Festival of Trees- Starts Friday

A Christmas tree bedecked with brightly painted recycled light bulbs of every kind? A splendid “angel tree” made of scrap roofing tin for protruding wings? Or how about a tree resembling a saguaro cactus decorated with chili pepper lights and intricately handcrafted gourds? What gives? It’s Tlaquepaque’s Festival of Trees, back for a second year.

Last year if you missed the wildly creative inspirations of local artists using Christmas trees as their three-dimensional canvases, you’re in for a treat. The popular event/fundraiser kicks off the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 27 ^th and runs through to Sunday, December 6 ^th , 2009 at the Arts & Crafts Village. The public is warmly invited to attend the free event.

Local well known artists and Tlaquepaque galleries have been madly preparing to wow the crowds with their own artistic interpretations of this year’s theme: “The Inspired Tree.” Numerous galleries have entered their own artistic themes: Isadora, with Christmas Flight; Feliz Navidad with Christmas in the Desert and Festive Baby Socorro; Eclectic Images presents Angel of Kindness; El Prado’s theme is Partridge in a Pear Tree by popular sculptor Mike Medow; Gifted Hands presents The Earth’s Christmas.

The dazzling tree creations will be situated on the upper terrace of Patio del Norte and in Patio de las Campanas. The good news is that you can bid on one of your favorite trees and know that the proceeds are helping others and saving lives. Funds from the tree sales will benefit Toys For Tots, Camp Soaring Eagle, The Humane Society of Sedona, and Desert Star Charter School. Get a jump on holiday shopping by bidding on some wonderful gift items as well—from Tlaquepaque galleries and shops—at the silent auction tables where proceeds will also help the designated organizations.

To help youngsters in the area who may be facing a bleak Christmas everyone is encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy. The Toys for Tots folks will provide gift-wrapping and deliver them to the kids in time for Christmas.

“Last year was such a great success we are really happy to be hosting the Festival of Trees again this year. Its a wonderful way to both celebrate the coming of Christmas and the incredible artistic talent we have here in Sedona. Lots of fun events for the whole family and kids in particular have been planned during the week.   So come on out and get in the spirit,” suggests Wendy Lippman managing partner of Tlaquepaque.

Be sure to bring the kids for a photo with Santa and create seasonal decorations using vibrantly colored paints on a wide variety of bisqueware pottery. Sedona’s Imagine Art will be set up at Patio de las Campanas to help everyone make a one-of-a-kind tree ornament or prepare a special gift. Click here for more information.

 

Red Rock Fantasy- Lights ON Thursday

Nestled within the world-renowned red rocks of Sedona, Red Rock Fantasy is a festival of nearly one million lights providing a man-made marvel within the scenic beauty that has drawn visitors for the past one hundred years. Now in its nineteenth year and boasting nearly two-dozen displays created by families from the Southwest, the festival promises never-before-seen marvels of light that leave children in wonderment and move adult minds to enjoy the holidays as they did when they were young. That’s the magic that has made Red Rock Fantasy a favorite among Arizonans and visitors to the state alike.

Lights On for the 19th Annual Red Rock Fantasy will take place this year at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2009. The event will last through the New Year, ending with “Lights Out” on Saturday, January 2, 2010.

All those touring the lights will be given a ballot containing a route map, which will allow them to choose five favorite displays.  The completed ballots may be dropped in the ballot box located in the lobby of the restaurants.  The winning display will be awarded a lifetime vacation ownership through ILX Premiere Vacation Club with prizes also going to runners up in 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place categories. The Red Rock Fantasy Awards Banquet announcing the winners in every category is Saturday, January 9, 2010 beginning at 6:30 pm. In addition to the annual competition amongst display decorators, ILX Resorts Incorporated will continue the tradition of donating a percentage of proceeds to local schools, charities and nonprofits.

The festival is open each evening (weather permitting) from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children aged 5-12 and is complimentary for children 4 and under. Blocks of 20 tickets or more are sold at a discounted rate of $4 per person. For more information, call 928-282-1777 or toll free 800-521-3131.

