Special Activities

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The Legend of the Bells. . . a Tour of Cosanti
Monday, October 7, 1:15pm – 5:30 pm (Additional $40 for non-registered participants)

The wind performs magic at Cosanti. When the air is still, a hush falls over this bronze bell foundry started by visionary architect, Paolo Soleri. Then, like a maestro conducting a symphony, one gentle desert breeze signals hundreds of Soleri windbells to delight in concert. And so the legend goes. . . some of these bells toll in deep resonating tones while others clank and tinkle. Together, they strike an enchanting harmony and provide a charming ambiance to this 5-acre venue in Paradise Valley.

Guests find themselves in a most unique environment fueled by one man’s vision and design. Half domes called “apses” replace box-type buildings in this tribute to ingenuity. Olive, Eucalyptis and Paloverde trees fill with music as choirs of bells dangle from their branches. . . earth-toned ceramic ones, bronze ones oxidized to vibrant hues of turquoise, coral, green and gold, and Picasso-style abstractions of figures and fish that Soleri calls “scherzos” meaning “little jokes” in Italian. To the left is the Cosanti Gallery filled with sketches of futuristic cities and an amazing array of projects. Bells and bronzes of all sizes fill the rooms accompanied by printed information as well as monitors with video loops of Arcosanti, a Soleri-created “arcology.”

Guided tours provide colorful tales of the history of the venue, officially listed on the National Registry of Historical Sites, while artisans work to create individual “masterpieces.”

Frank Lloyd Wright City Tour
Tuesday, October 8, 1:30pm – 5:30pm, $45

As one of America’s most acclaimed architects, Frank Lloyd Wright filled the Phoenix-metro area with his influence. More than just buildings, Wright’s designs strive to nourish the lives of those sheltered within them.  Calling his architecture “organic,” he described it as that “great living creative spirit which. . . proceeds, persists, and creates, according to the nature of man and his circumstances as they both change.”

During a lifetime that covered nearly a century, Wright took full advantage of the material opportunities presented by the unprecedented scientific and technological advances of the twentieth century without losing the nineteenth-century spiritual and romantic values. In the process, he transformed the way we live.

Driving around the Phoenix area, it's easy to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence on the look and feel of metro Phoenix. Whether a visit to Taliesin West, a drive down Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard in northeast Scottsdale, or a night time stop on north Scottsdale Road to view the awe-inspiring blue lights of the spectacular Frank Lloyd Wright Spire, the influence of world famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his students is truly all around us.

Cerreta Fine Chocolates
Wednesday, October 9, 8:30am – 12:30pm, $50

The Cerretas strive to create a fun, lively atmosphere where everyone can see the making of candy magic. This special guided tour of a family-owned hometown candy factory shows how a sea of caramel becomes wrapped tempting taste treats, and cream centers are enrobed in luscious chocolate. Self-guided video tours are available during normal factory hours. Television monitors throughout the facility provide information while watching chocolate flow before your eyes.

Tom Zierenberg Memorial Golf Tournament
Wednesday, October 9, 1:00pm, $115 (Additional $40 for club rental)

In memory of our dedicated Food Sciences Section Chair, ACIL launches the first annual Tom Zierenberg Memorial Golf Tournament at the Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale, using golf handicaps to create foursomes. Established in 1957, this mature, tree-lined, 6762-yard layout provides an excellent test of golf for players of varying skill levels with a par of 72, rating of 71.3 and slope of 122. Price includes boxed lunch, cart, practice time, two drinks while golfing, reception and transportation to and from course.  Held during overseed time, carts must stay on concrete path and off grass.