1958
Canyon Kiva Begins
Inspired by Sedona’s landscape and led by Egyptian-born artist and educator Nassan Gobran, a group of local visionaries established Canyon Kiva as a place where artists could work, teach, and learn together.
About SAC
A Creative Home Since 1958
Sedona Arts Center grew from a small group of artists and visionaries into a cultural anchor for Northern Arizona — connecting people through art, education, exhibitions, and creative discovery for more than 68 years.
Background
From Canyon Kiva to Sedona Arts Center
Inspired by the natural beauty of Sedona, Egyptian-born artist and educator Nassan Gobran and a group of local visionaries recognized the need for a place where artists could work, teach, and learn together. In 1958, they established Sedona’s first art center, Canyon Kiva. They purchased the former Jordan Apple Packing Barn — now known as the Art Barn — which quickly became a creative and social gathering place for the growing Sedona community. Throughout the decades, Sedona Arts Center has remained a cultural constant through dramatic growth and change, evolving alongside the community while continuing its commitment to artists, students, and creative exploration.
1961
Sedona Arts Center Opens
Canyon Kiva became Sedona Arts Center and officially reopened with a celebration attended by 300 guests, continuing its role as a creative and social hub for artists and the community.
1960s–1970s
A Creative Community Grows
Sedona continued attracting artists, educators, and creative thinkers who helped shape the identity of the region. Sedona Arts Center remained a gathering place for artistic exploration, education, and community connection.
1994
A Growing Campus
A campus expansion added a dedicated gallery, classroom space, and a home for community theatre programming, creating new opportunities for artists, students, and visitors.
2001
Education and Exhibitions
Sedona Arts Center refined its mission with a greater focus on arts education through the School of the Arts and gallery exhibitions, expanding opportunities for creative development at every stage of life.
2021
A Renewed Vision
Emerging from the pandemic, Sedona Arts Center entered a renewed strategic phase — strengthening arts education, expanding community partnerships, and embracing its role as a regional and national leader in the arts.
2023
Investing in the Future
The completion of a Campus Master Plan focused attention on long-needed facility improvements and creating inspiring spaces where artists, students, and the community can learn, connect, and flourish.
Today
A Living Legacy
As one of Northern Arizona’s oldest nonprofit arts organizations, Sedona Arts Center continues the creative vision that began in 1958 — serving as a gathering place where artists, students, visitors, and the community connect through the inspiring power of the arts.
Vision, Mission, Values
Rooted in place, focused on creativity
Vision
Our vision is that Sedona is a center for excellence in the arts.
Mission
Our mission is to connect, enrich, educate and lead through the inspiring power of the arts and creative discovery.
Legacy
Building on the vision of our founders, Sedona Arts Center continues to create a welcoming space where artists and community come together to learn, exhibit, exchange ideas, and inspire one another.
Organizational Values
- Innovative - Always advancing excellence
- Agile - Resilient amid changing situations
- Inclusive - Welcoming of diverse people and perspectives
- Collaborative - Cultivating generosity and community spirit
- Transparent - Building trust through openness and account
- Respectful - Being mindful and purposeful with each other
- Grounded - Energized by our unique sense of place
Experience SAC today
Visit the gallery, explore workshops, or support the next chapter of Sedona Arts Center.