Every fall, the Sedona Arts Festival brings over 100 juried artists to the baseball fields of the Sedona Red Rock Jr. Sr. High School. This is one of Sedona’s longest running events (at 32 years and counting) and a weekend to anticipate. “I do love the opportunity to bring in art from so many different places, to attract artists from other places in the country,” says Lori Reinhart, the executive director of the Sedona Arts Festival. “The quality of the art is really what makes our event different from anything.” Attendees can look forward to seeing fine art in 11 different mediums on Oct. 7 and 8. This includes painting, glass, ceramics, photography, metal, mixed media, fiber, pastels, drawing, jewelry and sculpture. Expect to see a mix of returning and new artists.
Another festival highlight? Gourmet Row, an actual row that features artists who make handmade kitchen, bath and home items. Ceramicist Ben Roti – a featured Open Portfolio artist – will have an area showcasing works made by ceramicists based in the Verde Valley. The festival will feature six or seven food trucks in addition to a beer and wine garden. Musicians will play live throughout each day of the festival. The arts festival also supports arts education. Last year, the festival partnered with the nonprofit Chamber Music Sedona to help fund their education programs. The Sedona Arts Festival also works with the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition – the group that hosts the Sedona Open Studios Tour – and several of that group’s artists will be in the show.
Attendees will have plenty of opportunities to speak with artists individually. “It’s a more intimate show,” says Lori. “That’s what our show is really more about, building relationships with people.” The annual arts festival is also a key part of Sedona’s landscape. “The artists always comment on how savvy and engaged Sedona people are,” says Lori. “It just adds to the Sedona experience of having an established arts festival that people can look forward to every year.” − Teresa K. Traverse
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