Featuring ceramics, mixed media, fiber art, glass, photography, drawing, sculpture, jewelry, wood, metal, and painting.

Location: Sedona Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road in West Sedona

Admission: $10

For more information, visit sedonaartsfestival.org

Sculpture by Bill Worrell

Bill Worrell and Barbara Westwood
Friday October 1st, 3pm – 8pm (refreshments provided)
Saturday October 2nd, 1pm – 5pm

The Tobeys and Jd Challenger
Friday October 8th, 3pm – 8pm (refreshments provided)
Saturday October 9th, 1pm – 5pm

You can find out more information about the artists and see their work at exposuresfineart.com

Photography Enthusiasts, Students, Educators, Emerging Pros:
Come to Sedona for an Eight Day Celebration of Southwest Photography Amidst the Stunning Red Rock Country of Sedona

Sedona PhotoFest 2010 brings together Pulitzer-winning photographer Jack Dykinga, “Sedona Masters,” six competing “Apprentice Photographers” juried from Arizona high schools, and the public for three days of field photography in Sedona. The highlight of Sedona PhotoFest 2010 is our 3-Day Symposium including keynote talks, workshop presentations and panel discussions. Two fine art landscape gallery exhibitions along with special evening events make this week ideal for photographers, educators, students, families and art buyers worldwide to celebrate Southwest photography’s contribution to the fine arts.

This inaugural year brings photographers an incredible chance to see Sedona, hone skills and learn in a unique and intimate setting at the beautiful Creative Life Center in Sedona. If you’ve been to other photography conferences and seminars, you’ll find Sedona PhotoFest offers you an excellent program while keeping it affordable.

PhotoFest’s “Master Photographer-in-Residence,” Jack Dykinga, blends landscape photography with documentary photojournalism. His landscape art photography, magazine contributions, and nine wilderness advocacy, large format books are world-renowned. He is a captivating public speaker whose work is driven by his passionate advocacy for preservation of the natural world. He is a regular contributor to Arizona Highways and National Geographic.

For more information, call the Sedona Arts Center at 928.282.3809 or visit sedonaphotofest.com

"Edgewater" by Eric Lee (Acrylic on glass)

You’re invited to Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art in Sedona for a Spring Artist Show featuring the work of Eric Lee and Penelope Bushman. Stop by this Friday, March 19th from 3-8pm and Saturday, March 20th from 1-5pm to meet the artists and enjoy their work.

Eric Lee is an artist who creates original acrylic paintings on glass. Each one of his pieces shows his passion for color and rhythm. The beauty of Lee’s work lies in the astute blending of hues and colors combined with the artist’s media of choice – acrylic on glass. The colors move as if floating in air, luminous and caressing to the eye. The glass is never glaring but instead calming and weightless.

Penelope Bushman creates original oil paintings that feature rich textures that testify to the artist’s early training in sculpture. Breathing new life into ancient imagery, she portrays her sentinels and shamans with vibrant colors and rich patterns. Her abstract compositions are magical conceptual journeys that explore human emotion and touch the soul.

Exposures Gallery is located at 561 Hwy 179, Sedona, AZ 86336. For more information, call the gallery at 928.282.1125.

Black Onyx by Barbara Westwood

Barbara Westwood is one of the most widely collected fine art jewelry designers in the world. Her unique designs present some of the finest gemstones in impressive artistic settings that leave admirers breathless.

Martin Eichinger, master sculptor, creates figurative bronzes that transport the imagination to a world-wide audience. Featured in over 1000 public and private collections, each sculpture captures a sense of dynamic movement and represents a celebration, a mystery, or a tender moment.

Laurie Burns captures the imagination with her innovative beautifully fused glass creations. Featuring dichroic glass containing thin layers of precious metals, each wall panel and free standing glass sculpture dazzles the eye with dramatic shifting color and rich, vibrant hues.

The Artist Show takes place Friday February 12th from 3-8pm (with refreshments available) and Saturday February 13th from 1-5pm at Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art, 561 Hwy 179, Sedona, AZ.

