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Edelstein: Final farewell from the arts scene

Posted 9/13/20

The summer is slowly drawing to a close as kids are back in school and temperatures are coming down.

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Entertainment

Edelstein: Final farewell from the arts scene

Posted

The summer is slowly drawing to a close as kids are back in school and temperatures are coming down. We aren’t out of harms way yet though as monsoon season still has time to torment us.

By the end of September I will be getting ready to start a new adventure in North Carolina. I love being in Surprise, but my family is there and it’s time for me to move on.

As you might expect, I’m researching all of the arts opportunities there. I’m excited to say that N.C. is filled with theater, museums, art galleries and bustling downtowns. Ironically, Surprise is poised to be a great dining and shopping destination just as I’m leaving.

My last reception at Arts HQ will probably be Sept. 23 for the Viva La Cultura exhibit. I have been incredibly lucky to call West Valley Arts my home for 12 years. Many people have come and gone but the gallery continues to grow and flourish.
With the limited amount of time each of us has to be involved with all Surprise offers, I encourage you to make the arts a part of your lives.

With WHAM and Ground Floor Artists, Surprise is home to three incredible galleries. Each offers a variety of exhibits, classes, retail space and a unique flavor. As you walk through the doors of each, you will be surrounded by the most welcoming people and talented artists anywhere.

My advice is to get to know each one. Sign up for emails, like them on Facebook, and tell all your friends to join you at their events.

Having the opportunity to tell you about Surprise and all it offers has been a highlight in my 70 years on this planet. Arizona has been a stop along the journey and I’m glad I got to experience it’s vast geography and culture.

Coming from Brooklyn, New York, I’ve been in L.A., San Diego, and Sacramento, California, had a chance to enjoy the East Coast of Florida, and spent a time in New Orleans, where I was nicknamed Little Record Ron.

My brother, Ron, owned a world famous record store with a collection of vinyl and vintage lunch boxes. My oldest brother, Don, continues to spend his days in Brooklyn where this all started. If everything goes as planned I will be here until some time in December, but I think this will be my last conversation with all of you.
It has been my pleasure to share my love of the arts, and I hope you will make the time to visit our galleries and meet our extraordinary, talented artists.

These are our galleries:

  • Arts HQ, 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza, 623-584-2626.
  • Ground Floor Artists, 13343 W. Foxfire Drive #3, 623-440-7083.
  • WHAM, 16560 N. Dysart Road, 623-584-8311.

Thank you for the great memories.

Editor’s Note: Merrill Edelstein is a volunteer for the West Valley Arts Council.