Arizona Ante is not just a deck of cards; it’s a sprawling canvas where the essence of Arizona is artfully captured. This series is the brainchild of Suzanne Villella, a local artist with a deep appreciation for the state’s diverse landscapes and rich history. Through her creative lens, Suzanne transforms ordinary playing cards into a vibrant celebration of Arizona, each card a story, a memory, a piece of the state’s soul...
Suzanne embarked on this artistic journey with a clear vision: to intertwine her love for Arizona with her passion for art. Drawing inspiration from the state’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and iconic symbols, she meticulously crafted each card to reflect the wonders of Arizona. This project is Suzanne’s tribute to the place she calls home, an invitation to explore Arizona’s stories through a playful, artistic medium.
Imagine your home adorned with framed canvas prints of “Cats!” or “Sparky!“—a nod to your alma mater, a piece of your journey. Picture a “Harvest Moon” metal print capturing the serene autumn evenings of Arizona, or a “Still and Chill” tote bag reminding you of tranquil escapes to the northern woods. Each piece of merchandise, from spiral notebooks to jigsaw puzzles, carries a fragment of Arizona’s story, inviting you to weave your narrative into its fabric. Whether you’re an ASU grad cherishing memories with “Sparky!” or a UArizona alum displaying “Cats!” with pride, these art pieces transform your space, celebrating your connection to Arizona in the most personal, artistic way.
With Arizona Ante, every item you bring into your home or gift to a friend becomes a testament to your journey and love for Arizona. From the spirited “Musical Mariachi Jack” that ignites musical heritage to the adventurous “Jack of All Trails” that echoes the call of the wild, each design is an opportunity to share a story, to celebrate a moment, to live the beauty of Arizona every day. Dive into the Arizona Ante collection and let the art of Suzanne Villella inspire your story.
Aneta Hebrova holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Management from the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Czechia. Following her graduation, she gained valuable experience during her tenure at the consulting company Deloitte. However, her passion for sustainable living emerged, leading her to co-author the Prague Green City Guide in 2016. Since 2017, Aneta has been thriving as a freelance research and marketing consultant, which led her on a business trip to Arizona in 2018. In 2024, she added the title of author to her repertoire with the publication of “Essence of Tucson, -the story-”
Where did you grow up?
Aneta grew up in the town of Hradec Kralove, an hour away from the capital Prague, where they later moved. Her mom worked in finances, and her father was a journalist. When she was a child, she spent a lot of time at her cottage in the countryside, where they grew food and were surrounded by forests and nature. She would climb trees, shoot with an airgun, and play cowboys and Indians with her brother and friends.
Tell us about your family
Above…
Do you have pets, if yes, tell us about them
No
When did you know that you would be an artist?
Aneta’s journey into writing began unexpectedly at the age of 22 when a tarot reader pointed out the “Writing” card at the center of her life journey. Initially skeptical, as her background was in business and economics, the seed was planted. The idea for the first book, Prague Green City Guide, which she co-authored, came to fruition later, marking a significant milestone in her writing journey.
What is your favorite media to work with?
Her inspiration to become a writer stems from a deep-seated passion for storytelling, recognizing it as the oldest method through which people connect, share, and exchange information. She firmly believes in the transformative power of books to inspire and enrich lives, fostering intelligence and understanding. Additionally, she sees writing, especially keeping a diary, as a therapeutic practice that helps navigate life’s challenges. Both writing and reading serve as invaluable tools for personal growth and self-discovery.
What do you do when you’re not doing the voodoo that you do?
Apart from writing, she enjoys traveling, sports, exploring, and learning about psychology, business, marketing and literature.
Bearded and buff, Louie the Lumberjack represents and supports students and fans at Northern Arizona University. He was officially named mascot in 1964, although the lumberjack as a school mascot began in the early 20th century. He appeared at sporting events in 1986 and wore his official mascot costume starting in 1988.
Devilish Sparky has playfully and proudly been representing Arizona State University since November 20th, 1946 when students voted to change their name from the Bulldogs to the Sun Devils. In 2013, students, alumni, faculty and season ticket holders voted on Sparky’s current design.
Wilbur the Wildcat was created by University of Arizona roommates, Richard Heiler and John Paquette, and debuted during a November 7, 1959 football game. His original caricature had guns, which were removed in 2002. Wilma the Wildcat appeared on March 1, 1986. The mascots married on November 21, 1986, and remain a supportive and entertaining pair for Wildcat fans.
Autumn radiates with an oversized harvest moon slowly and surprisingly rising over the horizon. Cooler temperatures, shorter days, fall colors and evening stars return.
Arizona is home to twenty-two federally recognized tribes and has been home to Native peoples for thousands of years. The Nations continue to preserve their history, culture and way of life while also sharing their traditions with communities.
Arizona has a hardworking cowgirl culture honoring the western lifestyle, horsemanship, rodeo and charitable organizations, and just as involved in western culture as their cowboy counterparts.
