert, the landscape, and the wilderness within.”
– Lydia Gatzow
Lydia Gatzow
Windows to theWilderness
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T he light in the Southwest has a way of
getting under your skin. It reflects off rock
cliffs, shifts with the wind, and seems to hold
secrets only the observant can see. For artist
Lydia Gatzow, that light wasn’t just a beautiful
backdrop — it was an invitation. She had lived
in Wisconsin, chased creative currents through
New York, New England, and California, but
the moment she stepped into Arizona's embrace,
she knew she had found her place. Sedona, in
particular, didn’t just inspire her — it rooted her.
For an artist, finding that delicate sweet spot
be-
between reality and and abstraction is is a a highly personal
personal and romantic and romantic journey. journey. For any creator For any choosing
creator
choosing to distinguish to distinguish and introduce and introduce alterations alterations of
of perception and and then then to to present them them as as veils
veils
layered atop prized realities is surely going to be
a risk — but a risk a true-to-their-vision creator
is
is willing to to take.
Lydia has evolved into discovering that sweetspot,
one that combines personal vision with oil
paint and a flair for the openness found in the
plein air experience.
Viewing Lydia’s work is a dimensional experience experi-
of ence sorts, of sorts, because because within within the dimensions the dimensions
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49

Follow the Light
of her preferred medium, oil painting, you grasp that you are in the midst
of a painter with passion, and a person who is anchoring to the earth of her
discovery.
In her abstractive oil paintings we are aware of that bridge connecting
personal style with perceived realities. As we see through her eyes, we are
sensing through her soul and this invites a bond between us that may not be
any more real than the abstraction is next to the subject, but for the viewer it
too can arrive with a tingle.
Note what Lydia has to say about her journey. “Many of us come to the desert
seeking or longing for something greater than ourselves. There is a spiritual
quality to be discovered here that I am always pointing towards in my work.
I paint primarily outdoors on site, where I am guided by light, intuition, the
elements of nature, and a profound appreciation for the wilderness. Wild lands
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are an amazing example of how just allowing something
to 'be' creates so much healing, regeneration, and
abundance. The more we surrender control, the more
we allow things to thrive. The loose and intuitive way in
which I paint seeks to mimic that which is pristine and
uncultivated. Living full time in Sedona and painting
here almost daily has allowed me to connect deeply to
this sacred and ever evolving landscape. I am drawn to
both classic and overlooked scenes across Arizona and
the Southwest, offering my unique vision and love for
the miracle of life through paint. To me, my art is my
greatest offering to others. I hope to create a window
into the very soul of the desert, leading us back to the
desert, the landscape, and the wilderness within.”
Lydia Gatzow's work may be viewed and acquired at one
of Sedona’s finest traditional galleries, Mountain Trails.
Learn more about the artist at LydiaGatzow.com. 4
Desert Monuments
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C E L E B R A T I N G 3 2 Y E A R S !
The BEST independent films from around the world!
Filmmakers • Celebrities • Parties • Workshops & More!
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FEBRuARY 21-MARCh 1, 2026
928.282.1177 www.SedonaFilmFestival.org

Rob Reiner, Susan Sarandon, Bob Mackie, Loretta Divine, Jane Seymour
Scene and Heard
The Sedona International Film Festival Returns in Style
“Ask the filmmakers what is so special
about the Sedona International Film
Festival, and they’ll tell you it’s not
just one thing — it’s everything,” says
Patrick Schweiss, Executive Director
of the Sedona International Film Festival.
“It is a gathering of people who
love to make films, watch films, and
share with one another how those
films impact audiences. Filmmakers
rave over and over again about the
sincerely warm welcome and treatment
by the people of Sedona, who
have truly been instrumental in making
our festival great.”
The 32nd annual Sedona International
Film Festival runs from
Saturday, February 21, to Sunday,
March 1, 2026. A full lineup of
over 150 films — selected by
three screening committees from
nearly 1,400 entries from around
the world — is topped off with
evening events and parties, workshops,
and very special guests
from the film industry. Screenings
take place at the Mary D. Fisher
Theatre, the Alice Gill-Sheldon
Theatre, Harkins Theatres, and the
Sedona Performing Arts Center.
Founded in 1995, the Sedona International Film Festival began
as a three-day exhibition of independent films and introduced
festival workshops as a way to teach and inspire the filmmakers
of tomorrow. Today, it is a nine-day, world-renowned event that is
considered the jewel in the crown of Sedona’s cultural life and the
largest single annual event in the community.
Over the years, the festival has attracted actors, directors, and
producers at the top of their game, as well as many just starting
out. The impressive list of guests includes Richard Dreyfuss,
Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Susan Sarandon, Ed Asner, Nick
Nolte, Nicolas Cage, Diane Ladd, Jane Alexander, James Brolin,
Elliott Gould, and Michael Moore, to name only a few.
Festival organizers seek to broaden the understanding of
the human condition, raise social consciousness, and present
thought-provoking films and dialogue that entertain
and inspire. “We will always look for films that keep our
filmgoers thinking, talking as they leave the theatre, and
looking forward to the next screening,” Schweiss says. “But
we also want to expand and enhance our workshops and
continue building our reputation among major indie studios.
We want to be their festival of choice. We want them
to come to us and say, ‘We’ve got a great film that we want
to premiere with you.’ We’ve made great strides over the
years, but there’s more ground to cover… and Sedona’s
magnificent red rocks are a bonus.” 4
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Gerardo’s
Pizzeria
Tradition Meets
Innovation in
West Sedona
Gerardo’s Pizzeria in West
Sedona is home of the
uncommon pizza. While
this famous Italian staple has
countless interpretations around
the world, the unique process and
thoughtful ingredient preparation
at Gerardo’s make it a one-of-a-kind
culinary treasure in Sedona.
