Phoenix is brimming with creativity. And every other year, we put the spotlight on 100 of the city's creative forces. Leading up to the release of this year's Best of Phoenix issue, we're profiling 100 more. Welcome to the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives. Up today: 85. Catrina Kahler.
Catrina Kahler has her hands full.
The Phoenix resident juggles the responsibilities that come with owning Coe House Gallery and serving as president of Artlink Phoenix, the nonprofit organization that puts on Art Detour and works to organize and promote the Phoenix arts community.
See also: Phoenix Filmmaker Travis Mills: 100 Creatives
Oh, and she also owns Urban Affair, the company that produces the Downtown Phoenix Journal. Talk about hands-on.
I came to Phoenix with hope. While I'm an Arizona native, and have lived in the Valley since 1989, I didn't move to Phoenix proper until 2003. I wanted to find something of substance in the city where I lived and, thankfully, found it when I discovered downtown. This community's history and texture immediately appealed to me.
I make art because I'm lucky? The most creative thing I've ever done is to find a way to surround myself with brilliant, creative people. My focus is on developing platforms for showcasing the creative endeavors that surround me and I'm fortunate to be in this position.
I'm most productive when I believe in a cause. I believe in downtown, so I developed Downtown Phoenix Journal; I believe in our arts community, so I got involved in Artlink; I believe in our history, so I bought Coe House; and I believe in this community and do whatever I can to contribute to its development.
My inspiration wall is full of people. The people of this community inspire me every day.
I've learned most from my husband. I admire his balanced approach to life. It's a perfect complement to my hot Italian blood.
Good work should always be the goal.
The Phoenix creative scene could use more artists and patrons; performers and audience members; visionaries and sponsors.
See the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives:
100. Bill Dambrova 99. Niki Blaker 98. Jeff Slim 97. Beth May 96. Doug Bell 95. Daniel Langhans 94. Nanibaa Beck 93. Nicole Royse 92. Ib Andersen 91. Casandra Hernandez 90. Chris Reed 89. Shelby Maticic 88. Olivia Timmons 87. Courtney Price 86. Travis Mills
