“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”

If you are going to be visiting Sedona, Arizona between November the 4th and 14th, 2011 make sure not to miss the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition’s Fall Show “The Illusion of Reality” taking place at the beautiful Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village!

This exciting, premiere Sedona art exhibition opens on Friday, November the 4th and runs through Monday, November the 14th from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily! The gala opening reception featuring wine, Hor d’oeuvres, live music by Alex Ogburn and a silent auction to help benefit SVAC’s Scholarship Program will take place on Saturday,November the 5th from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. There is no cost to attend the opening evening festivities or the fine art show.

All participants in the show were challenged to create work that reflects their interpretation of the theme. On November 12th from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm nationally noted artist, lecturer and teacher, Bonnie Hartenstein, from the Chicago Art Institute, will lead a lively, interactive, gallery discussion about the art in the show and on Thursday, November 10th, between 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Christopher Lane and student poets from the Sedona Red Rock High School will be sharing their poetic muse at SVAC’s regular meeting at the exhibition. Both of these events are free and open to the public. For more details on this Sedona event please visit the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.

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One of my favorite events of the Sedona Plein Air Festival, the “Quick Draw”, will be taking place tomorrow, October 27th, on the scenic grounds of Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village and Los Abrigados. The Sedona Plein Air Artists will be setting up their easels to create a painting from start to finish from various locations of their choosing. Watch as the artists wield their brushes to create a painting from start to finish in just two hours. It will truly amaze you as you watch them stroke by stoke accomplish this feat!

This Sedona event is free and open to the public,  after the quick draw you will have the chance to purchase any of these framed paintings directly off the artist’s easel! For more information on this event or to learn more about this Sedona event please visit the Sedona Plein Air Festival.

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Sedona Plein Air Festival Free Events

• 10/21 -Festval Opening Exhibition – Kevin Macpherson’s “Reflections on a Pond”
  Special exhibition of 198 paintings executed directly in the landscape records the transformational effects of light and seasons over the course of a year as time moves over the pond near the artists residence. This Sedona event will be taking place at the Sedona Arts Center between the hours of 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
• 10/22 – Main Street Paint Out
  Paint Out on Main Street is the kick-off event for Sedona Art Center’s Plein Air Festival.View nationally and locally recognized Plein Air Artists altogether at one time along the sidewalks and plazas of Main Street (State Route 89A) in Uptown Sedona starting at 1:30 pm.
• 10/25 – Kevin Macpherson’s “Reflections on a Pond”
  Guest Kevin Macpherson gives a digital presentation and talk on the “Reflections on the Pond series how it came about and evolved. This event will take place in the Theatre Studio at Sedona Arts Center starting at 7:00 pm.
• 10/26 – Day with the Artists in Historic Jerome
  The festival moves to the lovely town of Jerome on October 26th for a day of painting the quaint buildings, gardens and streets. Visit Jerome to watch the creative process and meet some of the most talented artists in the nation.
• 10/27 – Quick Draw at Tlaquepaque & Los Abrigados
  Plein Air Artists will be at Oak Creek, on the scenic grounds of Los Abrigados, on October 27th from the hours of 10:00 am – 12:00 pm to take part of the Artist Quick Draw. You will be able to watch as the artist wield their brushes to create a painting from start to finish in just two hours. After the quick draw you will have the chance to purchase any of the paintings that inspired you.
• 10/29 – Public Art Sale
  Don’t miss the final Sedona Plein Air Festival at the Sedona Arts Center Gallery taking place from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. You will have a chance to meet the arists and purchase the wonderful work of art created during the festival.

The Sedona Plein Air Festival runs through October 21st – October 29th, 2011. For more information or to see the full  schedule of events visit Sedona Plein Air Festival. If you are interested in some of the workshops for this event visit Plein Air Workshops.

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There is no better place than Sedona, Arizona to spend a weekend surrounded by the majestic red rocks exploring the world of art! Join us in Sedona on October 9th and 10th at the Sedona Arts Festival taking place at the Sedona Red Rock High School located at 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road in West Sedona. You will be surrounded by over 150 artists & craftspersons from all over the United States showing their exquisite pieces.

