That astonishing landscape of rising red rock columns and towers, deep cut canyons, swaths of green forest and sparkling streams are a painting sprung to life. The ever-changing light is a seduction and a promise. The creative energy that envelops the town is the very essence of inspiration. No wonder so many expressive and resourceful people are drawn to the town on the banks of Oak Creek.
Today, Sedona is home to hundreds of artists of every medium and aesthetic bent. It is an arts community of ruggedly individualistic expression, from cutting edge contemporary to visionary, Native American to modern realism. And their work is on vivid display in 80-plus galleries that are woven into the fabric of the town.
Of course, art, like everything in Sedona, spills outdoors. Big arts festivals draw thousands of visitors to revel in the work under deep blue skies. Juried art shows attract dozens of acclaimed artists and craftsmen. You’ll find art everywhere, especially at this time of year. Head out on the trails and you’ll likely stumble across plein air painters with their easels set up in the woods, trying capture the autumn leaves set against brilliant canyon walls.
Don’t be surprised if the beauty of the region awakens something deep within you. Sedona is a muse not just for artists but art lovers as well. We all yearn to hold on to this special place anyway we can. Artists create and the rest of us collect. We seek out those pieces that move us, that intrigue us, that help us to find our way back to the red rock beauty and startling light that so captivated us from the beginning.
Every visit to Sedona becomes an exploration of the arts.
