Images Arizona (February 2026)

CREATING A SOPHISTICATED ROMANTIC BEDROOM

EXPERT

INSIGHTS FROM SUE B

A romantic bedroom isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating a sanctuary where luxury meets intimacy.

Begin with Timeless Foundations: Anchor your bedroom with a neutral-hued sunburst platform bed — an enduring statement of elegance. Pair this with generously proportioned nightstands, each featuring sleek drawers for both style and function.

Curate Inviting Seating: Introduce plush swivel chairs for savoring morning coffee by the fireplace and a refined bench at the foot of the bed that offers a graceful solution for stowing bedding at night and serves as an elegant seat for dressing.

Layer with Opulent Textiles: Transform your bed into a haven of comfort by layering sumptuous fur pillows, tactile hides, an eyelash-textured bed scarf and a bespoke duvet cover — each element contributing to a rich, tactile experience.

Infuse Glamour with Metallic Accents: Elevate the ambiance with metallic finishes — consider gleaming lamps and a sophisticated nest of tables beside your seating area, adding a touch of modern glamour.

Select Art with Impact: Curate artwork that commands attention and sets the tone for the space, ensuring each piece resonates with your personal aesthetic.

Above all, enjoy the creative process and have fun crafting your sanctuary. Visit our showroom to explore the furnishings and accessories that will transform your bedroom into a romantic retreat.

THIRD THURSDAY ART NIGHT

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 FROM 4 TO 7 PM

Marilyn Evans Speaking at 5:15pm

THIRD THURSDAY ART NIGHT

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 FROM 4 TO 7 PM Meet & Celebrate Artists

PUBLISHER

Shelly Spence

MANAGING EDITOR

Joseph J. Airdo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Meaghan Mitchell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joseph J. Airdo

Francine Coles

Shannon Severson

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Francine Coles

Loralei Lazurek

ADVERTISING SALES

Cindi Calcinari 860-966-3271 cindi@imagesaz.com

From the Publisher

Fashion has always been more than fabric and thread, more than silhouette and color. At its finest, fashion is wearable art — a collaboration between vision and craft, between what inspires us and what we choose to carry into the world. In February, when winter’s chill still lingers but light begins to shift toward spring, we find ourselves drawn to beauty that transforms the everyday into something extraordinary.

This month’s issue of Images Arizona celebrates fashion as the art form it truly is. We’ve filled these pages with stories of celestial inspiration meeting gemological mastery, of craftsmanship so exquisite it defies categorization, of pieces designed not simply to adorn but to evoke wonder. From jewelry that captures the cosmos to designs that blur the line between sculpture and style, we’re exploring how artistry manifests in what we choose to wear and cherish.

These conversations about fashion extend far beyond a single issue. Over the coming months, you’ll discover more compelling fashion stories — both in these pages and on our website at imagesarizona.com, where we continue to showcase the intersection of art, design and personal expression. Fashion, after all, is not seasonal but constant, evolving with each artist’s vision and each wearer’s story.

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416

Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221

shelly@imagesaz.com imagesarizona.com

What we wear tells the world who we are, what we value, what moves us. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry crafted from untreated sapphires or a garment designed with architectural precision, these choices reflect not vanity but artistry — the human impulse to surround ourselves with beauty, to carry meaning close to our skin, to express through form what words cannot capture.

This is fashion as art, art as life. From our family to yours, we wish you a month filled with beauty, inspiration and the courage to wear your story boldly.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona

Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

DAVID GROSS FINE GEMSTONE COLLECTION

Each bespoke jewel the David Gross Group creates has its own character, its own story. The spectacular quality of each gemstone is further enhanced by the finest craftsmanship and elegant award-winning design. 7212

GRACE RENEE GALLERY PRESENTS

David Rothermel

Come meet David and view his bold, colorful paintings on display in our gallery located in Historic Spanish Village. Wind down from your week while enjoying wine and light appetizers with the artist.

Thursday, February 19

4–7 p.m.

When Stars Align

Brooke Shields and Robert Procop Bring the Cosmos to Carefree

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

On March 3, Grace Renee Gallery will invite guests into the world of “Luminous” — Hollywood icon Brooke Shields and master gemologist Robert Procop’s jewelry collection that captures three years of celestial devotion, designed to evoke the wonder of the cosmos. While the duo won’t be present in person, their vision arrives fully realized, born from a decades-long friendship and mutual fascination with the night sky.

The immersive experience recreates the collection’s original debut beneath the wing of the space shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center. Moon and Mars meteorites will accompany the jewelry, alongside original design sketches that reveal how artistic vision and technical precision converged. For Procop — formerly the Crown Jeweler of the United Kingdom and Shields’ collaborator on philanthropic jewelry projects — the marriage of romance and rigor defines his work.

“Our initial conversations centered on the aesthetics of a piece, then on its feel and the feelings it would evoke,” Shields says. “How would a bracelet best lie on a wrist? How could we best capture and reflect the light? They would sketch independently, then come together to see how best to combine their designs.”

The technical challenges were formidable. Hand-faceting sapphires to a point — mimicking distant stars — demanded extraordinary skill.

Bringing the stars to life proved challenging. Fortunately, Robert has curated a group of master artisans who have expertly hand-crafted magnificent sculptural jewels of the finest materials and workmanship.

What distinguishes Procop’s work extends beyond craftsmanship. While approximately 95% of sapphires in today’s jewelry market are heat-treated to enhance color and clarity, every stone in “Luminous” remains entirely natural — just as Mother Earth intended it. For Shields, who has collected celestial-themed jewelry for over two decades, the pieces possess what she calls “liquidity” — a fluidity that evokes gazing at a moonlit sky.

For Natasha Lazorova, jewelry curator and head gemstone expert at Grace Renee Gallery, hosting this collaboration represents validation of the gallery’s exacting standards.

“There are only a handful of people who have been able to achieve not just the prominence, but the level of craftsmanship that Robert has — the design, the craftsmanship, the whole gestalt,” Lazorova says. “It doesn’t matter what name is on it. It has to come back as absolutely, hands-down stellar. The quality has to be stellar. That’s where Robert checks the box and raises our bar.”

But “Luminous” offers more than aesthetic pleasure. Proceeds benefit the Los Angeles-based House of Ruth, providing shelter, counseling and childcare for homeless families escaping domestic violence — a cause both Shields and Procop champion passionately.

“Through all of this beauty of creation, there’s also this beauty of giving,” Lazorova reflects. “As women, we have all gone through difficult moments. We have to be able to step back at some point and recognize that the difficult times we’ve been through are nothing compared to what other women have been through.”

