Happy 2021! Winter Happenings + Goodies (Jan/Feb)

We all had to do an exhausting amount of pivoting in 2020.

Fortunately, people are still making art, getting out into nature, cooking food, learning new things, connecting with their communities. While the format may have shifted – farmers’ markets becoming drive-thru, classes going online, concerts moving outdoors – the essence is still there.

Here’s a list of upcoming Happenings that that have taken safety and social distancing into consideration. About half are online/livestream/virtual things, so you can join in while staying home. And participate from anywhere in the world.

Blooming saguaro cactus in Catalina State Park, Tucson.

Desert Bloom: A Low-Key, Informal Online “Gallery” Show: online

now – Jan 14 / online / free to view (artwork is available to purchase)

Virtual exhibition of twelve 5”x 5” watercolor and ink illustrations by Adela Antoinette. Each illustration consists of desert plants the artist came across while growing up in the Southwest of the U.S., where she discovered desert plants blossoming during even the hottest and coldest months.

MOCA working from home exhibition — Part of the Working from Home exhibition at Tucson MOCA.

Working from Home: Tucson

now – Mar 28 / Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson (MOCA) / free (donations accepted)

Exhibition featuring new commissions from five artists (Miguel Fernández de Castro, Nazafarin Lotfi, Mark McKnight, Nicole Miller, and Rocki Swiderski) and two poets (Dot Devota and Raquel Gutiérrez) connected to the Tucson region and who each have a unique perspective on this moment of pandemic and protest, as well as on the local landscape. Since the smaller East Galleries remain closed, the entire exhibition is in the Great Hall.

We really enjoyed visiting MOCA in November and seeing this exhibition!
The on-site gift shop is temporarily closed, but MOCAshop lists their artists so you can support their online stores directly.
Frontline healthcare workers can receive a complimentary Individual Membership at MOCA.

Mural by Lex Gjurasic In Tucson. — Mural by Lex Gjurasic, whose work is included in the Picturing 2020 exhibition.

Picturing 2020: A Community Reflects: online

now – March / virtual tour / free

Virtual exhibition of work by more than 150 artists from across Southern Arizona depicting their experience of the destabilizing events of this year. Alongside these new works are pieces from University of Arizona Museum of Art’s permanent collection that resonate with the challenges of the times we’re in.

Virtual Art Trivia Happy Hour: Jan. 14, 5pm on Zoom. Advance registration required.
UAMA online resources include digital collections, public art activities, and art-based play for all ages.

Yuma Favorites: Part 1

Exuberance: An Artistic Botanical Experience: Tubac (south of Tucson)

now – Apr 10 / Tubac Presidio State Historic Park / Included with entrance fee ($7).

Collection of outdoor art installations by local artists and gardeners on the 8-acre grounds of the Tubac Presidio. Installations will celebrate native plants, sustainabilty, and creative approaches for the garden.

Ag to Art Market: Feeding the Body and Soul: Yuma (southwest Arizona)

Jan 3, Feb 7, Mar 7 / City Hall (front parking lot) / free (no admission fee)

Combined farmers market and artist market with local art, fresh produce, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Monthly on the first Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Social distancing and other safety measures will be observed.

Mural by Ignacio Garcia in Downtown Tucson.

Weekly AARP Arts Showcase: online

Jan 6, 6pm / online (Facebook) / free

Southern Arizona Arts + Cultural Alliance (SAACA) mini-documentary on muralist Ignacio Garcia. The artist will take viewers on location to several of his favorite murals in Tucson, describing the mural creation process, inspiration for each mural, and insight into what has made it such a fast-growing public art medium in recent years. The video will stream on both the SAACA and AARP’s Facebook pages.

SAACA has been assembling Arts Care Packages with music, DIY kits, and journaling supplies for assisted living communities and hospital patients. You can help support the program by donating art supplies, original music, or money.

Tucson Botanical Gardens Classes: online

Jan 6 – Mar 4 / online (Zoom)

Classes on topics like gardening, art, cooking, and meditation. Fees are usually around $30. Materials not included.

