Arts

Arresting autobiography full of heartbreak

By Srianthi Perera Contributor The impish trio of boys on the book cover belies the story. They look mischievous, happy and cared for. But that’s a far cry from the events that followed John Gaudioso when he was little. The Sun...

Romance novelist publishes her second book this year

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF You might say the pandemic has been both a curse and a blessing for Sandra Givens. On the one hand, it has pretty much brought an end for now to traveling, which she loves. On the other hand, being grounded...

Smoothies cured Chandler teen, now she wants to cure others

By Kevin Reagan Staff Writer A Chandler teenager is mixing her passions for science and nutrition by publishing a cookbook of healthy recipes designed to improve a reader’s digestive system. Diya Nath, 14, published a list of...

Chandler artist in Prescott Plein Air Art Festival

David M. Brown Correspondent Matt Sterbenz of Chandler is among 14 Arizona artists participating in the first Plein Air Art Festival in October in Prescott. Sponsored by The Highlands Center for Natural History and the city of...

Miguel hops on board Vessl as ambassador

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Staff Writer Saucy R&B singer Miguel is taking on a new cause during the pandemic: sustainability. He’s hopped on board Vessl as its corporate ambassador and adviser. The Tempe company is...

Scottsdale artist featured on new web series

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF Scottsdale oil painter Nancy Breiman is the featured “creative” on the latest episode of AZ Creates!, a new biweekly web series created and hosted by Chandler artist and author Laurie Fagen. The new...

Schnepf Farms’ Halloween tradition is a go

By PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor The pandemic has cost the Valley scores of annual public events this year – from fundraising galas and community gatherings to well-established traditional celebrations like the Ostrich...

Chandler author, photographer explore grave matter

By PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor You can walk through an old cemetery and find history in every direction, stumble upon sad sentiments on gravestones that suggest an even sadder end and mourn some sites for being allowed to fall...

Brian McKnight hits stage solo in Scottsdale

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Staff Writer It’s undeniable that Brian McKnight has a knack for writing love songs. Before he met his wife, Leilani Malia Mendoza, eight years ago, however, the R&B balladeer had never known...

Gilbert artists’ work honors medical workers

By Srianthi Perera Contributor People lucky enough to escape the debilitating illness caused by COVID-19 may not have met the healthcare workers on the frontlines. But they are aware of the critical and dangerous role they are...