 

Sedona Moments

It’s that time again- Sedona moments are coming in from readers of our monthly newsletter and we wanted to share them with you. If you would like to receive our newsletter please click here to sign up. We’re always giving Sedona tidbits, travel information and great deals for your next visit.

Elsie from Connecticut sent us this: “When my son decided to go to college in Arizona, I immediately was on board. Although, nearly 3,000 miles away, I knew he would be happy there. I also was hoping that I would be able to enjoy Arizona. My first time to do this was this past summer. His college is in Prescott, and we decided to drive from there to Sedona one beautiful summer afternoon. We both discovered that Sedona is everything that we had read about and more. But, what inspired me was a slight off-road trip that we took that afternoon. On the way home, we decided to follow a road that led up. We were not really sure where it was going, or how far it would take us, but, for at least thirty minutes we followed it. When we arrived at the top, (or at least as far as we were going to go) we were able to look over the landscape of Sedona (from a different perspective) Yes; the colors of Sedona are beautiful, and inspiring. And, indeed, we did see that. But, we were able to look at all that splendor in a calm and relaxing manner. I am planning another trip out to visit my son in the spring of 2010. What a wonderful chance to win something that would help us to explore Sedona again.”

Carol from Pennsylvania shared a special moment with us: “My Sedona moment is whenever I reach city limits and see the spectacular red rocks.  The first time I drove into Sedona was a few days after my daughter had been killed in Phoenix.  I was visiting from Pennsylvania, and wanted to see just what she thought was so special about those rocks.  It hit me as soon as I saw them, and has every time since.  The beauty and peace that I find every time I drive in is beyond words.”

We truly appreciate everyone sharing their Sedona moments and we do look forward to reading more of them. For all of the latest Sedona information please visit our website at www.VisitSedona.com.

 

 

Red Rock Canvas- This Weekend

This weekend, November 6, 7 & 8, the arts and culture of Sedona will be celebrated at the 2nd Annual “Red Rock Canvas.”  A multifaceted event that benefits Camp Soaring Eagle, Red Rock Canvas is a signature event of the Sedona Gallery Association. Recently for the 3rd year in a row, Sedona was voted in the Top 3 of Small Town Arts Destinations by American Style Magazine.

All are welcome to attend this dynamic event that kicks off on Friday with the 1st Friday Gallery Tour from 5-8pm. A whirlwind of mesmerizing talent, intoxicating images and entertainment, the Sedona Gallery Association tour is one of Sedona’s “things to see.” That evening enjoy the Sedona Trolley, which does continuous complimentary loops to all locations. All of the galleries are featuring receptions with celebrated artists whose work is prized by collectors. Expect wonderful wine, food, live music and sparkling conversation.

This event kicks off an entire weekend brimming with stimulating artist dialogues, demonstrations and delightful events. Please check www.RedRockCanvas.com for a complete listing of each galleries unique interpretation of this year’s event.

This is the second year that the Sedona Gallery Association has supported Camp Soaring Eagle. Currently, there are over 350,000 children in the southwest living with serious illnesses. Camp Soaring Eagle is being created to provide a special place where these children can play like kids again in a medically safe environment surrounded by the awe inspiring red rocks of Sedona.

The Silent Auction begins on Friday the 6th at 3pm and extends through 3pm on Sunday the 8th. Each member gallery has artwork in the auction with a portion or all of the proceeds to be donated to Camp Soaring Eagle.

For more information on this exciting signature event please go to www.RedRockCanvas.com or stop by an SGA Gallery where you can obtain a color catalogue of all silent auction items.

For more information on the Sedona Gallery Association and details of upcoming events, please call El Prado Gallery at 928-282-7390 where there is a complete listing of galleries and a printable map to all locations.