Sonoran Cocido and Galletitas de Naranja: Jan 23, 3pm. Learn the history of this Sonoran beef vegetable stew, while you learn to make it – and orange shortbread cookies too.
Creating Outdoor Rooms with Pots (2-part series), February 6 + 20, 11am.
Nature Journaling: Feb 24, 2pm. Learn drawing and watercolor painting techniques that will allow you to quickly capture and communicate flora and fauna you observe.
Southwest Planting Tips by Month and other community resources.

Riders: A Novel Approach to Opera

Lookout Tucson Jazz Concert Series: Sheryl Ann Starlight: Tucson

January 7 + 21 at 5pm / Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort + Spa, Tucson, AZ / $10 cover charge

Evening of jazz music performed outdoors by the Sheryl Ann Starlight Quartet. Arts benefit cover charge will be added to all bills to help pay musicians and contribute to SAACA. Maximum 30-person attendance.

Spamalot costume designed by Arizona Opera’s CeCe Sickler.

Arizona Opera Costume Shop Masterclasses: online

Jan 8 – Mar 26 / online (Zoom)

Series of 8 masterclasses with the team of Arizona Opera’s Costume Shop introducing various skills related to their field, such as fabric painting and dyeing, hat making, beadwork, resin, and watercolor painting. Most materials are covered by class fees and can be picked up the Arizona Opera Center in Phoenix or shipped to you. Class fee $75 or $90 with shipping.

Intro to Millinery: Jan 22, 1:30pm.
Intro to Burnout Velvet Fabric: Feb 12, 1:30pm.
Find Arizona Opera videos, interviews, and musical story time at the Arizona Opera OnDemand channel.

Mercado Flea: Tucson

Jan 10, Feb 14, Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9 from 8am-2pm / Mercado District (along Avenida del Convento)

Outdoor market with antiques, collectibles, and other quirky finds held the second Sunday of the month. Booths are spaced out from Mercado San Agustin to the MSA Annex.

SN: I’ve gone to this market a couple times since it reopened this fall. Things I didn’t buy (even though I kind of wanted to) include a vintage sewing machine, Kool-aid man coasters, and a very cute little potted cactus. There were more people around at the December one but still plenty of space to social distance. (Whether people actually give you space is another story. However, their lack of self-awareness isn’t really the market’s fault. Humans continue to be humans. Sigh.)

Road near the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Classes and Trips for Adults: Tucson

Tucson, AZ / $35 per person

Animal Training Behind the Scenes: various Thursdays Jan 14 – Mar 25. Opportunity to watch keepers’ training sessions with several animals and talk to the keepers while they work. The trainings take place on the museum grounds, and the price includes museum admission. Limited to 10 participants.
King Canyon Geology Hike: Jan 30 + Feb 13, 8-11:30am. 2-mile hike in the Tucson Mountains, possibly seeing Hohokam artifacts, and learning about the sedimentary basins, volcanic caldera, and the stretching and cracking of the earth beneath us.

Zoppé Family Circus: Drive-In Circus: Tempe + Tucson

Jan 15 – Jan 31 / MSA Annex, Tucson, AZ / Tickets start at $49 per car.

This small, Italian-American family circus has updated their show to be on an outdoor stage with screens above it, so you can watch from your car. They claim to be “The World’s First Multimedia Drive-In Circus,” and I doubt anyone would argue.

At Big Surf in Tempe: now – Jan 4

La Encantada Fine Art Market: Tucson

Jan 16 – Jan 17 / La Encantada Shopping Center, Tucson, AZ / free (no admission fee)

Outdoor fine arts festival with jewelry, paintings, metalwork, ceramics, silks, and different kinds of home decor items.

SN: A couple local spots to check out at La Encantada (outside of the festival): Savaya for coffee and tea + Creative Kind for craft kits and artisan goods.

Ancient Agave Tour

OnView+OnLine+OnDemand: online

ongoing / online / fees vary

Digital collections, classes, and resources from Arizona State Museum (ASM), University of Arizona’s anthropolgy museum.

Virtual exhibitions of pottery, weaving, illustration, carvings, and ASM collections. Free.
Digital Master Classes on Demand. Next is a Jan. 25 course on the timely topic of Diseases in Human Evolution. $150 class fee supports ongoing research.
Behind-the-Scenes Video Tours. Free.

