ARTS

Scottsdale, Carefree, Cave Creek to host Hidden in the Hills tour

Peoria gourd artist Jan Downey will be part of Arizona’s largest studio tour this month

Jan Downey poses with her gourd sculptures during the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour. A Peoria resident, Downey is one of 164 artists participating in the free, self-guided tour, which takes place over the last two weekends of November.

(Photo courtesy of Jan Downey)

Peoria resident Jan Downey poses at a gourd farm. The gourds used by artists are non-edible and must dry on the vine for up to a year to be fully cured and usable.

(Photo courtesy of Jan Downey)

“It’s About the Journey” by Jan Downey. The Peoria artist uses a variety of processes in her design work including pyrography, carving, painting with acrylics and ink dyes, and embellishing with natural materials.

(Photo courtesy of Jan Downey)

Editor's note: This article first appeared in Sun Life Magazine, a Daily Independent publication.

Jan Downey was in Ethiopia when she fell in love with her first gourd. She was working as a cultural anthropologist with the National Museum of Ethiopia, helping them with their ethnographic collection.

It was a gourd used by women in the very hot, remote desert to carry milk. She was struck by how even a utilitarian object used by semi-nomadic people was designed and embellished.

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers starting at $5 for your first month and support local, unbiased journalism.

Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

The latest edition of the Phoenix Independent

View this issue

Browse other issues

Latest Opinions

U.S. vs. Mexico: ‘War’ that ends at final whistle in Glendale

OPINION — On Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m., the United States’ men’s soccer team will play Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. On paper, it is a friendly. Nobody in my family …

Trump, GOP don’t embody the Cowboy Code

OPINION — I used to be a Republican. I voted for Ronald Reagan. To me, Reagan embodied the Cowboy Code of actor singer Gene Autry. The code included that the cowboy must never shoot …

Goodyear is building; D.C. keeps getting in the way

OPINION — Goodyear is one of the fastest-growing cities in America. Every month we approve homes, break ground on employment sites and work to keep power and water ahead of demand.

Will the real Republicans please step forward?

OPINION — I have a question for Paul Cahill, who wondered in a recent letter to the editor where America’s real Democrats are. ... I’ll ask: Will the real Republicans please step …

America's Charters of Freedom give Arizonans the power to bargain

OPINION — I’m replying to Annarose Lilly’s labor bargaining comments. America's Charters of Freedom already give Arizonans the power to bargain, so why would they pay a third …

Most recent

Saints placing running back Travis Etienne Jr. on injured reserve

New Orleans Saints coach Kellen Moore says running back Travis Etienne Jr. is being placed on injured reserve. The move means Etienne will miss a minimum of four games. His earliest possible return …

Paradise Valley volunteer police officer Howard Hecker remembered for decades of service

What to know about Christa Pike, who survived a lethal injection execution attempt in Tennessee

G20 trade talks yield little progress while tensions simmer

Women's basketball player from Senegal has deportation order rescinded after arrest by ICE

Carly Rae Jepsen bringing 2027 tour to Phoenix

Scottsdale, Carefree, Cave Creek to host Hidden in the Hills tour

Peoria gourd artist Jan Downey will be part of Arizona’s largest studio tour this month

Paradise Valley volunteer police officer Howard Hecker remembered for decades of service

U.S. vs. Mexico: ‘War’ that ends at final whistle in Glendale

Carly Rae Jepsen bringing 2027 tour to Phoenix

Weekend Picks: Valley events for Oct. 2-4

East Valley council deadlocked on airport runway extension

Arizona secretary of state debate rehashes old allegations, delves into new ones

Nonprofit Ripple 2 Wave aims for wide-reaching community impact in its second year

West Valley residential real estate round up

U.S. vs. Mexico: ‘War’ that ends at final whistle in Glendale

Trump, GOP don’t embody the Cowboy Code

Goodyear is building; D.C. keeps getting in the way

Will the real Republicans please step forward?

America's Charters of Freedom give Arizonans the power to bargain

Bender Performing Arts Halloween Costume Sale …

MCC Bands Concert with ASU Wind Ensemble

Scottsdale Garden Club Opens 2025-2027 Season on …

Rhythm Ramblers to Introduce New Singer in Count …

A Resort Lifestyle Awaits - Join Us for an …

Scottsdale, Carefree, Cave Creek to host Hidden in the Hills tour

Peoria gourd artist Jan Downey will be part of Arizona’s largest studio tour this month

Please log in to continue

Need an account?

Non-subscribers

Register to comment