Prescott Arts Journey

PK Bootmaker

prescottartslogin — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:53:29 +0000

Paul Krause and his wife Susan moved to Prescott in 1999, after raising their family doing boot and shoe repair and working in Phoenix for five years in leather goods manufacturing.

He opened a leather shop and joined the Chamber of Commerce working with the Membership Committee.

Soon handmade boot orders seemed to fall in line and within a year Paul already had a waiting list. He made “Thank You” belts for Prescott Rodeo Committee volunteers, and even Show Chaps for the Queen’s Court.

In 2012, Paul was presented with a Champion Buckle by his fellow bootmakers; at several smaller competitions, he also received honors.

Paul says his greatest recognition was in 2015 when he was awarded the Will Rogers award by the Academy of Western Artists. He says he also has enjoyed the privilege of assisting in getting the Western Heritage Center open on Whiskey Row.

www.pkbootmaker.com | 928.308.5865

PAJ Supports Creative Pathfinders

prescottartslogin — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:50:48 +0000

Prescott Arts Journey Supports Creative Pathfinders

by Blake Herzog

Greater Prescott draws more than its share of creative people with its natural beauty and exhilarating climate, which in turn draws more artists to town.

This includes Debra Owen, a fashion industry veteran who paints, stitches, writes poetry, and produces mixed media works, she first came to the area 11 years ago to help her sister through a health emergency. q

“I stayed in Prescott because it had such a vibrant, creative community, and that’s critical to wherever I am, to be engaged in that,” she says. “I saw all of that going on but no universal connection, no umbrella, if you will. And I said at some point we’re going to have something like Prescott Arts Journey to support everything that’s going on.”

A decade later she finally found time to pursue her vision of forming a local group to support and promote artists working in any creative pursuit — visual arts, music, writing, dance, acting, pottery/ceramics, tattoos, wearable art, culinary or healing art, gardening or any other activity with elements of creativity.

“I hope that I can. My intention is to make Prescott Arts Journey an umbrella that takes care of all the voices, which means not just individuals but organizations and the businesses that are invested in creativity,” Owen says. Her goal is to provide visibility, tools and resources for members.

Since the website debuted last fall, some 40 artists have signed up for annual memberships with Prescott Arts Journey, the majority from the visual arts but representing a full spectrum of art forms. Its Facebook page, where its art and appearances are promoted, is beginning to approach 1,000 “likes.”

Each endeavor is listed in the website’s directory and gets its own page on the website for a bio, information, and up to 30 images. Many members also have taken on a role on the group’s internal team or become an “ambassadors” promoting the group.

The group is developing programs for outreach, launching in April “Life is a Story” presentations given by members at the Prescott Public Library on the last Saturday of the month.

“I want them to not only talk about their art but to have their focus on talking about the journey to getting to now; the creative journey. Where did I think ‘Oh my gosh, I have to get over here and backtrack? What were my hurdles and what were my eye openers and why am I doing this now instead of this other thing?” Owen says.

She also has been gathering entries for Poetry Live! the contest, to be judged by Michaela Carter, co-founder and book buyer for the Peregrine Book Company.

While some members, including painter Kuki Hargrave and musician Sky Cronwell, are prominent in the local arts community, Owen emphasizes the group will work with everyone in Greater Prescott’s creative community: “If you are a creative person, Prescott Arts Journey wants to celebrate you, applaud you and support you, it’s as simple as that.”

1st Annual Poetry Live! Challenge

prescottartslogin — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 23:32:03 +0000

Poetry Live!

Thank you to everyone for your appreciation and support for the Creative Voice.
“Words become autonomous objects, rather than symbols of something else, for they are themselves, rather than windows onto other terrain. They cohere in terms of stressed sound, rhythms, textures, and consistencies in diction – linguistic qualities other than subject and syntax. Disconnection enhances language. Transcending mundane sentences makes every word important.” ~ Richard Kostelanetz

Thank you, Michaela Carter, for taking on the difficult job of selecting award winners.

“I was thrilled not only by the number of entries but by their caliber. I had no idea there were this many poets in Prescott! So many of the poems left me with a feeling of wonder and awe, it was difficult to pick a winner. Congratulations to everyone who submitted their work. I hope you will all keep writing!

1st Place – Mark Dailey

If Tang Dynasty Poet Bai Ju-yi Had Internet Access

he would flip open his laptop after new mountain rain,

sparrows returning in purple dusk, and careful

not to slosh fresh-brewed wine onto his keyboard,

peck out a greeting to dear old friend Yuan Zhen

two month’s travel by braying mule

away, and say: “Tonight the cottage window

admitted the sound of rain on spattered banana tree

leaves the size of elephant ears, a cricket

started to chirp then stopped, then started

again, and I thought of you. How are your children?

