Whenever a new art space has opened, we take note. And the latest one to debut is the Sedona Arts Academy (SAA) & Community Center in the Village of Oak Creek. The space is a collaboration among four local nonprofits: the Emerson Theater Collaborative, Sedona Chamber Ballet, Sedona Shakespeare Co. and Sedona Conservatory. A grand opening is slated to be held on Oct. 17.
“Our mission is an educational and community center that is committed to innovating and creating art in all forms,” says Camilla Ross, president, chairman and executive director of SAA. “It’s really about community and people and allowing them to come into the space to create.”
The SAA is one large black room with a few partitions, and that room can be used for just about anything. Local art will be available for purchase and on the walls. Look forward to exhibits that rotate every two months. SAA will offer hourly space rentals to local artists, teachers and others searching for meeting space. The space is equipped to host live streaming events or classes. Expect painting, music, kid’s dance and acting classes. The space also functions as a black box theater. From Sept. 24 to 26, watch a performance of the one-man show about suicide prevention, “Kicking my Blue Genes in the Butt.”
In October, you can see “Stop Kiss,” a play that centers around a hate crime committed against two young women who show affection in public. A Christmas show is in the works. A full of season of theater is planned for 2021. But even if you’re not there for a show, Camilla says to come by to read a book, check out the art on the walls or play the baby grand piano. The overall goal of the space is to help the community come together.
“We’re looking forward to having the community be a part of this. It really is about community and the collaborations we want to do,” says Camilla. “We have so many options to see happen in the space.” − Teresa K. Traverse
SEDONA CALENDAR: Events, activities, shows, happenings