Our initial conversations centered on the aesthetics of a piece, then on its feel and the feelings it would evoke. How would a bracelet best lie on a wrist? How could we best capture and reflect the light? They would sketch independently, then come together to see how best to combine their designs. Brooke Shields

The gallery has educated its clientele to appreciate not just acquisition, but artistry: construction techniques, historical context, and the stories behind each piece. That discernment matters when encountering jewelry this rare.

Following March 3’s immersive experience, the “Luminous Collection” will remain on view at Grace Renee Gallery through Saturday, March 7, welcoming anyone seeking to experience the marriage of celestial inspiration and gemological mastery.

Collectors who decide to own these pieces should choose how and where they want to wear them. Those who cherish them, wear the collection at both cocktail and black-tie events, as well as every day with jeans and a T-shirt.

When the gallery darkens on March 3 and the showcases illuminate like celestial bodies, guests will experience what happens when Hollywood vision meets gemological mastery — when three years of devotion culminate in wearable astronomy. Though Shields and Procop won’t attend personally, their signatures will grace each certificate of authenticity, a reminder that some collaborations transcend presence, leaving behind something luminous. gracereneegallery.com

EXPERIENCE

‘Luminous’ by Brooke Shields and Robert Procop March 3 // 4–7 p.m. // Grace Renee Gallery Historic Spanish Village // 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree 480-575-8080 // gracereneegallery.com

Community

THROUGH FEB. 22 IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS

The Phoenix Zoo’s Savanna Gallery presents a vibrant and imaginative exhibition celebrating the intersection of creativity and conservation. Featuring the work of four talented artists, the exhibit offers bold color palettes, whimsical depictions of animals, and thoughtful reflections on the natural world. This unique blend of artistry and advocacy encourages visitors to rethink our relationship with wildlife while enjoying a joyful, visually captivating experience. $39.95. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Savanna Gallery inside the Savanna Grill, Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. phoenixzoo.org

THROUGH FEB. 28 BLITHE SPIRIT

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre presents Noël Coward’s “delightfully wicked” comedy where “’Til Death Do Us Part’ no longer applies.” Novelist Charles Condomine’s skepticism is shattered when an eccentric medium accidentally summons the ghost of his deceased first wife, Elvira, who is determined to reclaim her husband from his living spouse. $38+; discounts available. See website for times. Don Bluth Front

THROUGH MARCH 31

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

MODERN MESSAGES: AHCHIPAPTUNHE AND JACOB A. MEDERS

Scottsdale Public Art presents contemporary artwork by Native artists Ahchipaptunhe and Jacob A. Meders, utilizing modern forms to bridge the past and future while rejecting tropes. Free. See website for hours. Civic Center Public Gallery at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3948 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-874-4610; scottsdalearts.org

Row Theatre, 8989 E. Via Linda, Suite 118, Scottsdale. 480-314-0841; donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com

THROUGH MARCH 29 ARIZONA FINE ART EXPO

This 10-week juried art show features more than 120 renowned and emerging artists working in onsite studios. Visitors can watch the creative process in mediums ranging from painting and sculpture to glass and jewelry, or explore the two-acre sculpture garden. $12; discounts available. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-837-7163; arizonafineartexpo.com

THROUGH MARCH 29 CELEBRATION OF FINE ART

Under the signature big white tents, 100 artists set up working studios for the 36th annual exhibition, allowing collectors to connect directly with creators. The event features 40,000 square feet of art in diverse mediums, a sculpture court and the weekly Art Discovery Series on Fridays. $12; discounts available. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 7899 E. Mayo Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-4437695; celebrateart.com

FEB. 1

ARTISTS OF SCOTTSDALE RANCH FINE ART SHOW

The Artists of Scottsdale Ranch presents its 17th annual fine art show and sale, featuring work from 20 regionally and internationally recognized artists in mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, ceramics, glass, fiber, metal, and jewelry. The event also includes a silent auction benefiting Tina’s Treasures Cancer Care Boutique at the HonorHealth Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center. All proceeds from the auction, featuring donated artwork and contributions from local businesses, support women recovering from cancer surgery. Free. 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Scottsdale Ranch Community Center, 10585 N. 100th St., Scottsdale. 480-8626212; artistsofscottsdaleranch.com

FEB. 1

FEEL THE LOVE

The Women’s Orchestra of Arizona presents a romantic afternoon program featuring Saint-Saëns’ “La Princesse Jaune” overture, selections from Bizet’s “Carmen Suite No. 2,” the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with soloist to be announced, and a medley of musical theater favorites. Free; donations appreciated. 3 p.m. North Scottsdale

United Methodist Church, 11735 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. womensorchestra-arizona.org

FEB. 1

KIERLAND FINE ART AND WINE FESTIVAL

Vermillion Promotions and Kierland Commons present a curated selection of fine art and wines from 16 of Arizona’s top wineries. The event features live music, gourmet chocolates, artisan cheeses and charcuterie against the backdrop of North Scottsdale’s upscale shopping district. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Kierland Commons, 15205 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale. 623-734-6526; vermillionpromotions.com

FEB. 1

SCOTTSDALE

WATERFRONT FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL

Thunderbird Artists’ 15th annual celebration transforms the canal banks of Old Town Scottsdale into a sophisticated showcase of fine art, music and wine. Patrons can browse original works from 125 juried artists — including featured abstract painter Jennifer Rae Ochs — while sampling wines, spirits and microbrews from producers like Sunbeat Cellars, King Frosch and Desert Diamond Distillery. $5. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. 480-8375637; thunderbirdartists.com

FEB. 2

THE BARRICADE BOYS

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, this West End sensation returns with their new show, “Broadway at the Movies.” The performance blends pop, rock and swing classics with stories from their careers in major productions including “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Wicked.” $58+. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Community

FEB. 2–8

WM PHOENIX OPEN

The “Greatest Show on Grass” returns to TPC Scottsdale for its 91st edition, drawing PGA Tour stars and the largest crowds in golf. See website for prices and schedule. TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. 480-5854334; wmphoenixopen.com

FEB. 9

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS THE GREAT AMERICAN CROONERS

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, this dazzling evening revives the golden age of jazz with the velvety melodies of icons like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Bobby Darin. Featuring vocalists Benny Benack III, Robbie Lee and Shenel Johns, the program includes timeless hits woven together with stories about the legendary performers who made them famous. $47+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

FEB. 13

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

COUNTERPOINT: CONRAD TAO & CALEB TEICHER

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, this collaborative performance features pianist and composer Conrad Tao alongside choreographer and dancer Caleb Teicher. The duo explores the interplay of their distinct artistic traditions through harmonic, rhythmic and theatrical counterpoint. $53+. 7:30 p.m. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. 480422-8449; azmusicfest.org

FEB. 10–21

STUDIO RENN SHOWCASE

Discover Studio Renn’s world of beautifully imperfect fine jewelry, where abstraction meets artistry. Each piece celebrates the off-center and unexpected — antique-cut diamonds set in blackened gold, signature Cacti settings, and designs that blur the line between art and adornment. Experience jewelry that invites you to immerse yourself in imagination. Free. Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

FEB.

