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Artful, One-of-a-Kind Gifts
Handmade Decor Pieces
and So Much More
October 5, 2021 Volume 20
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Home is Where the Art Is
Artful Accents Make the Difference to Denver Developer
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Peter Kudla has been in the real estate industry for almost 42 years, most recently focusing on mixed-use projects and single- and multi-family residential developments throughout Colorado. His vision is to create low maintenance living environments that reflect the multi-faceted people who live within them. “I design with intention,” says Peter. “I want to reflect who the residents are.” Some developers might just change color schemes or fixtures, but Peter’s approach is more personal: he likes to commission original artwork that "engages and celebrates the human quest to create."
Last fall, Peter was riding his bike through some Scottsdale and Paradise Valley neighborhoods and thinking about his in-progress condo project at the time, The Corona Street Lofts in Englewood, CO when he happened upon Cosanti. "I was looking around, trying to find inspiration for just the right kind of artwork to use in the living spaces when almost out of nowhere, I rode past Cosanti!” says Peter. He doubled back, stopped his bike, and walked inside, instantly finding himself immersed in windbells, ceramic tiles, and handcrafted decor against the backdrop of founder Paolo Soleri's otherworldly architecture. Needless to say, Peter had found his inspiration and then some!
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Cosanti Originals’ GM, Vickie Mayer, gave Peter a tour around the property, introducing him to several artisans and telling the Cosanti story, highlighting our 66-year old tradition of quality craftsmanship. Peter took a particular interest in Spencer Smith’s one-of-a-kind ceramic tile designs finished in colorful glazes. He commissioned Spencer to create ceramic tile sets: one large square tile, and a matching small, rectangular tile to be installed on the exterior and interior of each condo unit’s entryway, creating a subtle, artful continuity that is welcoming and wholly unique. “I think of art as a stimulant, a motivator, and an exciter. Art prompts energy and helps create an identity,” said Peter. “It doesn’t have to be a gigantic painted canvas; it can be a small set of ceramic tiles incorporated into an otherwise neutral space.”
Spencer created 60 tile sets for the Corona Street Lofts, with no two pairs alike. “It was a fun challenge and Peter gave me artistic license to take his idea and run with it,” says Spencer. “Those tiles are like wayfinding connection points that lead residents home.” Home truly is where the art is.
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Photo credits (top to bottom): Courtesy of The Corona Street Loft website (2), Courtesy of Peter Kudla (2), Spencer Smith (1).
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No Time to Tour? Come Watch a Pour!
Monday-Friday
9:30am
10:30am
11:30am
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New Fall/Winter Hours for Tours and Pours
Take a guided tour of Cosanti and learn about the fascinating history behind the experimental architecture of this historic site on Arizona's state registry!
Weekday Tours
10am and 11:15am
Weekend Tours
Note: Bronze Pours do not occur on weekends
11:30am and 1pm
Schedule easily online on our website or using the button below. Donations are encouraged and benefit the nonprofit Cosanti Foundation.
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Cosanti Originals to the Rescue...With Bells On!
The Goldwater Sculptural Bell Mobile at the Soleri Bridge
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You may know that the Scottsdale Waterfront is home to the Soleri Bridge and Plaza - a pedestrian passage, solar calendar, and gathering place. The many elements here thoughtfully reference the range of Soleri’s work: a bridge marks solar events and connects people with nature; earth-cast concrete panels reflect the organic, primitive aesthetic of Cosanti’s architecture; and the iconic bronze windbells created at Cosanti Originals remind us that every windbell sold has supported The Cosanti Foundation’s important mission for over 65 years.
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A Bell With History
The bridge’s large sculptural bell mobile was cast in bronze by Paolo Soleri in 1969 for Goldwater's Department Store, the former Phoenix-based department store chain. The bells had been specially commissioned for the opening of two Goldwater's stores in the Tucson area, where they hung until the beloved retailer was dissolved in the late 80's and Cosanti Originals reacquired the pieces.
Scottsdale Public Art purchased one of the Goldwater Bells for the Soleri Bridge project. (Fun Fact: the "sister" Goldwater Sculptural Bell Mobile hangs between the west barrel vault and the foundry at Cosanti in Paradise Valley.)
Today, the Goldwater Bell at the Soleri Bridge and Plaza is suspended from a large, modern steel sculpture that creates an intimate gallery-like setting amidst the otherwise open plaza. Its decorative, detailed style stands out against the minimalist aesthetic of the vibrant red stainless steel double half-pipe where it's been displayed for the past 11 years. The Goldwater Bell had freely rung at one time, but over the years, it lost some of its fins and its position was readjusted lopsidedly, causing its clappers to no longer strike the inside of the bells. "It had lost some of its former glory," says Kelly Bird, Director of Marketing and Communications, at Cosanti Originals. "The Goldwater Bell was looking worse for the wear and that really took away some of its impact."
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Cosanti Originals to the Rescue!
After visiting the Goldwater Bell a few times, making observations, and bringing a tall ladder to take a closer look and get some measurements, bronze artisan Corey Rosen designed and cast two brackets that would center the mobile. In late August, a team of three bronze artisans - Chris Hardy, Jeff Hildebrandt, and Corey - rode a rented 32-foot scissor lift to reach the Goldwater Bell. First, they disassembled the sculptural bell mobile. Then, using the two brackets that Corey designed, they locked the hook that the Goldwater Bell would hang from into a centered position. Finally, they reassembled the large, heavy bell mobile and added new fins to any bells that were missing them. In Jeff’s words, “Voila - mission accomplished!”
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The sculptural bell mobile is back in balance, no longer hanging askew, and ringing when its fins catch the passing breeze to produce a layered medley of sound. Nearby, new signage produced by Scottsdale Public Art tells the story of this art installation by Paolo Soleri and the enduring contributions he made to Arizona's arts, cultural, and architectural communities.
The Soleri Bridge and Plaza is part of Scottsdale's newest park. Recently dedicated as Solstice Park by Mayor David Ortega, the waterfront site is host to many public events, like Scottsdale Public Art's annual Canal Convergence Festival coming up next month.
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Photo credits (top to bottom): Jessica Jameson (2) Jeff Hildebrandt (2)
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CORRECTION: The September 21st Artisanti mistakenly attributed a quote to Arcosanti Foundry Manager Andy Chao in a story about 3D printing.
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Artisanti Editor & Creative Director: Kelly Bird
Contributing Writer: Chloe Sykes
Graphic Designer: Jesca Wales
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Photo credits: David Blakeman (header), Jessica Jameson Photo (footer)
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