Stephanie Peters

​This painting was inspired by the sunsets we would see in the evenings over Coffee Pot, in Sedona, Arizona, during Slide Fire, in 2014.
 
Thankfully where we were living was not physically affected by Slide fire, but we were still impacted by it. From experiencing the smoke to the way our communities came together to support those who were physically impacted – we were reminded that we were all in this together, much like today with Covid-19.

If you are lucky to not physically experience coronavirus firsthand, you will still be experiencing it with empathy and compassion towards others by staying home and washing your hands. Arizona has phased into reopening, much like the rest of the country has or will but that does not mean we are healed or no longer vulnerable. Where I am today, the cases are increasing daily with no sign of decreasing. It’s important to do what you can to stop this pandemic – this never ending natural disaster. Viruses spread rapidly like wildfires but it’s our job to do what we can to prevent how many victims there are. Just like you would put out a campfire completely to prevent fires (or maybe not even start a camp fire because of fire restrictions), wear a mask and wash your hands to do your part from a continuous rapid spread of coronavirus.
 
One day the flames of coronavirus will be put out completely, but we’ll be left with the scars and burns, like what was left after Slide Fire along 89A towards Flagstaff - the burned trees you can still see today. 

Slide Fire Sky (smoke) is part of a series called Flames to Ashes, inspired by wildfires, that I’ve added new work to recently.

Located at 113 E Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, Headlines 2000 Hair Studio has been a part of Flagstaff's downtown scene for over 25 years. I'm excited to partner with them for the next several weeks and display my recent paintings that are inspired by Arizona's Wildfire season and Hawaii's lava.  On Friday May 6th, at 6pm, there will be a reception as part of Flagstaff's First Friday Art Walk event. In addition to the work on the walls,  I will have some new watercolor paintings, and magnets available for sale. If you are in the area, stop by and say hi, and also check out the other businesses and galleries that are featuring local art. It should be a fun evening! I have not participated in Flagstaff's First Friday Art Walk in a couple years, so I'm looking forward to it!!