12–22

SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN HORSE SHOW

The 71st annual event brings nearly 2,000 of the world’s finest Arabian horses to WestWorld of Scottsdale for top-tier competition in dressage, western pleasure and halter classes. In addition to the arena action, families can enjoy behind-the-scenes barn tours, meetand-greet sessions with horses and a shopping expo featuring 200 vendors. $15; discounts available. 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. 480-515-1500; scottsdaleshow.com

FEB. 13

LOVE IS IN THE AIR: A VALENTINE’S CABARET

The vocalists of the Paradise Valley United Methodist Church music department present a lively cabaret of musical theater favorites, opera and pop hits accompanied by live piano. The concert features solos and group numbers celebrating love in all its forms to kick off Valentine’s weekend. Free; donations accepted. 7 p.m. Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, 4455 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley. 602840-8360; pvumc.org

FEB. 14–16

CELEBRATE HIP-HOP

The Musical Instrument Museum celebrates the spirit of hip-hop with high-energy performances, workshops and dance battles featuring the iconic Furious Styles Crew, acclaimed dance group the Jukebox and Grammynominated rapper Mega Ran. Included with paid museum admission; free for

members. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

FEB. 15

MENDELSSOHN’S VIBRANT ITALIAN SYMPHONY

Scottsdale Philharmonic’s Valentineweekend concert highlights the color and energy of Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, known as the “Italian,” in a full orchestral program that supports the ensemble’s student music education initiatives. $20+; discounts available. 4 p.m. 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480951-6077; scottsdalephilharmonic.com

FEB. 15

VOICES OF COURAGE

Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra continues its multiyear series The American Journey: Struggle, Spirit, and Triumph with a program that confronts injustice and honors resilience through music. Margaret Bonds’ Montgomery Variations, inspired by the Montgomery Bus Boycott, pays tribute to civil rights leaders, while Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1 reflects life under Soviet oppression, expressing tension, sorrow and resolve. $20+. 4 p.m. Virginia G. Piper Theater, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587; scottsdalearts.org

FEB. 16

PATTI LUPONE: MATTERS OF THE HEART

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, threetime Tony Award winner Patti LuPone celebrates the 25th anniversary of her acclaimed theatrical concert. Matters of the Heart explores the complexities of love through electrifying performances of more than two dozen songs, ranging from Broadway favorites to contemporary hits. $73+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Community

FEB. 19

ARTIST RECEPTION: DAVID ROTHERMEL

Meet celebrated American artist David Rothermel, whose vibrant paintings capture the luminous beauty of the Southwest landscape. Join us for an evening with this master colorist whose work transforms natural wonder into timeless art. Free. Thursday 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

FEB. 22

MOZART SYMPHONY NO. 35

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, Maestro Robert Moody leads the Festival Orchestra in a celebration of the organization’s 35th anniversary with Mozart’s “Haffner” Symphony, known for its fiery energy and dazzling finale. The program also features Christopher Tin’s “The Drop That Contained the Sea,” a choral and orchestral masterpiece exploring the significance of water through ancient poetry and a global narrative. $56+. 3 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

FEB. 19

THE TEN TENORS

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, this celebrated Australian ensemble marks its 30th anniversary with a show blending classical crossover, Neapolitan classics and classic rock anthems. Known for soaring harmonies and dynamic stage presence, the group performs signature medleys and brandnew arrangements created exclusively for North American audiences, all delivered with their trademark charm. $47+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

FEB. 27

AMERICAN PORTRAITS

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, the Festival Orchestra celebrates America’s semiquincentennial with a musical journey through the nation’s history, from the Revolutionary War to the Roaring Twenties. The program features Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait” and selections from Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” concluding with patriotic favorites like “America the Beautiful” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” $65+. 7:30 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

FEB. 27–MARCH 15 UNCLE VANYA

Director Conor McPherson’s stunning new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece breathes fresh life into the classic portrayal of turn-of-the-20thcentury family dynamics. The production balances comedy and tragedy as it explores the depths of human nature, hidden desires and the quiet significance found in everyday moments. See website for prices and times. The Theatre Artists Studio, 12406 N. Paradise Village Parkway E., Scottsdale. 602-765-0120; thestudiophx.org

FEB.

28

AN AFTERNOON AT STEINWAY

The Carolyn Eynon Singers present an elegant afternoon of wine, conversation and song, featuring a special performance by guest artist Nathan De’Shon Myers. Held in an intimate setting, this event offers a unique opportunity to experience vocal artistry up close. See website for price. 4 p.m. Steinway & Sons, 14418 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 184, Scottsdale. 650-7464237; cesingers.org

FEB. 28–MARCH 1

CELEBRATE MARIACHI

The Musical Instrument Museum presents the beat of Mexico through the melodies of mariachi, exploring musical traditions with singing workshops, fashion lectures and live performances. Included with paid museum admission; free for members. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

WINE FESTIVALS

Sip, savor, and celebrate! Step into Arizona’s most unforgettable festival experiences, brought to you by Vermilion Promotions. Whether you’re an art lover, wine connoisseur, music enthusiast, or a culinary explorer, Vermillion curates an immersive celebration where creativity, flavor, and community come together in perfect harmony. Free admission.

Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival

Jan. 31- Feb. 1, 2026

Tubac Festival of the Arts Feb. 4-8, 2026

Wigwam Fine Art Festivals Feb. 13-15, 2026

Oro Valley Art & Wine Festival Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 2026

High Street Art Festival Mar. 7-8, 2026

Stagecoach Village Art & Wine Festival Mar. 20-22, 2026

SanTan Art & Wine Festival Mar. 28-29, 2026

Community

MARCH

1

ORFF’S CARMINA BURANA

Sonoran Desert Chorale joins MCC’s Canto Vivo chorus for a powerful performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, presented in the composer’s dynamic scoring for two pianos and percussion. This evocative cantata sets medieval poems that explore fate, love, nature and revelry, anchored by the iconic opening and closing chorus “O Fortuna.” $25; discounts available. 3 p.m. Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley. 480-3054538; sonorandesertchorale.org

MARCH 1

THE PLANETS & TCHAIKOVSKY

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, Maestro Robert Moody concludes the Festival Orchestra Week with a performance featuring British pianist George Harliono, the silver medalist of the 2023 International Tchaikovsky Competition. Harliono performs Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2, followed by Holst’s orchestral blockbuster The Planets.

