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7: Sedona Gallery Association’s “Evening in the Galleries”
It’s true, the Sedona Gallery Association hosts “Evening in the Galleries” on the first Friday of every month, but we think there’s something extra special about wandering from gallery to gallery at sunset when there’s a chill in the air. The Sedona Gallery Association began in its current incarnation in summer 2003, and the art walk was the first order of business. From 5 to 8 p.m., 15 SGA member galleries serve wine and hors d’oeuvres while hosting artist’s receptions and special exhibits (this month’s event takes place Oct. 3). Oftentimes gallery artists from all over the world attend, giving art lovers the unique opportunity to meet an admired artist. Joyice Gere, SGA president, co-owner of El Prado By The Creek, and Sedona Monthly contributor, says the association’s original mission and purpose still stands strong.
“We wanted to form a group in order to support one another in selling fine art,” she says. “We want to hold each other accountable while educating the public and promoting art. What makes this organization unique is that we’re all in competition, yet we all represent different artists so we have the ability to refer galleries and build the art community.”
Monthly member dues pay for advertising, a brochure published twice a year, a Website (www.sedonagalleryassociation. com), and for the trolley service that shuttles art lovers around free of charge during the first Friday event. Joyice, who was born and raised in northern Arizona, agrees autumn is a special time of year.
“Most of the high-end tourism – the people who love and collect fine art – comes to town in fall and spring when the weather is drop dead gorgeous,” Joyice says.
But that’s not the only reason SGA is celebrating this fall. The association hosts its first annual Red Rock Canvas event Nov. 7–9. Red Rock Canvas includes “Evening in the Galleries” on Nov. 7, a gala and auction at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa on Nov. 8, and a Nov. 9 tour of the extraordinary property of John Henry Waddell, sculptor and former head of the Art Education Department at Arizona State University. John is also the honoree of the event – he will provide art for the Saturday evening auction and take part in a ticketed brunch Saturday morning. Throughout the weekend, gallery artists will give talks and take part in hands-on activities. Proceeds will go toward art programs at Camp Soaring Eagle, a camp for children suffering serious illnesses, located near the Village of Oak Creek (www.campsoaringeagle.org).
“Each gallery plans to offer something unique in the way they interpret the idea of Red Rock Canvas because each of our galleries is so different,” says Joyice. “Fine art takes many forms and yet so many artists identify with the red rocks surrounding us – they have inspired and drawn artists for many years.”
The Sedona Gallery Association hosts “Evening in the Galleries” on the first Friday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m. Participating galleries include Andrea Smith Galleries, Eclectic Image, El Prado By The Creek, Erickson Studio & Gallery, Gallery of Modern Masters, Goldenstein Gallery, James Ratliff Gallery, Kinion Fine Art and The Sedona Art Vault and Theater, Kuivato Glass Gallery, Lanning Gallery, Lark Art, Renee Taylor Gallery, Sedona Arts Center, Turquoise Tortoise Gallery, and VC Gallery of Fine Art. Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is SGA’s corporate sponsor. For more info, visit www.sedonagalleryassociation.com or call 928-282-7390.
Red Rock Canvas takes place Nov. 7 – 9 with events including artists receptions, a gala and auction, brunch, and a tour of artist and honoree John Henry Waddell’s home and studio. For ticket prices and further info visit www.redrockcanvas.com or call 928-282-7390.
6: Roasted Hatch Chiles and Piñon Nuts
Drive past Son Silver West any day of the year and you’ll see bright red chile ristras, symbols of welcome in the Southwest, hanging from the eaves of the gift shop and gallery. But only during late summer and early fall will you savor the smell of fresh New Mexican Hatch chiles roasting on the patio. First harvest came in August, earlier than usual, says Patricia Carroll, the store’s manager. Chiles are harvested several times in the late summer and early fall; fresh batches sell out early so get to the store ASAP (Son Silver offers frozen chiles all year long). Chiles are sold by the pound and roasted in a cast iron roaster while you wait, creating an aroma that’s pure Southwest.
