Phoenix Art Museum to Showcase Two Influential American Legends: Richard Avedon, Chado Ralph Rucci
 The two monumental upcoming exhibitions featuring two artistic greats renowned in their respective industries.
They are both also iconic influencers to the world of fashion and the exhibits will be on display through April 13, 2008.
One exhibit, Richard Avedon: Photographer of Influence, will showcase more than 50 photographs from the famed artist's collection.
The exhibit is a collaboration between Phoenix Art Museum and Center of Creative Photography.
In addition, from March 21 - August 17, 2008, the Museum will be the exclusive home to Chado Ralph Rucci.
This fashion exhibition will feature more than 25 exquisite pieces created by renowned couture designer Ralph Rucci.
"Phoenix Art Museum is pleased to be able to celebrate the imaginative work of Richard Avedon and Ralph Rucci through these two moving exhibitions," said James K. Ballinger, the Museum's Sybil Harrington director. "Their contributions to the artistic community are tremendous -- each a true visionary in their respective trade capturing the spirit, emotion and prophetic character of the 20th century," he said.
Avedon is credited with being one of the most powerful photographers of our time. In 1994, American Photo Magazine ranked him first on their "Photography's Top 100" list, and said, "In an era of superstar photographers, he is still the quintessential superstar." Avedon garnered immense respect throughout his career, and this exhibition will serve as homage to the tremendous impact he had on the photography industry.
"The Ralph Rucci exhibition is an unprecedented event to take place at Phoenix Art Museum and in the United States for that matter," said Dennita Sewell, curator of fashion design. "We are elated to have the opportunity to showcase the exquisite work of such a distinguished designer and revolutionary artist."
Rucci has been designing stunning ready-to-wear and made-to-order ensembles for the past 25 years. In 1994, he established the "Chado Ralph Rucci" label, choosing the name of the ancient Japanese tea ceremony which symbolizes respect, tranquility, grace and integrity -- the same elements he uses in the creation of his work. In 2002, Rucci was invited by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture to present his first couture show in Paris. He was the first American to be included in the Chambre's official calendar since the 1940s. His designs are not only viewed as stylish fashion pieces, but are considered works of art themselves.
This exclusive fashion event will commence with a special runway show to kick off the five-month exhibition, on display in the Museum's Kelly Ellman Fashion Design Gallery. With contributions made from Rucci's personal archives along with those from private collections, the exhibition will feature ensembles that showcase the designer's signature styles and techniques, along with his intense attention to detail.
The Phoenix Art Museum is located in downtown Phoenix at the corner of Central
Avenue and McDowell Road.
Nature Lodging Offers Spring Special
El Capitan Canyon, a nature lodging resort just north of Santa Barbara offers a two-night 'Spring into 2008' package.
Travelers who take advantage of the offer will re-energize with a private guided hike and rejuvenate with hot-stone massages in preparation for the year ahead.
The 'Spring into 2008' offer includes two nights in an accommodation of choice, breakfast for two in the Canyon Market, a private guided hike and take-home nature guide, and two 85-minute in-cabin hot-stone massages. Safari tent packages start at $490 plus tax, and cabin packages start at $645 plus tax, double occupancy. To book the 'Spring into 2008' package, call (866) 352-2729.
The package is valid Sunday-Thursday, holidays excluded and subject to availability, through March 31, 2008.
An escape to El Capitan Canyon this spring offers peaceful walks amidst the oaks and sycamores or beachcombing without the summer crowds. Resolutions to get outside, get in shape, relax and reconnect are met in the slower pace at El Capitan Canyon.
Nestled along El Capitan Creek, cedar cabins and safari tents are furnished for comfort. Cabins and tents feature king and queen beds, down duvets, dicor in warm earth tones, western-style blankets, and casual furniture, plus electricity, linens, and plush towels. Cabins also have full bathrooms and kitchenettes, and some have Jacuzzi tubs and gas fireplaces. All accommodations have their own fire pits and picnic tables.