Big Boy Trains with a Big Fanbase

Verde Canyon Railroad Chocolate Lovers’ Festival: Clarkdale (north of Phoenix, near Sedona)

Feb 11 – Feb 14 / Verde Canyon Railroad, Clarkdale, AZ / $139 per person

Chocolate Lovers’ Festival on the Verde Canyon Railroad train. Includes a first class ticket, chocolate goodies, glass of champagne, service at your seat, and complimentary appetizers in dedicated “Chocolate Lovers” cars.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts concerts: Scottsdale / online

Many upcoming Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts shows are either all virtual or offer both in-person and livestream viewing options. Livestream tickets vary by show ($20-39).

Burkina Dreams in the Desert Featuring AZ63: Feb 28 at 2pm, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts or livestream / tickets $24-28: AZ63 performs on a mix of string and percussion instruments from Burkina Faso, the African Diaspora, and beyond.

Plant Portraits: Culinary and Aromatic: Tucson or online

Mar 2 – Mar 30 / TBD: in Tucson or online / $250

Class on herbs and other plants that are used in aromatherapy and cooking, like lavender, lemongrass, and tulsi (holy basil). Each day, attendees will learn about the history and practical uses of a plant and then create a portrait of it using various media. This class may be hosted in-person at the Urban Forest (a Tucson non-profit space created by Randiesia Fletcher) or on Zoom, pending COVID circumstances.

AZIFF - palo verdes — Path near Armory Park, Tucson.

Tucson Jazz Festival 2021 (TJF2021): Tucson / online

Mar 20 – Mar 21 / Armory Park, Tucson or virtual / Single-day tickets start at $75.

2-day outdoor festival featuring eight international jazz acts performing on the mainstage.

While you can’t actually buy tickets yet, you can (and should!) register to reserve your spot. Once organizers determine it will be safe to hold an in-person event, you’ll receive an invitation to complete your ticket purchase.
Social distancing protocols will be instituted throughout the Festival grounds, and face masks will be required for all attendees and staff/volunteers working the event.

The Big Gem Show: Tucson

Apr 8 – Apr 25 / Hotel Tucson City Center, Tucson, AZ / free

More than 300 gem, minerals, and fossil vendors throughout Hotel Tucson’s 10-acre courtyard. The Show’s focus will be on quality Gems, Minerals, and Fossils. The show is open to the public.

Happenings on this list are handpicked by me. As far as I know, all the information was accurate when I posted this. But there’s a chance it’s not, and that’s really out of my hands.

Also, this is not an ad. Event listings are not sponsored. In fact, no one asked for this. I just compulsively need to share good stuff I hear about. So there you go.

December 23, 2020December 21, 2020

Offering Peace

I was recently introduced to a beautiful children’s book, called Peace is an Offering, about taking care of one another and appreciating the world around us.

The sweet, simple poem is by Annette LeBox with illustrations by Stephanie Graegin adding a delightful interpretation of her words.

Peace is an Offering by Annette LeBox and illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. — Cover images via the publisher.

While you can get it at your local library or bookstore, I also recommend having Emily on YouTube read it to you. Her quiet, soothing voice, combined with the lulling rhymes and satisfying sound of book pages turning, will make you feel at ease (or give you ASMR).

Because, like many of the best children’s books, it’s not just for kids.

Peace is an Offering book. — Photo via National Archives Store.

We could all use a little more peace in our lives right now. We could all find ways to offer a little more goodwill to the people around us.

Wishing you days filled with peace and kindness now and in the new year.

December 17, 2020December 17, 2020

Top Fives of 2020

We humans are weirdly resilient.

"Dirty P" art by John Carrillo. — “Dirty P” art by John Carrillo.

A few years ago, I wrote (through tears), “Life can be such an off-balance mix of highs and lows, beautiful moments and heartbreaking ones all scrambled together.”

It remains true at the close of this tumultuous, challenging, disorienting – and, yes, often heartbreaking – year. There are points of light, even in dark times.

Dog — Quijote hanging out with me before polling place setup in November.

I asked a few friends to think of some good moments they experienced in 2020 and share them in the form of a top five list of things they did or simply enjoyed.

