An emphasis on some of the best moments of the new issue, springtime events, the models we always look forward to and more.
Kitchen Tips & Tricks
It’s been eight years since chef Donnie Ferneau was in front of our cameras, and it felt a bit like déjà vu. We last photographed him in 2017 as the defending champion going into UA-PTC’s 10th annual Diamond Chef Arkansas competition, and this year he’s back to battle it out once more in the event’s first full post-pandemic return.
On set, Ferneau brought his personal set of handmade knives to the shoot and even gave us some pointers on how to utilize the produce we photographed. Radishes, for instance, make a crowd-pleasing snack when sliced and topped with butter and flaky sea salt. For leeks, soak them in water and apple cider vinegar to remove all the dirt, then slice, saute and add cream. And his advice for fennel? Always use each and every part.
Photo Fun
Any photo shoot highlighting a correlating event always gets us excited for the big day, and that goes double when we have Easterseals models in the house.
“Working with Easterseals clients is always the best time. The models are wonderful, and they all had a blast on set laughing and posing for the camera. I can’t wait to see them strut the runway this year. It’s my favorite event!” stylist Josie Burnett says. “Not only is it for a great cause, but the models really put themselves out there and show what they’re made of, and the crowd just eats it up. It’s fun and emotional in the best way. I cried last year and definitely will this year.”
Custom Art
Macie Lummus, one of the designers who works on many of our sister publications at ABPG, put her illustration skills to work for our Neighborhood News section this month, capturing the feel of each location. (The river bluffs! The Hillcrest lampposts!) Look for more neighborhoods in May and October.
Mark Your Calendars
The springtime event lineup has rivaled fall in recent years, and 2025 is no different. We couldn’t fit all the fun on our pages this month, so pull out your calendars and keep an eye out for the latest.
Standout Quote
“We want the community to be so curious about [this exhibition] that they have to see it.”
– Dr. Victoria Ramirez, AMFA Executive Director