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For several years now, we have been eagerly awaiting each years start of the Hidden in The Hills art tour, hosted by the Sonoran Arts League in Cave Creek, Carefree, and North Scottsdale. The last several years we were lucky to be able to visit the various art studios with a group of fellow Model T enthusiasts. This year the group has decided not to do this event, so we are doing the tour alone, one weekend in the 1913 Model T and the next, in our “modern” car, a 2002 Chevy.
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| Joan beside our 1913 Model T loaner car |
The Art tour is much more fun when you can do it in a unique and fun conveyance. Our good friend Ralph has kindly lent us his 1913 Touring to take the driving tour from studio to studio. Our 1914 and 1919 Ts are resting in the garage at home in Oregon, so this is very much appreciated! This Model T has been fully restored and is well cared for. Ralph has taken it to Europe 3 times for international tours.  |
| Beautiful home nestled in the boulders of Cave Creek, AZ |
The thrilling thing about this particular tour is not only that you get to see great creations by many artistic, in many medias, but you get to see their creations beautifully displayed in the artist’s homes and home studios!
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| This metal working artist’s rebar fence caught my eye |
Though not in the “show”, this artists rebar fence and gate were clever and well done! |
| Inviting backyard for an art gallery |
My eyes wander from the artist’s gallery to the beautiful backyard pool scape.
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| This earth-bermed ceramics studio was a real joy |
This creative ceramics studio was built in 1983 by the artist Christopher Heede. Heede also built two of his three kilns. He lived at the site in a teepee for a year while he was building the studio. As a builder myself, this was a real treat to see. The earth bermed structure is anchored by an 8 foot diameter silo and the studio spirals out from there. The exterior cladding and roof are all galvanized metal, custom cut and formed.
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| Most of the homes and studios blend in and complement the landscape |
Artist Heede also fashioned this interesting fence as a backdrop for his pottery. |
| Christopher Heede’s one of a kind ceramics studio |
Don’t take a (former) builder to a studio like this one and expect me to see anything but the architecture. I’m sure there was lots of pottery to see, but the building, and grounds got most of my attention. I did get a chance to talk to Chris and he told me he hired an architect, but did all the construction himself.
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| Custom made plywood edge grain door on Heede’s ceramic workshop/ studio |
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Carlos Page, metals and woods
Carlos Page (Cave Creek) has a brand new studio, but he also allowed us to see his actual workshop, where the sweaty, dirty hard work is done 🤓. Page likes the juxtaposition of metal and wood, and uses both in most of his creations. |
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Artist Lewanski’s glass tapestries were some of Joan’s favorites
Mark Lewanski’s Glass Studio in Scottsdale had many fused glass pieces that are reminiscent of the braided cotton rugs of my youth. These framed pieces have contour and depth to them that really make them one of a kind. |
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| Aileen Frick’s torn paper creations |
One artist that really impressed me was Aileen Frick with her stunning canvases where she created the life-like scenes with paper torn from printed media.  |
| Another Aileen Frick masterpiece |
I wish my photos did justice to the incredible detail in these works created by the careful choice and position of each paper used.
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Here are several fantastic painting by Carol McDonald of Chandler, AZ
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The blue, black and white painting, above, is one of my favorites. Local Artist Carol McDonald was kind enough to let me photograph these paintings for my blog.
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The Desert Rat Forge is a longtime favorite of ours.
Truly hidden in the hills above Cave Creek, the Desert Rat Forge is a must-see for us each year. Metal artist Paul Difenderfer welcomes you into his shop to let you see what he is currently working on. Plenty of intricate and beautifully crafted items are on hand for those who want to buy. |
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| A lone musician plays a soulful and hauntingly beautiful tune on his bamboo flute |
Desert Rat Forge is also host to 6 other artists showing jewelry, ceramics, paintings and even decorated cow skulls! |
| Artist Lynn Thrower shows her bejeweled cow skulls |
There is way too much to include in this post, so I think I’ll end my coverage here and say there is so much that I didn’t/ couldn’t include. If you get the chance and have some free time around the Thanksgiving holiday, this event comes highly recommended!
Until next time.
Your Traveling friends,
Jeff and Joan
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