On the last weekend of April, Sedona residents and visitors had a chance to experience an even wider variety of art — and in a more personal way.
From April 26 to 28, the Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition hosted the 16th annual Spring Open Studios, giving a chance for artists to exhibit their work and receive visitors in their own studios and homes.
“By all accounts, the artists who participated felt it was a success and the feedback from visitors was glowing,” SVAC President Mike Upp wrote in an e-mail. “The Sedona Chamber of Commerce has designated the tour a Sedona Signature Event and does a fabulous job of helping to market the event.”
During the weekend of the free event, 50 participating artists in Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, Cornville, Cottonwood and Clarkdale opened their spaces and had one-on-one talks with art lovers and potential buyers.
“Open Studios gives visitors a unique way to experience art because the public as a rule enjoy meeting directly with the artists,” Upp explained. “Most people are very curious not only about the studio layout but in gaining a deeper understanding of the processes involved in producing the art.”
Painter Jackson Pierce, a member of the SVAC board of directors, said the event isn’t just well liked by visitors, but also artists.
“The popularity of the Open Studios Tour got out of hand, so we limited it to 50 [artists] for the last two shows, fall show and this show, and it will be that way as far as I know in the future,” he explained.
Pierce said he knows of people who plan their trips to Sedona over the Open Studios Tour’s dates, especially artists and “wannabe artists” from all over the U.S. and even Canada. However, the first day of this year’s Spring edition wasn’t exactly what he was hoping for.
“Today has been light on traffic, we have had less than expected or wanted for sure,” he said. “And I supposed the lack people getting here is the lack of people trying to get through Uptown Sedona with congestion. I think that’s a lot to do with it.”
Nevertheless, he was happy to be participating.
“It’s fun to get exposure, advertising, it’s a really big deal … and it’s always fun to share. It’s more fun if somebody buys something, but it’s fun for people to get in and look at your work,” he said.
Marble artist Leanne Lee was sharing space with Pierce in his Uptown studio and concurred.
“It’s a great opportunity, it gives you chance to meet people from all over, you get to narrow in on our specific art, talk to people, you know, give them your spiel,” she said. “And it’s a great group of people to work with the Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition. They’re wonderful and they’re very supportive and it’s a good chance for an upcoming artists.”
Sculptor Ron Schneider, who was exhibiting on the same studio, echoed her sentiment.
“Jackson is an unbelievable host to open this house up this way to artists, and what’s even better is he
has so many friends that help by putting up the signs, greeting people and it’s a wonderful situation,” he said. “It’s rewarding when people want to buy a piece and pay money to get it in their house.”
A couple blocks from Pierce’s studio, also in Uptown, is Red Hills Gallery owned by mixed-media artist Claudia L. Cooke, who was also opening her space for visitors and giving a place for painter Karen O’Donnell to exhibit her work.
“I’ve been a member of SVAC for a number of years … I like this group, I really do, I like recommending the artists and I’ve been impressed of how they keep improving each year, you know, going out and getting more interest involved,” Cooke said. “I like how they support emerging artists … I’m very pleased to have [O’Donnell] in my little studio, in my gallery.”
The 2019 spring tour was the first time O’Donnell participated in the event, even though she had helped Cooke in years prior.
“We’ve probably had about 50 people come in. We hear a lot nice things, a lot of people visiting, so it’s worked out well,” she said. “Sell out, that’s what my goal is, but just talking, interacting with people, seeing what they like, how it affects them … [is] interesting.”
“It’s been wonderful having the people come through and being able to talk about our work, you know,” Cooke agreed. “This is why it’s so important for us to be able to do it at hour home studios.”
The Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition holds two Open Studios Tours every year, one on the spring and another on the fall. The next edition of 2019 will take place on the first weekend in October.
Natasha Heinz can be reached at 282-7795 ext. 117, or email at nheinz@larsonnewspapers.com
