18 NOVEMBER 2023 By Melissa Hirschl Last summer, Arcadia High students Aani Nagaiah and Gage Samaddar conjured up an endearing and creative way to enhance the lives of seniors in their community. The art and music muses formed “Our Ode to You,” a nonprofit with a testament to the healing power of the arts. Gage entertains through voice and piano, while Aani, a flute and guitar player, provides art projects. The duo travels to memory care units and retirement homes to rekindle older adults’ interests in painting, singing and performing. The team recently formed their passion project into a foundation. “We realize seniors appreciate music differently because of their experiences,” Aani said. “The process took a few months and was complex and tedious, but having a foundation makes it easier to have a website. I was grateful my dad was able to help.” “The services we provide are vital for those suffering from Alzheimer’s,” Gage said. “Many people perform for them, but interacting with them produces the best results. My grandfather lived in a hospice facility, and I saw people’s appreciation. I also sang there, and I found the connection quite remarkable. I took that experience and applied it to our organization.” Immersed in various musical genres since childhood, Gage jokes he could read music before he could read words. Piano lessons at four years old led to ten years of professional piano lessons, which segued into jazz piano. “I grew up on R&B, classical music, rock, and jazz,” he said. “My dad taught me to appreciate the classics, and my grandmother introduced me to singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Sara Vaughan. I feel we have a lot to learn from these older singers.” In art classes, Aani provides prompts, beginning with a short story and then a simple painting or drawing exercise. Afterward, she and Gage perform with the instruments they provide. “We own five guitars, two ukuleles and two violins, Gage said. “But we are always looking for donations of instruments to help us.” The two artists have enjoyed some exciting feedback from their audiences. “One man who sang in Carnegie Hall many years ago sang ‘Cheek to Cheek’ with me at Shadow Mountain Memory Care,” Gage said. “Another advised me where to go to college; he recommended Carnegie Mellon since they have a prestigious music division. I never knew that!” Aani and Gage are planning a paint drive at Arcadia High and Hopi Elementary to create awareness for the foundation. The effort will be replete with bins and posters, and the group that brings in the most paint will win a pizza party. “We want to get as many students involved as possible and reach out to other schools as well,” Gage said. “When we go to college, we are confident other students will take on the foundation’s work.” He plans to double major in music while pursuing psychology, political science or possibly English. Aani plans to major in medical anthropology and eventually become a doctor. Find out more on Instagram @ourode2you Seniors creating magic for seniors By Tiffany Gonzalez The Shemer Arizona Arts Festival has returned for its 35th year as it welcomes 40 artists from around Arizona, ready to introduce local families to the world of visual art. This year’s featured guests include Alene Geed, Elliott Everson, Kristen Mickelson and Terry Graves. Attendees can shop and interact with the artists on Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Shemer, 5005 E. Camelback Road. The festival began in 1988 and has become a substantial part of Arcadia’s history. Its mission is to unite the community and support Arizona artists – from Tucson, Prescott or even further away. All are welcome at the Phoenix establishment. “We want attendees to know about this amazing resource for their families, right here in Arcadia, where they can learn about, experience, and enjoy visual art. Overall, it is a great day for families young and old,” Executive Director Shonna James said. Featured artists will sell their original artwork, including ceramic pieces, paintings, drawings, jewelry, photography and glass. Families can also experience an all-ages, interactive $5 Art Zone where they can create watercolor paintings, prints, wearable pieces and more. There will be live music from guitarist Alan Stee, a string duet by Riviera Strings, and songs from keyboard/vocalist Pam Morita. Guests will also find a silent auction and food and beverages from local vendors Black Cat Coffee House and Re Di Roma Pizza Food Truck. New to the festival is the Signature Shemer Chalk Festival, where three teams of Arcadia High students will create chalk murals with the opportunity for attendees to watch and even contribute to the pieces. The annual Shemer Arizona Arts Festival boasts two days of art with shopping and learning experiences. There will even be a golf cart assisting families with parking and transportation as needed. Shemer Art Center cannot wait to showcase its featured artists and activities to Arizona locals for the 35th year! shemerartcenter.org Shemer Arts Festival turns 35 Aani and Gage travel to memory care units and retirement homes to rekindle older adults’ interests in painting, singing and performing. PHOTO COURTESY OF AANI NAGAIAH Aani Nagaiah Gage Samaddar atient @herringfamilydental.com patients@herringfamilydental.com atient @herringfamilydental.com

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