Red Rock Fantasy at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa

Sedona is one of the most enchanting places to celebrate the holiday season. Annual events draw thousands each year to create family traditions & memories that will last a lifetime. Sedona’s moderate climate boasts temperatures in the mid-50′s to low-60′s making outdoor and indoor activities enjoyable year-round. Just be sure to pack a jacket to wear after the sun goes down. From the lighting of over 6,000 luminarias at beautiful Tlaquepaque to the lighting of over 1 million Christmas lights at Los Abrigados nightly, make some memories with your family this holiday season here in beautiful Sedona.

Red Rock Fantasy at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, Nov. 19 – Jan. 2, 2010

One of the city’s most spectucular annual events is the Red Rock Fantasy at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa. Now in its nineteenth year and boasting nearly two-dozen displays created by families from the Southwest, the festival promises never-before-seen marvels of light that leave children in wonderment and move adult minds to enjoy the holidays as they did when they were young. That’s the magic that has made Red Rock Fantasy a favorite among Arizonans and visitors to the state alike.

Lights On for the 19th Annual Red Rock Fantasy will take place this year at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2009. The event will last through the New Year, ending with “Lights Out” on Saturday, January 2, 2010.

All those touring the lights will be given a ballot containing a route map, which will allow them to choose five favorite displays. The completed ballots may be dropped in the ballot box located in the lobby of the restaurants. The winning display will be awarded a lifetime vacation ownership through ILX Premiere Vacation Club with prizes also going to runners up in 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place categories. The Red Rock Fantasy Awards Banquet announcing the winners in every category is Saturday, January 9, 2010 beginning at 6:30 pm. In addition to the annual competition amongst display decorators, ILX Resorts Incorporated will continue the tradition of donating a percentage of proceeds to local schools, charities and nonprofits.

ILX Resorts wants to thank the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and City of Sedona for pledged safety during this year’s annual event. It is because of them Red Rock Fantasy has been and continues to be a success.

The festival is open each evening (weather permitting) from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children aged 4-12 and is complimentary for children 3 and under. Blocks of 20 tickets or more are sold at a discounted rate of $4 per person. For more information, call 928-282-1777 or toll free 800-521-3131.

For more information please call (928) 282-1777 or visit our web site at www.redrockfantasy.com. For bulk ticket information, contact Deb Hawthorne, Accounting Manager, Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, at (928) 282-1777.

The Festival of Trees, Tlaquepaque, Nov. 27

A new and exciting event opens at Tlaquepaque on Friday, November 27, 2009 – The Festival of Trees. Area artists and galleries will have over 30 Christmas trees fully decorated in fun and exquisite ways to entice the guests of Tlaquepaque. Kick of your holiday season with a beautiful themed tree already pre-decorated…The trees will be on display on throughout the courtyards of Tlaquepaque accompanied with silent auction bid sheets. Viewers may visit Tlaquepaque and check their bids through 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6th. The proceeds from this Holiday event will benefit The Humane Society of Sedona, Toys for Tots, Camp Soaring Eagle and the Desert Star Community School. For additional information please contact Mally Paquette at (928) 592-2177.

Friday, November 27: 10:00am The Art Inspired Tree Display Opens

Wednesday, December 2: 1-3pm Pet Photos with Santa to benefit the Humane Society of Sedona

Saturday, December 5: 1-3pm “Kids Be a Star”. Make ceramic holiday gifts sponsored by Imagine Art in Sedona

Saturday, December 5: 5-7pm Holiday Reception Under the Stars

Sunday, December 6: 4pm The Auction Closes

• Date Details: Friday, November 27 through Sunday, December 6, 2009
• Phone: (928) 592-2177

The Festival of Lights at Tlaquepaque

The Festival of Lights at Tlaquepaque, Dec. 12

It’s hard to describe what it feels like to be in the midst of 6,000 golden-hued luminarias that punctuate every wall, balcony, patio and cobbled stone walkway in the arts village. If ever there was a place for bedazzlement and holiday wonder, the 36th Annual Festival of Lights at Tlaquepaque is it.

