Meet Carol Panaro-Smith and James Hajicek of Alchemy Studio in Arcadia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Panaro-Smith and James Hajicek.

Alchemy Studio, an art and teaching studio was founded by Carol Panaro-Smith in 1998. It began as a traveling workshop program and continued in that manner until 2000 when its first permanent location then became the studio in the back of Carol’s home. Weekend workshops were offered in Polaroid transfer, book-making, collage, and mixed media.

In 2006, Alchemy Studio, along with Carol’s new partner in love and life, James Hajicek, moved to its present Cambridge Ave. location. Although Carol was teaching art and photography at various institutions, including Metro Arts, Scottsdale Community College, and Phoenix College and James was a professor of photography at ASU, they continued to offer weekend workshops for creatives living in the valley. With James’ knowledge in historical photographic processes, the workshop programming expanded.

At the same time, Carol & James began a 10-year artist collaboration using the antiquarian process known as photogenic drawing. During this 10-year collaboration, James and Carol created one of a kind original botanical prints that are still widely collected and sold through a photo-eye gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Tilt gallery in Scottsdale, and Joseph Bellows Gallery in La Jolla, California. They also have done commissioned work internationally for companies like Jestico + Whiles and Punch& Judy, which have placed their work in International locations.

In the summer of 2007, Carol and James, along with an artist, Angela Ellsworth, and writers, Tania Katan and Julie Hampton, organized an interdisciplinary Italy retreat. That collaboration ended in 2011 with everyone going off to pursue their own creative endeavors.

In 2013, Carol and James, after a long search for the perfect workshop space, began their own expanded offerings in Italy, inviting artists from all corners of the country to teach a variety of disciplines. Mark Kay Zeeb, Kate Breakey, Jace Graf, David Emitt Adams, Keith Carter, Claire Warden, Scott Davis, Andrea Modica, and Greg Miller are some of the nationally known artists that have taught and continue to teach in Alchemy Studio’s Italy workshop program.

Since 2013, the workshops have been held in a breathtaking mountain top village, Benabbio, in the heart of Tuscany. It was the Villa San Rocco, the name referencing Saint Rocco, a revered healer, that captured their hearts. This sprawling Baroque villa was once a monastery for weary medieval travelers making the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The villa has become the 21st century spiritual home away from home for all who pass through the doors. Equipped with a beautiful art studio, yoga room, and 11 eclectic bedrooms, the villa continues to revitalize, energize and heal all those that enter.

The workshops are designed to not only provide a beautiful backdrop to art making but a way in which to connect to the creative force, to find one’s inner voice, and to connect with each other.

This community continues back in the states, with Alchemy Studio hosting related workshops, reunions, fundraisers, and social gatherings. James has just built a wood fired pizza oven and both he and Carol enjoy hosting reunions and get togethers at their Phoenix studio.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The greatest challenge of running your own creative enterprise is getting the word out – you have this wonderful thing to share with the world but you just don’t have the time, knowledge or energy to find ways to let people know about it. However, Alchemy Studio’s successful programming is a testament to how important it is to create sustainable community bonds built on love, respect, and passion. Having built that reputation, it is primarily by word of mouth – for lack of a better marketing strategy – that it continues to grow and flourish.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Alchemy Studio – what should we know?
The most vital part of their business is providing a place for people to create and connect to others through creative activities – whether that be a weekend event in Phoenix or an extended stay at one of the retreats in Italy. Every workshop/retreat /event that is planned is designed to bring people together to share in the joy of creating and connecting. Carol & James are known for their expertise in a variety of areas of art, including photography, book arts, and mixed media – not to mention Carol’s culinary expertise in providing all of the meals during an Italy retreat.

Another facet of their business is mentoring emerging artists in their pursuit of growing a body of work that is ready to share with the world. They offer monthly gatherings, called RRR (Review, Reflect, Respond) where 6 people are invited to show their work in progress to get constructive feedback. In addition, they do private mentoring both in person and remotely.

Most importantly, they both love to nourish creative connections – making their spaces feel safe, nurturing, and energizing.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Our passion and enthusiasm for artful living. We believe that all aspects of life can be a creative pursuit, the food you put on the table, your living space, and the community you surround yourself with. Another aspect of creating a sustainable program is to acknowledge that change is inevitable and healthy and to be open and receptive to it even if it’s not comfortable at the time.

Pricing:

• Workshops in Phoenix range from 40.00 to 250.00 depending on length and materials
• Workshops in Italy range from 2,900.00 to 3,500.00 (tuition support is available)
• Private Mentoring is 75.00 for first hour and 50.00 after the first hour (each session)
• To view our photogenic drawings and inquire about purchasing notify carol@alchemy-studio.net

Contact Info:

• Address: 4022 East Cambridge Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85008
• Website: http://alchemy-studio.net
• Phone: 602-326-9306
• Email: carol@alchemy-studio.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alchemystudio_az/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alchemystudiophx/
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/italylight/

Image Credit:
BK Skaggs, (images 5,6 & 7) Gina DeGedio,((2) Carol Panaro-Smith, James Hajicek, (1,8)
image of Carol & James -photo credit – Melissa Everhart

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