Though the ingredient list for
a Gerardo’s pizza is simple, the
formula is not. Take the dough,
for instance — crafted from globally
respected flour sourced from farms
using regenerative agriculture. This
sustainable approach not only nourishes
the soil but also supports long-term
environmental health. The results are
tangible: healthier soil yields more
vibrant wheat, which in turn creates a
crust full of character and flavor. It’s a
difference we can taste in every bite.
Another standout element in the
ingredients list is the culinary oil. This
cooking essential enhances flavor, adds
moisture, and even potential health
benefits. On this subject, Gerardo’s
again has your back! When it comes
to the oils used to nourish themselves
and their guests, Gerardo’s proudly uses
extra virgin olive oil in every dish. It’s
one more way the team prioritizes both
taste and well-being.
Time is yet another key ingredient at
Gerardo’s — both in the restaurant’s
legacy and its daily operations. Chef
Gerardo and this multi-generational
family of Italian food purveyors bring
over twenty-five years of high-end
culinary experience to the table and
they devote meaningful time into every
meal they serve, to make sure the guest
is rewarded as a part of the family.
In recognition of this commitment,
Gerardo and the Moceri family have
seen their restaurant receive the highly
respected recognition and designation
of a slow food eatery. Through a
national and local program, specific
restaurants that meet the qualifications
are awarded a Snail of Approval. The
snail logo of the slow food movement is
proudly displayed at Gerardo’s because
slow is exactly how they do things.
From their 72-hour dough preparation
to house-made mozzarella, Gerardo’s
is leading the way in providing food
that is “good, clean, and fair” in
the Verde Valley. Discover more at
GerardosPizzeria.com. 4
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Sedona is graced with a majestic landscape of red rock and
sandstone spires, buttes and glorious vistas. Today this
area is visited by 1.4 million visitors per year seeking either
transformational experiences, perusing the many art galleries and
shops, or hiking and mountain biking. Given the natural beauty
and stunning backdrop, Sedona was also once home to over 100
movies filmed on location. These began with the silent movies in
the 1920s all the way through the1970s and beyond, earning the
name Arizona’s Little Hollywood. In those prime film making years,
almost every major studio and star worked in Sedona during the
golden era of Westerns. Today Sedona continues to be the backdrop
for television commercials and print ads.
The first film to be shot in Sedona 102 years ago was Zane Grey’s
1923 silent film, Call of the Canyon. This put Sedona on the map
recognized for being a great location for Hollywood films. Grey
actually came to the area in 1918 to write the book Call of the
Canyon staying in Oak Creek Canyon at the Thomas Lodge, which
later became the Mayhew Lodge. Remnants of the lodge are still
accessible at West Fork Trailhead.
Legends in the
Landscape
By Nancy Lattanzi
Sedona’s Cinematic Legacy
Five years later Grey returned with a film crew believing a film
should be shot in the location the story was based. Call of the
Canyon starred Richard Nix, Noah Beery, and Lois Wilson and
depicts the story of war veteran Glenn Kilbourne returning home
to reunite with his New York fiancé, Carly Burch. Although they
still love each other, they each have changed from their time apart.
He can’t relate to her social life when he yearns for solitude. After
collapsing due to war injuries, Glenn is ordered to move to a higher,
dryer climate and relocates to northern Arizona where he is nursed
back to health by Flo Hunter. Carly is torn between two loves —
New York City and Glenn. After traveling back and forth, the story
ends with Carly making the decision that matters the most.
John Wayne & Gail Russell on the set of
Angel and the Badman, 1946
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As a tribute to Zane Grey’s work, sculptor James Muir created a
bronze sculpture entitled, Call of the Canyon depicting Glenn and
Carly with their hands interwoven in a lovers knot, holding the
Lantern of Truth and Freedom. This piece can be seen in uptown
Sedona.
Soon after Call of the Canyon was completed, many other film
studios desired Sedona’s natural beauty to film their movies, such
as Riders of the Purple Sage and Robber’s Roost made in the 1930s,
both written by Zane Grey. In 1939 Virginia City was filmed,
starring Errol Flynn, Miriam Hopkins, Randolph Scott, and
Humphrey Bogart.
Call of the Canyon
movie poster, 1923
Gene Tierney on the
set of Leave Her to
Heaven, 1945
Film production increased in the 1940s with over twenty movies
being filmed in Sedona; Billy the Kid with Robert Taylor and
Brian Donlevy, Tall in the Saddle with John Wayne and Ella Raines, as well as Leave Her to Heaven
starring Gene Tierney, Cornel Wilde, and Vincent Price. A local movie outfitter named Oscar
Giles approached Wayne and told him if he would film Angel and the Badman in Sedona, Giles
would build a motel, movie set and sound stage. Wayne agreed and the 1946 film was made
attracting many more studios to the area. 1948 the filming of Blood on the Moon brought Robert
Mitchum, Barbara Bel Geddes, Robert Preston, and Walter Brennan here. In 1949 Copper Canyon
featuring Ray Milland and Hedy Lamarr, as well as Broken Arrow starring James Stewart and Jeff
Chandler were also filmed in Sedona.
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Movie set Giles originally built for Angel &
the Badman near Coffee Pot Rock and the
location for many future films. On the far left
is the Telegraph Office where John Wayne
went to deliver a telegram in the 1946 film.
Currently, the Telegraph Office sits at the
Sedona Heritage Museum, shown above.
