Springtime in the Verde Valley brings the return of one of the most anticipated and beloved arts
events of the year - the Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition (SVAC) 22nd Annual Open Studios
Tour! For those looking to explore Sedona beyond its scenic views, the Open Studios Tour
offers a rare opportunity to step inside private spaces where art comes to life. The tour is
always the last full three-day weekend of April and in 2026, it falls on the 24th - 26th from 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. It is free and self-guided, with 34 open studios across Sedona and
the Verde Valley. Art lovers can engage with 55 working artists learning about the creative
process from conception to the finished work. Watch working artists, ask questions about their
techniques and purchase handmade pieces directly from the creator.
Participating artists specialize in a wide variety of mediums, including glass, ceramics,
sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, weaving, digital art, mixed media and more, allowing
attendees to learn about the creation of their favorite types of art or explore a new medium.
“For the visitor, the Open Studios experience invites the artwork to speak much more intimately
to them as it provides an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the
creative process,” said Mike Upp, a clay artist, co-chair of the Open Studios Tour and SVAC
President. “A major appeal of such an experience is the chance to buy gorgeous, unique,
locally produced artwork.”
Tour attendees may enter a studio-wide drawing for a $250 gift certificate to be used at a
studio of their choice. To participate in the drawing, attendees must simply complete a card at
any, or every, studio on the Tour. By entering, they will automatically be signed up to receive
email announcements from SVAC Art Events.
“Open Studios provides a platform for local artists to shine, offering a one-of-a-kind experience
for art lovers and fostering a regional community that values the arts,” says Upp.
From Jewelry to Clay: A Spirit of Evolution
Since 2006, Sheena Sovich has created beaded jewelry expanding into intricate wirework,
incorporating gemstones and crystals in her designs. She advanced her creative expertise to
include working with clay, finding joy in taking a piece of earth and creating beautiful artwork
using the wheel or by hand-building her creations. Her studio offers a glimpse into an ongoing
evolution, where jewelry and ceramics exist side by side, connected by a shared spirit of
curiosity and craftsmanship.
Color, Curiosity, and Everyday Beauty
Working in glass and alcohol ink, Nadine Cummins brings a vibrant exploration of color to her
functional art. Each creation is unique and can add a smile to the day. Nadine typically works
in analogous colors, whether in blues, greens, purples, or earth tones. Her passion for learning
allows her to create new and different pieces each year. Visitors to her studio are welcomed
into an engaging environment where process and technique are openly shared, creating a
connection that goes beyond the finished piece.
Stories of the West in Oil
Melanie Chambers Hartman’s oil paintings capture the essence of the Western spirit, where
heritage, adventure, and everyday life intertwine. Her work reflects a deep connection to the
land and lifestyle of the American West. From the grit and motion of rodeo scenes to the quiet
power of red rock landscapes, each piece tells a story.
Hartman’s studio is her creative haven. Sketches, works in progress, and completed paintings
fill the space. Visitors are welcomed and invited to engage and ask questions about her artistic
process, creative techniques, and the inspiration behind each piece.
Seeing Sedona in Light and Shadow
Photographer Barbara Altevers sees color as a distraction. Working exclusively in black and
white allows her to show the scene as it exists, the calm, simplicity of nature, sculpting the
subject with light and dark to deepen the tonal range. For Altevers, the joy is in the authentic
representation of a scene. Drawing the viewer into a new and intimate world encouraging them
to see what they may not have noticed before.
Altevers works in a separate gallery connected to others in the same building. Her gallery
offers a quiet space to experience the beauty of black-and-white photography. Along with
metal prints and smaller works, she will share her digital processing this year—offering a
glimpse of the quiet magic that helps the photographs shine.
A Legacy Woven by Hand
At FACERE MANUS, a studio whose name means “made by hand” in Latin, Adele Furby
continues a deeply personal artistic journey. The studio honors the legacy of her late husband,
Charles Jonas, whose functional stoneware, and sculptural works remain part of the space.
Furby’s path began in Norway, where she first explored weaving, later earning a master’s
degree. Today, her woven wall hangings - crafted from cotton, linen, and silk - reflect the
textures and tones of the surrounding desert.
Experience the Creative Tour
Brochures with a complete list of participating artists, including a map, will be available at
numerous locations around the Verde Valley, including hotels and restaurants as well as the
Sedona Arts Center and the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center in Uptown Sedona. For
complete information, including artists’ names and mediums, studio locations, and a
downloadable map, please visit the SVAC website: https://sedonaartistscoalition.org.
The Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization comprised of
professional and emerging artists from Sedona and the entire Verde Valley. Its core mission is
to create a supportive visual arts community that provides both exploratory and social
opportunities. The organization fosters interest in the visual arts by encouraging both artists
and the community through education, exhibitions, and the Spring Open Studios Tour - unique
events that provide in-depth learning experiences in the arts for both residents and visitors.
For more information, please contact Mike Upp at mjupp10@gmail.com or 503-789-4437.
Author
Mike Upp, Clay Artist, President of Sedona Visual Artist’s Coalition and Open Studios Co-
Chair Photo by Dani Church