FEB. 24

RACHMANINOFF & BRAHMS

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, this orchestral evening features the Festival Orchestra performing Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2, celebrated for its lush melodies and emotional depth. The program also highlights violin virtuoso Ben Beilman performing Brahms’ Violin Concerto, a work showcasing his deep, rich tone and passionate artistry. $56+. 7:30 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480422-8449; azmusicfest.org

$56+. 3 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

MARCH 3

LUMINOUS BY BROOKE WITH ROBERT PROCOP

Experience an immersive celebration of Luminous — Brooke Shields and renowned gemologist Robert Procop’s celestial jewelry collection, three years in the making. This extraordinary showcase features jewels inspired by lunar cycles, accompanied by authentic moon and Mars meteorites. By invitation. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

MARCH 6–7

M3F MUSIC FESTIVAL

North America's most celebrated nonprofit music festival returns to Steele Indian School Park, donating 100% of proceeds to local charities. The 2026 lineup features Mau P, Peggy Gou, Polo & Pan, Big Wild and others, performing across multiple stages amidst immersive art installations and local food vendors.

$100+. See website for schedule. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. m3ffest.com

MARCH 6–7

SCOTTSDALE FAMILY ARTSFEST

Celebrating its fourth year, this free festival moves to the Scottsdale Civic Center to showcase the creativity of Scottsdale Unified School District students. The event features live performances by SUSD bands, choirs and orchestras, a special show by Arizona Opera, interactive art workshops and the Alli Ortega Empty Bowls Fundraiser benefiting Scottsdale Community Partners. Free. See website for schedule. Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-4998587; scottsdalearts.org

Achieve your Best Body

A N D R E S T O R E Y O U R H E A L T H

PP e r s o n a l i z e d a n d D o c t o r -

S u p e r v i s e d W e i g h t L o s s

The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness’ medical weight loss program integrates FDA-approved medications with a natural and holistic approach to address the underlying biological and physical issues responsible for weight gain

In addition to losing weight and keeping it off, The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness’ medical weight loss program provides clients with the tools they need to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes as well as optimize hormones for energy, health and longevity.

T h e M o s t C o m p r e h e n s i v e &

S u c c e s s f u l P r o g r a m A v a i l a b l e

The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness’ medical weight loss program is designed to help clients be the healthiest they have ever been, in the best body that they have ever had.

Regardless of the amount of weight you want to lose, the spa-like clinic’s Integrative Team will monitor and guide you throughout the process of reaching your goal. Our clients typically lose 15–20% or more of their body weight an average of 53 pounds in 6–12 months

Best of all, the program ensures that patients maintain lean muscle mass and keep the weight they lost off for life. That is because, unlike other programs, our weight loss program looks not only at scale weight but also takes into consideration body fat, muscle mass and water weight, which all affect one’s ultimate goal

P R O G R A M

STUDIO RENN SHOWCASE

FEBRUARY 10–21

Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Discover Studio Renn’s world of beautifully imperfect fine jewelry, where abstraction meets artistry. Each piece celebrates the off-center and unexpected — antique-cut diamonds set in blackened gold, signature Cacti settings, and designs that blur the line between art and adornment. Experience jewelry that invites you to immerse yourself in imagination.

LUMINOUS BY BROOKE WITH ROBERT PROCOP

MARCH 3

Tuesday 4–7 p.m.

Experience an immersive celebration of Luminous — Brooke Shields and renowned gemologist Robert Procop’s celestial jewelry collection, three years in the making. This extraordinary showcase features jewels inspired by lunar cycles, accompanied by authentic moon and Mars meteorites.

GOLDEN GEOMETRIES THE ARTISTRY OF ALEX ŠEPKUS

FEBRUARY 20–21

Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Enter the extraordinary world of Alex Šepkus, where microscopic artistry meets unparalleled vision. Each 18-karat gold masterpiece showcases intricate geometric patterns and textures that transform jewelry into wearable sculpture. Experience these collectible treasures that have captivated museums and connoisseurs worldwide.

OPULENCE! A HIGH JEWELRY EXTRAVAGANZA

MARCH 3–14

Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Immerse yourself in the pinnacle of luxury with our high jewelry showcase featuring David Gross, Robert Procop, David Weisz and many others. Master jewelers, each representing generations of expertise, present exceptional gemstones set in breathtaking designs.

Grace Renee Gallery is a refreshingly beautiful way to explore fine contemporary art in the breathtaking shadows of the Sonoran Desert foothills of Carefree, Arizona. Artfully designed jewelry, inspiring sculptures, spectacular wall art, stunning ceramics and more await.

UPCOMING EVENTS

ALISHAN JEWELRY SHOWCASE

MARCH 20–21

Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Experience Alishan’s journey into mixed metals where ancient meets contemporary through opposing colors and bold contrasts. Each handcrafted jewel exudes individuality and elegance — bold yet classic, organic yet refined — demanding to be seen in person to appreciate the extraordinary attention to detail.

The rhinestone cowboy never existed on the open range. Neither did the perfectly pressed denim or the sideburns that defined Clint Eastwood’s 1970s swagger. But stand in Western Spirit Museum this winter, and you’ll realize something extraordinary: the line between costume and couture, between Hollywood fiction and frontier function, dissolves into something far more interesting — a complex American myth told through leather and silver.

A new exhibition opening this season reveals how Western style conquered both the corral and the camera — and it’s in fascinating conversation with the museum’s ongoing collection.

“Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western,” presents screen-worn costumes from John Wayne, Robert Redford, Charles Bronson and Dustin Hoffman. Meanwhile, the museum’s “Spirit of the West” collection showcases 1,400

artifacts from Scottsdale gallerist Abe Hays, including working saddles, spurs and gauntlets — pieces that required thousands of hours of tooling and engraving, rivaling any European luxury house in their bespoke craftsmanship.

“Our popular conceptions of what is historical change over time,” says Andrew Patrick Nelson, the museum’s chief curator. “If you were to see a photo of movie cowboys from the 1920s with their giant hats, most folks today would likely think, ‘Well, no, that’s not right. It’s got to be Clint Eastwood with the short-brimmed hat.’ But if I were to show you a photo of actual cowboys from 20 or 30 years earlier, they would look far more like those 1920s movie cowboys than the movie cowboys of the ‘70s or today.”