Barbra Bel Geddes & Robert Mitchum on
the set of Blood on the Moon, 1948
There were approximately 16 movies
made in the 1950s: Pony Soldier starring
Tyrone Power, Gun Fury with Rock
Hudson and Donna Reed, Johnny
Guitar with Joan Crawford and Sterling
Hayden, The Last Wagon starring Richard
Widmark and Felicia Farr, as well as
3:10 to Yuma starring Glenn Ford and
Van Heflin. In 1958 Gregory Peck,
Jean Simmons, Caroll Baker, Charlton
Heston and Charles Bickford starred in
The Big Country. The western set that was
built in 1946 by Giles was dismantled
in 1959 to make way for a subdivision
being constructed at this location. The
current street names are all named after
Western films: Pony Soldier, Gun Fury,
Johnny Guitar, and Stations West.
Sedona became more developed in the
following decades with fewer movies
made. In the 1960s less than five were
filmed; Firecreek starring James Stewart
and Henry Fonda, Stay Away Joe with
Elvis Presley, Burges Meredith and Joan
Blondell and Rounders featuring Glenn
Ford and Henry Fonda. Only three films
were made in the 1970s including Wild
Rovers starring William Holden and Ryan
O’Neal. Later in 1973 Harry and Tonto
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was made starring Art Carney, Ellen
Burstyn, Geraldine Fitzgerald and Larry
Hagman. In 1984 The Karate Kid had
several scenes filmed in Sedona, as well
as Starman starring Jeff Bridges and
Karen Allen. Finally Bad Jim in 1989
and Riders of the Storm in 1994 were also
filmed here.
Almost two decades later in 2011 the
film Sedona, directed by Tommy Stovall
was filmed featuring Frances Fisher, Seth
Peterson, Barry Corbin, Christopher
Atkins, Lin Shaye, and Beth Grant. This
comedy-drama depicts two overlapping
stories with one character undergoing
an unexpected spiritual transformation
and another on a life-changing journey.
Coincidences abound and in the end
they realize everything does happen for
a reason, especially since they were both
brought to magical Sedona to discover
this. This was a wonderful community
project, as the director invited many
locals to be extras in the film, including
yours truly.
Horses were a large part of the western
films. Cattle rancher, Otto von Platen
Hallermund owned the land by Coffee
Pot Rock where many of the films were made
and where John Wayne entered a telegraph
office to send a telegram in Angel and the
Badman. When he sold this land, his niece
Sally bought the Telegraph
Office from the lot and had
it moved to Red Rock Ranch.
The most recent owners of
Red Rock Ranch donated
the building to the Sedona
Heritage Museum, which
now sits at the property
located at 735 Jordan Road.
Here you can learn about
the highlights of Sedona’s
movie history. The property
and museum have been
preserved all these years, as
well as the old apple packing
shed. This is truly one of
Sedona’s hidden gems, offering a wide range
of cultural and historical programming to
the community. Special thanks goes to Nate
Meyers and the Sedona Heritage Museum
for providing archival photos.
To learn more, check out a robust resource
written by Joe McNeill entitled, Arizona’s
Little Hollywood: Sedona and Northern Arizona’s
Forgotten Film History 1923-1973. 4
Set of Harry & Tonto, 1974
Elvis Presley with Susan Trustmann
receiving notes from director Peter
Tewsbury on the set of Stay Away, Joe
Text by
Nancy Lattanzi,
Arts & Culture
Specialist,
City of Sedona.
Images provided
by Sedona
Historical
Society.
Photo by Rick Denbow
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Nate Meyers
Executive Director, Sedona Historical Society
Nate Meyers has served as Director of the Sedona
Heritage Museum and the Sedona Historical Society
for three years and continues to support Sedona and the
Verde Valley community in a variety of ways — including
acting as executive producer for the popular local stage
play The Dead Quilters Society. The script was written by the
local creative team of Dev Ross who wrote the play script,
and Shondra Jepperson, composer of the lyrics and music.
Housed in the original Jordan
family homestaed in the City
of Sedona’s Jordan Historical
Park, the Sedona Heritage
Museum features exhibits
highlighting the area’s early
settlers, ranching and cowboys, the orchard industry, movies
made in Sedona, and Sedona Schnebly, the town’s namesake.
Nate’s proactive outreach has helped extend the Museum’s
influence beyond the city limits. Noteworthy in this regard, is
his role in taking The Dead Quilters Society on tour throughout
the Verde Valley, including recently at the Old Town Center
for the Arts in Cottonwood.
Sedona Heritage Museum is located away from the hustle and
bustle of the main corridors, yet is convenient to access on
Jordan Road in Sedona’s historic Uptown area, surrounded
by majestic elements of natural history that serve as a
magnificent backdrop. 4
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DEV ROSS and
SHONDRA JEPPERSOn
Bringing Stories to Life through Music, Stage, and Screen
The dynamic creative team of Dev Ross and Shondra Jepperson has
been busy with projects that showcase their talents in myriad ways.
Two current highlights stand out: one is a powerful educational screenplay
currently in production, and the other is a live performance already
enacted on several stages in the Verde Valley.
WEirD Detention is the title of the educational musical set in a classroom
detention environment. Its purpose is to promote positive values to
young people, specifically in resolving conflicts that can arise between
individuals. This musical production is being filmed in the Verde Valley, with
an eye on a wide distribution map.
WEirD Detention arrives on the local entertainment scene on the heels
of another strong performance by the duo, titled The Dead Quilters
Society.
The narrative of The Dead Quilters Society invites audiences into a
delightful imagined conversation among five accomplished Sedona-area
women of diverse backgrounds and histories. These real historical
figures — Fannie Gulick, Marguerite Staude, Annie Wauneka, Katie
Lee, and Dora Chavez Madrid, lived between 1892 and 2022. In the
production, they come together in a quilt-making circle and are seen
reminiscing about their interests, experiences, and accomplishments
by means of dialogue enacted with song and verse. The script was
written by Dev Ross, with songs composed and performed by Shondra
Jepperson, who also portray the roles of Dora Chavez Madrid and Katie
Lee, respectively.
