Nestled in the serene beauty of Paradise Valley, The Hermosa Inn has long been a destination for art and culture. Built in the 1930s, The Hermosa Inn was once home to renowned cowboy artist, Lon Megargee. Today, it preserves his legacy and the spirit of the Old West, including his iconic painting \u201cThe Last Drop from His Stetson.\u201d<\/p>\n
Launched in October 2025, the Mimosa & Monet Art Class Series features eight Saturday morning sessions from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., guided by The Hermosa Inn\u2019s Artist-in-Residence, Carrie Curran. 2026 classes take place Jan. 24, Feb. 21, March 14, April 11 and May 2.<\/p>\n
Recognized as the \u201cBest Art Experience\u201d by PHOENIX magazine, the series offers a unique blend of creativity and camaraderie, welcoming both beginners and seasoned painters to create their own masterpieces over a relaxed Saturday morning.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBy offering these classes, it embraces the spirit of Arizona legend, cowboy artist Lon Megargee,\u201d Pam Swartz, director of guest experience for The Hermosa Inn said. \u201cWe can imagine that Lon himself might have done the very same thing \u2013 sitting on the patio creating his own masterpiece!\u201d<\/p>\n
Classes are $120 per person and includes instruction, tax and gratuity, all supplies, a mimosa, coffee and pastries. Participants also receive a voucher for either a complimentary appetizer or cocktail with the purchase of a brunch entree at LON\u2019s.\u00a0<\/p>\n
To learn more about the award-winning series, we spoke with the artist herself.<\/p>\n
Q: What do you think makes Mimosa & Monet such a unique and memorable art experience?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong> Mimosa & Monet is more than just a painting class\u2014it\u2019s an experience. Guests are surrounded by the charm and history of The Hermosa Inn, which sets the stage for creativity. Add in a glass of bubbly, fresh air, and a supportive environment, and suddenly everyone feels free to explore their artistic side. It\u2019s not about perfection\u2014it\u2019s about the joy of creating both art and memories.<\/p>\n Q: How do you make Mimosa & Monet welcoming for all skill levels?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I guide each class step by step so beginners feel confident, but I also encourage personal expression so more experienced painters can make the artwork their own. The atmosphere is relaxed and playful\u2014we laugh a lot! Guests quickly realize there\u2019s no pressure here, only encouragement.<\/p>\n Q: Have you witnessed any memorable moments of guests surprising themselves with what they\u2019ve created?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong> All the time! One of my favorite things is when a guest walks in saying, \u201cI can\u2019t even draw a stick figure,\u201d and leaves proudly holding a painting they can\u2019t wait to hang on their wall. Seeing that spark of confidence is always memorable\u2014it\u2019s what keeps me passionate about teaching.\u00a0<\/p>\n Additionally, over the years, several Mimosa & Monet participants have pursued private instruction with me and have developed into very competent artists.<\/p>\n Q: How does Mimosa & Monet continue the artistic legacy of Lon Megargee and The Hermosa Inn?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong> Lon Megargee built The Hermosa Inn as both his home and creative retreat, blending art with the beauty of the desert landscape. Mimosa & Monet carries that spirit forward\u2014we\u2019re still bringing people together through art and hospitality, while celebrating Arizona\u2019s colors, light, and culture.<\/p>\n Q: What advice do you have for beginners who feel intimidated by painting?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I always say: if you can hold a paintbrush, you can paint! This class isn\u2019t about talent, it\u2019s about trying something new, having fun, and discovering what you can do. You\u2019ll be amazed at what unfolds on your canvas with just a little guidance.<\/p>\n Q: What do you hope stays with guests after finishing the class?<\/strong><\/p>\n A:<\/strong> I hope they feel joyful, inspired, and maybe even a little surprised by what they created. Guests often say they feel relaxed and recharged\u2014it\u2019s like a mini-retreat where they\u2019ve not only made art but also a lasting memory of their time at The Hermosa.<\/p>\n Mimosa & Monet has become such a special community over the years, with many guests returning again and again. Whether it\u2019s your first time or your tenth, the experience is always fresh, welcoming, and uniquely tied to the beauty of Arizona.<\/p>\n