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Landscape Love of Artistic Visionaries
Perhaps one of the most historically famous creative inhabitants of the
Verde Valley, Max Ernst, had painted the landscapes of Sedona before
laying eyes upon it. Ernst was both flushed out of Germany for being
Anti-Nazi, and out of France for being a Nazi, then was packed up
and shipped, with the majority of his paintings, to the USA, by the
grace and finance of Peggy Guggenheim. On his cross-country journey
from Guggenheim’s patronage in New York, to his bright new future in
California, he came upon Sedona. Without hesitation, he and his wife,
Dorothea Tanning, began their plan to return, to build a home, and to
settle here. This wonderful article delves deeper on Ernst’s life and his
Sedona connection:
https://thewanderlife.com/sedona-arizona-imagined-landscapes
Once stating in an interview with Fox 10 News “I didn’t even know
anything about it. I saw it in a dream, several times,” may presently
be the most public figure who lives here: Maynard J Keenan. Keenan
is lead singer of three bands, still creating new music, and touring the
globe with mostly Tool, then Puscifer, and at times A Perfect Circle.
Multi-dimensional in his life experience, he moves gracefully between
being this Rock Star, to Earth Worker, Wine Maker, Restaurateur,
Wine Cooperative Visionary, Author, Filmmaker, holds a black belt
in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, is a fine Family Man, and what one would call a
Homesteader. He believes in The Art of Work and walks the talk,
as exemplified in this series by Revolver:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrcJz63En94
If you’d like to take a tasting tour of Keenan’s creations, in Old Town
Cottonwood he owns Four 8 Wineworks, Four 8 Fried Chicken,
Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria, and Velvet Slippers
AKA Caduceus Ventura Room: an omakase-style dining experience.
He also owns, with his wife, Queen B Vinyl Cafe. Queen B features a
bar & restaurant, plus vinyl store, in-house seamstress In The Design
Studio, and top barbering services by Barbifer. Need a fun take-home
gift? The Design Studio offers DTG printing = Direct To Garment
Printing = buy a coffee, take a pic with your friends, leave with your
fav new pic printed on tote bags = be instant cool cats!
https://queenbvinylcafe.com
DTPR MARCH THROUGH APRIL 2025 / COVER STORY
Photography by: Greg Bernstein
Merkin Vineyards in Old Town Cottonwood
Maynard and Jen Keenan