How Each Magical Move Leaves Us Spellbound

Around the Sedona Red Rock High School on April 21, Gary served as the Artist in the Classroom, engaging students through his program “Capturing the Light.” His discussions spanned both the artistic and business aspects of photography, offering valuable insights to aspiring photographers.

Gary, an award-winning journalist, authored the anthology ‘Shadow of the OhshaD,’ which delves into Arizona’s history, folklore, and natural sciences. He’s not just a writer; as a professional storyteller, he has captivated audiences at venues like the Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens. Notably, he performs in the annual Bob Dylan Tribute concert and participates in local poetry slams. He has also published numerous science fiction novellas and earned seven nominations for the science fiction poem of the year.

This marked Gary’s inaugural year in the city’s Artist in the Classroom program, established in 1989. The program compensates artists at a rate of $30 per hour, also covering material costs to provide students with hands-on artistic experiences.

Cindy Wilmer, the digital photography teacher, emphasized the relevance of Gary’s participation, particularly as they embark on a unit focused on photojournalism. “The opportunity to host Gary is invaluable,” she noted. “He offers the Photo One students insights into photography careers, while guiding the Photo Two students in storytelling through images and publication strategies.”

Gary highlighted the importance of blending artistic passion with practicality. “I’ve always held part-time jobs alongside my art,” he said. “But more importantly, it’s a lot of fun.”

“When I take photographs, I’m just celebrating life,” he shared. “Create art you believe in. When you do so, you’ll find others will love it too. My advice is to focus on what’s uniquely you; that’s what resonates universally.”

Among the students, Maya Esquer Morales recently received an honorable mention for her photograph “Referees” at the Sedona Arts Center’s “Elements of Sport” exhibit, showcasing her unique perspective on an often-overlooked subject.

Additionally, Gary was named the inaugural Sedona Poet Laureate by a panel of judges on April 28, selected from seven finalists after a series of poetry readings. The Sedona City Council will officially appoint him for a two-year term on May 13.

In sharing his philosophy on beauty, Gary encouraged the students, saying, “If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, why not behold as much beauty as you can? Life is short—find ways to celebrate it.”