Everyone — the young, young at heart and revelers everywhere — is invited to the holiday celebration on Saturday, December 12th, 2009 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. Admission is free, as is the Sedona Trolley service from the uptown Municipal parking lot to Tlaquepaque, available throughout the festival hours.

For many the lighting of a luminaria has a special significance. Now a Tlaquepaque tradition for six years, cancer survivors are honored and those that lost their lives to cancer are remembered as friends and families dedicate a luminaria in their name. Donations to help fight the disease are gratefully accepted by the American Cancer Society. The sponsored luminarias will their special messages are then placed around the fountain at Patio del Norte. “This can be a challenging time of year for many families. We want to especially remember those that are heroically fighting cancer or who overcame it… as well as those who did not. In a small way we pause to acknowledge them at this special time of year,” said Wendy Lippman, general  manager and managing partner of Tlaquepaque.

At 5:00 pm candles will be handed out to everyone. Kids, parents grandparents and visitors from all over love to light their candles and place them in the luminaria bags. Not long after, the stunning spectacle of light, over 6000 luminarias is complete.

The weekend event will kick off the night before with popular singer Ron Tolson whose deeply melodic baritone voice will fill the Tlaquepaque Chapel on Friday, December 11th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.

On Saturday starting at 3:00 pm gather the kids in Patio Del Norte to see the arrival of Santa Claus and his elf, accompanied by Christmas favorites sung by Sedona’s Tom and Shondra. The Chavez Jazz Trio with Frankie Chavez, accomplished drummer and percussionist, will perform from 5:30 to 8pm in Patio Del Norte.

At Plaza de la Fuente from 5:30 to 8:00 pm listen to the heart-pounding, uplifting vocals and perfect harmonies of the 60-person River of Life Tabernacle Choir. Astounding in their mastery of song, their repertoire is both traditionally seasonal and inspiring gospel.

Traditional Christmas music delivered with the upbeat sounds of steel drums, marimba and more by percussionist Paul McDermand will thrill the crowds in Patio de las Campanas from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. At the Chapel from 4:00 to 5:30 pm be sure not to miss Sedona’s Jim Buchanan and stay for the Leman Music Ensemble from 6-8pm, performing traditional Christmas favorites.

It wouldn’t be a traditional Tlaquepaque event without the Roaming Mariachis Familia Rojas – a big hit from the Fiesta, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Carolers will stroll throughout the village during the afternoon to round out the holiday cheer.

Home to more than 40 shops and galleries and four restaurants, Tlaquepaque, the Art and Soul of Sedona, now in its 37th year, is located at 336 Highway 179 at the Oak Creek Bridge just south of 89A on Highway 179. It is open daily at 10:00 am. For more information call (928) 282-4838, visit: www.tlaq.com.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Geoffrey Roth Ltd. is proud to introduce Pamela Froman’s handmade jewelry to their gallery. This up and coming designer has won several awards since her debut four years ago. Pamela has an innovative way of combining 18K white, rose, yellow, and somtimes green gold into one piece. Her jewelry is finished with a special hand hammering technique she calls ‘Crushed’.

The “Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry Collection” features handmade pieces comprised of a mixture of colored precious metals and exquisite, rare natural stones. Originality and meticulous attention to every detail are hallmarks of Pamela’s signature look; because each item is handmade, no two will ever be identical, even if they are similar in design. This one-of-a-kind, limited edition jewelry is as hip as it is timeless, transcending every generation and age, and specially crafted so that it may be treasured for years to come.

William Henry studio started to make knives about 12 years ago. Now a small company with 20 employees, William Henry is known for having established a new benchmark of excellence in luxury-grade knives. The studio incorporates new as well as traditional materials into their designs to create spectacular pieces of art. 

The seamless integration of classic natural materials and state-of-the-art alloys is a hallmark of William Henry’s work — no compomises, no shortcuts, exceptional quality. Each component is precision machined to tolerances reserved for aerospace level work — often measured at 0.0005″, or one twelfth the size of a human hair. The final fit, finish, action, and sharpness of each knife are achieved entirely by hand, employing the irreplaceable craftsmanship developed by generations of master cutlers.

