By Tommy Acosta
Sedona AZ (May 16, 2013) – Once upon a time the intersection of Dry Creek Road and S.R. 89A in West Sedona was a turn for fine-art enthusiasts and collectors on the way to the Enchantment, Mii Amo Spa and Seven Canyons; or a corner they passed on their way to Reds and the other resorts and hotels in the area when coming in from Cottonwood. This has all changed with the opening of the Goldenstein Gallery at that intersection. Now, it is a budding landmark that will one day become the “cornerstone” of West Sedona and yet another destination point for art collectors from around the world.
With two mammoth fabricated-steel horse sculptures rearing into the sky and the backdrop of some of Sedona’s most beautiful red rock formations framing it, this beautiful gallery sparkles with the promise of only the finest art brought to the table by gallery owner Linda Goldenstein, whose award-winning Uptown Gallery has served the art community for more than 10 years and continues to do so today.
When Goldenstein art collector Bill Lacy saw the property he was mesmerized.
“It’s the beauty of the property that captivates you,” Bill said. “With Thunder Mountain as its backdrop and room for expansion and easy access, plus its proximity to the Enchantment and the Seven Canyon’s sub-division, it was obvious Linda found what she was looking for. It was serene. Peaceful. Perfect. Ninety percent of Sedona’s tourists travel up Dry Creek Road. It was a great location.”
Linda had looked at various locations before settling on this one. Its excellent visibility, easy in and out of the premises, room for expansion — the choice was obvious.
“We couldn’t be happier,” Linda said. “We put in an offer within 24-hours after making my decision.”
She had been planning the move for a while but had been waiting for the lighting issue along the S.R. 89A corridor to finally settle before making the move.
“Once the decision over the lights was made we moved forward,” Linda said. “With a vision for West Sedona on what we would like it to be it was the right time to start. We had the support of the community. We had the support of the city. The neighbors were so happy to see us in that property.”
For Bill, the corporate world of business was where he grew up and flourished. It was Linda that ignited his passion for art.
“She introduced me to the world of art,” Bill said. “I didn’t have an appreciation for art back then. I bought art from her and she guided me through the process of buying it, researching the artist, the background of the piece, the story behind it and getting in touch with my feelings when I looked at it. I was inspired.”
For Linda, the world of art has always been a staple in her life, finally coming to fruition in Sedona.
“Art can be so healing,” she said. ‘People are always telling me how a particular work of art provided healing for them. Art moves you in ways you can’t imagine. You have to trust in the human desire to have something beautiful in your life.”
“The most valuable thing in human nature is creativity,” Bill added.
Linda said one never knows who will come in through the door of her gallery. Famous people like Nicholas Cage and others are likely to drop in at any time.
“Creativity attracts creativity,” she said.
She said that many of the artists she exhibits are actually famous people in their own right that have achieved success in other fields and have turned to art afterwards.
“Many of our acclaimed artists are collected internationally and have had multiple exhibitions in major museums nationally and globally,” she said.
Among these acclaimed artists featured by the Goldenstein Gallery who are famous for other things in addition to their art are: Mary Fisher’s fiber arts, jewelry and art quilts. (Mary Fisher is one of the leading HIV/AIDS activists of the world); movie star Tony Curtis’s oil paintings and multi-media paintings; Dennis Elliott, acclaimed artist and original drummer for the rock band Foreigner with his Flat turned wood pieces; Lee Oskar, leading harmonica virtuoso of our time, co-founder and long time musician for the band WAR, inventor of the Tombo line of Lee Oskar harmonicas now a painter; and Lynette Jennings, paintings. Lynette led the world into do it yourself interior design with her pioneering program on Discovery Channel for 17 years. She is credited with bringing design to the masses and opened the doors for other things to come such as the Home and Garden Network.
Other featured artists at her gallery include Mike Medow — Exquisite Wood carvings; David DeVaryn – – oil paintings with metal leafing. Cowboys and cowgirls with attitude!; Sherab Khandro- – Pointillist paintings and bronze sculpture; Karyl Bennett — reverse painted acrylic multi-media paintings; Liz Wolf — bronze sculptor; and Cheston Trammel — fine art furniture and reclaimed metal bells.
Her new gallery is proud to host Artist-In-Residence Shey (Sherab Khandro) who creates pointillist paintings in the gallery. Others that have and will participate are sculptor Kevin McCarthy, multi-media painter Keith Schall, and Hopi potter Adelle Nampeyo.
The Goldenstein Gallery has been voted Sedona’s Best Gallery 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 by Kudos readers.
The Red Rock News readers voted the gallery Best Gallery 2012 as did Market Surveys of America 2012.
Her gallery received the Mayor’s Arts Awards in 2009 for a business that has contributed heavily to the arts in Sedona.
In 2008 Linda was also awarded an entrepreneurial award by the North American Business Women.
“I feel so blessed by these awards and touched by the support,” she said.
The new Goldenstein Gallery is located at 70 Dry Creek Road and can be reached at 928-204-1765.
Drop in and savor the art.
[All photos courtesy of Joey Best and Tommy Acosta]