Arts & Culture

Towering red rock formations, lush green forests, and bright blue skies make Sedona feel like a picture-perfect landscape.

For art collectors, Sedona offers an impressive selection. The town is home to over 80 galleries featuring work from both internationally recognized artists and emerging local talent. These galleries are located throughout Uptown and West Sedona, with notable clusters at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Hillside Sedona, the Shops at Hyatt Piñon Pointe, and along State Route 179—an area so densely packed with galleries, it’s earned the nickname “Gallery Row.” It’s easy to spend an afternoon browsing from one gallery to the next, all set against Sedona’s stunning red rock backdrop.

A Rich Artistic Heritage

Sedona’s artistic roots go back decades. In 1946, surrealist pioneer Max Ernst and his wife, painter Dorothea Tanning, made Sedona their home, drawn by the inspiring landscape. A decade later, in 1958, Egyptian sculptor Nassan Gobran and local artists founded the Sedona Arts Center, which remains a vital cultural institution today. The town’s unique blend of Western heritage and modern creativity was further cemented in 1965 when a group of cowboy artists—including Joe Beeler and George Phippen—formed the Cowboy Artists of America right here in Sedona.

Galleries & Studios to Explore

Sedona’s more than 80 galleries showcase an impressive variety of art, from fine paintings and Western bronzes to Native American weavings, kinetic sculptures, contemporary jewelry, and large-format photography. Many galleries are clustered in key areas, making art exploration easy and enjoyable:

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village: A charming, Spanish-style plaza filled with galleries, artisan shops, and studios.
Hillside Sedona: Home to numerous galleries featuring both traditional and contemporary works.
Uptown Sedona: Offers a convenient walkable area with many galleries and boutiques.
Gallery Row on State Route 179: A scenic stretch packed with galleries, earning this area a well-deserved reputation as the heart of Sedona’s art scene.

Annual Festivals & Cultural Events

Sedona hosts several notable events throughout the year that celebrate its arts and culture, drawing visitors and artists from across the country:

- Sedona Arts Festival: This popular outdoor event showcases over 100 juried artists alongside live music and local food vendors. Proceeds support local arts education and scholarships for aspiring artists.

- Sedona Plein Air Festival: Held in October, this festival celebrates outdoor painting, offering workshops, demonstrations, and gallery exhibitions that highlight the stunning Sedona landscape.

- Sedona International Film Festival: Established in 1995, this nine-day festival has grown into one of the Southwest’s premier film events. It screens independent features, documentaries, shorts, and animated films from around the world. The festival also offers educational workshops and panels for emerging filmmakers, attracting Hollywood professionals, filmmakers, and celebrities. Over the years, the festival has become an important platform for new voices in cinema, contributing significantly to Sedona’s cultural prestige.

- First Friday in the Galleries: To experience Sedona's art scene at its best, plan your visit around the First Friday Gallery Walk. Held on the first Friday of each month from 5–8 p.m., this event allows visitors to enjoy new exhibitions, meet artists, and enjoy refreshments at participating galleries.

Cultural Institutions & Arts Education

- Sedona Arts Center: Since 1958, this nonprofit has been a cornerstone of the local arts community, offering classes, exhibitions, and events for artists and art lovers of all ages and skill levels.

- Sedona International Film Festival: Beyond film screenings, the festival runs year-round educational programs designed to inspire and train the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers.

Arts & Crafts Markets

Visitors looking to take home unique handcrafted items can explore seasonal arts and crafts shows such as:

- Oak Creek Arts & Crafts Show: Featuring local painters, photographers, potters, jewelers, and Native American artists, this event also offers live music and gourmet food.

- Art Garden Gallery Events: Located in the Village of Oak Creek, this gallery hosts open studio tours, holiday gift shows, and seasonal celebrations highlighting local talent.