The holidays are upon us and signs of winter are blowing in. The season of giving inspired the artists of Sedona to donate their time and talent to many events this year. I painted a few “apples” for charity myself for the Apples for the Art Barn exhibit to restore the historic art barn where I work. One of my other local charitable favorites is the Festival of Trees at Tlaquepaque, where trees were turned into art by local artists and are up for auction all week. Galleries are embracing the spirit of the Season and creative gifts abound in small works shows, holiday gifts and inspirational festive works of art.

This is a fantastic reminder of the bountiful creative talents of local artists in Sedona. We are undoubtedly an artistic community, thriving in a land of beauty. Each artist pours their heart and soul into their work in hopes that it will find its way into the homes of collectors, art lovers and all of us combined. They rely on us to support them, cheer them, admire them and award them. As an artist myself, I experience firsthand the warmth that a supportive community or fan of my work can offer.

This holiday season remember to support your local artists. We’re fortunate here in Sedona to not be surrounded by the big-box-retailers that offer us plastic-molded gifts and gimmicky seasonal trinkets. Instead, we have local shops, beautiful galleries and creative artists who make a living off of your support. You can take home gifts that are handmade, personal and completely unique by putting your dollars down on art.

So this season, give the gift of art. And if you are an artist yourself – remember to make something fabulous for the ones you love. It’s not the worth of the gift, but the thought and love that goes into it. Personally, I can’t put a dollar sign on the gifts I give or get. For me, it’s all about the smile on the faces of the people I love. And if you believe in your art – your art can make people smile.

Remember: grow; learn; conserve; preserve; create; question; educate; change; and free your mind.

About: Kelli Klymenko is an artist, a faculty member and the Marketing & Events Coordinator at Sedona Arts Center: a gathering place where artists can learn, teach, and exhibit their works at the center’s School of the Arts and Fine Art Gallery in uptown Sedona.