Art meets journalism

Student artwork from Desert View Learning Center in Paradise Valley

Journalists from around the state gathered Saturday night at a funky little joint called The Duce to recognize the “best journalism in Arizona” during 2011. A decade ago, journalists gathered at the Heard Museum. Journalists get around, and so does the Arizona Press Club Awards Party.

Several journalists were recognized for coverage of the arts — some in the “metro” (larger circulation) category and others in the “non-metro” (smaller circulation) category.

DVLC student artwork

Congratulations to Dr. Donald J. Behnke of Green Valley News and Sun for taking first place in non-metro arts criticism. Also to Cindy Yuth of Najavo Times for earning first place in arts reporting. Navajo Times went home with several awards, and top billing on my revised “good stuff to read” list.

First place for metro arts criticism went to Margaret Regan with Tucson Weekly, while first place awards for metro arts reporting went to Ed Masley of The Arizona Republic and the staff of Phoenix New Times for “Chow Bella.” I’m already reading that last baby.

Several Raising Arizona Kids journalists were honored as well — but I leave sharing that happy news to founder, publisher and editor Karen Barr. I’ve already got next year’s ceremony on the brain, and visions of rotating back to an arts-related venue.

I’ve been to a couple of amazing Childsplay shindigs at Tempe Center for the Arts, where I also enjoyed last year’s AriZoni Awards ceremony. And it’s fun to imagine all those Arizona journalists making their way through the “noodle forest” at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped with this year’s awards, including Jill Jorden Spitz (contest chair) and Becky Pallack (awards reception chair). Both work for Arizona Daily Star and serve on the Arizona Press Club board of directors.

But most of all, thanks to everyone who reads and appreciates the work.

— Lynn

Note: Click here for a full list of Arizona Press Club award winners.

Coming up: Arts criticism meets youth theater, Lullabies on Broadway, Playwright profiles

The smell of childhood?

Orange blossom soap from Athens Locally Grown

When I connected recently with Tempe mother and journalist Amy Silverman, she shared a bit with me about her Arizona childhood.

Seems she’d recently purchased a bar of soap with an orange blossom scent. “It literally made me sick,” Silverman told me. “It smelled like my childhood.”

In a sentence, sometimes less, Silverman conjures detailed images that transport readers to other places and perspectives.

Orange blossom cheesecake from Atlanta Cheesecake Company

Hence her many accolades and awards. She’s been twice honored by the Arizona Press Club with the Virg Hill Journalist of the Year award.

For 18 years she’s worked for Phoenix New Times — serving the last six as managing editor.

Still, Silverman finds time to share her talents with others. She’s co-founder, along with Deborah Sussman Susser, of a “Mothers Who Write” class that helps women find and share their voices.

A public reading by “Mothers Who Write” participants (past and present) takes place Sat, May 7 from 2-4pm at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. It’s free and open to the public, though some material may not be suitable for children.

Orange blossom gift basket from LadyBug Great Gifts

I’d like to see Silverman pen a children’s book. Perhaps something about Praying Monk on Camelback Mountain — a Valley landmark Silverman says she’s always thought of as “the camel’s eyelash.”

Silverman and her husband have two daughters, so she’s got plenty of pearls about both parenting and poising the pen. Registration for the next 10-week “Mothers Who Write” workshop will begin July 1 through the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.

Orange blossom cocktail from Science of Drink

The workshop offers “support and advice for writing mothers (of all ages) who want to develop their craft and receive feedback on their work.” Though all genres are welcome, the main focus is creative non-fiction, poetry and fiction.

Visit the “Mothers Who Write” website to learn more about classes, readings and the many adventures of “Mothers Who Write” alumni — including Deborah Rich Gettleman of Theatre Artists Studio and Raising Arizona Kids Magazine.

And keep an eye out for the June 2011 issue of Raising Arizona Kids magazine — because the ever-fascinating Silverman and her family are profiled in the “AZ Generations” column.

— Lynn

Note: Click here for a list of journalists who’ve won 2010 Arizona Press Club awards — which includes two mothers who write for Raising Arizona Kids magazine. Winners will be recognized May 21 at the Arizona Press Club Awards Party in Phoenix.

Coming: More mothers who write