Dev Ross is the scriptwriter for The Dead Quilters
Society and brings a long list of credits and
achievements in the entertainment industry. An
independent writer and creator, she has collaborated
with Shondra Jepperson on several creative projects.
In the play, Dev portrays Dora Chavez Madrid, a
historical regional figure known for her World War IIera
“Rosie the Riveter” true-to-life performance.
The performance has been staged in diverse venues — from the
historic barn on the Sedona Heritage Museum property to the Sedona
International Film Festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre, to the Old Town
Center for the Arts in Cottonwood, always to a warm reception.
The Dead Quilters Society is produced under the auspices of the Sedona
Heritage Museum, with Nate Meyers, Director of the Sedona Heritage
Museum, serving as executive producer. The production aligns naturally
with the museum’s mission: to promote Sedona’s rich heritage. 4
Shondra Jepperson is a well-anchored performer
and creative producer. An alumna of Juilliard and the
recipient of numerous awards and accolades, she
co-created The Dead Quilters Society as its musical
composer and lyricist. In the play, she portrays
environmental activist Katie Lee.
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Lisa Schatz Glinsky
Gail Edwards
Samantha Sanchez
Lisa Schatz Glinsky portrays Fannie Gulick, a regional
entrepreneur. Well suited for the role, she has been
a creative actress and choreographer in Chicago and
New York since her youth, and has also performed and
toured with Red Earth Theatre in Arizona.
“Weaving together the forgotten threads of five extraordinary
women who shaped their communities. Their stories of vision,
courage, and community building come alive through music,
storytelling, and theatrical magic.” For more information visit
DeadQuilters.com.
Gail Edwards is an accomplished actress with extensive
experience in theatre and film, having performed in over
fifty productions. In her latest role, she portrays the
historic Sedona visionary and artist Marguerite Staude.
Samantha Sanchez, an experienced singer,
songwriter, author, and journalist, portrays Annie
Wauneka, a Native American public health activist.
With personal heritage rooted in both the Aztec and
Sioux tribes, Samantha is honored to represent her
ancestry in this meaningful role.
A performance of The Dead Quilters Society
at Old Town Center for the Arts, Cottonwood.
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63

Liam Herbert
“My hands are led by my heart and soul, and I believe
my mission as an artist is to spread the word of peace,
love, and harmony with my art.” – Liam Herbert
Art has been an
integral part of Liam
Herbert’s life ever
since he was a child.
His grandfather,
Rudolph Tandler, was
a commercial artist
and accomplished
painter. His mother
was a pianist and
musician, and his
father was an actor
who became a
production property
master for more
than 110 Broadway
shows.
Born in Woodstock, New York, Liam continued
along a similar path. He became personally involved
in the production of 50 Broadway shows, while
simultaneously cultivating his own identity as a
sculptor, painter, and jewelry designer and maker.
Liam’s artistic repertoire spans limited edition bronze
sculptures, mixed media, one-of-a-kind sculptural wall
reliefs, drawings, and paintings, as well as thematic
jewelry inspired by human emotions and experiences.
In one of his thoughtful creations, he has merged the
identifying symbols of several of the world’s major
religions into a unifying piece of jewelry, promoting
the idea of unity and peace.
To explore more of Liam Herbert’s diverse and
deeply thoughtful creations, visit his website:
ArtByLiam.com. 4
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Sedona
Artist Co-Op
The Sedona Artist Co-op is a
multidisciplinary collective of people
“with their heads in the stars and feet
on the ground.”
One of the founders of the co-op, Erik
James, recently merged his scientific
convictions with artistic design and
created a set of copper wire coils to
be used in electroculture gardening,
a method intended to use electrical
currents to enhance plant growth by
stimulating their development and
increasing yields. This technique involves
placing, typically metallic rods, in the soil
with the intent to capture electricity from
the atmosphere and transmit it to the
ground in order to benefit agriculture.
Those interested in the Sedona Artist
Co-op can contact them at their website:
SedonaArtistCoop.com 4
James
Hunsinger
Jim Hunsinger was only ten years old when his parents
gifted him a magic kit that sparked a lifelong passion
for the performing arts. He has worked as a circus
clown and a magical nightclub performer, entertaining
audiences from coast to coast — under the Big Tents
of Barnum and Bailey in Florida, and beneath the bright
lights of Las Vegas, with stints in Hawaii and California
as well. Now living in Arizona’s Verde Valley, he performs
private magic shows for parties and events and also
teaches magic to both children and
adults. Jim’s family operates a unique
service, too — perhaps
best described as a “fish
matchery” — helping
unwanted aquarium fish find
new homes. Jim and his
unique services can be
arranged by text or phone. Call
him at 480-244-7131. 4
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BEYOND THE LINES
T
he first time Christine held a paintbrush,
she was five years old, staring down at the
tidy, numbered shapes of a paint-by-number
kit. She was supposed to stay inside the lines
— but she soon strayed. Colors spilled freely
across boundaries, blending in soft gradients,
creating something entirely her own. It
was an early rebellion, but a joyful one —
and it marked the beginning of a lifelong
relationship with art.
Christine moved rapidly from the cookie
cutter formulas of a hobbyist to the passion
and discipline of a committed artist. Early
on, she was drawn to painting her favorite
subjects — Native American children, angels,
and fairies — most often in oils on canvas.
She also embraced new creative challenges.
