Like discovering you have more cookies in the jar or finding a $10 bill lying on the street, we love surprises. And we especially love finding art in surprising places. And perhaps one of the most unexpected art venues in Sedona is Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s office on Roadrunner Drive.
“Most people have driven by the two-story building. But quite honestly, we want to encourage people to come in without feeling pressure,” says Jolynn Greenfield, an associate broker and director of the art show. “Our office looks like a gallery. We have beautiful wall space.” Like many works of art, the show came together naturally. Jolynn had worked with an artist’s coalition to fill a home for sale with art from local artists. Her chair of the art show and broker, Donna Chesler, is the former owner of Gallery 527 in Jerome. Claire Boyd, an architect originally helped with interior decorating for the modern building and now helps select pieces and curate the show. The first show debuted in 2017.
“It’s a natural fit because Sotheby’s is known for the auction and the art and for fine things,” says Donna. “The brand exudes that appreciation of fine things. We felt it was the perfect marriage of art and commerce.” The current and third show “The Journey” features 59 pieces from eight local artists. The collection is mostly paintings. Anticipate plein air, landscape and abstract work. Visitors can take a self-guided tour featuring an overview of all the displayed works using a handout by the front office desk.
“It’s really delightful when you are able to see original paintings by local artists throughout an office. We really put a lot of care and effort into it,” says Jolynn. “We do this because it’s important to us.” − Teresa K. Traverse
SEDONA CALENDAR: Events, activities, shows, happenings