Their lovely responses (and fun photos!) are below.

Handmade clothes and quilts — Craft projects by Kelli.

Kelli Donley Williams: Top 5 Things I Made

These are my top five favorite makes of 2020 – a year that provided ample time for me to be creative.

1. Cornflower Yoke Cardigan from Vintage Baby Knits for my niece, Maxine Eleanor. She was born August 1.

2. No. 1 shirt from designer Sonya Philip. I learned how to sew basic garments this year. I made several of these and lived in them all summer!

3. I participated in Denyse Schmidt’s Proverbial Quilt Along. The quilt reads, “The Darkest Nights Make the Brightest Stars.” I gave it to my eldest niece Alexis, who headed off to college in August and was having a hard time with everything she’d been forced to miss due to the pandemic.

4. My best friend Meghann turned 40 in August and asked for a quilt in her colors. This is the most ambitious quilting project I’ve ever completed. My mom quilted the top with her longarm, to make it extra special. The pattern is an Ohio star.

5. I completed Morning Sky sweater in cornflower blue and have enjoyed wearing it. I really like the scalloped edge and the fit. I made it from inexpensive yarn, and it has held up nicely!

Healthy meals — Serious meal prep by Christin!

Christin Underwood: Top 5 Ways I Stayed Healthy during 2020

1. Meal prepped weekly to stay on my nutrition

2. Made sure to do at least 3 home workouts a week

3. Made sure to hike weekly for Vitamin D

4. FaceTime and Zoom called my family once a week

5. Journaled and did meditation for mental health

Lucrecer Braxton portrait — Lucrecer with some of her many plants, who she plays music and dances with.

Lucrecer Braxton: Top 5 Songs I’ve Been Listening to This Year

1. Diana Gordon, “Woman”

2. Almondmilkhunni feat. Evander Griiim, “Grapefruit”

3. Yung Baby Tate, “That Girl”

4. Maxine Ashley, “Lobster”

5. Koffee, “Toast”

Sangeeta and Shanauk got the beet. — 2018 photo that I dug up on Sangeeta’s Facebook.

Sangeeta Agarawal: Top Ways I Learnt To Do R+R This Year

1. Call and Zoom friends

2. Walks in nature and meditation retreats

3. Cook fun recipes

4. Clean and decorate house

5. Coloring and calligraphy

6. Reading spiritual books

7. Being in pajamas

8. A little bit of gardening

Dog in a tent — Laurel says her dog, Honeybear, is an excellent camper!

Top 5 Things I Enjoyed in Spite of 2020…

• from Laurel Shane:

1. Camping trips

2. Cuddling with my dog

3. Reading Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh

4. DIY projects like sewing masks and making home improvements

5. Rewatching The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

• from Vesna Taneva-Miller:

1. I went on my first meditation retreat in Stockbridge, MA a week before everything shut down because of COVID. This was on my 2020 list before 2020 arrived.

2. I went on an epic hike in Yosemite and hiked Half Dome. I was sooo lucky to be invited on this hike as going all the way to the top requires a permit that is given through a lottery system.

Stamps — Two of Vesna’s hand carved stamps.

3. I was able to stay home for 6 weeks when COVID first hit. We did a lot of walks in local parks. I also learned how to edit videos and filmed 3 classes for Skillshare.

4. I planted two fruit trees in my backyard: a fig and a pomegranate. I will always remember that they were planted during COVID year (haha)!

5. I am joining Carve December, and I am determined to carve a stamp a day during this month.

Happy campers — Lori camping with family.

• from Lori Meisner Cleland:

1. Socially distanced camping trips with my brother and his family

2. Discovering new (to me) music, like Gregory Porter

3. A slower pace

4. Increased support of and appreciation of small businesses

5. Seeing all the amazing creativity going on as people work to navigate this crazy year together

Food and beverages — Photos from some of the local restaurants Lori supported this year.

Photos that go with the lists are from the respective listmakers.

P.S. Dinah Liebold’s list of gift ideas that was so detailed and timely that it got its own post last week, so be sure to check that out if you haven’t already!