 

L’Auberge de Sedona- Quite an Experience

I was at L’Auberge yesterday- your trusty PR gal Heather Hermen, and had a working lunch at the L’Auberge de Sedona restaurant. We were on a tight schedule so we both ordered soup- she had the New England Clam Chowder and I ordered the Roasted Tomato Soup. Mine came with a large crouton covered in Goat Cheese and Herbs. It has to be the best tomato soup I have ever had. However, to start with they brought us these skinny cracker sticks with kalamata olive dip. Not the typical dip you think chunky olives and lots of garlic. No, this was creamy almost looked like purple cream cheese. It was the creamiest most delicious spread I have ever had. At the end of our meal we both commented on it- what do you know, the server gave us the recipe. Now, I would share it but, I encourage you to go to L’Auberge for yourselves and have a great meal, amazing fall view, and get the recipe.

Before and after our lunch I had the opportunity to stroll around and check out all of the changes at L’Auberge. They are undergoing “Project Elevation” which is a twenty-five million dollar expansion project. It really is incredible what they have done and will do before it is completed in the Spring of 2010.

They are adding a pool with 3,000 square feet of deck and lounge space, a new pool bar, a whole new check in area with circle drive, parking garage, fitness center, and so much more. It really is exciting for Sedona and those of us that work to promote Sedona and the area.

When you are up here next- be sure to stop in- I highly recommend the Roasted Tomato Soup.

www.LAuberge.com

 

Plein Air Festival This Week in Sedona

2009 Plein Air Poster

The 5th Annual Plein Air Festival, hosted by the Sedona Arts Center and the presenting sponsor, L’Auberge de Sedona, will capture your heart and your imagination. For nine days, Oct 24 – Nov 1, 2009, artists, art patrons, art collectors, art lovers and everyone who appreciates fine art will want to be present to participate in the festivities.
Thirty-two award-winning plein-air artists, selected from among the best of the best, accepted invitations to participate in this unique artistic showcase. Opening Day, October 24, offers the Paint Out on Main Street, followed by daily lectures, demonstrations, free plain-air painting classes, the Artists Showcase, A Morning Back in Time at Sedona Historic Museum, A Day in Jerome and two wine receptions with the artists. The festival culminates on the weekend with two major events on the grounds of L’Auberge de Sedona.The Quick Draw event in the morning, Creekside at L’Auberge, and an Evening Extravaganza with the Artists, the Friday evening ticketed gala in the luxurious Monet Ballroom and Garden. The festival ends with a two-day Public Exhibit and Sale, Saturday and Sunday, at the Sedona Arts Center Galleries. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Web site: www.SedonaPleinAirFestival.com.

 

Something Different To Do…

Have you been to Sedona before or maybe you live here and are looking for something different to do? I tried something yesterday that I have never done in Sedona or anywhere else. I have lived in Sedona for nearly 10 years and gourd making was not something that I ever had thought of. But, Imagine Art- our very own paint your own pottery art barn in Sedona is offering gourd making classes. So, I thought why not give it a try and I must say I am glad I did.

Linda Damita is the owner of Imagine Art and she has a true appreciation for all art forms offering a wide variety of classes for kids of all ages. The gourd class was something she put together with the artist himself Robert Brunner. Robert is a local artist in Sedona and offers classes at the Enchantment Resort as well as has his beautiful art forms in 5 locations in Sedona.  During the class, Robert talks about the cultural history of gourds in the American Southwest and around the world. He also gives details on how to dry, clean and care for gourds. His knowledge is amazing and he makes you want to hear without it ever becoming boring.

Robert brought more than enough gourds for us to pick from as well as tools to use, paints, feathers, beads, you name it we had creative items to use for our gourds. I kept mine simple and used the heating element to burn a design around the gourd. I gotta say he made me want to make more and I am already excited for his next class. Check out a few of the pictures I took and make sure you visit Linda’s website to get more information and get a glimpse of some of the upcoming classes she is offering. Sure to be fun just in time for the holidays!  Imagine Art 928-282-4236.

Linda's daughter Isabella

My finished product

 

Sedona Arts Festival- This Weekend!

Fall into the arts as the red rocks of Sedona will once again provide the backdrop for the award-winning Sedona Arts Festival taking place on October 10th & 11th, The Festival will showcase over 150 world-class artists and craft persons, continuous live musical entertainment, great food, an extraordinary raffle, the interactive KidZone and as a very special feature this year – the Tony Curtis Art Tent.  Yes, THAT Tony Curtis!