Geoffrey Roth Ltd. Gallery is located near the Bell Tower in Tlaquepaque on Highway 179 in the heart of beautiful Sedona. If you are unable to attend the Trunk Show and are interested in learning more about these two collections, please call or e-mail the Geoffrey Roth Ltd. Gallery at info@GeoffreyRothGallery.com. 

Click here to view a short video of the Geoffrey Roth Ltd. Gallery.

Visit one of Sedona’s newest galleries, The Spirit of the Andes at Hillside Sedona, this Sunday November 1st from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a special exhibition of world-renowned artist Mamani Mamani’s extended collection. Mamani Mamani has traveled all the way to Sedona from Bolivia for this exhibit and will only be here through Sunday so don’t miss this rare opportunity to view his full collection of original luminous oils and pastels.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mamani Mamani this afternoon when I visited the gallery for the first time and I was quite taken aback by his genuine character and sincere humility about his artwork and his time in Sedona. He has done more than 52 exhibitions since 1983 and has earned many awards, tributes and accollades both nationally and internationally yet he greeted me like an old friend. Within moments of meeting me and learning just a little bit about me (I told him that I’m 5 & 1/2 months pregnant with a little boy), he disappeared inside the gallery for a moment and came back out with a small bookmark imprinted with the image of one of his paintings. On the bottom of it, he wrote in spanish “May all the energy of the sun be with your son.” I was so sincerely touched.

His artwork speaks to me as much as our brief interlude did. Living in one of the art mecca’s of the southwestern region, I have laid my eyes on countless works of art created by some of the world’s best artists. I’ve seen art in Sedona that I’ve never seen anywhere else in the world, I’ve admired countless paintings, sculptures, oils, pastels and mixed media pieces I would gladly take home and hang on my wall if I could…and I truly have not seen anything like Mamani’s work. It is so bright and vibrant yet rich and deep all at once. Walking into The Spirit of the Andes, you are greeted by his intensely uplifting pieces, bold use of color, geometrical shapes and figures. Warmth, love and hope radiate from each piece and you can’t help but feel happy just looking at them because they are so full of life and energy. Of all the pieces hanging (which were only a mere percentage of his full collection to be shown on Sunday) my favorite were the Mother and Child pieces. I was also suprised to see that his artwork was so well priced considering it’s beauty and his reputation – they even have prints available for as little as $150-200.

Jaqueline Conley of La Paz, Bolivia will also be showing her lustrous alpaca and silk clothing hand sewn with many of Mamani Mamani’s designs. A delicate and ornately woven peacock covered the back of a black silk shawl that took my breath away imagining the time and work that went into creating it. Several other designs were just as stunning combining the bold vibrance of Mamani’s work with fashion and flare.

You are in for a real treat if you can attend this special showing at The Spirt of the Andes. Even you can’t make it on Sunday, stop in and meet this lovely family, the Montenegro’s, sometime. I am certain you will be as touched as I am by their generosity of spirit, friendliness and character, not to mention their beautiful new gallery!

Spirit of the Andes is located at Hillside Sedona, 671 Hwy 179 Suite A-ST6. For further information call (928) 496-0234.

Betty Carr "Paint Out on Main Street" 2008

Artistic Magic is in the Air!

 5^thAnnual Sedona Plein Air Festival 2009

SEDONA, Ariz. (October 15, 2009):  The cool weather has arrived, the leaves are turning and thirty-two nationally-recognized plein-air artists will soon begin to paint the mystical beauty of Sedona. The spell has been cast and magic abounds.

The 5^th Annual Plein Air Festival, hosted by the Sedona Arts Center and the presenting sponsor, L’Auberge de Sedona, will still your hearts and stimulate your imagination for nine full days, beginning Oct 24 through Nov 1.

The festival provides something for everyone!  Visitors and residents alike are invited to watch the artists transfer their vision of the beauty that surrounds them onto canvas or paper ~ capturing magical moments in time right before your eyes. 

Sedona is a plein-air artist’s paradise with its abundance of picturesque scenes and exquisite landscapes. The ever-changing light, shadows and colors in late October, make the setting almost perfect.