The costumes in “Still in the Saddle” tell their own story of survival and reinvention. Many pieces were never museum-bound relics but working garments

How the West Was Worn

Costume Meets Couture at Western Spirit Museum

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Western Spirit Museum

returned to Western Costume Company’s warehouse, altered, aged and redeployed across multiple films. A coat worn by John Wayne in several pictures may have been modified for other productions. Charles Bronson’s jacket had been transformed multiple times before a collector acquired it.

“These were working pieces,” Nelson explains. “So these garments aren’t locked in time the way that a movie is frozen in time. They have a life of their own.”

But Hollywood’s vision was always aspirational. When “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” sparked a global trend for corduroy jackets and mustaches in the 1970s, it proved that cinema didn’t just document the West — it designed it.

The “Spirit of the West” collection offers a different kind of glamour: the uncompromising artistry of necessity. Consider the parade saddles created by makers like Edward H. Bohlin, known as the “Saddlemaker to the Stars.” These pieces feature handtooled floral carving and sterling silver mounting — accessories in the truest sense, comparable to a Hermes Birkin in hours invested and skill required.

“The craftsmanship in some of these pieces is truly astonishing — levels that perhaps rival European luxury accessories,” Nelson says. “A saddle, through its tooling and engraved silver or gold inlays, could tell a story about who you are.”

Then there are the spurs — particularly the California style with massive rowels and intricate silver inlay. These weren’t merely functional. They were jewelry for the boot, status symbols broadcasting wealth and skill across the range. The engraving techniques draw heavily from Mexican vaquero traditions, an artistic lineage that resurfaces in March when Western Spirit opens “From Earth to the Stars,” featuring pieces from the Richard A. Gates Collection of Native American Jewelry.

That exhibition, featuring visionaries like Charles Loloma and Jesse Monongya, will trace how Spanish silverworking techniques merged with Indigenous aesthetic systems — another story of adaptation, innovation and the transformation of utility into high art.

The craftsmanship in some of these pieces is truly astonishing — levels that perhaps rival European luxury accessories. Andrew Patrick Nelson

“We approach the Western as a truly multimedia genre here at Western Spirit Museum,” Nelson says. “By treating Western art as holistically as we can, we get to incorporate all these different traditions and begin to make connections between them.”

Bell-bottoms or buckskin, rhinestones or rawhide — each iteration reveals what makes Western iconography endure. It’s powerful not because it’s simple, but because it’s complex enough to mean different things simultaneously. The cowboy hat isn’t just a hat. It’s a piece of American bespoke design, equally at home on a Hollywood soundstage or on the open range, forever adapting while somehow remaining unmistakably itself.

westernspirit.org

photo essay

Bruce Moore

Writer

J.

Bruce Moore’s lens captures what most parents can’t explain: the quiet intimacy of mourning doves and the purposeful dance of desert pollinators.

The Birds and the Bees

Every parent dreads it — that awkward conversation, the one that starts with stammering and ends with relief when it’s finally over. But for photographer Bruce Moore, “the talk” is less about fumbling explanations and more about quiet observation. Armed with his Nikon Z9 and the patience of a man who’s learned that the best moments can’t be rushed, Moore has spent countless mornings documenting the Sonoran Desert’s most photogenic residents: the birds and the bees.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating his work — not because his images capture torrid love affairs or elaborate courtship dances, but because they remind us that connection happens everywhere, even when we’re not looking for it. A cardinal perched on a saguaro. A bee making contact with a desert marigold’s stamen. These aren’t grand romantic gestures, but they’re intimate nonetheless — quiet moments of purpose and partnership that unfold just outside our windows.

“I love photographing mourning doves,” Moore says. “An interesting fact about them is that they mate for life, which

in today’s world of disposable relationships is somewhat comforting and reminds me of days gone by.”

When asked how love has shown up in his own life, he offers an Albert Einstein quote from his undergraduate days: “You can’t blame gravity for falling in love.”

“Love takes work,” he adds. “You have to accept that maintaining a loving relationship requires effort from both people. I’ve had my ups and downs like most people, and I’ve learned to rely on my photography to help me through the down times while simply enjoying the good moments when they come.”

Perhaps that’s the real lesson of “the talk” — not the mechanics of attraction, but the understanding that connection, whether between doves or people or a bee and a bloom, requires showing up. Moore shows up at dawn with his camera. The bees show up for the lavender and desert marigolds. The mourning doves show up for each other, year after year. And in capturing these moments, Moore reminds us that sometimes the most romantic thing we can do is simply pay attention.

When setting up for a bird or bee shoot, it’s like grounding yourself in a quiet moment, watching and listening and getting into a state of relaxation. For me, it’s part of the creative process, and it gives me a great deal of pleasure to just be in the moment. Bruce Moore

Most — if not all — photographers love to photograph more exotic birds like eagles, egrets, herons and ospreys. Those birds generate more of an adrenaline rush for the photographer. For me, though, doves generate more of a calming, peaceful vibe, which is often very welcoming when I need to escape the madness and chaos we face in our world today. Bruce Moore

When bees collect pollen, it’s sort of like a chaotic dance — going from one flower to another — and there’s a certain rhythm to it. Recognizing that rhythm gives me a better chance to anticipate and capture the angle and shot that I’m after.

Bruce Moore

Meet the Photographer

Growing up in Vandalia, Ohio, Bruce Moore watched his grandfather document family gatherings and became intrigued enough to buy a red plastic camera with money he earned selling flower seeds door-to-door. But life — military service during Vietnam, raising a family, building a career — got in the way of that childhood fascination.

It wasn’t until later, after moving from Ohio to Hawaii to Texas and finally to Anthem, that Moore picked up the camera again, this time with the kind of focus that only comes from having lived long enough to know what matters.

“I have always leaned toward a creative process,” he says. “I could never draw or paint, so photography was a perfect outlet for me.”

These days, Moore shoots primarily with Nikon Z8 and Z9 mirrorless cameras, often using a 105mm f/2.8 macro lens for close-up work or a 70-200mm f/2.8 for birds in flight. His approach is decidedly old-school in an age of digital manipulation — he uses a free app called Snapseed for basic post-processing and avoids the “plug-ins and swap-outs” that dominate contemporary photography.

“I believe my job as a photographer is to capture what God has created, not to take bits and portions of nature that don’t exist in that image and plug them in to make something that isn’t really real,” he explains.

That philosophy has served him well. As a member of the Photographic Society of America, Moore has won numerous first-place judging competitions, competing against photographers who are experts with Photoshop and Lightroom. He’s also recently become a PSA-sanctioned judge, evaluating submissions for camera clubs throughout the country — proof that composition and vision can triumph over technical wizardry.

