Artist – Entrepreneur – Evangelist

Soul Mates & Studio Mates

The Slope & The Bohemian Index

Sunnyslope is a tucked-away corner of Phoenix, where two visionary artists named Larry and Sandra have spent over thirty years transforming their personal lives and their community. They moved into the area when few could see past its rough edges—its reputation tainted by biker gangs, drug dealers, and poverty. But for Larry and Sandra, Sunnyslope was a canvas ripe for innovation and creativity. It is where the two brought their artist-entrepreneur and evangelist talent to the forefront.

In that vein, Larry’s contributions are multidimensional. He provides the commercial expertise needed to attract investment and enriches the community’s cultural fabric through his art and the artists he invites into the area. As someone who values art and its ability to convey complex spiritual themes, his role is akin to that of a cultural catalyst—initiating changes with aesthetic and economic reverberations.

He would speak of his experiences, successes, transformations, and failures, not merely as a broker but as an active member of the Sunnyslope neighborhood. He leveraged his connections with corporate retail and independent restaurant owners to broker favorable deals for local chefs, sharing insider secrets as a wise mentor. The underbelly of Sunnyslope began to change, replaced by a burgeoning community of artists and entrepreneurs.

Artist-Entrepreneur-Evangelist

Sandra, for her part, focused on the soul of the community. A classically trained ceramic sculptor-turned-painter, she led a heartwarming program called Tea and Comfort. Women in temporary crises found sanctuary in their home. Their studio/home became a retreat and sanctuary overlooking the inspiring vistas of the Phoenix landscape and the wilderness beauty of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Hosting Tea and Comfort became a personal calling, sharing the space to heal, comfort, and inspire. She, too, is an artist, entrepreneur, and evangelist.

Both have transformed how art is appreciated in the Slope. Larry, the enterprising spirit, initiated the Sunnyslope Open Studio Tour and, most recently, a series of events called Soirees designed to gather the artistic community for mutual inspiration. As they celebrate their eighth Soiree and fifth Sunnyslope Open Studio Sale this year, their leadership in the arts is well-recognized.

Parallel to this is Sandra’s remarkable journey. She transitioned from ceramic sculpture to painting, perhaps finding a different medium but the same meditative focus. Like her, her pieces are gentle yet resolute, the color and form influenced by the surrounding environment. https://sandraortegaart.https://sandraortegaart.com

Sanctuary & Creative Studio

Their home, which continues to be both a sanctuary and a creative studio, is a testament to their artistic journey. Larry, now a sculptor, and Sandra, a painter, continue to challenge the limits of their art, always taking risks and innovating. They have lived the dual life of artist and community builder, raising a family amid a landscape they helped transform.

In essence, Larry and Sandra are not just artists; they are institution builders, creating a legacy that impacts both the field of art and the fabric of their community. They serve as beacons in the ever-evolving topography of Sunnyslope, proving that art isn’t merely a private affair—it’s a collective experience that can transform the world around you.

S.O.L.O. Video

The “Bohemian Index” concept is a compelling metric that tells how artists can transform blighted areas into burgeoning centers of culture and enterprise. Historically, artists have been the vanguard of urban renewal, taking up residence in neglected areas and subsequently elevating these spaces through their creative endeavors. By identifying and naming this trend, Larry gives businesses insight into the commercial potential that follows artistic colonization. He effectively combines the art of storytelling with analytical acumen, creating a compelling narrative that persuades artists and businesses to invest in the neighborhood.

A short video shows the artist’s latest work.