Over 125 Juried Artists, Oaxacan Wood Carvers Set for 23rd Sedona Arts Festival, 10/12-13

The Sedona Arts Festival celebrates its 23rd anniversary from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12 and 13 at Sedona Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road.

More than 125 juried artists from across the country will surround themselves with Sedona's breathtaking red rocks and Arizona's magnificent fall weather while showing works in ceramics, fiber art, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography and wood. The newly configured layout of booths provides easier access for guests and greater visibility for artists.

Among returning artists this year are 2012 Best of Show honorees Mark and Karen Klay (Overall Best of Show), Kim Obrzut (Sculpture), Paul Wisdom (Metal), Susan Quin Byrd (Photography), Carson Janson (Fiber), Karen Clarkson (Drawing), Jennifer Nauck (Glass), Jeffrey Nelson (Wood) and Randy O'Brien (Ceramics).

Festival proceeds benefit the Sedona Arts Festival Scholarship Fund for scholarships and grants to local artists and students. Over $300,000 has been distributed since the Festival began.

International featured artists this year are Oaxacan wood carvers Julia Fuentes and Jose Juan Melchor, whose work is known for the sense of movement and creativity in the actual carvings as well as the beautifully detailed painting techniques with touches of whimsy.

Their pieces are carried at high-end galleries around the world based on their international acclaim for the complexity of their carvings and a painting style that reigns at the top of their craft.

This year's Festival also includes an expanded musical schedule highlighted by renowned guitarist - an artist in his own right in his skill as a luthier who designs and produces unique guitars - William Eaton performing with friends. The weekend schedule will feature a range of musicians on the Festival stage.

Complementing the range of artwork by artists accepted into the Festival will be pieces by 25 selected Arizona artists who participated in the Verde Valley Artist Challenge, a three-day Verde River rafting trip from the White Bridge to Beasley Flats. The trip served as the inspiration for resulting artwork that captured the essence of the experience. These pieces will not be for sale at the Sedona Arts Festival and can only be purchased through an online auction atwww.verdeartistchallenge.org.

The KidZone, an interactive, safe and creative outlet for kids 12 and under, will carry that river theme this year. Wendy Harford, who helped coordinate the Verde Valley Artist Challenge will be organizing all activities.

The Gourmet Gallery features locally produced and packaged food items from throughout the state.

Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors 60 and older and students with ID. Discount tickets are available online. Children 12 and under are free.

For information, visit www.sedonaartsfestival.org or call 928-204-9456.

Photo Courtesy of Mark and Karen Klay