3-bruce-moore.pixels.com

Thomas D. Mangelsen Brings Half a

Century of Patience to Phoenix Zoo

Captured Wild

The salmon arcs through Alaskan air, its silver body twisting in that millisecond between river and sky. Below, a massive brown bear’s jaws hang open, waiting. The fish will land perfectly — impossibly — in the bear’s mouth, frozen forever in what has become one of the most recognizable wildlife photographs in history.

Thomas D. Mangelsen spent a week camping 20 feet from a bear trail to capture that single frame in 1987. No digital manipulation. No game farm shortcuts. Just a photographer, his previsualization, and the patience to wait for nature to reveal itself. Now, that iconic image — “Catch of the Day” — anchors “A Life in the Wild,” a touring exhibition featuring 40 of Mangelsen’s most resonant photographs on display this season at the Phoenix Zoo’s Wild Side Gallery.

For nearly 50 years, Mangelsen has traveled to the wildest corners of all seven continents, documenting polar bears in the Arctic, tigers in India, and the diversity of wildlife across the American West. His work has earned him designation as Conservation Photographer of the Year, BBC’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and recognition by American Photo

magazine as one of the 100 Most Important People in Photography. The late Jane Goodall and former National Geographic editor-in-chief Bill Allen have said he is among the most important nature photographers of his generation.

“His photographs have an impact that stays with you,” Allen has said. “They allow viewers to momentarily escape from their busy lives and dwell inside big, humbling landscapes. Rather than being mere documentarian in their purpose, they also reveal personalities of wild, sometimes imperiled animals, reminding us that they are creatures of remarkable sentience.”

The Phoenix Zoo exhibition, running through May 31, showcases photographs printed on a dramatic scale — some up to nearly 9 feet across — transforming the gallery into an immersive journey through landscapes and wildlife encounters that span decades of dedication. Among them: “Polar Dance” (1989), which National Geographic called one of the most important photographs of our time for prompting viewers to ponder climate change consequences; “Mountain Outlaw” (2014), portraying a grizzly bear charging head-on through snow; and the legendary “Catch of the Day.”

If there’s a God or supreme being for me, it would be the feeling of nature, the spirit of nature. I look to nature to heal me. Thomas D. Mangelsen

“We are honored to welcome Thomas D. Mangelsen to the Phoenix Zoo, not only as a globally acclaimed photographer but as a powerful voice for wildlife conservation,” says Bert Castro, president and CEO of the Phoenix Zoo. “His upcoming visit and this remarkable exhibition bring inspiring energy to our Art on the Wild Side program and offer our community a meaningful opportunity to connect with wildlife in a profound and memorable way. This is truly a milestone moment for the zoo and our guests.”

Mangelsen will appear in person at the Phoenix Zoo on Feb. 27 for a special evening that includes his presentation at the Doornbos Discovery Amphitheater, up-close animal encounters, hors d’oeuvres and beverages, and

a visit to the Wild Side Gallery to view the exhibition. Tickets for the limited-capacity event are $75 per person.

The artist’s appearance offers a rare opportunity for collectors and photography enthusiasts to hear directly from Mangelsen about the stories behind his most iconic images — stories that often span years and require the kind of dedication that has become increasingly rare in the digital age.

The story behind “Catch of the Day” embodies everything Mangelsen represents: meticulous preparation meeting serendipitous opportunity, all filtered through decades of honed skill and intimate knowledge of animal behavior.

“The magic of ‘Catch of the Day’ started with pre-visualization,” Mangelsen recalls. “I saw an article in Alaska Airlines Magazine on my way to Anchorage while working on a film about cranes. The article showed bears at the falls at McNeil River and Katmai — a dozen of them below and on top of the falls — with fish jumping everywhere.

“I knew about that location and honestly thought all the pictures had already been taken. There were thousands of them out there. But then I wondered: Was there any chance of getting a head-and-shoulders picture of a fish right in the face of a bear? Just a really tight portrait? I’d never seen one before, and I thought that would be something different. Bears jumping, fish jumping, a dozen bears in the falls — that was already done.”

Mangelsen secured the only available camping spot — 20 feet from a bear trail along the lakeshore — and equipped himself with Kmart camping supplies and freeze-dried food. He spent a week shooting 15 rolls of 36-frame film at ISO 50, a glacially slow speed by today’s standards.

“I realized I couldn’t react fast enough looking through the viewfinder, so I used a remote and just clicked the shutter,” he explains. “I didn’t even know if I got it. I knew I was close a couple times. It was probably six weeks later when I finally saw that frame — after getting back to the office and the processor.”

The resulting photograph has been accused countless times of digital manipulation, an accusation that both amuses and frustrates Mangelsen.

“It kind of pisses me off because I spent most of my life — from 20 years old on — learning the skill of the camera, my craft, animal behavior, being able to previsualize something like that,” he says. “I never saw a picture like it before. Still haven’t. Now it’s said to be the most copied photograph on Earth — everyone trying to get it.”

That authenticity — the knowledge that every image in Mangelsen’s portfolio was captured in the wild under natural conditions — distinguishes his work in an era of rampant digital manipulation and photographers who rent “wildlife models” by the hour from game farms.

“What excitement is that? It’s boring to me,” Mangelsen says bluntly. “People who say, ‘I’ll fix it in the computer later’ — that’s not photography to me. Photography is not manipulating images you didn’t actually get. You’re making it up. It’s a phony photograph.”

His philosophy extends beyond technical purity to encompass a deeper spiritual connection with his subjects.

EXPERIENCE

Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life in the Wild

Through May 31 // See website for hours // Phoenix Zoo’s Wild Side Gallery // 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix

$29.95+ // 602-286-3800 // phoenixzoo.org

When asked about the long hours spent waiting in blinds, Mangelsen describes entering what others have called a “zen zone.”

“I just shut everything else out,” he explains. “Someone can be talking right in my ear, but if something’s happening, I don’t hear them. I can’t let them distract me because I have to pay attention to subtleties. If there’s a God or supreme being for me, it would be the feeling of nature, the spirit of nature. I look to nature to heal me.”

The exhibition arrives at the Phoenix Zoo as part of its Art on the Wild Side program, which features rotating exhibitions throughout the year in both the Wild Side and Savanna galleries. The program selects artists whose work inspires deeper appreciation of wildlife, conservation and the natural world through photography, painting and mixed media.

“We are thrilled to bring ‘A Life in the Wild’ tour to the Phoenix Zoo,” says Jean Bingham, trustee and member of the zoo’s Arts Committee. “Thomas D. Mangelsen’s legacy as both an artist and conservationist offers guests a rare opportunity to experience nature’s beauty and power through his extraordinary images.”

