Treasure Hunting in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley Arizona

Treasure hunting in Arizona is a favorite pastime of many in Arizona. One terrific place for those living in Paradise Valley and Scottsdale real estate is the Arizona Historic Site called Cosanti. The Cosanti foundry and ceramic studio is the residence and sculpture studio of Paolo Soleri. Mr. Soleri came to the United States in 1947 and spent a year and a half in fellowship with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona and at Taliesin East in Wisconsin.

Mr. Soleri returned to Arizona in 1956 to live and work on his dream of an urban setting that would minimize the use of energy, raw materials and land. It would also include the resources to reduce waste and pollution. He called his project, Arcosanti, and it is located in Cordes Junction, Arizona.

As with any project, funding must be secured, so Mr. Soleri opened his Paradise Valley Cosanti foundry to produce and sell what are now known as the world famous Soleri bells. Here the bells are designed, molded, poured and sold. The foundry and gift shop are a wonder themselves. The buildings are called domed apses; these are structures built by pouring concrete over pre-shaped earthen molds. After the concrete becomes solid, the earth is excavated to form the rooms. The buildings are generally below ground level and surrounded by mounds of earth. This helps to moderate the temperature of each room making them enjoyable even during our warm summer months.

Wandering around the shaded grounds, you will be able to enjoy the different tones of the unique bells. Each bell is an original piece of art. Soleri has trained his artisans and their apprentices to mold sand in wooden flasks. They then dig shapes into the sand and pour the metal in to make the bells. This is what gives each bell its own distinct sound. After the bells are cooled, abstract designs of insects, amphibians, people or symbols are carved into the bells.

The next time you are driving around, take the time to find this treasure that is nestled in between the gorgeous Paradise Valley homes. It is located on Doubletree Road, between 64th Street and Scottsdale Road. It is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; and 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. The metal is poured into the sand flasks around 10 a.m. every morning if you are interested.