Arts, galleries and things to do in Sedona Arizona

Sedona Arts Center In Uptown Sedona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on

Sedona Arts Center is one of Northern Arizona’s longest-established arts organizations and a cultural landmark in Uptown Sedona. Founded in 1958, the nonprofit arts center offers galleries, rotating exhibitions, workshops, ongoing classes, ceramics programs, festivals and community events. Its Art Barn campus at 15 Art Barn Road provides visitors with opportunities to view and purchase original artwork, experience special exhibitions and participate in creative programs throughout the year.

History Of Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center traces its beginnings to 1958, when artist and educator Nassan Gobran and a group of local visionaries created Canyon Kiva as a place where artists could work, teach and learn together. The group acquired the former Jordan Apple Packing Barn, which became known as the Art Barn and developed into an important gathering place for Sedona’s growing arts community.

In 1961, Canyon Kiva became Sedona Arts Center. Over the decades, the organization expanded its campus and programs while maintaining its focus on arts education, exhibitions and creative community involvement. Today it remains one of Northern Arizona’s longest-established nonprofit arts organizations.

Art Classes & Workshops

The Sedona Arts Center School of the Arts offers workshops and ongoing classes for beginning through experienced artists. Current programs include painting, ceramics, drawing, mixed media, jewelry, book arts, photography, textiles and other creative disciplines, with both studio-based and selected online learning opportunities.

Many workshops are taught by experienced regional and nationally recognized instructors. Program subjects, dates, instructors and availability change throughout the year, so prospective students should review the current class and workshop schedule before registering.

The SAC Uptown Gallery showcases original artwork by more than 100 artists working in a variety of media, including painting, ceramics, jewelry, photography, sculpture and mixed media. Visitors can browse and purchase artwork while discovering artists from Sedona and the surrounding region.

The Special Exhibition Gallery in the historic Art Barn presents rotating exhibitions, juried shows and featured artists throughout the year. Exhibition themes and participating artists change regularly, so visitors should check the current Sedona Arts Center exhibition schedule before arriving.

Sedona Arts Center Ceramics

Ceramics have been part of the Sedona Arts Center tradition since its early years. The Dennis Ott Ceramics Studio continues to offer ongoing classes, independent studio opportunities and specialized workshops covering wheel throwing, surface decoration, alternative firing techniques and other forms of ceramic art. Programs are offered throughout the year and vary by skill level.

Sedona Arts Center Events & Festivals

Sedona Arts Center presents exhibitions, artist demonstrations, community celebrations, lectures, festivals and special arts experiences throughout the year. One of its signature programs is the Sedona Plein Air Festival, which brings artists together to paint Sedona and the surrounding landscape and includes demonstrations, paint-outs and public events.

Event schedules change from season to season. Check the Sedona Arts Center calendar for current exhibitions, festival dates, ticketed events and community programs before planning a visit.

Visiting Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center is located at 15 Art Barn Road in Uptown Sedona. The main Uptown Gallery is currently open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Special Exhibition Gallery hours may differ, and schedules can change for holidays, installations and special events.

Free visitor parking is available on the Arts Center campus. Check current gallery hours, exhibitions, classes and event schedules before visiting.

Sedona Arts Center
15 Art Barn Road
Sedona, Arizona 86336
928-282-3809
Visit the official Sedona Arts Center website

Tips For Visiting Sedona Arts Center

  • Check current gallery and exhibition hours before visiting.
  • Review the workshop calendar in advance if you want to participate in a class.
  • Register early for popular workshops because some programs fill in advance.
  • Allow time to visit both the Uptown Gallery and the Special Exhibition Gallery.
  • Check the event calendar for artist demonstrations, festivals and community programs.
  • Free visitor parking is available on the Sedona Arts Center campus.
  • Exhibition schedules and gallery hours may change during holidays and installation periods.

Sedona Arts Center FAQ

Where is Sedona Arts Center?

Sedona Arts Center is located at 15 Art Barn Road in Uptown Sedona, Arizona.

When was Sedona Arts Center founded?

The organization traces its beginnings to 1958, when artist and educator Nassan Gobran and local visionaries established Canyon Kiva. It became Sedona Arts Center in 1961.

Does Sedona Arts Center have an art gallery?

Yes. The SAC Uptown Gallery features original artwork by more than 100 artists, and the Special Exhibition Gallery presents rotating exhibitions and juried shows.

Can visitors buy artwork at Sedona Arts Center?

Yes. Artwork displayed in the Uptown Gallery includes original pieces available for purchase in a variety of media and styles.

Does Sedona Arts Center offer art classes?

Yes. The School of the Arts offers workshops, ongoing classes, ceramics programs and other creative learning opportunities for a range of experience levels.

What kinds of art classes are offered?

Programs can include painting, ceramics, drawing, mixed media, jewelry, photography, textiles, book arts and other creative disciplines. Current offerings change throughout the year.

Does Sedona Arts Center hold special events?

Yes. The Arts Center presents exhibitions, artist demonstrations, festivals, community celebrations, lectures and other arts-related events throughout the year.

What is the Sedona Plein Air Festival?

The Sedona Plein Air Festival is a signature arts event featuring artists painting outdoors in Sedona and the surrounding landscape, along with demonstrations, paint-outs and public programs.

Is there parking at Sedona Arts Center?

Yes. Free visitor parking is currently available on the Sedona Arts Center campus.

What are the Sedona Arts Center gallery hours?

The Uptown Gallery is currently open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Hours can change, so check current information before visiting.


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