For Mangelsen, showing his work at zoos represents an essential democratization of wildlife experience. Not everyone can spend 42 days watching cougars at the National Elk Refuge or travel to photograph polar bears in the Arctic — but they can encounter these animals through his lens, surrounded by living examples in ethical institutions.

“I think for people or children, especially those who may never have the opportunity to see a bobcat or a cougar in the wild, these institutions are invaluable,” Mangelsen says. “People who don’t have the luxury that I have with my profes-

sion — and I guess it is a luxury, though it’s also what I would do even if I wasn’t a professional — they need the opportunity to see these animals.”

Perhaps most powerfully, Mangelsen’s work demonstrates photography’s continued capacity to influence conservation policy and public consciousness. He spent 20 years documenting Grizzly 399, a legendary bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem who raised 18 cubs before being killed by a car in 2024. The resulting books, PBS films and “60 Minutes” coverage reached millions, building public support for bear protection and lower speed limits in wildlife corridors.

“So yes, absolutely — photography does change people’s attitudes,” Mangelsen insists. “Now, some people you can never change. Those are lost causes. But for many others, these images matter.”

Standing before “Polar Dance” or “Catch of the Day” in the Phoenix Zoo’s Wild Side Gallery, viewers confront not just technical excellence but something rarer: visual evidence of what patience, dedication and reverence for the natural world can reveal. In an age of AI-generated imagery and instant gratification, Mangelsen’s work stands as both testament and challenge — a reminder that the most powerful images still require showing up, waiting and allowing nature to surprise us on its own terms.

“My goal is to create an image that would hold up against a painting — a moment in time,” Mangelsen reflects. “Sometimes it’s what they call ‘the decisive moment.’ Ansel Adams talked about it, Cartier-Bresson too. It’s that moment you capture.”

And sometimes, that moment takes 50 years to master.

phoenixzoo.org

Writer Shannon Severson

Bedouin Heritage Gallops Into Scottsdale

Regalia in Motion

Steady hooves stride confidently over dusty ground, tassels swaying in time with each step. A flash of silver from an ornate bridle catches the light as a rider, enrobed in layers of richly decorated fabric in jewel-toned hues, expertly guides the steed. Horse and rider are a singular, moving sculpture echoing Bedouin legend and history.

This intriguing scene could be from the pages of Lady Anne Blunt’s “Bedouin Tribes of the Euphrates,” an 1879 travel narrative that captured Victorian-era imaginations. But instead, the setting is our own Sonoran Desert and the worldrenowned Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and Shopping Expo, held Feb. 12-22 at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

As the gate clicks open to the arena and a hush falls over the crowd, an idealized time machine effect materializes. Color takes motion as embroidered motifs, scarves and headdresses slide into view, accentuating the noble beauty of the Arabian breed and the dedicated community of competitors who prize them. A brilliant thread connects

Blunt’s tales of the breed and Bedouin traditions to the beauty and artistry displayed in the ring today — Arabian horse breeders still trace the pedigree of modern bloodlines to Middle Eastern desert stock.

“Mounted Native Costume is more than a competition; it’s a living history lesson,” says Melissa Schalles, executive director of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona.

“It honors the Bedouin people of the desert and the Arabian horse they so carefully preserved, and it remains one of the most meaningful and captivating classes at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. Authenticity is essential. In a modern show environment, this class provides a powerful connection to the desert origins of the Arabian horse and the Bedouin culture that shaped the breed.”

While the capes, cowries and keffiyeh count for a quarter of the overall score, the distinctive fashion of the Native Costume category is unique to the Arabian ring. Each year, Scottsdale launches the season in style as riders, breeders and makers descend from across the country — and

around the globe — to test and display craftsmanship and horsemanship.

“The Scottsdale show is the most important Arabian show of the year,” says Janice McCrea Wight, who has served on the board of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona in multiple capacities over four decades and now heads the public relations committee.

As a breeder, Wight has produced numerous champions in Scottsdale and internationally. She has traveled the world as an Arabian Horse Association Level 1 judge since 1981, adjudicating national championships in five countries.

“We try to depict how Arabians would appear in the Middle East, to be as authentic as possible with a little added bling,” she adds with a laugh. “Since it’s the first show of the year, it’s the runway in fashion. People break out their new outfits and riding apparel. It’s kind of like Fashion Week for Arabians.”

Schalles adds that Mounted Native Costume features a strong group of competitors for judges like Wight to assess.

“Exhibitors come from across the country specifically to showcase these horses and costumes,” she explains. “While it’s a specialized division, it’s a highly anticipated one and deeply respected. Even people unfamiliar with Arabian horses stop and watch because it’s so striking — one of those classes where the audience genuinely pauses and leans in.”

Wight traces her interest to a family tradition of breeding, riding and costume-making, a legacy passed down by her mother, Lois McCrea, now 105, who began breeding Arabians in 1959 and still enjoys watching the show.

“Horses are good for the soul,” Wight says, noting that she had anticipated during her first visit to the show at age 12 that she would one day live in Scottsdale. “One of my costumes was made by my mother after a trip to Egypt in 1967. She brought

back a pair of stirrups from a Cairo market. To this day, I still own those stirrups. My mother made three different native costumes for me. My dad joked that he went for years and never saw our dining room table — she was always building a costume. The pageantry is so important.”

Schalles stresses that Scottsdale stages both the tradition’s ancient roots and modern iteration.

“Mounted Native Costume has a long-standing tradition at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and is a meaningful part of the event’s identity,” she explains. “Scottsdale has long been a stage for honoring the Arabian horse’s heritage, and this class does that in a powerful and authentic way. One of the things that makes our event special is that we don’t just present this history in the arena; we invite the public to experience it firsthand.”

A general admission ticket allows spectators to meet an Arabian horse, try on Mounted Native Costume-inspired attire, sit on an Arabian horse and receive a complimen-

tary photo. This experience is singular to the Scottsdale show and reinforces the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona’s commitment to education, heritage and community engagement.

“This is what makes the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show ‘The Greatest Horse Show on Earth,’” Schalles says.

She highlights the community of makers that take costumes from dream to reality behind the scenes, noting that a relatively small number of highly specialized designers — many of whom are internationally known — put hundreds of hours of work into creating authentic attire for the class.

“Some exhibitors spend years collecting or commissioning pieces, making each costume truly one of a kind,” Schalles notes. “These designers are artisans in every sense of the word. Many costumes are passed down or carefully preserved, adding even more depth and history to each presentation.”

