For 20 years, Jim has created artwork from his studio and gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona’s historic arts district. There you will find a unique selection of handcrafted ceramic items including thrown and hand-built pottery, tables, lamps, tiles and, of course, his one-of-a-kind ceramic murals.

Located a couple of doors east of Arcadia Farms (try the coconut cake!) Jim’s place is a fun stop and offers items that capture the true spirit of the Desert Southwest. Drop in for a chat, find some gifts, peruse his portfolio of commissioned artwork, and maybe, be inspired.

Located at 7037 EAST 1ST AVENUE, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 85251. For more information call 480-947-2254

PS: Jim is usually there Monday – Saturday 10AM to 4PM, except during the summer when it’s hot and he gets the heck out of Dodge for most of August. Be safe, call ahead.

Every year we swear this will be the last year we put another Prickly Pear Christmas Tree in front of the gallery. And, of course, every year we put up another. Can’t help it; people love it. And besides, the tree helped make the gallery an official stop on the electric golf cart tour of Scottsdale’s Historic Downtown Arts District.

And really, is there any higher honor?

So despite painful hands and fingertips we soldier on, have done for 10 years now. It takes the better part of a day to put the tree up. ( A lot of that time is spent cursing and fumbling with tweezers). We start by inserting a hook made from bailing wire into the woody parts of each pad, then we hang them, one by one, onto a wire understructure. Our guess is there are close to 200 pads. Then we wrap the whole thing with solar lights and garland and finish it off with a grapevine star on top.

If you would like to see it, the tree usually goes up around Thanksgiving and stays up for the better part of spring training. Stop by if you get a chance. And don’t forget you can travel in style in an electric golf cart. Doesn’t get more Arizona than that.