HIGHER LEARNING

"unknown boy" 2.5 x 4 inches, acrylic on photo paper.

For the accompanying portrait to the Marist College I am using a created character in this Mexican boy to pose as one of the Marist College alumni.

Marist College, a grammar and junior high school was opened in Tucson, Arizona in 1914 by four Marist Brothers from the Mexican Province. Three of these brothers, viz., Gosbertus, Gregorius, and Louis Casimir, who were fleeing from Manzanillo, Mexico, where due to violent anti-clerical persecutions, the Marist schools were forced to close, arrived in San Francisco via a Chinese boat. Bishop Henry Granjon of Tucson invited these brothers to study English and the American system of education for a few months in Tucson in order to open a school in that city. A few days later Brother Henry Fumeaux from St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, joined them.

The brothers took up residence at the cathedral parish rectory. There, Father Louis Duval, a French missionary, tended to the needs of the little Marist community. Father T. Connolly, the Pastor, tutored the brothers in the English language. He also arranged for the brothers to teach in the basement of Holy Family Church in the suburbs of Tucson. While the brothers were learning English the bishop proceeded with the construction of a three story, five classrooms and community residence building near the cathedral.

On November 2, 1914 the brothers started classes for four groups, from the first grade to the ninth grade. For the next eight years there was little change in the faculty or the enrollment. Brother Henry Fumeaux, who became director in 1922, hoped to increase the enrollment but found that the location of the school caused many parents to send their boys to other schools. To better the brothers' proficiency in English he sent them to Public Normal School in Flagstaff, Arizona. Despite efforts to attract new students Brother Henry found the parents would not send their children to the school.

Two years later Brother Eold, Provincial, visited the school and decided that the brothers should be withdrawn from this area and returned to Texas and to Mexico where the persecutions had subsided. That year Bishop Granjon died while visiting his native France. His successor, Most Rev. D. Georke, studied the situation of the brothers. In June 1924 he gave his blessing and farewell to the Marist community.
Source: Marist Archives & Special Collections

MARIST COLLEGE, TUCSON

Painting derived from original photograph by Patricia Sahertian. 2.5 x 4 inches, acrylic on photo paper.

Heading south to Tucson for a look at old adobe construction, our first stop is right off the highway.

The Marist College is a landmark building in Tucson, Arizona and American Southwest. Its completion just three years after Arizona statehood (1912) represents the apex of mud adobe construction.  Adobe is found throughout the world in regions where climate and the availability of base materials blend in a vernacular tradition. This approach to building was utilized in pre-statehood Tucson and throughout Arizona Territory, and persisted until the influx of imported materials and lumber brought by the newly constructed railroad.
Source: Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation

"This remarkable building continues to be a beacon of Tucson potential," says Demion Clinco, president of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation.

Clinco says the building's Italianate and Spanish Colonial Revival style is impressive, and its location near the Tucson Convention Center is ideal for those who treasure what downtown Tucson has to offer.
Source: AZPM

What struck me the most about this building were the beautifully sculpted atlases framing the entrance. Unlike the building, which is blatantly showing its signs of erosion, these two telamon heroically hold up the second story balcony standing up against the elements.

SPRING TRAINING

"gaylord perry" this painting derived from original photo of Gaylord Perry courtesy of the Mesa Preservation Foundation. 2.5 x 4 inches, acrylic on photo paper.

You might not recognize this baseball player sitting in a tub filled with hot mineral water at Buckhorn Baths in Mesa, Arizona, but it's Gaylord Perry. A major league pitcher, who played with the Giants, Indians, Rangers, Padres, Yankees, Braves, Mariners and Royals from 1962 to 1983, Perry was known for driving batters crazy with his spitball.

Buckhorn Baths was known for its healing and restorative water and became a catalyst in connecting baseball and Arizona.