Have you put them to bed with

sips of wine? Someday I know we will sit down

together again on this long journey

home, arm in arm at least in poetry,” and when

the mosquitoes began to drown

in his wine glass and find

the nape of his neck, rush his last

syllables, and quickly click “Send”

before booting his laptop down and

retreating inside for one more lonely

night in misty mountains.

1st Place Award – Mark Dailey

Mark Dailey is an environmental studies professor at Prescott College. Originally from West Virginia, he lived in Vermont for almost 20 years before moving to Arizona with his family in 2019. He has a lifelong interest in poetry, with a special interest in Chinese language and poetry, and also publishes widely in English-language haiku journals.

Peoples’ Choice – Miska Paget

The Best Horses In Heaven, They Have No Tail

The best horses in Heaven, they have no tail

This is a rule they all know, without fail

For when a new horse arrives with a short cut bob

Everyone knows that this horse did a very good job

His owner couldn’t bear to part with her friend

So she saved his tail, wrapped in ribbons and braids

To hold with his memory in a very special way

To enter Heaven without a tail

Is an honor, a message, that without fail

Announces to everyone far and wide

That this horse was more than a wonderful ride

No, this horse was loved and cherished by one

And when his time serving here, on Earth, was done

He left behind a broken heart

And a soul from which he never will part

People’s Choice Award – Miska Paget

Miska owns Williamson Valley Large Animal Veterinary Practice. Occasionally she writes her poems seated in her truck after seeing a patient. She says, “I am about living with my heart. I am about determination, following your dreams, not listening to what other’s expectations are of you. I am about hard work, taking time to ride your horse, write poetry, celebrate with friends, laugh with children, and enjoy a cup of coffee with your husband. I am about staying up all night if the horse has a chance. I don’t give up easily. I like the challenge, and I love the triumph. I am about scheduling extra time in my day to listen to the stories of an older client, because I know I will learn something. I am about bringing joy, making others laugh, engendering a sense of belonging and comfort to those in my life. We are all in this together.”

Best Youth – Mika Katarzyna

Do not fret over imperfection

Do not fret over imperfection

and never shed any tears.

Don’t worry about tomorrow,

don’t lose sleep over your fears.

Let yourself enjoy your time

here upon this earth;

never stress or question

your own personal worth.

Let things come and pass

and I’m sure you will find;

you’re so much happier when

stressful things aren’t on your mind.

And I hope when your time comes to die

you think about your life and laugh;

you may not have won the game of life

but you enjoyed strolling the path.

Don’t fret over imperfection, love,

and when you fall you can always rise.

For in your imperfection is where your perfection lies.

Best Youth Poet Award – Mika Katarzyna

Mika Katarzyna is a 15-year-old high school student, who enjoys writing poetry and relaxing with her dogs.

Special Recognition – Keagan Sweeney

My Voice

Call upon it

summoning to come

Bribes of cookies

candies and treats

A commissioned work

if done

Like a crystal

clear creek

Crystal clear moving

with ease

Standing still transparent

Crystal clear yet

weak

Melodious monotonous

Painlessly laborsome

Effortlessly daunting

My voice

Special Recognition – Keagan Sweeney

Keagan’s’ favorite quote: “Heroes live within the hearts of small children fighting big battles.”

Comment from Keagan’s teacher, Jasmine Castigliano: “For most of her life, people did not listen when Keagan communicated. I’d like to think it was mostly because they didn’t understand the methods she used to communicate. Unfortunately, I think it was actually because they wrote her off as someone incapable of communicating, so they never even tried. About five years ago, I was gifted the best gift Keagan can give – her trust. She told me then she didn’t like to communicate in front of others with her AAC as she thought everyone would consider her a freak. Things have changed for her over the last few years… and through quite a few tears, a few dozen bags of Doritos, and enough swear words to qualify as Samuel L. Jackson’s understudy. Now Keagan stands before you ready to show you who she is. But this time it’s not because she trusts you…it’s because she trusts herself.”

Thank you to our Juror Michaela Carter

Michaela Carter is an award-winning poet, writer, and painter. She studied Theater at UCLA and holds an MFA in Creative Writing. Her poetry won the Poetry Society of America, Los Angeles New Poets Prize. Her poetry has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes, won the Poetry Society of America Los Angeles New Poets Contest, and has appeared in numerous anthologies and journals. Her novel “Further Out Than You Thought” was an Indie Next Pick, an Arizona Republic Recommends, and AZ Central’s Best critic’s pick for 2014. Michaela co-founded The Peregrine Book Company an independent bookstore in Prescott, Arizona where she works as a book buyer and storyteller. She lives in Prescott with her husband and two children and teaches creative writing at Yavapai College. Learn more about Michaela on her website MichaelaCarter.com.