The Sedona Arts Festival is recognized as one of the best festivals of its size in the nation and this year’s event will be no exception. The artists have been carefully chosen by an experienced jury to represent a wide variety of mediums and styles of the highest quality including excellence in ceramics, fiber art, jewelry, mixed media, photography, painting, sculpture and wood.  Many new artists will be represented alongside the best and brightest from our own community.

“It’s important to us that we support our local artists as well as bringing fresh talent from outside the area to inspire and delight the nearly 5000 visitors we attract each year.  I’m very excited about the roster of visual artists we’re showcasing,” explained Executive Director of the not-for-profit Festival, Gayle Taylor.  “In addition to keeping the Festival fresh and filled with breath taking art, there will be something for every taste and budget.” Click here for more information.

 

Sedona Book Festival- this weekend!

The first annual Sedona Book Festival will be held on Saturday, October 3, from 9 am to 5 pm, in the parking lot of The Well Red Coyote bookstore, located at 3190 W. State Route 89A 9 (corner of 89A and Dry Creek Road) in Sedona, Arizona.

Preceding the festival, on Friday evening, October 2, there will be a special fund-raising southwest barbeque at Yavapai College in Sedona, benefiting the Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition. Keynote speakers Barbara Peters and Robert Rosenwald, founders of The Poisoned Pen Bookstore and The Poisoned Pen Press, respectively, in Scottsdale, Arizona, will discuss “Trends in the World of Publishing.”

In addition, the Friday reception will feature this year’s Guests of Honor, two award-winning local authors who have contributed greatly to the literary culture of Sedona – James Bishop, Jr., and Kris Neri.

The festival itself will take place all day on Saturday and will spotlight local and regional authors, publishers and other organizations dedicated to celebrating the pleasures of reading and writing.

All will be under the main festival tent. In addition, there will be author readings in the adjacent authors tent, live music on our outdoor stage and kids programs in the Well Red Coyote bookstore.

Festival admission is free and open to the public. Free parking is available at the festival site, as well as the nearby Sedona Public Library and Relics Restaurant. Visit their website by clicking here.

 

Tlaquepaque- State of the Art- This Weekend!

Plan your September get-away to Sedona and enjoy fabulous hot jazz and cool art at Tlaquepaque, the Art and Soul of Sedona. A veritable feast of the arts and close-up and personal interactions with the artists awaits you at the Fourth Annual State of the Art. Set aside Friday night, September 25th, 5 pm to 7 pm and all day Saturday, September 26th, 10 am to 7 pm and immerse yourself in world-class arts and entertainment. Designed for the new art collector and the seasoned connoisseur, this end-of-summer banquet of sumptuous art will delight and amaze. Admission is free.

Celebrating Art from Inspiration to Creation is this year’s theme. The beautiful Spanish-style courtyards at Tlaquepaque will pulsate with the sweet sounds of jazz, blues and fusion vibes. Youth and Art, a collaborative effort to recognize young local talent, will award art students from Red Rock High School and  Mingus High School with $1000 in prize money. Youth and Art has become a wonderful collaboration between the art students, their teachers and the community of galleries at Tlaquepaque. “We hope the public will come out, see the student art at the various galleries, talk to the artists and really support these talented young people, and vote for your favorite artist,” commented Wendy Lippman. The two $500 cash awards will be presented to the winners Saturday night at 7:00 pm in Patio las Campanas.

Tlaquepaque’s premier galleries will be highlighting the work of selected artists most of whom are in collections all over the world. “The artists will be on hand to discuss their approach, demonstrate a work in progress and be available for conversation in an intimate gallery setting. The line up of artists this year and the enthusiasm of the galleries is very exciting,” remarks Lippman.

For more information about the State of the Art event contact Tlaquepaque at (928) 282-4838. Home to more than 40 shops and galleries and four restaurants, Tlaquepaque, is located at 336 Highway 179 at the Oak Creek Bridge just south of 89A on Highway 179. It is open daily at 10:00 am. For more information, visit: www.tlaq.com.