Staff can assist travelers in planning a full array of day trips, such as horseback riding, golf, ocean kayaking, Monarch butterfly park tours, whale watching, wine tasting and tours of Santa Barbara. Guests can also participate in any of the complimentary activities offered by El Capitan Canyon, including yoga, botanical hikes and biking.
For more information and reservations at El Capitan Canyon, visit www.elcapitancanyon.com or call (866) 352-2729.
About El Capitan Canyon
Nestled against the Los Padres National Forest and a short walk from the Pacific Ocean, El Capitan Canyon (www.elcapitancanyon.com) is located 20 miles north of Santa Barbara and two hours north of Los Angeles. The Canyon's nature lodging consists of 108 individual cedar cabins and 26 safari tents set along a meandering creek on 300 acres. The new Ocean Mesa campground at El Capitan Canyon features 80 RV and 20 tent camping sites. Family-owned since 1975, El Capitan Canyon caters to families, couples, and groups.
Take the family on business: In Mexico City, Marquis Reforma's "Family Business” Package Turns the City into a Cosmopolitan Playground. Taking the family on business trips is a trend that continues to grow, as parents increasingly view business travel as an opportunity to spend precious time with family and create lifelong memories. Mexico City, for example, becomes a cosmopolitan playground for families with the Marquis Reforma's "Family Business” package, which offers learning and play in one of the world's great culture capitals -- as well as good value in a country where the dollar is strong.
"Family Business” includes accommodations in a spacious suite, breakfast buffet for parents and children (two children up to 12 years old), and excursions (including transportation and tickets) to two of Mexico's most ancient and youthful attractions: The monumental ruins of the pre-Aztec city of Teotihuacan, and the contemporary Ciudad de los Ninos (City of Children). The package is $320 per room, per night, plus taxes, Monday through Sunday, through December 31, 2008, with a minimum of two nights. For more information and reservations, visit the Marquis Reforma website, www.marquisreforma.com or call toll-free 1-800-235-2387.
Teotihuacan, a sprawling metropolis of 200,000 people at its zenith in AD 400, was discovered by the Aztecs centuries after its ruin, who named it Teotihuacan, which means "place where men became gods.” At the innovative La Ciudad de los Ninos (City of Children), families discover a real, kid-sized city complete with streets, buildings, businesses and vehicles, where kids can play the roles of more than 60 professions, earn a salary and transact "business” with "official currency,” all under the supervision of highly-qualified adult team.
Mexico City's finest museums are a stroll from the Marquis Reforma, including the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the world's finest, the Museum of Modern Art and the Museo Rufino Tamayo, which houses the work of the great Mexican painter as well as his vast collection of contemporary art. Also not-to-be-missed is the Museum of Popular Art, which displays folk art from all of Mexico's 31 states. Most Mexico City museums have children's programs during the weekends so parents can enjoy exhibitions on their own.
The Marquis Reforma is located on fashionable Paseo de la Reforma, called Mexico's answer to the Champs Elysees and one of the most important and impressive avenues in all of Latin America. The hotel's prized address has made it a favorite for corporate titans and international celebrities including Salma Hayek, Sting, Luis Miguel, Liza Minelli, Phil Collins, and Elton John. Its 209 rooms and suites offer dramatic views over Mexico City's rooftops or down Reforma Avenue.
While the city beckons exploration, kids and parents will also be lured by the canary songs from the hotel's new Los Canarios, which serves Spanish and Mexican food and has live canaries that serenade guests and diners. The hotel's art-deco-styled La Jolla Restaurant offers an elegant escape, and Café Royal is known for a legendary Sunday brunch and a generous buffet complete with local fresh fruits.
The Marquis Reforma Spa is the largest and most luxurious in the city, and offers treatments ranging from holistic massages to steam baths to aromatherapy, an indoor pool, Jacuzzis and juice bar. The spa adjoins the fitness center and beauty salon.
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