With the vast amount of variety in styles and mediums among the artists there will be something for everyone. I was able to attend this show last year and can tell you first hand you will not be dissapointed! The talent of some of these artist will blow you away and many of the artists were more than happy to answer my question about their technique and style.

There is also a special place to let your children’s creativity come to life at the interactive Kidzone. The $5.00 entry fee covers the cost of all the art supplies. Children 12 and under will have a chance to create their own masterpiece with their “make and take” projects.

There is a $10 Entry Fee that helps support the Sedona Arts Festival’s Scholarship and Arts Education Programs. $1 Coupons are available at area businesses and hotels. They are also offering a special ticket price if you order your tickets online here. For more information on this Sedona event visit the Sedona Arts Festival.

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Check out these Sedona Hotels & Inns for your stay in Sedona!

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I love to visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Craft Village any day of the week any time of the year, but for the first time in all my time living in the area I went to the village early on a Sunday morning. I was not expecting much, it was around 8:00 am and I knew the galleries would not be open yet. To my surprise their were a few people there enjoying a bite at the Secret Garden Cafe, I checked out their menu and it looked pretty good but breakfast was not on my mind. I proceeded into the Village and it was like I had never been there before. Everything looked different.

Usually when I go to Tlaquepaque there are people all around shopping, eating, snapping pictures and so forth, but this morning it was quiet and the beauty of the village captured me. I have seen the giant sycamore trees that shade Tlaquepaque before, but now at this moment they were majestic. Everywhere I turned there were overwhelming pieces of art that I have never really noticed before. I am not talking about the art in the top notch galleries throughout the village, I am talking about some of the brilliant masterpieces in the courtyards, the details of the fountains, the flow and energy of the natural beauty. I was truly shocked that I have never really noticed the feel of the cobblestones under my feet, or truly appreciated the amount of details in the architecture or heard the music of the water dancing in the fountains. Truly this morning at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village was one of my favorite visits of all time to this authentically fashioned Mexican village. I now understand fully why Tlaquepaque is known as the “Art & Soul” of Sedona.

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You do not want to miss your opportunity to visit with and explore the creations of the very talented artist in Sedona, Arizona during the Open Studios free event presented by the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition starting on April 3oth!

Once a year the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition invites the public to see their private work spaces and latest creations!  This self-guided tour takes you around beautiful Sedona to visit  the artists’  in their studio and work spaces where you will have the chance to meet and talk to the artist themselves. With 19 locations to visit you will see an amazing variety of mediums, styles and technique among the members of the Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition.

What are you waiting for? Make your plans today to experience the creativity the red rocks inspire in our talented Sedona artists. For a map of this self-guided Open Studio Tour or more details please visit the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition.

Check out these Sedona-Verde Valley attractions.

• Out of Africa Wildlife Park
  “CALL US WILD. CALL US CRAZY. Just don’t call us a zoo”
• Verde Canyon Railroad
  “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey”
• M Diamond Ranch
  “It’s so much more than just a trail ride”

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Come to the art lovers paradise of Sedona and delight your eyes with the masterpieces that fill the Sedona galleries and specialty shops! You could spend days visiting all of the galleries that are in Sedona-Verde Valley and still not see everything. You can find every medium, style, technique and genre whether it is in blown glass, paintings, jewelry, pottery and so forth. The only hard decision will be where to start! Below you will find some of my top picks for galleries & specialty shops in Sedona and our neighbors in Jerome. Believe me all the galleries in the area are filled with talent, to see more galleries please visit Sedona  Arts & Galleries. Make a special note that the first weekend of every month the 1st Friday Evening in the Galleries in Sedona and the Jerome Art Walk take place making it a perfect weekend to visit.

Sedona

Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
A Sedona landmark since the 1970’s, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village needs to be on the top of every art lovers list. The village offers over 40 galleries and specialty shops and an environment like no other in Sedona. You could easily spend the day in the Village and view some of the best local artists in Sedona! One of the cool things about Tlaquepaque is there always seems to be something going on from special events to exhibits. To see what is happening in the village while you are visiting click here! And if you get hungry from all the exploring they have some great restaurants for you to enjoy! Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is located at 336 Highway 179 in Sedona.

