July 2026 Newsletter
New Website Launching
We will be launching a new website sometime this week or early next week. I will send out a brief email to let everyone know it is up and running. At that point, please have a look at the site and send me any feedback you have as well as check to make sure all your information is correct.
SVAC Member Trip to the Heritage Festival of
Arts and Culture Was Enjoyed by All
Seven SVAC members went to the Heritage Festival at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Sunday, June 28. The festival was only moderately affected by smoke from the Pocket Fire and we were able to talk to several
vendors and enjoy the beauty of their artwork. There was a variety of artwork including jewelry (silver, natural stones and shells, etc.), bronze and stone sculptures, sand paintings, and beautiful kachinas with elaborate details.
On the main stage, we enjoyed a ceremonial healing dancing by the Diamond Creek Apache Crown Dancers. This was a moving experience and definitely a highlight of the festival.
We’re looking forward to more opportunities to explore cultural and fun events in our area. Please let us know your ideas about possible SVAC field trips in the future. Here are some great ideas put forth already:
| Carefree Art and Wine Festival | Phoenix Art Museum | Melting Point Glass |
| Pottery Festival at DA Ranch | Prescott Studio Tour | Hidden in the Hills |
| Musical Instrument Museum | Walkin on Main | Botanical Gardens |
Jan Sanders bkseatridr@mac.com
Claudia Ronaldson claudia3946@gmail.com
SVAC Annual Meeting August 11th
The Annual Meeting will be held on August 11th at 1 PM at the Church of the Red Rocks which is at 75 Bowstring in Sedona. We will publish an agenda about a week before the meeting. Some of the major topics will be:
- Annual election for our Board of Directors
- Annual Member Show Update
- Open Studio Update
- Guest Speaker
We have two ideas that have been put forward for a speaker and are looking for you all to vote on which one you would like to hear. The potential speaker would be:
- Insurance broker to discuss options for homeowner’s insurance that covers personal liability when participating in Open Studios.
- CPA to talk about “Taxes and the artist.” We are looking for suggestions for CPA’s that fit this bill.
One more request for input:
A number of you have already responded, still looking for more input on the topic. Here is a link to respond on which speaker you would prefer. Also, let me know if you have any candidates you think would do a great job:
https://form.jotform.com/261504660656155
Use the SVAC Facebook Page to Promote Your Event
If anyone would like to have anything posted on our Facebook page, send the details and a photo, if you have one, to
Michele Naylor at: michelecokl@icloud.com
This could include a show you are in (or scheduled for), a new gallery where you are exhibiting, when you are opening your studio to the public, a class you are teaching – anything art-related that would be appropriate for Facebook.
July Artist’s Breakfast
July’s artist’s breakfast will be held in VOC at Miley’s Café in the Collective.
We will meet at 10 am. on Monday, July 13. Please join us!
Online Application for SVAC 24th Annual Exhibition
The online application for this year’s annual exhibition will close on July 15. The exhibit will open at the Sedona Arts Center on October 2 and runs through October 16. The opening reception will be on Friday, October 2 from 4 to 6 pm.
Please submit your application as soon as possible. This exhibit is an important representation of our organization and is meant to include a wide variety of artwork from our current membership.
SVAC 4th Annual Library Exhibition
Our library exhibition closed on June 24th after the time was extended due to a library closure from ongoing construction. The Scheduling Coordinator, Kevin Breault, and his staff were very helpful in arranging the set-up for our exhibit and giving us the additional time for it.
Leanne Lee sold two of her pieces and we received a number of additional comments appreciating the artwork displayed. Congratulations Leanne!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Grand Opening
Star Creative
July 23 – 5-8 PM
An exciting and forward-thinking group have taken over the Little Star restaurant building in Cornville and are turning it into a gallery, event and teaching space. Their intention is to create fluid spaces where your creativity and opportunity matters. Spaces for freedom and authentic creation, including all artistic endeavors. Their goal is to help people realize their creative vision.
They are holding a grand opening on July 23rd, from 5 – 8 PM to show everyone how they have transformed the space and introduce themselves to the greater artistic and spiritual community. For more information, please contact
Maureen Dodd at 860.726.3449
3 DAY Workshop on Glass Floral Beads and Murrini
With Carol Ann Savage
Melting Point Glass Studio
August 28-30
In this exciting and informative three-day workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of creating and using floral patterned Murrini glass, which is a centuries-old glassmaking technique where colored patterns or images are built inside a long glass cane. When the cane is sliced crosswise, it reveals intricate, repeating designs like flowers, stars, or geometric shapes This is an intermediate level class, so prior experience is necessary.
For more information, contact the Melting Point at 928.554.4754.
Holiday Sale
Sedona Arts Center
CALL FOR ARTISTS
December 4-6
This festive exhibit brings together up to 40 talented artists from across the region, each offering a unique selection of work specially curated for the holiday season. Showcasing a wide variety of mediums—including painting, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, book arts, photography, glass, woodwork, and mixed media—this annual event is a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit.
Who should apply: Artists and makers, 18 years and older, who create beautiful and functional works are welcome to apply. Our goal is to curate a Holiday Market featuring artists working in a variety of media who create unique works of art. All work presented at this event must be handmade and original by the artist presenting and selling.
DEADLINE TO APPLY OCTOBER 9, 2026. For more information, please go here:
https://sedonaartscenter.org/call-to-artists/
Something to Think About
A couple of thoughts from two more of my favorite artists:
“To create one's own world takes courage.” ~ Georgia O’Keefe
"A potter is one of the few people left who uses his natural faculties of heart, head, and hand all in balance — the whole person.” ~ Bernard Leach, The Father of Studio Pottery
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