One of Sedona’s longest-running art festivals returns for the second weekend of October. This is the thirty-third year for the Sedona Arts Festival. The festival will see over 100 juried artists displaying their wares outside of the Sedona Red Rock High School. This milestone has not been lost on Lori Reinhart, executive director of the Sedona Arts Festival. “You have to give credit to an organization who, for 35 years, has had consistent leadership, a board of directors that is supportive, that keeps it going,” she says. “You have people involved who see value in it and keep it going consistently.” Aside from the setting, which will include Sedona’s red rocks and is likely to feature ideal fall weather, attendees can look forward to seeing art in a variety of mediums. These include painting, sculpture and glass.
Specifically, there will be 16 new artist booths at the festival. One of the newer vendors is a furniture maker who crafts tables out of wine barrels. Attendees can chat with the artists and learn more about their life and work. “If you actually talk to these artists, you can develop a relationship with an artist,” says Lori. But art is not all people will find at the festival. Attendees also find pet and body and bath products.
The festival will have a partnership with Cornville-based winery D.A. Ranch, who will be in charge of all the beer and wine. Food trucks will be in attendance. Guests also can participate in a raffle with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Sedona Chamber Music and its music in schools program. “It’s a great place to see a lot of great art all in one place,” says Lori. “If you actually engage with these people, they’re just phenomenal. They’re such interesting people, and you can’t beat being out in Sedona outside on an October day. It’s perfect weather. You can sit and enjoy some wine and get something to eat and browse the art. And it’s just a nice atmosphere.” − Teresa K. Traverse
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