Under the mentorship of renowned sculptor
John Soderberg, she created a lost-wax bronze
casting inspired by Puck from Shakespeare’s
A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The piece was
later welcomed into the statuary collection of
the Jack Jameson Memorial Park in Sedona.
THE ART OF
Christine
DeSpain
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SECRET

“The process of creating is always changing, always evolving,” Christine reflects. That philosophy was tested when she
began experiencing visual impairment. Rather than stop painting, she reinvented her approach, developing a style that
now centers on pouring paint onto canvas, then working the surface with various techniques before it dries.
Today, all of Christine’s work falls into the realm of abstraction. Many pieces originate in her fascination with
the human aura. She may work from aura photographs provided by a client or interpret them through personal
interaction, translating the moods and energy she senses into vivid compositions. For those who commission a piece,
the result is deeply personal — a fusion of their own essence with Christine’s artistic vision.
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DISCOVERY
Christine is quick to credit others for contributions to
the successes she has enjoyed throughout her career. Her
husband, Michael, plays an active role in producing giclée
reproductions of her originals, while her children and fellow
artists also feature prominently on her gratitude list. She
draws inspiration from, and sometimes pays subtle homage
to, historic artists who have influenced her, even embedding
their initials into her paintings.
PUCK, from William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer
Night’s Dream, Bronze by Christine DeSpain.
“He was a mischievous fairy using The Flower in
his hand to cause people to fall in love. Love is the
greatest power in the universe,” says Christine.
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Her art is as much about feeling as it is about form, infused
with the spiritual energies she encounters through the act
of creation. Christine’s work — past and present — may be
experienced at several galleries and venues, including the
Wayne B. Light studio and gallery in Sedona and BV's Italian
Kitchen in Cottonwood. And if you linger in front of one of
her canvases long enough, you may just feel it too: that quiet,
boundary-defying spirit of a little girl who once decided the
lines were only suggestions. See more at ArtOfDeSpain.com. 4

DANCING WITH THE WIND
Left: SOARING WITH THE EAGLES | Right: DANCING IN CIRCLES
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71

Verde
Vis
The Verde Valley presents a rich tapestry of sensory experiences
set against a backdrop of diverse topography. Distinct seasonal
changes, shaped by varying weather patterns, bring the landscape
to life throughout the year. The region is home to one of Arizona’s
few free-flowing rivers, enhancing its ecological and scenic value.
Several local communities have embraced dark-sky principles,
adopting lighting policies that preserve the brilliance of the night
sky. Light holds special significance here, with the valley renowned
for its breathtaking color displays — made even more vivid by clear
air and shifting weather. On the following pages, discover historic
and contemporary imagery by Greg Lawson displaying glimpses of
grandeur that defines Arizona’s distinct Verde Valley. 4
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CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE TOP:
Lightning strikes at Twin Buttes.
The verdant slopes of the Black Hills attracting monsoon delivery.
Cathedral Rock framed by ancient limbs.
Cathedral Rock and the Verde Valley floor.
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73

Starry skies above Cathedral Rock.
Penstemon in the shadow of the Black Hills.
Bell Rock in spring.
Winter’s cling along the West Fork of Oak Creek.
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Sedona’s midsummer
welcome sign.
Summer light at Dead
Horse State Park.
Sedona’s Chapel area
and red-rock backdrop.
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Summer rain over Verde Valley.
Moonrise over the Native Tuzigoot Complex. / Fall color in Oak Creek Canyon.
Porcupine Peak and fall color in the sycamores. / Oak Creek and late sun as fall color starts to arrive.
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Master Class THE ARTISTS CONSORTIUM
The first in what the producer plans
as a series of symposium events
featuring master artists and public
awareness forums, was recently launched.
Skip Daum, the originator and producer
of the events, has established the Artists
Consortium as the organization behind
the initiative. He is using the acronym
SMART, forged from “Sedona Means Art,”
to identify the project.
The inaugural event in the series took
place at Sedona's Mary D. Fisher Theatre
in spring 2025, where several regional
sculptors assembled and were given the
opportunity to share their stories and
interface with the audience. Featured
regional sculptors in the symposium
included James Muir, Chris Navarro,
Susan Kliewer, Erik Petersen, and Ken
Rowe. The event was moderated by
Sedona gallerist Linda Goldenstein.
The Master Musician's Symposium
is next in the series. Interested
individuals can reach the Artist’s
Consortium founder Skip Daum at:
The-Artists-Consortium.biz. 4
Skip Daum
Photo by Gary Glenn
Linda Goldenstein
Chris Navarro
”The Call of The Canyon” sculpture by James Muir at the Sedona Heritage Museum, based on the Zane
Grey novel of the same name, and later, the film adaptation shot in Oak Creek Canyon. “The Call of The
Canyon ... recognizes the historic and courageous pioneer spirit of the people of Sedona from a century ago
[and which is] still alive and well in our community today,” says the artist, James Muir.
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Transcendence
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Rachel Tucker
Out of Mystery

“Every experience in my life has shaped my work in
some way and I am constantly inspired by the people
I meet, the places I travel, and stunning landscapes I
experience,” says Rachel. “The chapters of life unfold
in mysterious ways and my art is a response to my
personal stages of growth.”
Swooping
West Fork Calling
R
aised in the rolling landscape of southeast
Michigan, Rachel Tucker's life was
surrounded by the scent of a warm hearth and
the beauty of forest and meadow. Exploring
and seeking adventure, she developed a deep
connection with nature that still fuels her art.
