Page 46 March 2014 Art gallery and studio opening at the Hermosa Inn By Kaylen Waters One word comes to mind when thinking of The Hermosa Inn located in Paradise Valley, tranquil. The new Blue Door Artist Studio and Gallery is an intimate space that welcomes guests and valley locals alike to learn from an Artist in Residence. The Hermosa Inn recently opened a studio that will allow people to come and paint on property with national and local artists. The Hermosa Inn, a local treasure, was Alonzo Megargee’s home in the valley in the 1930s. As a hotel created by a local artist, the property is artistically inclined. Pam Swartz, Director of Guest Experiences, is also the head of one of their original art programs, the Artist in Residence. She was the driving force behind the program, hoping to establish the hotel as one of the most well known art locations in The Valley. Swartz, a huge supporter of the arts, said, “the plan was to keep history alive through the arts.” The Artist in Residence program quickly expanded to include the “performing, literary, and visual arts, as well as the culinary arts,” according to Swartz. It all started with brunches and dinners at The Inn that would welcome famous, mostly local, artists. Once a month during these meals, artists would demonstrate their craft and mingle with the locals. Swartz said this is how she developed the “strategic partnerships and relationships             directors around the country.” The Artist in Residence dinner series has “won both state and national awards,” according to Swartz. The intent of the dinner series was to expand the program. The dinners mainly include a wine and greet, a four-course meal, and a “salon style” evening with the guest of honor. The guests of honor are not expected to perform but some often do. Sometimes they share personal stories because of the casual setting. This type of experience enriches the relationship between artist and audience. Swartz says that this gives the community a means to “get to know a particular artist in very unique way that they would not normally be able to do.” The dinners are held in an intimate setting with 32 people. Guests that have been a part of the program include Jane Seymour, Doris Roberts, Martin Grelle and Clive Cussler. These performers “understand the importance of the dinner series,” according to Swartz. The purpose of these dinners is “to showcase the arts to the local community and hotel guests.” The dinners run from October through April. The success of these Artists in Residence partnerships became a very useful tool to help boost the new studio and art gallery that have recently opened at the Hermosa Inn. Swartz’s relationship with Carrie Curran, a local artist, bloomed nine years ago from this program and now she is the Artist in Residence. She paints on property and teaches the current classes in the studio. Curran said that her “passion is En Plein Air painting or painting outdoors.” “It’s such a beautiful property, as an artist, I’m inspired every week,” according to Curran. Curran was a teacher at the Scottsdale Artists School and taught for almost 20 years and she has a studio in Scottsdale. The community and hotel guests are welcome to sign up for private or group classes at the hotel with Curran. The art classes offer step-by-step instruction to beginning or advanced students. The classes currently include “Mimosa Mornings” to painting with your pet. The newly opened studio is in an old casita that was transformed about a month ago. The        on the property. The Hermosa Inn also offers Art Walks around the property showcasing their statues, sculptures, and beautiful landscape. This extension was a two million dollar endeavor that includes art by Allan Houser from Figarelli Fine Art. The Artist in Residence program has been running strong since its conception because of the support of the hotel and the community. The studio and gallery are          Inn is a beautiful desert escape that will inspire artists. According to Swartz, the Artist in Residence program is “a really nice enhancement to the programs that we have going. It’s a really natural extension to everything we’ve been developing over the years.” THE MOST POPULAR BOOK ON THE MIND EVER PUBLISHED Over 22 million copies sold in 160 countries all around the world The unconscious, subconscious or reactive mind underlies and enslaves man. It is the single source of your nightmares, stress, depression, lack of self-confidence, unwanted emotions or irrational behavior. LEARN TO CONTROL YOUR REACTIVE MIND… And be happier, more confident, unstressed, and able to enjoy life! Buy and read DIANETICS: THE MODERN SCIENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH by L. 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