December 11, 2020July 22, 2023

Dinah’s Delicious Holiday Gift Ideas for 2020

[My sister-in-law Dinah always gives such fun gifts and beautiful handmade cards. I’m excited that today she’s sharing some of her ideas here with you! –S]

I enjoy giving presents under normal circumstances, but during 2020, I felt it was more important than ever to send fun surprises in the mail for my friends and family – for birthdays or just because – since I wasn’t able to see them as often (or at all).

"You take the cupcake" card — A birthday card made by Dinah.

Craft Beverages + Food

I try to seek out local companies here in Arizona or, at least, small businesses.

Derek Sips coffee

Derek is a teacher and a father of 5, who lives in Tempe, Arizona. He loves coffee and decided to start roasting beans himself as a side business. We shipped out bags of his coffee to several family members this year (and also to ourselves)!

StoneGrindz Chocolate

For my chocolate-loving friends, I discovered this company located in Scottsdale. They specialize in small batch, single-origin craft chocolate that’s beautifully packaged. I love how they come up with new flavors regularly.

Cartel Coffee menu — Menu at Cartel Coffee Lab in Tempe.

Cartel Coffee Lab

The original Cartel Coffee Lab location is in Tempe. I was pleased to see that they offered this “Stay at Home” blend, which was perfect for my friend Robin, who is coffee-obsessed and works from home. Plus, 10% of the profits go to a Navajo Nation COVID-19 relief fund.

Queen Creek Olive Mill

This company is located in Queen Creek, Arizona. I purchased some bottles of flavored olive oil for my brother’s and sister’s birthdays this year. It was a useful gift for them, as they like to cook, and it lasted awhile. I enjoyed hearing which foods they paired the olive oils with!

In addition to standard olive oil offerings, Queen Creek Olive Mill has unique flavors like vanilla bean and dark chocolate. There’s even a set called “Quarantine Essentials!”

Saratoga Peanut Butter Company

My husband Daniel did part of his Navy training near Saratoga Springs, New York, where this company is located. They offer a holiday pack of different kinds of peanut butter. I can’t wait to try more of their flavors in 2021!

A box of green because you're dope. — “A box of green” by Dinah.

DIY Inspiration

Color themed gifts — Color-themed goodies. Photos by Dinah.

Color-Themed Gift Boxes

For several birthdays this year, I put together boxes full of goodies of the same hue.

I sent my brother a “box o’ sunshine” with yellow items, since his birthday falls right after Christmas, the dreariest time in Montana’s winter. My sister-in-law’s birthday is right before St. Paddy’s Day, so she received all green gifts. And a few people received some “Out of the Blue” birthday boxes.

Hopefully, I can try it out with some other colors this coming year!

Dalgona Coffee (recipe)

We received a lovely gift in our mailbox of pre-measured mix to make Dalgona coffee drinks from a friend. We loved the idea so much that we copied it, making our own Dalgona coffee mixes send to other friends and family.

Once you have the dry mix, all you have to do is add boiling water and beat in the mixer until it turns into coffee-flavored whipped cream! Drink it with ice and your milk of preference.

This was a great way to make a “fancy” coffeehouse-style drink, while staying safe at home.

November 30, 2020December 1, 2020

Honeycomb Color Story

Lately, I can’t seem to ignore this charming yellow hue that’s a bit more orangey than mustard and more opaque than just plain honey. I’m calling it “honeycomb.”

You can find this sweet shade on artisan goods, as well as things you can make, wear, or eat.

1. Honeycomb with fresh nectar reflecting the tree canopy. Photo by Max Westby, a beekeeper and honey producer in Burgundy, France. (CCL)

2. Dreamweaver lampshade made-to-order by Pop + Scott, $980. / Similar DIY project: rope-wrapped hanging lamp.

3. Nipomo picnic blanket, rolled up and ready to go, with leather carrying straps, $86. (Shown unfolded in the top/featured image.)

4. Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech, Morocco. Photo by Kelly Graham, taken during a trip in 2013.

5. Peanut Butter Creamed Honey made and bottled (and occasionally overfilled) by True Love Honey, Tucson, Arizona, $30 for 3 jars. / HT Freight Train Coffee (their 4th Ave. neighbor!)