24 JUNE 2025 L ast month, I had the privilege of attending Interim Chief Orender’s swearing-in ceremony – a moment that marked a significant milestone in his career and symbolized the continued strength and unity within our public safety leadership. It was inspiring to witness the immense support from his colleagues, community leaders, and loved ones, all standing together in recognition of his dedication and service. Interim Chief Orender has earned the respect and trust of those around him, and there is no doubt he will lead with integrity, wisdom, and compassion. I have full confidence and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will continue to make in Phoenix. Celebrate community and culture on 602 Day: June 2 Phoenix is gearing up for its annual 602 day celebration. Named after the city’s historic area code, this event brings residents together with a variety of deals, discounts, and community-centered activities. Businesses and organizations will join in promoting civic pride and neighborhood spirit. For more details, visit investinphoenix.com. Phoenix Parks & Rec Pass: Unlock the city Your gateway to hundreds of programs and citywide recreation, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Pass is now available online and at neighborhood centers. Enjoy access to those centers, fitness rooms, game areas, and admission to an array of free and paid classes. Rates are $20 for adults ($40 for non-residents), $5 for 17 and under ($10 for non- residents) and day passes can be secured for $2. Global connections: District 6 welcomes Israeli Delegation As part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, a delegation from Israel visited Phoenix to study community-based crime prevention strategies. The exchange highlighted efforts to build trust between law enforcement and communities, promote youth civic engagement, and address the root causes of crime. It was a valuable opportunity for cross-cultural learning and collaboration in public safety reform. Water conservation workshops for educators This June, Phoenix Water Services is offering Water Smart workshops designed for high school educators. These interactive sessions equip teachers with classroom-ready tools and lessons on water conservation, aiming to inspire students to be stewards of our environment. As we celebrate new leadership, community pride, global partnerships, and educational opportunities, it’s clear that Phoenix continues to grow stronger through connection and collaboration. Thank you! Councilman District 6 602-262-7491 District6@phoenix.gov KEVIN ROBINSON Summer has begun! Here are some notable items for June  By Sherry Sklar Known for its uplifting floral paintings, vivid landscapes and sculptures, Gallery Andrea’s art greets visitors at every turn. The women-owned business in Scottsdale’s arts district was founded in 2004 by Hungarian-born artist Andrea de Kerpely- Zak and her daughter, Andrea Zakrzewski. It showcases expressive f loral works alongside a curated selection of local and international artists. The eponymous space – a Main Street staple for more than two decades – is currently presenting its Spring Wildflower Show through June 15. It’s a visual balm to counter the increasingly hot days of early summer. Several featured pieces, such as Spring Garden and Healing Springwildflowers, reflect the gallery’s signature blend of expressive color and emotional uplift. Many of the paintings were created outdoors and feature native wildflowers like African daisies and Mexican gold poppies, bringing the vibrancy and resilience of the desert landscape to canvas. Zakrzewski is not only Andrea’s daughter and business partner – she’s also an artist in her own right. She showcases her floral paintings alongside her mother’s along with a fashion line of hand-painted and screen- printed wearable art suited to Arizona’s relaxed lifestyle and climate. “It’s for the lady who doesn’t want to reveal too much skin; flowy, forgiving pieces,” Zakrzewski shared. Her wearable art dress, Abundance, features her mother’s silk-screened flowers on an easy-to-wear silhouette. Andrea studied with still-life painter Janos Nagy in Hungary before fleeing her homeland during the 1956 Hungarian Uprising to escape the communist regime. She then moved to Canada to study with landscape artist Arthur Lismer, a member of Canada’s famed Group of Seven. Eventually moving to the Midwestern United States, she married and raised her family while continuing to paint. After her husband’s job transfer to Hawaii for two years, she knew their next move would be to Arizona, a place she had briefly visited years earlier and felt drawn to. “I was very inspired by Arizona. It was nothing like anywhere else because of the cacti and the flowers,” Andrea recalled. Known for her bright impressionistic florals, Andrea’s art represents her escape from oppression through her compositions. “My mother’s flowers are a symbol of freedom. That’s why they’re not enclosed in vases,” Zakrzewski said. In the late 1980s, Andrea was commissioned by the Polish Congress to complete two floral paintings for Pope John Paul II, whom she met during his 1987 stateside visit. A copy of one of her commissioned paintings hangs in the gallery. The space reflects the mother-daughter bond and creative partnership between Andrea and her daughter, who refers to herself as her mother’s protégé. They’ve been creating side by side for decades, sharing a table beneath a skylight in their home. A graduate of ASU’s Cronkite School of Journalism, Zakrzewski knew her media education and her mother’s artistic talent could lead to a successful collaboration. Andrea had been showing work in other galleries when the idea of opening their own space began to take shape. Zakrzewski’s passion and mission are to promote her mother’s artistic legacy. The gallery continues to grow through the natural balance of artistic legacy and thoughtful stewardship. It also offers visibility and support to emerging and established artists. With the Spring Wildflower Show on view through June 15, the duo will share the stories behind the artworks and artists, and let guests experience the optimism and color that are signature notes of Gallery Andrea. Whether you are a long-time collector or a first-time visitor, this is a welcoming space. You may find something that speaks to your heart and perhaps take a little beauty home with you. artandrea.com Spring wildflowers take center stage at Gallery Andrea Owners Andrea Zakrzewski and Andrea de Kerpely-Zak. Superstition Mountains by Rusty Walker. Spring Poppies by Andrea de Kerpely-Zak. Spring Garden by Andrea de Kerpely-Zak