Tara Thai Restaurant review

Debra Owen — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 21:23:39 +0000

Greetings, Don Hawker, PAJ Culinary Arts Ambassador here. This is my first restaurant review, many more to come. Tara Thai is located on Cortez, on the Prescott Courthouse Town Square. Thai cuisine has distinctive flavors, due to a unique combination of herbs and spices, resulting in richer tastes and textures, compared to most Chinese dishes.

Tara Thai features a beautiful bar and with Asian décor. We began with signature mixed cocktails, a Thai mule, and a coconut martini, bargains at $8.00. Both were excellent. Our first food selection was Tom Ka, a popular hot and sour soup made with chicken and mushrooms, and a tasty broth featuring lemongrass, coconut milk, cilantro, and unique spices. The taste was exactly as expected and highly enjoyable. We also ordered Kao Pad Ramm Mit, a sauteed rice dish, with mixed fresh vegetables, shrimp, chicken, all with rich sweet/savory flavors. Tara Thai has an extensive menu, including tempura (battered, deep-fried veggies and fish), Thai curries, noodle dishes, including the famous Pad Thai, and stir-fried entrees. There are many selections to suit vegan diets.

Our server, Jade, was genuinely friendly and attentive. The food service was slow, took about 45 minutes. Jade was very apologetic and took 30% off our check! We will definitely return and will try other items on their menu.

Art Habits

Debra Owen — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 23:47:49 +0000

Art Habits

“The thought manifests as the word; the word manifests as the deed; the deed develops into habit; and habit hardens into character. As the shadow follows the body, as we think, so we become.” ~ Guatama Buddha, Dhammapada

An artist enters the studio focused and ready to be amazed.

Guided by comfort in the art habit, the artist instinctively follows his muse, ready for either and both artistic breakthrough and failure.

Will the muse lead him astray? It can happen.

A painter struggles with a stack of canvasses, tubes of paints …and time. It is a romantic vision we accept. Invested in process, the artist pursues a familiar experience of discovery, joy and pride.

Music and theater, the performing arts focus on the shared intoxicating euphoria.

Art is sensual, intimate, and personal. The arts are private in the “looking” and the willingness to see things that might not be seen. Seeing is a commitment to a personal moment… a stretching exercise of self-refection.

Not unlike the physical habit of keeping in shape, the art habit reaches beyond one’s capacities, dynamically exploring the opportunity for self-learning.

It’s habit forming for both the artist and the devotee. The artist and observer are in an intimate dance. Stealing the lead, back and forth. It’s a dance, not always graceful. Each “making the time” to do our best work at living creatively.

Debra Owen

Welcome

prescottartslogin — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 20:29:00 +0000

Transition by Debra Owen

Hello Creatives,

Welcome! PAJ is ready to support you on your path of creative expression. Yes, you!

Prescott Arts Journey is your place to share your thoughts, your process, and the results of your creativity. Your people are here. Your teachers are here. Your audience is here.

Prescott Arts Journey is where you can enjoy cheers, support, information, news, and community.

I am committed to supporting your journey of originality. Prescott Arts Journey is inclusive and comprehensive. My goal for Prescott Arts Journey is to be the best website celebrating all forms of creative expression. This is your community.

Prescott Arts Journey’s community also includes the experts delivering important support services. You are needed. Thank you for keeping the creative arts alive, healthy, and growing. This is your community.

We all know local artists are also experiencing isolation… and financial obstacles. And, we need to find balance with a break from the news. Social distancing is isolating… by definition.

The importance of the arts feels remarkable now. The creative arts offer alternate avenues to stay in touch with our humanity. We need the arts.

Right now, we need to work together. Our livelihoods depend on it… they really do. I feel certain that we can stop, or at least mitigate, the struggle for resources.

I’m speaking to our creative community. Prescott Arts Journey is committed to your success. By satisfying your unique needs for supportive resources and tools. By connecting you with your network. By helping you reach and expand your audience.

So please, tell me. What do you want? What is your dream? What do you need to make it real?

Please do not let me work at creating something you don’t need.

To best help you, I need your input. Guide me.

Here are a few things that come to my mind.

A podium for Speakers, Poets and Storytellers. We are missing your voice!
A base for Livestreaming Intimate Performances – A stage, a stool, a microphone, a spotlight.
A hub of Online Classes and Workshops – All creative topics. All media. All of them!
A meeting place for Artist Talks, Demos and Discussion Forum – Chat with the inspired.
A source of Professional Knowledge, Resources and Information – Feedback – Advice – Information.
A Private Roundtable Just for PAJ Creatives – A safe place to share our stories, our ideas, and our needs.

What are your ideas? What do you need?

I’m in it for you. I believe in myself. I believe in you. I believe in us.

How Divas Play by Joy Herhold

Let’s do this!

Photo credit:

Top photo: The Minstrels by Cathy Ortel Severson