"The Sligers (Buckhorn Baths owners) provided a unique service to the community and they knew the role they would play in Mesa history and Cactus League history. She (Alice Sliger) had a great fondness for Giants players, the owner Horace Stoneham, and said her favorite player of all-time was Gaylord Perry. She didn't treat anyone like a celebrity, they were part of the family." Lisa Anderson, Mesa Historical Museum
Source: East Valley Tribune

Perry was a visitor to the baths along with a slew of other notoriety: Don Ameche, Joe DiMaggio, President Harry Truman’s sister, Mary Jane, and JFK, to name a few.

 

BUCKHORN BATHS

Painting derived from original photograph by Patricia Sahertian. 2.5 x 4 inches, acrylic on photo paper.

I am becoming fully immersed in Arizona history (pun intended). The landmark Buckhorn Baths, found on U.S. Route 89, was an oasis in the desert for tired travelers as well as a precursor to the area's spa culture with the healing powers of its hot spring. Built in 1939 after the owners, Ted and Alice Sliger, accidentally discovered a hot mineral spring while drilling their well. They decided to capitalize on this lucky find and created a series of cabins and a bathhouse with separate quarters for men and women, and hired a full staff of masseuses. Buckhorn Baths became a beacon for weary athletes, especially baseball's New York/San Francisco Giants.

Jacob and I paid it a visit last week to take some photos in the continuing series I am doing on Arizona's endangered buildings. It is quite a place. Although it's been closed for years, it looks like someone could just walk in and turn the lights on and you would step back in time. In place is the collection of "stuffed" animals, post card racks are on the counter, Arizona kitch adorns the interior, along with trophies and old furniture. Swinging doors allowed us to take a peak at the back of the building. Alleyways and water tanks abound. Free standing bathroom buildings, a series of low motel cabins and private courtyards are spread out over the grounds. It seems that someone maintains the space, because the pond is well kept and there was running water. There was no lack of things to photograph. As we walked around to the other side, we found the men's bathhouse. Its walls are badly peeling, its signs faded, its frosted glass window frames deteriorating.

What fascinated me most, was a peek inside the door to see the rows of numbered doors. To me they were immediately beautiful and bleak and imparted a real sense of loss, all empty and lonely and half opened.

You can read a good article about the fate of the Buckhorn Baths by Gary Nelson here.

TAKE THE PLUNGE

Painting derived from original photograph by Patricia Sahertian. 2.5 x 4 inches, acrylic on photo paper.

When a history landmark gets destroyed by a storm the city rallies to restore it.

In this case it is the Diving Lady Sign of Mesa, AZ. Created as a beacon for weary travelers from the east coast, this sign's main purpose was to let people know you could come to the Starlight Motel, not only for a restful vacation, but you could use the swimming pool too.

"paul millet" this painting derived from original photo of Paul Millet courtesy of Deborah Nelson and the Mesa Preservation Foundation. 2.5 x 4 inches, acrylic on photo paper.

Paul Millet opened his neon sign company in Mesa in 1946.

Working from a design created by artist Stanley Russon, Millet fabricated a 78-foot spectacle and a masterpiece. Every night, since its installation in 1960, when the sun went down the neon pin-up beauty leaped from the pinnacle of the sign in a three-panel animated sequence into a splash of neon water below.

Source: Mesa Preservation Foundation

In 2010 a powerful storm blew through the valley and knocked down this iconic landmark. A fundraising campaign was started and the restoration began. A former student, Larry Graham, of the original neon artist, Paul Millet, was called in to do the work. In April of 2013, the sign was reinstalled in all its former glory.

Restoration work has cost about $120,000, most of which has already been donated by community members and in-kind services, Vic Linoff (president of the Mesa Preservation Foundation) said. Currently, the project still needs about $10,000 to be completely done.
Source: East Valley Tribune

FIRST FRIDAY

Me at First Studio, First Friday May.

