Carefree Truth
Issue #596, October 2, 2017
Vice Mayor John Crane cited the Thunderbird Artists as a key part of the community. There were many art festivals in Carefree in recent years, but it has now been whittled down to just the 3 Thunderbird shows. Mayor Les Peterson invited Thunderbird Artists owner, Judi Combs, to speak about the shows. Judi and her daughter Denise came up to the podium.
Denise reported that Thunderbird Artists, a small family business, is celebrating it's 25th year in Carefree, working with the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce. Judi commented that it's been a struggle for a few years, but Thunderbird has stood by their quality. They have had excellent artists and more artists are now returning. "Not compromising is paying off."
Vice Mayor Crane said some claim that fine art is no longer selling, and asked Judi to comment on that. She said surveys showed that 46% of the attendees at their shows come with the intention to purchase art. Mayor Peterson pointed out that the Carefree Thunderbird shows are ranked among the leading art shows. Denise reported that the November Carefree show was ranked 24th in the nation, and in the top 10 in Arizona for entertainment.
Councilman Mike Farrar thanked them for improving the character and flavor of the community. He, Councilman Jim Van Allen and Vice Mayor Crane consistently volunteer at the Thunderbird shows. However, he was concerned about the street closure at Sunshine Way, and its impact on residents to the north when they are accessing the Post Office. Patty Villaneuve, the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, explained that the State Liquor Board will not allow any expansion of the fenced footprint once a permit has been issued. The fence can be brought in, but not pushed out, so the maximum space is requested when applying for a permit.
Mr. Van Allen asked if they had to use the 10' to the east of Town Hall. Could they give that up rather than closing Sunshine Way. Denise replied that the Post Office could be accessed from Cave Creek Road via Sundial Circle. Mayor Peterson expressed concern about having moving vehicles where people are walking around the show if Sunshine Way were to remain open. Judi agreed that it is a safety issue. Denise repeated that there are multiple ways to access the Post Office. If Sunshine Way were opened, they would have to reduce the show by more than the 10' referenced by Mr. Van Allen. They can't isolate some artists from the rest of the show. They would have to eliminate more than 20 booths.
Mr. Farrar asked if Fire Chief John Kraetz had seen the schematic. Chief Kraetz said he had seen it. It is the historical footprint of the Thunderbird shows, which have taken place in Carefree for decades. First responders never like to see streets closed, but he agreed there were numerous contingency access points. He also echoed the Mayor's safety concerns if Sunshine Way were to remain open with pedestrians and moving cars.
Mr. Van Allen thanked Judi and Denise for giving the Carefree information booth the prime location on the corner of Easy Street and Hum. Denise corrected him. That is the spot they give to their featured artist, but she said she would make sure that the Carefree booth got a prominent location.
Judi thanked Patty. She said that Patty is very organized and has a great team of Chamber volunteers, some of whom haven't missed a show in 25 years. She also thanked the Town of Carefree, saying it's been a great partnership.
https://vimeo.com/231804826
The next Carefree Thunderbird Artists show will take place from November 3rd-5th, 10 AM-5 PM.
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
Issue #596, October 2, 2017
Vice Mayor John Crane cited the Thunderbird Artists as a key part of the community. There were many art festivals in Carefree in recent years, but it has now been whittled down to just the 3 Thunderbird shows. Mayor Les Peterson invited Thunderbird Artists owner, Judi Combs, to speak about the shows. Judi and her daughter Denise came up to the podium.
Denise reported that Thunderbird Artists, a small family business, is celebrating it's 25th year in Carefree, working with the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce. Judi commented that it's been a struggle for a few years, but Thunderbird has stood by their quality. They have had excellent artists and more artists are now returning. "Not compromising is paying off."
Vice Mayor Crane said some claim that fine art is no longer selling, and asked Judi to comment on that. She said surveys showed that 46% of the attendees at their shows come with the intention to purchase art. Mayor Peterson pointed out that the Carefree Thunderbird shows are ranked among the leading art shows. Denise reported that the November Carefree show was ranked 24th in the nation, and in the top 10 in Arizona for entertainment.
Councilman Mike Farrar thanked them for improving the character and flavor of the community. He, Councilman Jim Van Allen and Vice Mayor Crane consistently volunteer at the Thunderbird shows. However, he was concerned about the street closure at Sunshine Way, and its impact on residents to the north when they are accessing the Post Office. Patty Villaneuve, the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, explained that the State Liquor Board will not allow any expansion of the fenced footprint once a permit has been issued. The fence can be brought in, but not pushed out, so the maximum space is requested when applying for a permit.
Mr. Van Allen asked if they had to use the 10' to the east of Town Hall. Could they give that up rather than closing Sunshine Way. Denise replied that the Post Office could be accessed from Cave Creek Road via Sundial Circle. Mayor Peterson expressed concern about having moving vehicles where people are walking around the show if Sunshine Way were to remain open. Judi agreed that it is a safety issue. Denise repeated that there are multiple ways to access the Post Office. If Sunshine Way were opened, they would have to reduce the show by more than the 10' referenced by Mr. Van Allen. They can't isolate some artists from the rest of the show. They would have to eliminate more than 20 booths.
Mr. Farrar asked if Fire Chief John Kraetz had seen the schematic. Chief Kraetz said he had seen it. It is the historical footprint of the Thunderbird shows, which have taken place in Carefree for decades. First responders never like to see streets closed, but he agreed there were numerous contingency access points. He also echoed the Mayor's safety concerns if Sunshine Way were to remain open with pedestrians and moving cars.
Mr. Van Allen thanked Judi and Denise for giving the Carefree information booth the prime location on the corner of Easy Street and Hum. Denise corrected him. That is the spot they give to their featured artist, but she said she would make sure that the Carefree booth got a prominent location.
Judi thanked Patty. She said that Patty is very organized and has a great team of Chamber volunteers, some of whom haven't missed a show in 25 years. She also thanked the Town of Carefree, saying it's been a great partnership.
https://vimeo.com/231804826
The next Carefree Thunderbird Artists show will take place from November 3rd-5th, 10 AM-5 PM.
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.