The rider’s costume and horse’s kit — collectively called regalia — carry both symbolism and structural logic. Their flowing forms nod to Bedouin dress used for concealment and mobility, necessary for the ghazu (desert raid), while costume construction choices meet mechanical realities. Trainers add pieces incrementally — cloth first, then metalwork, then full kit — until the horse accepts the regalia as part of its own moving mass. Everything must balance as a vision in which poetry, skill, artistry and horsemanship are rendered in kinetic form.

Beneath the intricate metalwork, tassels and layers of velvet and satin, anchor points and saddle pads serve as load distributors, directing mass toward the horse’s centerline and reducing yaw and roll. Within the rider’s aba (cape) and thobe (robe), flexible boning holds the shoulder line

Behind the Bling: The Lexicon of the Desert

Mounted Native Costume regalia draws on Bedouin traditions in which ornament functioned as portable wealth, tribal identification and practical protection against wind and sand. In the Scottsdale ring, those meanings mingle with deliberate engineering and craftsmanship— every piece is judged for authenticity and fitted to preserve both the horse’s comfort and the team’s motion.

Thobe — The rider’s foundational robe, typically a long, flowing gown of silk, velvet or satin that grounds the overall silhouette. The cut, weight and hidden seaming affect how the aba (cape) lies and must evenly distribute weight across the rider’s shoulders.

Aba — The cape or outer robe that acts as the outfit’s dramatic “wings.” Often fully lined with weighted hems and integrated boning in the yoke to preserve shape and reduce torque. Split vents, gussets or inverted pleats allow the fabric to appear as one continuous piece at rest but open cleanly while in motion.

Keffiyeh — The rider’s headdress or wrapped scarf. Obscured pins or wires hold its shape. Any decorative pins or metalwork must be secured against wind displacement. Judged for neatness and authenticity.

Woven bridle/headstall — The horse’s headgear of hand-worked leather or braided cord, sometimes wrapped with silver thread or bullion. Decorations threaded into the brow bands may include cowrie shells, beads or filigree—traditional markers of status, portable wealth and lineage. To protect the horse’s cheeks, fit must be precise.

Tasseled neck/throat strap — The horse’s “jewelry” of straps and necklaces draped across the chest and neck, often tasseled and beaded, sometimes with cowrie shells or coins. Placement is deliberately low so as not to interfere with the bit or breathing. Leather backing prevents irritation from rubbing.

Breastpiece/breastplate — This broad, decorative collar is the eye-catching chest piece resplendent with stamped silver, coinwork or filigree. Often mounted on leather, metallic elements are made to throw light toward the judges. Placement is low enough to allow shoulder rotation; reinforced padding protects the skin from metal edges.

Loin cover/crupper cloth — Decorative textile draped over the horse’s hindquarters. Similar to the human’s aba, it is finished with vents or a center-back split for unimpeded movement of the hind legs. Hem weights have a similarly low center to reduce aerodynamic lift.

Photo by Emma Chapman

away from the rider’s neck and horse’s withers, preserving the silhouette without irritating the animal.

Hidden panels beneath the horse blanket keep decorative breastplates positioned and prevent shifting during movement. A center-back split in the cape’s hem allows the fabric to part cleanly over the horse’s hindquarters, finished with bound edges that create the illusion of a continuous hem at rest. Pleats and gussets expand as the horse moves, channeling airflow to prevent the cape from billowing uncontrollably.

Safety and skin protection are paramount. Primary fastenings pair with concealed safety loops that can be quickly released if the fabric snags. Riders make subtle adjustments — sitting slightly deeper and keeping their hands steady — to preserve balance and gait integrity while the garment reads as weightless.

Native Costume is more than decoration; it’s part of the overall score. Specifications are unique to the class, and rules of attire and performance elements must be executed to perfection. Extreme speed is penalized; this class moves in walks, canters and hand gallops.

“It’s written into the rules,” Wight explains. “It does no good to go fast. The cadence of the horse, performing gaits properly and correctly — that’s what’s important.”

Arabians’ intelligence and versatility have always been prized for transport, herding, ranch work and companionship, roles reflected today in the high value breeders and exhibitors place on the ancient breed. Historically, Bedouin families often allowed their prize mares to sleep inside their tents, emblematic of profound personal connection to these stately creatures. The reverence remains, even if stables have replaced tents.

Even people unfamiliar with Arabian horses stop and watch because it’s so striking — one of those classes where the audience genuinely pauses and leans in.

Melissa Schalles

by

The many capabilities of Arabians come into sharp focus at the Scottsdale show, with youth to adults competing in a multitude of class disciplines including Western, English, Halter, Ranch Sport and Reining as the world converges to celebrate the breed.

In her 19th century account, Blunt praised the Bedouin traditions of honor, hospitality and bonds built over

shared meals and coffee around campfires in the Arabian Desert. At WestWorld, the social ritual has adapted but persists. The showgrounds become a modern camp where breeders, riders and makers reconnect beneath dusky desert skies and stadium lights.

scottsdaleshow.com

ARTISAN CHOCOLATE BARS

Recipe

These handcrafted chocolate bars rival anything from a boutique chocolatier, yet they’re surprisingly approachable for home cooks. The technique is straightforward tempering, while the toppings offer endless customization — from candied bacon and mint cookies to freeze-dried berries. Consider them a sophisticated Valentine’s Day gesture that demonstrates genuine effort, or simply an elevated treat for your own dessert repertoire. The variations are limited only by imagination: toasted nuts, toffee shards, dried fruit, even crushed waffle cones for textural contrast.

Yield: 4 bars

INGREDIENTS:

3 strips thick-cut bacon Flaky sea salt 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, divided 1 pound quality chocolate (milk, dark or bittersweet), chopped 5 mint Oreo cookies, broken into small pieces 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries and blueberries

DIRECTIONS:

5. Gently unmold bars and wrap individually in parchment or cellophane. Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange bacon strips on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with half the brown sugar and bake 15 minutes. Flip strips, sprinkle with remaining sugar, and bake an additional 15 minutes until deeply caramelized. Season with sea salt and cool completely before chopping into small pieces.

2. Set a heatproof bowl over a pot of barely simmering water (double-boiler method). Melt chocolate, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat while keeping bowl positioned over pot to maintain temperature. Alternatively, microwave chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until just melted.

3. Arrange four chocolate bar molds on a sheet pan. Divide melted chocolate among molds, wiping any condensation from the bowl’s exterior before pouring, and smooth tops with an offset spatula.

4. Garnish bars with candied bacon, cookie pieces, or freeze-dried fruit as desired. Rest at room temperature 15 minutes, then refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes.