Current Exhibits

The Big Gay Art Show

June 5 – June 28, 2026

Sedona Arts Center proudly presents The Big Gay Art Show — a vibrant juried exhibition celebrating LGBTQIA+ artists, allies, creativity, visibility, and community. This much-anticipated show invites artists of all backgrounds, experience levels, and mediums to share their voice through visual art.

Originally conceptualized in 2012 by a small group of artists and supporters — some connected to Sedona Arts Center and others from Sedona Pride — the show began as a platform to uplift and include LGBTQIA+ artists and community members in the local arts scene. Since then, it has grown into a beloved annual event, welcoming hundreds of emerging and professional artists to Sedona.

Now produced fully by Sedona Arts Center at the request of Sedona Pride, the exhibition continues to provide a dynamic and positive venue for connection, visibility, and artistic celebration.

Opening Reception: Friday, June 5, 2026 from 4–6pm during Celebrate Sedona.

The Special Exhibition Gallery is open daily from 12–5pm.

¡QUÉ HERMOSO!

April 10 – June 20, 2026 (Tolleson, Arizona)

Sedona Arts Center is proud to present ¡Qué Hermoso!, a vibrant Special Exhibition at Tolleson Art Gallery, Tolleson Civic Center, 9055 W. Van Buren Street, Tolleson, AZ 85353, celebrating the richness, imagination, and cultural resonance of contemporary Latino art. Featuring works by Emily Costello, Monica Gisel, Edgar Fernandez, Annie Lopez, David Murrieta, Vangie Rodriguez, Veronica Verdugo-Lomeli, and Frank Ybarra, the exhibition brings together diverse voices and mediums in a joyful exploration of identity, memory, tradition, and creative expression.

Originally organized through a partnership with Sedona Arts Center, Tolleson Initiative for the Arts, and Tolleson Art Gallery, the exhibition reflects a shared commitment to cultural connection through the arts.

Through painting, sculpture, assemblage, and mixed media, ¡Qué Hermoso! offers a dynamic and colorful celebration of storytelling, heritage, and contemporary vision.

Special Artist Meet & Greet: Tuesday, May 12, 4:30–6:30pm at Tolleson Public Library, featuring appetizers, drinks, and a sculpture demonstration by Emily Costello.

2026-2027 Sedona Arts Center Exhibit Schedule
Independence, Inclusivity + Innovation: Celebrating America 250

July 3 – August 16, 2026

Freedom

This powerful exhibit, themed Freedom, explores the many dimensions of liberation—personal, political, cultural, and creative—through the lens of contemporary artists from across the country. Featuring a wide range of mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and installation, the exhibit invites viewers to reflect on what freedom means in different contexts and to different communities. Freedom challenges, inspires, and reaffirms the transformative power of art as a vehicle for change.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

August 21 – September 30, 2026

Beyond the Frame

This exhibit invites artists who challenge traditional artistic boundaries and explore new possibilities in creative expression. This exhibition seeks work that redefines what art can be, and pushes beyond familiar materials, formats, and ideas. Artists working in all media are encouraged to submit work that incorporates experimentation, unconventional materials, or innovative techniques. Beyond the Frame celebrates artists who take risks, challenge barriers, and help shape the evolving future of contemporary art.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

October 26 – November 29, 2026

Sedona Plein Air at 22

This exhibit proudly showcases the work of the talented artists featured in the 22nd Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival, a beloved tradition held each October. Set against the stunning red rock landscapes and golden autumn light of Sedona, the festival brings together some of the finest plein air painters from across the country to capture the region’s natural beauty in real time. Over the course of the festival, artists paint on location throughout Sedona and the surrounding Verde Valley, creating vibrant, spontaneous works that reflect both the landscape and the moment in which they were created. The resulting collection is a vivid celebration of light, color, and artistic vision, offering viewers a unique glimpse into the ever-changing beauty of Sedona through the eyes of masterful painters working en plein air.

December 4-6, 2026

Holiday Market Exhibit + Sale

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. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or a special piece to add to your own collection, the exhibit offers something for everyone, with works that range from elegant and refined to playful and whimsical. Visitors can enjoy browsing an inspiring array of locally made art while supporting regional artists and makers during this meaningful time of year. Perfect for holiday shopping or simply soaking in the season’s creative energy, the exhibit is a joyful expression of artistic talent and the beauty of giving.

