Summer in Sedona at Indian Gardens
in Oak Creek Canyon

Sedona AZ (June 19, 2015) – Jennifer Epperson and Mary Helsaple have created a new collection of art about Sedona Icons that present Sedona as you have never seen it before.  Their ironic view of Sedona is part of the “Sedona in the Summer“ celebration at Indian Gardens Park in Oak Creek Canyon on June 26^th,27^th and 28^th. The event features Red Earth Theater’s open air performance of a new play based on writer James Bishop’s, “Pink Nectar Café’.

Tickets are available for 3 performances of the play, and the Sedona Icons art exhibit is open to the public, Friday through Sunday before the outdoor theater performances. Both the art exhibit and play will lead you on a journey through the man-made and natural environment of Sedona; what it has been, could be, or might be.

Epperson and Helsaple have worked on several community art projects. “We share a slightly quirky, warped sense of humor about how simple things get very serious in Sedona. We take pleasure in the subtle back story involved in the creating art, and agree art is a process that often works things out.”  

“In this case, “The Pink Nectar Café”, written by Jim Bishop Jr. and published in 2011, is about a place somewhere between reality and imagination, which spins as a metaphor for the larger scope of our lives.  All of the collaborators involved – artists, writers, actors, musicians, and directors, resonated with the concept, and joined to create a unique Sedona community event around the theme.”  “Daniel Garland Jr., owner of Indian Gardens Café and Market, came on board providing his historic and lush Oak Creek Canyon property as the perfect setting for “Sedona in the Summer”, says Helsaple.

Epperson and Helsaple are artists who are quick to draw ironic attention to what makes Sedona a magical place.  “We appreciate Sedona as one of the most beautiful places on earth, and visualize Sedona’s past, present and possible future.  This combination creates the mystique of Sedona as a place where everyone wants to come.”

Jennifer Epperson is a passionate community advocate and cares deeply about her historic neighborhood and the community of artists working in Sedona.  Known for her confrontational images about sex, death and the human condition, she creates art that employs a variety of found and borrowed images. Her vibrant Sedona Icons feature buildings we all know and love, and use artistic license to add her own take on each place. Her Mash Up techniques use electronic and mechanical manipulation, photography, drawing, painting and collage.

Helsaple is an avid observer of moods of nature and the interactions of wildlife and humans. Irony is key to the images she creates in her vivid Sedona Icons.  Coming from Colorado, she has embraced a whole new natural community of plants, birds, and animals that are a huge part of the Sedona experience.  Her Sedona Icons all spring from nature.  “Everyone who comes to Arizona wants to see Roadrunners, Javelina, and hike the Red Rocks. They want to see cactus, a pink jeep, and the chapel. They hope to experience a vortex.  Sedona Icons plays on that theme. ”

Artist’s Epperson and Helsaple paint an imaginary Sedona. As art visionaries, they have a strong grasp of reality with the vast imagination of storytellers. “We help people see the visual metaphor so they can share that experience with others when they return home.  It’s about making a connection.  It makes the both seekers and the artist happy when we share these ‘visions’.”

Helsaple sums it up this way.  “A visitor was in a local gallery when she heard me reference ‘vortex’ to someone. She immediately walked over, obviously frustrated, and loudly asked  …“just where is this vortex thing, and what does it look like?”  It was then I realized Sedona is a magical template which draws visitors from all over the world. They come with great expectations, seeking the magic and mystery. Local myths enhance their journey and impressions are taken away every day by all who visit.”

‘The Pink Nectar Café” is an original play written and directed by Kate Hawkes and Dev Ross, and it will be performed by talented group of local actors. James Bishop’s book by the same name is the basis for the thoughtful and provoking play about the mysteries of life and the beauty that is Sedona.

Many visitors come to explore the Sedona myth, to seek ‘an experience’, or to create one for themselves. This is what Jim Bishops book, ‘Pink Nectar Café”, is about. The collaborative experience of “Sedona in the Summer” is made possible by the artists and art lovers who create some real Sedona magic for participants and audiences alike.

“The Pink Nectar Café” will be presented on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, (June 26-27), with a matinee performance on Sunday at 4 pm. More info online at: http://RedEarthTheatre.org

The Sedona Icons exhibit is open to the public Friday and Saturday at 3:00 to 6:30 pm, (June 26-27), and on Sunday from noon to 3 pm. Indian gardens Café will extend their hours to offer delectable dining during the weekend. The Sedona Icons exhibit will continue at the Indian Gardens Store through July 4. More info online at: http://facebook.com/thestudio61  and http://helsaple.com/works.