14^th Annual
Sedona Plein Air Festival
October 13–20, 2018

Call to Artists – Apply to the October 13–20, 2018 Sedona Plein Air Festival. All artists interested in participating must apply online.
Deadline March 1, 2018

Paint in the Shangri-La of the Southwest! Sedona is a sublime environment with stunning beauty and the Sedona Arts Center has roots going back 60 years to the founding of Sedona’s identity as an ‘art colony’. The Festival takes place during the best weather week of the year and is supported by a group of very experienced and enthusiastic staff and volunteers. The community of art lovers open their doors to host - thirty artists from around the country that will be selected to participate in this prestigious event.

View full prospectus and Apply: HERE

Our community’s iconic creative event—Sedona Plein Air Festival—is a week-long celebration of extraordinary landscapes, world-renowned artists, unique workshops, and wonderful free events from October 13 to 20, 2018. Sedona Arts Center invites you along to get creative and experience over two dozen master painters in action—making their art on location in beautiful Sedona, Arizona. Celebrate creativity with us and enjoy receptions, exhibitions, lectures, and opportunities to collect your next masterpiece at Sedona Plein Air Festival!

2018 Image Award: Qiang Huang

2017 Festival Artists:

Jill Banks
Richard Boyer
Betty Carr
Bill Cramer
Martin Dimitrov
Chris Finefrock
Tracey Frugoli
Scott Gellatly
Robert Goldman
Bruce Gomez
Lynn Heil
J. Brad Holt
Qiang Huang
Robert Impellizzeri

Peter Jefferson
Gretchen Lopez
Andre Lucero
James McGrew
Kathie Odom
Susan Pitcairn
Patrick Saunders
Rachel Schlueter
Stock Schlueter
Matt Sterbenz
Gregory Stocks
Williamson Tapia
Melanie Thompson
Jim Wodark

2017 Award Winners

Judge – Joshua Been:

Best of Show: Bill Cramer “Sanctuary of Stone”

Merit Award: Matt Sterbenz “Creekside Bliss”

Merit Award: Scott Gellatly “Perfect Ending”

Merit Award: J. Brad Holt “Mariposa Demo”

Image Award: Qiang Huang “Cathedral Rock”
Artists’ Choice (Body of Work): Jim Wodark
Collectors’ Choice: Williamson Tapia “Water Hab”

Creekside Paint-Out at L’Auberge:
Judge – Linda Goldenstein

Gamblin - Andre Lucero

Guerilla Painters - Gretchen Lopez

Judge’s Choice - Patrick Saunders

Seven Canyons Sedona Paint-Out:
Judge – Cyndi Thau

Gamblin - Bill Cramer

Guerilla Painters - James McGrew

Judge’s Choice - Gregory Stocks

Main Street Paint-Out:
Judge – Pauline Georgakis

Gamblin - Qiang Huang

Guerilla Painters - Melanie Thompson

2017 Schedule of Events

October 14th , 7 pm Opening Wine Reception
Artists have brought work with them from their own terrain across the U.S. Come meet the 30 artists in this year’s festival and see their diversity of style and talent!
October 14–20 Artists Paint in Sedona Area
Throughout the week integrating new work into SEG and Theatre Studio as desired. Individual Artists Demonstrations and mini-workshops to be scheduled throughout the week.
October 18, 10 am Noon Creekside Paint Out at L’Auberge
The public is invited to watch artists paint both still and moving water, reflections, sycamores and ducks at this beautiful setting along Oak Creek. Awards and Sale immediately following at L’Auberge. Public Shuttle provided by Red Rock Magic Trolley from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. picking up in the Sedona Arts Center lower parking lot and shuttling to and from nearby L’Auberge Resort.

October 18, 7 pm Keynote Joshua Been “ The Plein Air Adventure”
Open to the Public. Joshua Been will give a digital presentation and talk about his personal journey as an artist. Wine reception following in our Special Exhibition Gallery.

October 19, 1–4 p.m. Paint Out at Seven Canyons Resort
The public is invited to beautiful Seven Canyons to watch artists paint the afternoon and evening light as it carves out the red rock profiles. Artists will explore panoramic vistas from the Clubhouse, driving range, and views from beautiful Rachel’s Knoll. Red Rock Magic Trolley provides shuttle service between all the painting venues. Awards Ceremony and Wine Reception on the event lawn at 4:00 p.m.
October 20, 9 am to 1 pm Plein Air to Studio Demonstration with Joshua Been
Join us for an extended demonstration by our keynote speaker for the Festival this year Joshua Been. This demonstration will be a wonderful overview, and a great opportunity to review and re-take notes on effective studio practices incorporating every bit of knowledge gained through the plein air experience. $50
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October 20, 5 to 8 pm Plein Air Party and Awards Presentation
Held at Sedona Arts Center's Special Exhibition Gallery and Theatre Studio in the Historic Art Barn. Fine wine, fine hors d’oeuvre and fine art. This is the ‘big event’ artist’s awards are presented throughout the evening recognizing the best work created during the week including Best of Show and merit awards by Festival Judge Josh Been, Artist’s Choice Award, Collectors Choice by ballot and Sedona Arts Center Awards.

October 21, 10 a.m.–Noon Main Street Paint Out
The final paint-out of the festival is held in collaboration with the City of Sedona and is the last chance for visitors and residents to become acquainted with the artists and observe them in action. Artists will paint in Uptown Sedona on 89A from the Arts Center to Pink Jeep Café. Sale and awards at the Arts Center immediately following, then join us for a free cook-out outside the plein air galleries. Final event sales from Noon - 2pm

The Sedona Arts Center wishes to thank its sponsors for this years paint-outs: L'Auberge de Sedona, Seven Canyons Sedona, Red Rock Magic Trolley and the City of Sedona.