Jacob and I had a good opening at First Studio, the work was well received and the turnout was great. It is nice, because the space is a creative office building, that the work will be up and seen all month. It was enjoyable working with Kristine Kollasch on her first installation as curator of the space, and co-showing with David A. Higgins, printmaker. Mary Petrich added another dimension to the evening with her music, including bassist, Will Goble and guitarist, Mike Ozuna.

Thanks to all who came to the show.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

"frank lloyd wright", this painting derived from photo in the Library of Congress public domain image base. 2.5 x 4 inches, acrylic on photo paper.

The second part of the diptych featuring the David and Gladys Wright house will be the image of his father and building's architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

Since there is so much information on the internet about Frank Lloyd Wright, I thought it would be fun to share an episode of "What's My Line."



View more images on flickr.

WRIGHT HOUSE SAVED

Painting derived from original photograph by Patricia Sahertian. 2.5 x 4 inches, acrylic on photo paper.

Continuing with my series based on the Arizona Preservation Foundation's endangered buildings list we find a story with national recognition and a happy ending.

If you live in Phoenix you were sure to have heard the news last year that the David and Gladys Wright house was in danger. Located in a lovely Arcadia neighborhood, this Frank Lloyd Wright gem made national news when its owners were planning to sell it for demolition and have the property developed and replaced by new homes. This plan was stopped when an anonymous buyer paid $2.387 million for it, stopping the developers.

A victory for preservationists around the country, the sale came about through the intercession of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, a group that works to preserve the architect’s legacy. The sale unfolded in virtual secret; few people beyond the sellers, their agent, the buyer and officials at the conservancy were aware of its details.

The fight to save the house had galvanized preservationists and stirred spirited debates among City Council members over the value of preserving historically relevant structures versus the need to safeguard homeowners’ property rights.

Source the New York Times.

FRIDAY MAY 3, 2013

Jacob and I will be showing at First Studio, along with printmaker, David A. Higgins, on first Friday, May 3. There will also be live music provided from 7 to 9 by Mary Petrich, Mike Ozuna, and Will Goble.

We hope to see you there.

Here is all the info:

first studio
631 N 1st  Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85003

undertones 

may 3 thru 31

featuring the work of:
david a. higgins
jacob sahertian
patricia sahertian

opening may 3, 2013
6 to 10 pm

for more information call patricia sahertian at 602.218.6046
or david a. higgins at 480.202.2451

Directions to First Studio: It is helpful to remember that both First Avenue and Central Avenue near the building are one-way streets (regardless of which side of the light rail tracks you are on) and you must get on the correct side of the tracks to reach the gallery. There is limited parking at the gallery, or you can park at the Art Museum or near Portland's and walk down to First Studio, it is just two blocks south of Roosevelt. 

here is the facebook invite.

JFK

"JFK", this painting derived from photo in the Library of Congress public domain image base. 2.5 x 4 inches, acrylic on photo paper.

The second part of the diptych featuring the Westward Ho will be the image of John F. Kennedy.

On November 22, 1963, when he was hardly past his first thousand days in office, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was killed by an assassin's bullets as his motorcade wound through Dallas, Texas. Kennedy was the youngest man elected President; he was the youngest to die.
Source: The White House

For me, the image of JFK evokes the personal feelings of a school girl hearing that announcement made. We all went home early. Children crying, parents crying, it was confusing and all too sad.

It's hard to imagine, being a new-comer (well, is nine years new?) to Phoenix, that the Westward Ho once was our preeminent hotel.  I love learning about its past and its memorable guests, which included JFK.

Other reminders of the hotel’s heyday are found in an office operated by Erling Eaton, a resident who serves as the Westward Ho’s historian. He said he started collecting artifacts due to his curiosity about whether Monroe had once stayed in his room.

Some of the memories include photographs of John F. Kennedy giving a speech outside the hotel and Margaret Truman, the president’s daughter, sitting in the Kida Club.
Source: Tucson Citizen Morgue

  View more images on flickr.