December 9, 2026 – January 10, 2027

Out of the Fire: Ceramic Expression in the American Spirit
At the heart of Sedona Arts Center is the Dennis Ott Ceramics Studio, a space that has not only nurtured generations of artists but also gained a national reputation for excellence in ceramic education. Operating continuously since 1958, this studio has become a hub for innovation, craftsmanship, and artistic exploration, producing a vibrant community of makers whose work speaks to both technical mastery and personal expression. This annual exhibit honors that legacy by showcasing the finest student work from the past year—highlighting the diversity, skill, and passion that continue to define the Sedona Arts Center’s enduring ceramics tradition. This year, in honor of America 250, we are expanding Out of the Fire to include workshop instructor’s work – embracing SAC’s American spirit.

January – March 2027

Sedona Exhibit – January 15 – February 28, 2027

Vision + Sound: An African American Experience

Buckeye, Goodyear, Peoria, Sedona + Tolleson

Originally founded by Norma and Michael Cunningham in the West Valley of Phoenix, this visionary program was created to uplift and showcase the work of notable African-American artists from across Arizona, spanning a wide range of artistic genres and voices. In 2022, the program found a vibrant new home at Sedona Arts Center, where it has continued to grow into a dynamic and inclusive annual exhibition. Celebrating the creativity, resilience, and cultural contributions of African-American artists, the exhibit offers a platform for both established and emerging talent, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation through visual art, performance, and dialogue.

In 2020, a meaningful partnership was established with the ASU Center for the Study of Race & Democracy, adding academic depth and critical engagement to the program. This collaboration has since expanded to include an annual Symposium, which brings together artists, scholars, and community members to explore timely and relevant topics at the intersection of art, race, and society. Throughout the duration of the exhibit, the Sedona Arts Center also hosts a series of engaging events—including artist talks, performances, workshops, and live demonstrations—that invite the public to connect more deeply with the themes and individuals represented. Together, these elements create a rich, multifaceted experience that celebrates artistic excellence while sparking important conversations about identity, justice, and cultural heritage.

March 5 – April 18, 2027

46^th Annual Juried Friends Show

This annual exhibit is a vibrant celebration of artistic expression across all genres, bringing together a diverse array of works from emerging and established artists alike. Spanning painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, and more, the exhibit offers a rich tapestry of creativity that reflects the complexity and depth of the contemporary art world. Each year, the collection evolves to highlight new voices, fresh perspectives, and innovative techniques, fostering dialogue across styles, disciplines, and cultures. Visitors are invited to explore the limitless possibilities of art in all its forms, making this exhibit a dynamic and inclusive cornerstone of the cultural calendar.

April 23 – May 30, 2027

First Peoples Exhibit

This exhibit showcases the vibrant and diverse work of Native American artists from the southwestern United States, highlighting the deep cultural traditions and contemporary voices of Indigenous communities. Featuring pottery, weaving, jewelry, painting, and mixed media, the collection reflects the rich heritage of tribes such as the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and Pueblo peoples. Each piece tells a story rooted in ancestral knowledge, spirituality, and the connection to land and identity, while also offering modern

interpretations and expressions. This exhibit celebrates the enduring creativity, resilience, and evolving artistry of Native American artists in the Southwest.

June 4 – July 18, 2027

17^th Big Gay Art Show

Sedona Arts Center proudly presents the 17th Big Gay Art Show — an annual juried exhibition that celebrates vibrant creative expression from the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. This much-anticipated event invites artists of all backgrounds, experience levels, and mediums to share their unique voices through visual art.  Originally envisioned in 2009 by a passionate group of artists and community members — some affiliated with Sedona Arts Center, others with Sedona Pride — the show was created as an inclusive platform to uplift and amplify queer artists within the local arts scene. Over the years, it has evolved into a cherished tradition, drawing hundreds of emerging and established artists to Sedona. Now produced entirely by Sedona Arts Center at the request of Sedona Pride, the exhibition continues to offer a joyful, affirming space for connection, visibility, and artistic celebration.