The art form is not easy.  Painting out-of-doors, from life, requires stamina and the ability to stay focused and completely absorbed in the work regardless of the shifting elements. The award-winning artists from around the country  will spend six days painting in a variety of media to capture the unique scenes of Sedona, Jerome, Oak Creek, and the surrounding area, followed by weekend events that present the body of work created by the artists earlier in the week.

Join the excitement by watching the artists in the creative process.  Four events have been planned for this purpose: Saturday, Oct 24, enjoy the Paint-out on Main Street from 2:30 – 5:00pm, sponsored by Sedona Main Street Program.  Tuesday morning (7:00am), Oct 27, you will find some of the artists painting the scenes and landscape around the Sedona Heritage Museum.  All day Wednesday, Oct 28, Jerome Chamber of Commerce and Jerome  ArtWalk will host the artists as they paint Historic Jerome.

"Tranquil" by Clark Mitchell - Winner, Collector's Choice 2008

Then, begin the weekend on Friday morning Creekside at L’Auberge de Sedona, the Festival’s generous presenting sponsor. The artists will create paintings from start to finish in just two hours. The unique Quick Draw event, starts at exactly 10am and ends at Noon. Trolley service will be available from the Uptown City Parking Lot on Jordan and Schnebly Road. 

For those who want to be more personally involved and actively participate, there are events designed especially for you. Learn about plein-air painting from the artists, or try your hand at “painting from life.”

Monday through Thursday (11am – 1pm) lunchtime lectures/demonstrations by one of the participating festival artist are offered ~ and ~ four free plein-air painting classes (two sessions each/$25 materials fee) are available. Space is limited and reservations are recommended for both the lectures and the classes (call 928-282-3809). For details and a complete schedule visit the Festival Website: www.SedonaPleinAirFestival.com.

For those who love to rub shoulders with the artists in an informal, social setting, two receptions will be held: Monday evening (6:30 – 8:00), October 26, the Arts Center will host an Opening Reception for the Artists Showcase Exhibit in the Community Gallery, presenting prior works of the 32 participating artists. 

A mid-week highlight, Wednesday evening (7:00 – 8:30pm), there will be a presentation by special guest speaker, Wm Scott Jennings, a national-recognized master plein-air artist, will discuss his process in a lecture titled, Plein Air to Studio. The presentation will be followed by a wine reception in the Theatre Studio at the Arts Center.

"Side Street Surprise" by Betty Carr, 2008 Plein Air Festival

Friday, Oct 30, at 6pm, an Evening Extravaganza with the Artists will be held at L’Auberge de Sedona in the Monet Ballroom.

Those who attend will be the first to see and have the opportunity to purchase the artwork that has been created throughout the week. The evening filled with fine art, music, delicious hors d’oeuvres and fine wine in one of Sedona’s most luxurious settings is an event not to be missed! Only a few tickets are still available, so make your reservations today. Tickets are only $125.00 and can be purchased Online www.SedonaPleinAirFestival.com or by calling: 928-282-3809.

Saturday, Oct 31 (10am – 5pm) and Sunday. Nov 1 (10am – 3pm) a Public Sale and Exhibit will be held in both galleries at the Sedona Arts Center. There is no admission and everyone is invited to view and purchase the amazing, original art by the talented cadre of Festival Artists – all created during Festival Week.

All events and activities, except the Friday night Gala, are open to public and free of charge. The Sedona Arts Center campus is located in Uptown Sedona, corner of State Rte 89A and Art Barn Road.

The week-long event is made possible by an ever-growing list of Festival sponsors:  L’Auberge de Sedona (presenting sponsor), Sedona-Oak Creek Chamber of Commerce, Sedona Magazine, Sedona Monthly, Sedona Red Rock News, Sedona Red Rock TV, Excentric, Sedona Trolley, KNAU Arizona Public Radio, Windrush Gallery, MacPherson ART.com, M. Graham & Co, Southwest Art Magazine, Valley Guide, and Connoisseur Art Supplies; plus a generous grant from the City of Sedona.  We also want to thank our community partners whose support expands the boundaries of possibilities: Sedona Main Street Program, Jerome Chamber of Commerce, Jerome Artwalk, and Sedona Historical Society.

