The Unexpected Art Treasures of Winslow

By Kathryn Turney

One would not usually consider Winslow, Arizona as “off the beaten path.” The Eagles, with the popular song, “Take it Easy,” have made “the Corner” a regular stopping place for people of all ages when they explore Northern Arizona. La Posada Hotel is also a regular draw for those interested in trains, historic depots, and the history of the railroad. Route 66 runs right through the middle of town. Not quite off the beaten path… and yet it is.

Winslow has an organization called the Winslow Arts Trust (WAT), which is an association that works with local organizations to showcase the culture of Winslow and the Route 66 Corridor. WAT’s main exhibition space will be the Route 66 Art Museum, which will be located in the original Santa Fe Railroad Station at La Posada. Renovation of the station is scheduled to start this spring. There are also three affiliates (La Posada Hotel, Snowdrift Art Space and El Gran Art Garage) that work with WAT and provide exhibit space for some of the most beautiful, creative and thought-provoking art this writer has ever seen.

La Posada Hotel has over 10,000 square feet of exhibition space. Three thousand feet of this space are devoted to the artwork of Tina Mion, who is a nationally renowned artist specializing in portraiture. My favorite is her Ladies First series, which includes a mind-blowing portrait of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, recently purchased by the Smithsonian Institution. I will not reveal all here, as no verbal description will do it justice.

Snowdrift Art Space, owned by the talented and creative sculptor Dan Lutzick, is a 10,000 square foot studio/exhibition space that is one of the affiliates of WAT. Dan has many of his pieces on display at La Posada, but the majority of his work can been seen at Snowdrift. My favorite is a piece entitled The Cross of La Posada, a mixed medium piece that utilizes old La Posada room keys. Please call in advance for a tour of Snowdrift, which is only open by appointment.

The third WAT affiliate is El Gran Garage, which has 8,000 square feet of exhibition space for events and guided tours. Check the WAT website or Facebook link for the 2012 exhibition schedule and additional information about the project.

When you stop in Winslow to do the expected, visit the unexpected hidden art treasures of Winslow and the Winslow Arts Trust.

Contact: Dan Lutzick, Winslow Arts Trust, 303 E. Second Street, Winslow, Arizona 86047
928-289-4366, www.winslowartstrust.com

Grand Canyon National Park Lodges

To take advantage of all there is to see and do, stay in one of seven distinctly different lodges, operated by Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C., the only accommodations inside the park at the South Rim. With 908 rooms, accommodations are available with some advance planning, or if you plan your visit at the last minute. It is all waiting for you at the South Rim and available year-round.

Maswik Lodge, just a short walk from the rim, is the perfect choice for a family getaway. Or choose the elegance of the historic El Tovar, where you will find our gracious staff most accommodating. The cozy lobby is available for all guests to enjoy, and a meal in the famous El Tovar Dining Room is sure to be a highlight of any Grand Canyon visit. The Bright Angel Restaurant and two cafeterias offer additional dining options with menu choices to suit every taste and budget.

Located in the Market Plaza, Yavapai West and East Lodge rooms received a major renovation in 2010 and 2011. These renovations make these popular lodges an even better value. Renovations include the addition of flat screen TVs, new carpet, paint and furniture. Ample parking and nearby shuttle stops make these lodges an attractive alternative to rim lodges.
The Mary Jane Colter designed Hopi House and Lookout Studio are open year-round and offer a selection of fine Native American crafts and Grand Canyon souvenirs. The sturdy, reliable mules continue to take riders on a grand adventure on the rim and into the canyon throughout the year.

Grand Canyon National Park Lodges – We’re not just close, We’re there.
Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C. is an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service.

Reservations: toll-free 888-297-2757 or 303-297-2757
grandcanyonlodges.com

Big Band Hangar Dance and WWII Musical Show, March 17th

The Commemorative Air Force Aircraft Museum (CAF) and presenting sponsor Hensley and Company invite you to take a Sentimental Journey back to 1943 with “A Night in the 40s” Big Band Dance. This glamorous event features a WW II 1940′s musical show followed by a big band orchestra playing sounds of the era to dancing men and women dressed in period styles – all in the shadow of the vintage B-17 WW II Flying Fortress bomber “Sentimental Journey”!

“A Night in the 40′s” benefits a worthwhile cause – a fund raiser for the non-profit volunteer CAF Aircraft Museum, 2017 N. Greenfield Rd at Mesa’s Falcon Field, a organization dedicated to keeping aviation history alive for current and future generations.

“A Night in the 40′s” will be held Saturday, March 17. Entertainment begins at 5:30 pm with The Kathy Donald Jazz Ensemble. At 7:30 pm, the Sonoran Swing Big Band Orchestra plays favorite music from the war years. There will be a costume contest for the best-dressed 1940′s costume and a swing dance contest.

Tickets for “A Night in the 40′s” are $35 per person purchased in advance and $40 the day of. Tickets can be purchased at the museum or online at www.bigbanddance.com. All admission fees and donations are fully tax deductible.

480-924-1940, www.bigbanddance.com, www.azcaf.org