Hollyhocks
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81

Moon Moth
Rachel Tucker
This love for the natural world has
taken her far — she has traveled to
nearly every National Park in North
America, drawing inspiration from
the land’s beauty and the endless
rhythm of its seasons. After more
than a decade in the Verde Valley,
Rachel immerses herself in art at
every turn. She is a multi-media
artist, an art teacher, and the assistant
gallery director for one of Sedona’s
premier gallerists, Linda Goldenstein.
Engagement with variety in her
art allows for a medley of creative
accomplishments: working with
acrylics, gouache, watercolor,
Prismacolor pencils, charcoal, and gold
leaf. She also enjoys the rewards of
teaching, “I teach art regularly, booking
private lessons through my website
Artfluents.com. I often bring supplies
to my students and teach plein air out
in the red rocks. Sometimes I meet
them on their private properties to
paint compositions.”
What’s on her palette of favorite
creative pursuits? “I love acrylic and
gouache because of their quick-drying
nature, layering ability, and freedom
to adjust opacity and texture as
needed," Rachel explains. "I love
gold leaf as well. It creates a sense of
importance and adds a visual radiance
to my pieces."
Her art, a fusion of Impressionist
softness and Representational clarity,
captures the pulse of nature and the
essence of human experience. 4
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Immersion

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83

TRACY WEISEL
Glassmith & Potter
Anyone climbing the hill out of the Verde Valley and
winding their way up Cleopatra Hill on Highway 89A
out of Clarkdale will likely pass a sight that makes
them do a double take — if they happen to notice
it at all. Tucked into a stall behind a forbidding steel
gate sits an old yellow Dodge, complete with what
appears to be a human skeleton in the driver’s seat.
Welcome to Jerome.
The 1961 Dodge window van, owned by Tracy Weisel
of Jerome, was once a reliable ride used to tour the
U.S. some fifty years ago. In the mid-1980s, however,
Tracy loaned it to “someone who destroyed it,” and it
has remained parked ever since.
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Tracy, however, has a far greater claim to fame. He
is a potter and glassblower who has had his studio
in Jerome since arriving in the 1970s. He first began
making pottery as a form of therapy following a
hand injury, which later evolved into glassblowing
and storytelling, practiced today in his historical La
Victoria Studio at 220 First Avenue.
Any day of the week, visitors are welcome to drop by
the studio, where they might catch Tracy in action —
demonstrating his intricate techniques while educating
and entertaining all who stop in. 4
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YAVAPAI COLLEGE
Verde Valley Campus
601 W. Black Hills Drive
Clarkdale, AZ 86324
928-634-7501
yc.edu
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YAVAPAI COLLEGE
A Vibrant, Cultural Hub in the Heart of Northern Arizona
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of
Northern Arizona, Yavapai College
serves the communities of Sedona,
the Verde Valley, Prescott, and beyond
with an array of artistic programming.
With thriving campuses in Clarkdale
and Prescott, as well as a robust
online presence, Yavapai College Arts
nurtures creativity and connects
communities through visual and
performing arts.
VIBRANT ART GALLERIES:
PRESCOTT & CLARKDALE
Art lovers will find themselves
at home in Yavapai College’s two
dynamic galleries. The Prescott Art
Gallery, located at 1100 E. Sheldon
Street, Building 16, Prescott, AZ,
showcases both student and professional artists, offering a
rotating schedule of exhibitions that reflect the region’s rich
artistic voices. Meanwhile, the Patty McMullen-Mikles Gallery
in Clarkdale, at 601 Black Hills Drive, Building F, Clarkdale,
AZ, features works that span contemporary, traditional,
and experimental media. For more information visit:
www.yc.edu/arts.
THE JIM AND LINDA LEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:
NORTHERN ARIZONA’S PREMIER STAGE
For those who crave the thrill of live performance, the Jim
and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center (J&LLPAC) is the premier
entertainment venue of Yavapai County and Northern
Arizona. Located at 1100 E. Sheldon Street, Prescott, AZ,
the JLLPAC is renowned for its world-class acoustics
and diverse programming. This season, audiences can
look forward to a stellar lineup, including the uproarious
musical Putnam County Spelling Bee, a fresh adaptation of
Sense and Sensibility, and the beloved classic The Sound of
Music. The stage will also come alive with performances by
Yavapai College Chorale and Orchestral ensembles, and the
ever-popular Prescott Pops—a true celebration of local and
professional talent. For more information visit:
www.ycpac.com.
PRESCOTT FILM FESTIVAL: A CINEMATIC CELEBRATION
Mark your calendars for the Prescott Film Festival, returning July 14–19,
2026. This much-anticipated event transforms the Yavapai College
campus into a haven for film enthusiasts, featuring independent
films, filmmaker Q&As, workshops, and community gatherings. It’s
a unique opportunity to experience the magic of cinema in the
heart of Prescott, surrounded by fellow lovers of the arts. For more
information visit: www.prescottfilmfestival.com.
DEGREES, CERTIFICATES, AND CREATIVE FUTURES
Yavapai College is committed to fostering the next generation of
artists, designers, and performers. The college offers degrees in
Visual and Performing Arts, as well as certificates in graphic design,
technical theater, and film and media arts. Whether you’re an
aspiring painter, a future filmmaker, or a budding stage technician,
Yavapai College provides the tools, mentorship, and inspiration to
turn your passion into a profession.
Yavapai College is more than a place to learn it’s where the
arts come alive, where community is built, and where creativity
flourishes. Whether you’re a student, a local artist, or an arts
enthusiast, the college’s galleries, stages, and classrooms invite you
to be part of Northern Arizona’s vibrant cultural activities. 4
Photo by Blushing Cactus Photography
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B
ARBARA
R
AGALYI
ENERGIES MADE VISIBLE
An ARTSource meet-up at Barbara Ragalyi’s creekside studio in the Village of Oak
Creek was an enriching experience, offering insight into a life steeped in artistic
exploration and spiritual depth. At ninety, Barbara stands not only as a witness to the
evolution of modern art but as an active contributor to its ongoing narrative.