Sedona Arts Center
The Sedona Arts Center is a gathering place for artist. The Center’s Fine Art Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. Their School of the Arts also offers work shops, field expeditions, art experiences and much more. If you are going to be visiting Sedona for a couple of day I would definitely take the time to see what workshops and field expeditions are taking place while you are here! You never know there might be something happening that is right up your alley. The Sedona Art Center is located at 15 Art Barn Road, Sedona. To learn what exhibitions and events will be taking place while you are visiting click here.

Jerome

The Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery
Some of the most talented artists in Nouthern Arizona can be found at this gallery filled with a plethora of one of a kind original artwork and crafts. One of the reason I enjoy this cooperative gallery is the fact that it is managed and staffed by the artist members. Anytime I have had a question about a particular piece of art or want more information on a certain artist they are able to answer my questions and if for some reason the get stumped by a question they will do their best to find the information out for you! Now that is service that equals their wonderful art pieces! To see the special events taking place at the gallery while you are visiting click here.

Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes and Art glass
Featuring over 90 kaleidoscope artist,s you will find the coolest Kaleidoscopes ever in this gallery. I have spent hours checking out all the kaleidoscopes and art glass here. I am blown away every time I visit this gallery, there is alway something new to see and the wow factor kicks in everytime I visit. You also nee to check out Nellie Bly II – Find Art & Jewelry Gallery.

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When it comes to exploring the world of art in Sedona, the Talquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is the place to be. The year of 2011 will be no exception, Ken Rowe, world-renowned wildlife sculptor and co-owner of Rowe Fine Art Gallery, debuts his latest pre-cast sculpture, “Bull Market,” during the Sedona Gallery Association’s 1st Friday Gallery Tour on January 7th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

“It’s a new year and a new bounty awaits us all. “We think it’s time that 2010’s bear market go into hibernation so the bull market of 2011 can take charge. I’m not one for sculpting a literal interpretation of anything related to Wall Street, so my newest sculpture is my depiction of a wild version of the bull market.” – Ken Rowe

The bronze sculpture features a bull and cow moose in the wild. The edition is limited to only 35, and the never-before-seen clay model will be on display starting Friday evening. Wine and pizza from New York Pizza and Deli will be served. Rowe Fine Art Gallery is located upstairs in Patio de las Campanas near the bell tower. For more details on this Sedona event please visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.

Fun things to do in the Sedona-Verde Valley

• A Day in the West
  “Get Ready for the Ride of Your Life”
• M Diamond Ranch
  “It’s so much more than just a trail ride”!
• Sedona Trolley
  “The Best First Thing To Do in Sedona, Arizona”
• Verde Canyon Railroad
  “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey!”

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Art Lovers – take a weekend getaway to the Sedona-Verde Valley during the first weekend of November and enjoy the red rocks of Sedona and explore two exciting art events. The Sedona 1st Friday Evening in the Galleries on November 5th and the Saturday Jerome Art Walk on November 6th. It’s great time of year to stroll around both Sedona and Jerome and you can start your holiday shopping at the best galleries in the South West!

During both events you can view the work of local artists and often get to meet and talk with the artists themselves. You will find a large variety of mediums including pottery, oils, blown glass, jewelry and much more. The best thing is that they are on different days so that you can enjoy both events to the fullest. Treat yourself to a weekend of art & shopping! Below you will find a brief description of both events.

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1st Friday Evening in the Galleries
Sedona – Free Event
November 5th, 2010
5:00 – 8:00 pm
The Sedona Gallery Association invites you to dive into the exhilarating Sedona arts on Friday, November 5th with a unique showcase highlighting artists, special exhibits, and art events. This special art reception gives you, the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments while beginning your weekend with an exploration of Sedona’s exciting art scene. The Sedona Trolley provides free transportation to venture from art gallery to art gallery. For more information visit Sedona Gallery Association.

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Jerome Art Walk
Arizona’s Art Destination – Free Event
November 6th, 2010
5:00 – 8:00 pm
The Jerome First Saturday Art Walk on November 6th, is a delightful tour of Jerome’s exciting and well-known galleries. Your tour will take you to 30 exciting galleries and studios throughout Jerome. Many of the venues are clustered together, making it enjoyable to spend time in each section before moving on to the next. You will be provided with a map and free shuttle service. For more information visit the Jerome Art Walk.

