Sedona Galleries Stay Open Until 8 pm

Sedona, AZ (August 30, 2011)- The Sedona Gallery Association is pleased to announce events for the next 1st Friday, September 2, 2011. The Sedona Gallery Association represents the collaborative efforts of the premiere galleries in Sedona to ensure that art lovers and artists alike experience the best art environment imaginable.

On the 1st Friday of each month, from 5:00pm-8:00pm, members of the Sedona Gallery Association offer a unique monthly showcase highlighting artists, special exhibits, and art events. These special art receptions give locals and Sedona visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments while beginning their weekend with an exploration of Sedona’s exciting art scene.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village features some of Sedona’s finest galleries including; Renee Taylor Gallery, Andrea Smith Gallery, Mountain Trails Gallery, Honshin Fine Art, Rowe Gallery and Kuivato Glass Gallery. They each host a monthly event featuring special visiting artists or special events. The galleries will be open until 8:00pm. This month they are pleased to feature the musical talents of Patrick Ki in Patio de Las Campanas. All stores in Tlaquepaque will stay open until 7:00pm.

The 1st Friday of September will offer a wide variety of art and talent, including the following from Gallery Association members:

Andrea Smith Gallery will host her friend and author, Barbara Mayer, for a book signing at Andrea Smith Gallery. From life as a signing Catholic nun and former editor of a Midwestern newspaper, Reverend Barbara Mayer is now an Interfaith/Interspiritual Minister. Following a lifelong spiritual path, she has remained dedicated to finding truth beyond teachings of patriarchal hierarchies and limiting dogmas of fear. Stop by the gallery Friday or Saturday to meet Barbara and get your signed copy of Beyond Religion – The Personal Search For Truth.

El Prado Gallery unveils the work of sculptor Ben Hammond during the Labor Day Weekend “Classical Style, Contemporary Approach” show. Ben Hammond’s virtuosity of the design and execution of his sculptures rival those of his inspiration – the classical masters. The beauty he sees in the human figure translates into his art. Discover the classical style with a contemporary approach of sculptor Ben Hammond at the show opening on Friday, September 2 from 5 – 8 p.m. at El Prado, Hillside Sedona.

Goldenstein Gallery in uptown Sedona kicks off their show celebrating the Arizona Centennial “100 Artists.” This dynamic yearlong show showcases the magnificent artwork of Arizona artists in all media and styles. This month features painters Allen Powell, Rafe Terry, Jourdan Dern, potter Sandy Terry, Jackie Jackson’s hand painted silk scarves and the woven canvas mosaics of Jill Anderson. Wine Tasting and live music with Frost & Frost.

James Ratliff Gallery on Friday, September 2 from 5-8 P.M. in Hillside, Sedona will feature the work of selected gallery artists who express themselves with a distinctive approach to their chosen, sometimes unusual, subject matter through use of unique forms, color and style. The particular artists work showcased are John Dawson, Myrna Harrison, Patricia Ratliff, Louis de Mayo, Randy O’Brien, Marion Herrman and William Crook.

Kuivato Glass Gallery will feature Susan Gott’s sculptural cast glass, which embodies an interest in mythological imagery, symbolism, and traditions from ancient cultures. The artist studies these symbols and philosophies to develop ideas and create a new mythos, using glass as a sculptural medium. The elements of this ancient, visual language express the union of human being and nature. These images have become enmeshed in her thought and in her art. She has been creating her amazing one-of-a-kind pieces for over 25 years in Tampa, Florida. Join Kuivato Glass Gallery on Friday September 2 at 5:00pm.

Lanning Gallery opens “Jonathan Howard’s World,” with a reception for the Arizona artist who unveils his latest thought-provoking paintings of urban landscapes. “You can see the good, bad, hopes, dreams, nightmares and ambitions of mankind through examining our urban footprint,” he notes. With a minimalist palette and layers of mixed media both highlighted and obscured Howard conveys this undeniable richness of humanity.

Lark Art invites you to join them as they celebrate “Stories and Legends. . . The Narrative Art of Tim Hitchcock.” Working both as a carver and a painter, Tim merges his talents to create magical pieces that bring beloved stories and legends to life. . . They hope you’ll visit them to see if your favorite literary works are in attendance.

M.L. Coleman & J.N. Muir Studio/Gallery present Bubbles and Bronze – a cool way to enjoy a hot summer’s First Friday at the working studio/gallery of James Muir in poignant allegorical bronze sculptures and Michael Coleman in his beautiful landscape paintings. Join them to celebrate new bronzes by James and what inspired these sculptures. He will be at the gallery discussing the allegories which inspire his work, as well and his use of symbolism in every sculpture. The main focus this Friday will be on Muir’s two new sculptures “Visions of The White Man’s Road” (Sedona Art’s Center Fundraiser commissioned sculpture) and “The Invitation.”

Mountain Trails Gallery welcomes Prescott painters George and Marcia Molnar at an artist reception on Friday September 2, from 5-8pm. Watch them as they demonstrate their skill and talent in the gallery on paintings in progress. George and Marcia have made painting the beautiful landscapes, people, and things that are so unique to the Southwest their passion for over a quarter of a century. Enjoy a glass of wine while you watch these two talented and renowned artist paint in the gallery.

Rowe Fine Art Gallery- Happy Labor Day! At Rowe Fine Art Gallery, they are celebrating the hardworking artists with “The Fruits of Our Labor,” a special evening dedicated to the gallery’s contemporary and traditional southwestern painters and sculptors. Visit the gallery on Sept. 2 during the Sedona Gallery Association’s 1st Friday Gallery Tour from 5 to 8 p.m. to help them honor the dedicated artistic spirit. Wine and appetizers will be served. 928-282-8877.

Sedona Arts Center is very proud to present the final element in the summer series, “Earth” featuring the talented works of Norma Holden, Justine Mantor-Waldie, Joanie Wolter and Mary Flaisig from September 2-28, 2011. Join them for their First Friday Opening Wine Reception on September 2nd from 5-8pm in the Fine Art Gallery. Earth is the final element in our series embodying life, strength, longevity, all that is rooted and the permanent qualities of “Earth.”

Turquoise Tortoise Gallery presents “Stoned in the SW,” a showcase for the gallery’s disparate collection of stonework, from tiny Zuñi fetish carvings to tabletop-sized alabaster animal sculptures to large marble Native American sculptures, in both Traditional and Contemporary styles. Many of the artists quarry their own stone, forming a relationship with each piece that lasts from mountainside labors to nuanced carving.

1st Friday is an amazing event of fine talent, images and entertainment- one of Sedona’s “things to see.” The Sedona Trolley provides free transportation to venture from art gallery to art gallery. Please visit the Gallery Association website for more information and a map at www.sedonagalleryassociation.com, find them on Facebook at Sedona Gallery Association, or follow them on Twitter @SedonaGalleries.