Lanning, a Bryant Nagel Gallery in Sedona, welcomes found‑object sculptor Phil Lichtenhan to its 1st Friday Gallery Tour reception Jan. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. The artist creates myriad styles of bird nests from found metals and offers an artist talk at 6 p.m.

As the new year begins it is fitting that nests full of eggs, and all the potential that implies, should fill the gallery. The fact Lichtenhan finds his materials along roadsides, railroads, and alleyways, in the city or out in the desert should fill all of us with optimism: We can indeed cobble ourselves together from whatever aspects currently fill our lives.

Rebirth is always an option.

Construction sites and old vineyards are excellent sources for metal ties and strings of wire. As Lichtenhan notes, his materials are “the discards of our world.”

Lichtenhan also creates the realistic-looking ceramic eggs affixed firmly within each of his nests so that most can be displayed on a tabletop — or hung on a wall. With an MFA from the University of Arizona and, before that, art study at Northern Arizona University and an extended degree in art education, Lichtenhan taught for years before turning, nearly 20 years ago, to the life of a full-time artist.

Mark your calendar to attend Lichtenhan artist talk Friday, Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. Come and be amazed at how such unique art can be created from materials found just about anywhere.

This exhibition runs through Sunday, Jan. 14.

Information is available at 282-6865 and mail@lanninggallery.com. Photos are also available at lanninggallery.com. Lanning Gallery is located at Hozho, 431 State Route 179 in Sedona. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.