Growing up, Barbara’s family provided her with all the paper and pencils, crayons
and coloring books she wanted. In eighth grade, a teacher recognized her potential
and encouraged her mother to nurture it, after seeing a chalk drawing Barbara had
done for a class assignment. In high school, she studied shorthand, and years later
realized she had been drawn to it because of the elegant, flowing lines. Today, many of
her paintings feature similar fluid lines, inspired by those symbols, now evolving into
expressive shapes.
Top: MOON JAZZ, Acrylic on Canvas
with Collage | Above: 12/21 RITUAL
MOON, Serigraph on Paper
Her journey as an artist was deeply influenced by mentor Ruth Janes, who helped
shape Barbara’s technical expertise and, more profoundly, her spiritual understanding
of art. Barbara became studious at understanding color and has opted throughout her
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2020, Acrylic on Canvas with Circle Collage ALTERNATE REALITY #36, Acrylic on Canvas with Acrylic Skins
“My work makes visible the
music of the universe, the
underlying energy and
aliveness of our world, the music
of being within all things. It is
that which connects everything.
It is peace, harmony, joy,
love, aliveness, silence, still
point, unknowing.”
career to avoid using commercially prepared black
pigments, instead crafting her own dark tones by
blending complementary hues — a thoughtful practice
that reveals her sensitivity to nuance and intention.
Barbara concludes that “shapes and lines are energies
made visible.” This ideal was visited upon during
the process of awakening through mentoring, which
opened her eyes to the spiritual side of art as well, and
to the recognition of the deeper considerations of a
created work.
The circle recurs throughout her work as a powerful
symbol. She describes it as “The All: complete, whole,
peace, the still-point — a stopping point which draws
one into other dimensions … creating a tension that
flows back and forth between the circle and the line;
between shape and color.”
Some of her creations emerge with no prior
deliberation or fixed purpose. “As soon as the paint
is applied,” she explains, “I yield to the process and
let it direct me.” As her paintings evolve, she senses a
“deeper meaning” emerging, guiding the composition
toward resolution. Whether abstract or figurative, she
maintains that “color and design are most important.”
Barbara Ragalyi and CREATION DREAMING, Acrylic on Canvas
One of the many intriguing revelations in our
conversation was learning of Barbara’s use of music as
muse. She keeps a sketchpad filled with fluid,
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JOURNEY (Alternate Reality #27), Acrylic on Canvas with Collage. In November 2023, JOURNEY
received the First Place award from the International Society of Experimental Artists (ISEA) in their
“Utterly Profound” 5th Annual Members Only Online Juried Exhibition.
“For me, shapes
and lines symbolize
life energy flowing
through space, at times
abstract, other times,
recognizable objects...
I use the circle as a
centering device as it is
complete and whole, a
stopping place which
draws one into other
dimensions, powerful
and energizing. The
circle’s stability allows
for tension, engages us
in relationships between
stasis and movement.”
– Barbara Ragalyi
expressive “musical lines” —
drawings made in real time as
she listens to instrumentation.
These sketches offer a fascinating
window into the sensory dialogue
between sound and form and
were a joy to behold while visiting
Barbara in her studio.
Barbara Ragalyi presents her
creations in various media:
oil, acrylic, and water media
paintings on canvas and paper;
serigraphs, monotypes, and
emulsion transfers are among her
preferred forms. Though space
prevents a full accounting of her
exhibitions and accolades, the
visual selections shared here offer
a glimpse into the rich tapestry
of her artistic output. Further
explore Barbara’s creations at
RagalyiArt.artspan.com. 4
Above: Sketch Pad with
Barbara’s drawing created as
she listened to “I Want to Hold
Your Hand” by The Beatles.
Left: 2/60 FLUTE PLAYER VI,
Digital Print on Paper.
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Sedona and the Valley of Light
VERDE VALLEY
HONORING THE CREATIVE • ARTSOURCE VOLUME NINE
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GREGG HOWISON
Crafted in Stone, Painted in Light
One might say that Gregg Howison has had a rocky life. From the time he
was taught how to split rocks by hand in the Santa Ynez Mountains some fifty
years ago, he has crafted walls of stone and towering artistic rock piles in many
places. One of his current projects is designing a small pyramid for a customer
in the Verde Valley. He estimates that he has hand-built over 1.5 linear miles of
stone walls in Sedona alone over the last couple of decades. Today, Gregg is
entering the ninth decade of life, but remains energized and fulfilled by creating
handsome and practical landscape elements for his customers.
In addition to fulfilling his artistic drive through designing and creating a variety
of garden and landscape features, he is also an acrylic painter. Displayed below
is one of his paintings, a rendition of sunshine and the rolling hills of nature that
he has titled “Dream.” Contact Gregg at gregghowison1@gmail.com. 4
Photos above: Gregg
Howison today – and
decades ago with a giant
bolder in the Santa Ynez
mountains of California
where he first learned the art
of splitting stones by hand.
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EAGLE DANCER
Private Luxury Estate
A Haven of Healing & Hospitality
A Distinguished Lineage at Eagle Dancer Private Luxury Estate
For many, provenance is a significant influencer in establishing
values of fine art — and the same principle applies to parcels
of land. Legal rights to property gain distinction through
various records of stewardship, while historical ownership
lends emotional and cultural depth. A property with a
known and storied past often commands a deeper level of
appreciation. In that regard, the parcel housing the Eagle
Dancer Private Luxury Estate in Sedona, Arizona, is a place of
notable provenance.