Featured  participants in the 1st Friday Evening in the Galleries.

Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
“The Art and Soul of Sedona”
On Friday, November 5th many of the galleries in Sedona’s Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village will have exhibits, special showings and entertainment. Originally conceived as an artist community, Tlaquepaque is a perfect setting to witness gifted artisans absorbed in their work. It’s not uncommon to venture upon a well-known sculptor working on his or her latest piece right in one of the Tlaquepaque galleries. Visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village to see all the wonderful happenings at the during the 1st Friday Evening in the Galleries.

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Sedona Arts Center
“The largest seller and selection of works by Sedona Artists”
Debuting Friday, November 5th will be Sedona’s first-ever all glass show, “GlasSedona”.  “WOW! It’s Glass!!”, is an exciting showcase of extraordinary art that has been in the making for over a year. GlasSedona’s members have been creating new, never-before-seen glass art in all venues of glass art, including kiln-formed glass, casting, lamp working, glass painting, mosaics and leaded panels. Members’ works range from small decorative pieces and jewelry, to large sculpture and wall panels.

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Featured Jerome Galleries

The Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery
“Original artwork  from some of Northern Arizona’s most talented artists”
Located in the historic Hotel Jerome at the hub of Jerome’s burgeoning arts district, the JAC boasts an unmatched selection of media and styles to suite the tastes of casual shoppers and serious collectors alike. Founded in 1996 by a small group of dedicated artists, the gallery has  grown to feature the work of over 30 local artisans, and has become the heart of Jerome’s artistic community.

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Nellie Bly
Kaleidoscopes & Art Glass
Nellie Bly is a unique gallery of  kaleidoscopes and art glass. While their kaleidoscopes and glass works are amazing they also have a vast selection of hand-made marbles and jewelry. They feature one of a kind pieces through out the gallery. One of my nicest pieces of jewelry came from Nellie Bly and it’s one of my favorite galleries.

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Looking for some scenic tours that will inspire the artist in you?

• Verde Canyon Railroad
  Fall Color Tours

• A Day in the West
  Red Rock West Jeep Tour

• Sedona Trolley
  Seven Canyons Scenic Tour

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• 1st Friday Evening in the Galleries
  Sedona – Free Event
  5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  On the first Friday of each month, members of the Sedona Gallery Association offer a unique monthly showcase highlighting artists, special exhibits, and art events. These special art receptions give locals and Sedona visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments while beginning their weekends with an exploration of Sedona’s exciting art scene. For your convenience, the Sedona Trolley provides free transportation to venture from art gallery to art gallery. For more information visit Sedona Gallery Association.
• Jerome Art Walk
  Arizona’s Art Destination – Free Event
  (5:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
  The Jerome First Saturday Art Walk is a delightful tour of Jerome’s exciting and well-known galleries. The tour features 30 exciting galleries and studios throughout the entire town. Many of the venues are clustered together, making it enjoyable to spend time in each section before moving on to the next. You will be provided with a map and a free shuttle service .

Listed below are two of the must see  for arts in Sedona and are also participants in the 1st Friday Evening in the Galleries.

• Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
  “The Art and Soul of Sedona”
  Your unforgettable Sedona experience must include spending time at internationally renowned Tlaquepaque Sedona Arizona’s Arts & Crafts Village. Originally conceived as an artist community, Tlaquepaque is a perfect setting to witness gifted artisans absorbed in their work. It’s not uncommon to venture upon a well-known sculptor working on his or her latest piece right in one of the Tlaquepaque galleries.
• Sedona Arts Center
  “The largest seller and selection of works by Sedona Artists”
  The Sedona Arts Center is a gathering place where artists and those who love art can explore, teach, and exhibit their works. The Center’s Fine Art Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it. Visitors to Sedona can enjoy a new exhibit every month, during the First Friday Artwalk.

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All you need to do to help save the Sedona Art Barn is Vote! It is as simple as that. You can vote every day in the month of August. It will only take a few seconds a day! Use the button on the right to vote, then save that address so you can vote every day.

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