Ann Simmons-Myers
Ann Simmons-Myers chairs the art department and heads the photography program at Pima Community College. She is working on a photographic series of shrouded images, and frequently uses the desert as the backdrop for her art.
BEST FAMILY GETAWAY
The Amerind Foundation is a great day trip. It's near Texas Canyon, about an hour and 15 minutes away. It houses wonderful art and artifacts of the Southwest, and it's a marvelous place to picnic, with beautiful buildings and grounds.
BEST DESERT PLACES TO CAPTURE ON FILM
The San Pedro River area, near Sierra Vista is wonderful. It was suggested to me by a friend. I photograph nudes, in the landscape, and this is a great, evocative place. I have also used Saguaro National Park West. Once I was up at the top of a mountain, photographing a couple, and I watched a ranger drive up all the way around the mountain. The ranger said there was a report of an orgy going on up here, and he had to investigate. I explained that I was a photographer and was working. He then asked where and when the photographs were going to be shown!
BEST CHEAP TREAT FOR KIDS
Dairy Queen (17 locations) Mini Cones cost about 22 cents and the kids love them. There's one Dairy Queen close enough to my house that we can walk or take the trolley, another inexpensive treat for kids.
BEST CHEAP GROWN-UP TREAT
Cock Asian (2226 N. Stone Ave.) spring rolls are the best. They're made from steamed rice pancakes, filled with rice noodles, shrimp, pork and fresh herbs. They come with a spicy peanut sauce. They cost about $3.50 for two, and make a nice light meal.
BEST PHOTO LAB
Photographic Works (3516 and 3550 E. Grant Road) can keep the most persnickety photographer happy. They continue to provide quality service. The owner, Mary Findysz, is a photographer and designed the lab from a professional's perspective.
BEST COMMUNITY RECIPROCATION
Some Tucson artists donate their own work to auctions that benefit a number of important organizations. This requires a big-time commitment and out-of-pocket expense for the artists, but they create something that's really special. I think it's a sign of a good strong arts community; and Tucson is full of talented, productive and generous artists.
BEST NEWER GALLERIES
I am especially interested in the Local 803-Southern Arizona Artisans Gallery (803 E. Helen St.), Bero Gallery (41 S. Sixth Ave.) and José Galvez Photography and Gallery (743 N. Fourth Ave.). These galleries are working hard to show contemporary art in Tucson, and they deserve the community's support.
BEST CRÈME BRULÉE
I like Chef Daniel Scordato's, at his Vivace Restaurant (4811 E. Grant Road), and the food before dessert is great too.
