Dear Friends,
Our first Vision & Sound: An African American Experience, is in the books, as they say, and was a success! During our closing event last Friday night I was asked about the “power” of this year’s partnership and collaboration – with the artists as well as with the other partners. There were so many memorable moments that it was difficult to be concise but I summed up this year’s program this way: never before has there been an all-African American event at Sedona Arts Center – Vision & Sound 2022 was an historic event for us. Also, to the best of anyone’s knowledge, we have never collaborated with other cities before – so partnering with the City of Goodyear and the City of Glendale was new for us. In addition, working with the ASU Center for the Study of Race and Democracy was groundbreaking and unlike anything we’ve done in our history.
The power of the stories the artists told around their work was truly the highlight of this year’s event. We don’t typically offer exhibits that spark conversation like the work in this show did. Once people saw the work, it spurred them on to spread word to others. It was extremely moving to convey the artists’ words and meaning to our visitors – some were moved to tears.
Attendance for the in-person and virtual events reached approximately 15,000 – which was terrific despite the fact we were in the midst of Omicron and winter weather. We are looking forward to changing things up a bit for next year and adding more musical events with the assumption that COVID will be endemic by then. Stay tuned for more programming like this as we move forward.
Our Juried Member’s Show opens March 4 and will run until March 31. We have about 90 pieces from members across the country in this show and sale. Just about every genre of visual art is represented and there are many wonderful pieces on display. While we will not have an official opening reception due to COVID, we will be announcing award winners via eblast and social media. The show will be open 10AM – 5PM Monday through Saturday, and noon – 5PM on Sunday in our newly renovated Special Exhibit Gallery and Theater. Please come check it out!
See you soon,
Julie