Special Festival Workshops are being offered by the Sedona Arts Center’s Art School in conjunction with the Festival – before, during and after.  Before the Festival: Plein Air Painting in Oils, Oct 19 – 23 with Jill Carver,  Artists’ Choice Award 2008. Pastel Painting in the Sedona Landscape, Oct 20 – 23 with Clark Mitchell, 2008 Festival Poster Award (2007) and Collectors’ Choice Award 2008. During the Festival: Plein Air Painting with Oils, Oct 26 – 30 with Wm Scott Jennings, Master Plein-air Artist and 2009 Festival Guest Speaker. Following the Festival: Sedona – Fall Colors (Watercolor or Oil), Nov 2 – 6 with Betty Carr, Festival Artist 2006 – 2009.  Watercolor Secrets, Nov 3 – 5 and  Plein Air Painting ~ One day Workshop, Nov 6 ~ both workshops led by Tom Lynch, Festival Artist 2006 – 2009. To register for a class, or for more information call (928) 282-3809, or visit www.SedonaArtsCenter.com.

Sedona Arts Center VIDEO:

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

"Sedona Eclipse" Mixed Media Original by Frasca & Halliday

“Some of the most wonderful and talented artists in the world…”

Where: Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art, located on Highway 179 1/4 mile south of “The Y” intersection where 89A & Hwy 179 meet.

Date: October 24th, 2009

Time: 12 – 5 p.m.

Artists Featured: Frasca & Halliday

Connie Frasca and Karen Halliday, master sculptors whose work includes exotic wood panels and redwood vessels, are celebrating nearly a decade at Exposures with a special artist exhibition. We invite you to join us for a fantastic art event this weekend!

Connie Frasca and Karen Halliday (Frasca Halliday) owned and operated a very sophisticated and highly technical Aerospace machinery facility. The parts they manufactured were of extremely tight tolerances, which ultimately were delivered and used by the United States military.

Their careers segued on to building stately customer homes of subtle grandeur in Pinnacle Peak. From trick faux painting, plaster wall accents, tile and stone, fountains, welding, plasma cutting, one of a kind furniture construction, titanium maching, carved sculptures and birch wall art-their art soared to new levels. With only the use of dyes to create thought provoking images and designs accented with inlay work utilizing many various stones, they turned their focus to carving wood vessels. Their natural artistic talents backed by logical engineering allows them to create with a vast knowledge and experience in many different mediums.

Currently their thrust is carving and shaping exotic woods such as buckeye, redwood, maple burs, lace wood, marine, manzanita, cottonwood, ironwood cocobolo, Russian Pine, and mesquite. Frasca & Halliday travel the country over looking for the most unusual pieces to sculpt into a beautiful blend between man “or woman” and nature. When 107 lb Karen, who does a lot of sculpting, whips a chains saw around like a logger, she catches a few looks from this incongruous sight.

No two pieces will ever be the same because nothing is machined or turned. It’s all hand carved. They have the capacity to do intricate refined furniture with detailed inlays, but at this time have chosen to less geometric work and more warm, free-flowing sculpted pieces that are very functional and always command good conversation.

Each year a new limited edition is released. Both personalities agree to be truly evolving with “CLEARLY” unique concepts leading the way rather than following works that have been modified and modified by others. As their past implies, they both have a restless desire and need for constant artistic challenge.

The name “Frasca” is of Italian decent and means new growth or fresh twig. Being Irish and Native American, could explain the light hearted and spiritual balance of Karen’s work. Their style is timeless and definitely collectable.

Exposures Gallery is one of the largest and most well-known Sedona galleries featuring the works of hundreds of world-renowned artists all in one place. It is located on S.R. 179, 1/4 mile south of the S.R. 179/89A intersection. Looking for a place to stay in Sedona while you’re here? Find a Sedona hotel here.

Exposures Gallery VIDEO

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Click on the links below to view videos of other fantastic Exposures Gallery Artists:

Dino Rosin

Gene, Rebecca & Joshua Tobey

Bill Worrell