In this summary, the story begins with Platt Cline, a prominent
Arizona entrepreneur and publisher of the Arizona Daily Sun.
Cline was a key civic leader in Flagstaff, championing initiatives
like the advancement of Northern Arizona University and
early efforts toward racial equity. He built the estate’s original
main house, bringing a spirit of leadership and vision to the
property’s foundation.
Tradition says the estate passed without fanfare to the
legendary actress and dancer Ann Miller, known for dazzling
performances on Broadway and the Silver Screen. Famed for
her powerful tap routines and magnetic presence, Miller was
also thought by some to possess unique intuitive gifts. Perhaps
she was introduced to Sedona’s mystique by her close friend
and Sedona property owner, Lucille Ball.
A later chapter sees the treasured parcel brought into the
hands of the nationally prominent Wrigley family, whose
interests included not only Chicago’s chewing gum empire
but also properties like California’s Catalina Island. Their
stewardship of the Sedona estate — now addressed as 245
Eagle Dancer Road — further cemented its connection to
families of significant cultural and financial influence.
In time, the estate was acquired by a European family named
Knutt, who maintained the residence as a tranquil private
retreat, appreciating Sedona’s natural beauty in quiet elegance.
Then, in 2018, the keys were gratefully passed to Huib and Iona,
who initially intended to use the estate solely as a personal
sanctuary. Influenced by the property’s energy and serenity,
however, they chose to act on an increasing desire to share
the unique atmosphere. Guided by a spirit of hospitality that
reflects the welcoming nature of Sedona itself, they opened
Eagle Dancer Private Luxury Estate to invite visitors to share in
the romance of the land and its approachable nature.
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Gracious hospitality is the essential atmosphere at Eagle Dancer
Private Luxury Estate — like air itself, it gently fills every space, adapting
unobtrusively to our presence. When we encounter people or places that
embody generous hospitality, we often describe the experience as “a breath
of fresh air.” To meet Iona Brode and Huib Stroomberg, the warm-hearted
proprietors of Eagle Dancer Private Luxury Estate, is exactly that: a welcome
breath of calm, kindness, and connection.
Perched on more than six acres near Sedona’s majestic Thunder Mountain,
the estate is a serene sanctuary — a carefully curated microcosm of the
region’s beauty and spirit. Iona and Huib are more than co-owners; they
are co-hosts and co-visionaries, guiding every element of Eagle Dancer with
intention and grace.
Iona, born and raised near Edinburgh, Scotland, and Huib, hailing from
that part of northwest Europe known and loved as Holland, bring to us a
rich tapestry of Old World elegance. Their values and vision are equally
shaped by the authenticity and openness of the New World, resulting in an
experience that is both timeless and deeply personal. 4
Unparalleled Views • Spa & Sauna • Hiking Trails • Sound Healing • Massage Therapy • Master Sommelier
Snippets of Guest Sentiments from EagleDancerSedona.com:
“The facility was gorgeous. The experience was incredibly healing …
such a great and friendly energy to be welcomed with!”
“The view and quiet comfort are unparalleled.”
“In a few words: magical, beautiful, sacred, peaceful…”
“There is a special energy surrounding this beautiful location.”
“Wonderful hosts, always available.”
“Thank you for allowing us the experience of your property!”
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“Everything was so thoughtfully arranged — we didn’t want to leave.”
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JAMIE AND RICK INGLETT
ROCK
STARS
Decades ago, a famous Kansan named
Dorothy had her eyes opened wide in the
story and subsequent film of The Wizard
of OZ. What unfolded for her was nothing
short of fantastic.
Some years later, Jamie Inglett and her
Kansas-based family from the city of Topeka
began a journey of their own — one that led
them to AZ and eventually to settling with a
purpose in the city of Sedona.
Jamie and her husband, Rick, owned a rock
shop and jewelry design center in Topeka
and would make regular trips to the famous
Tucson Gem Show in Arizona to acquire
rocks and gems for their retail jewelry
business. On their way to and from
Tucson, they discovered that a magnetic
attraction to the Sedona area was having
an increasing pull on them.
Jamie’s introduction to the power of
crystals came during a family mining trip in
Arkansas, where she had the opportunity
to mine quartz and sense powerful
energies associated with the experience.
Inspired, she decided to leave her position
as Vice President at First Security Bank
of Overbrook to pursue a career in the
field of her dreams. Her vision continued
to grow, and by the close of the first
quarter of the 21st century, the family
made their move from the flatlands to the
alluring canyons and magical rock-strewn
landscapes of the Verde Valley.
Well-ensconced in jewelry design
and stone sourcing, and with over a
quarter-million social media followers
through global channels, Jamie landed
on solid ground and opened her family’s
transplanted Enchanting Earth gem, jewelry,
and crystal center in West Sedona.
The Ingletts take pride in ethically sourcing
the gems used in their design creations of
unique rings, pendants, wands, and other
one-of-a-kind pieces. The unique collections
they represent even include furniture
pieces made from stone.
Jamie is also the author of a 300-page
comprehensive guide titled Crystal Creed,
which details her personal awareness and
extensive knowledge of the wide varieties
of crystals. The book explores their natural
formations, metaphysical properties, and
practical uses.
She brings a powerful presence to the
internet twice each week as she holds
live shows that inform and provide unique
purchasing opportunities to her viewing
audience through social media. The weekly
schedule for her Live events may be found
at the website: Enchanting-Earth.com. 4
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CELEBRATING 30 YEARS
©2025 Exposures International LLC
ExposuresFineArt.com Info@ExposuresFineArt.com 561 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86336 928-282-1125
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