Local news- Press Release
City of Sedona Arizona - City exhibit celebrates southwest and indigenous art 01 January 2100 ( news )
City of Sedona , state Arizona ( By Press Release office)
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SEDONA , Ariz . – The city invites the public to save the date for its next artist reception on Thursday , Feb . 8 , 2024 from 4 to 6 p . m . in the Council Chambers and Vultee Conference Room at City Hall , where paintings created by Karen Taylor and paintings and ceramics created by Mariann Leahy are on display through May 2 , 2024 . Special music guest at the reception will be Nathan "Saith" Gangadean .
Taylor , originally from San Francisco , majored in Anthropology at San Francisco State University , which cemented her fascination with the broad range of cultural splendor and diversity around the globe . She began painting 50 years ago , where her study and interest in the multiplicity of rites and rituals led to the colorful art she has created over the years . She is intrigued by the many alluring ways people find to decorate and adorn themselves .
After college , Taylor moved to the Duckwater Shoshone Indian Reservation to teach . She was inspired by the high desert light and the serenity of the isolated reservation . She also prized the beauty , composure and artistic traditions of the Native American culture . In the late 70’s , she moved to Sun Valley , Idaho and became part of the lively and nurturing art community at the Sun Valley Art Center . She worked in acrylics and pastels and specialized in large format faces of Indigenous peoples from all over the globe .
Taylor describes her move to Sedona in 2010 as coming home . "I have always loved the Southwest . I find the light thrilling . It makes me feel as if I ' m floating on a sea of color , ” said Taylor . It also renewed her interest in the Indigenous cultures and the pre - European people of North and South America . Her work currently can be seen at the Sedona Arts Center . Previously Taylor’s work was in Turquoise Tortoise Gallery , the Great Southwest Galley , Hillside Gallery and the Cynthia Garrett gallery in Santa Fe .
Leahy did her graduate work in ceramics at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and became a high school art teacher for over 18 years in Chicago . As a clay artist with a profound respect for nature , Leahy’s inspiration is found in ancient myths and symbols . Her hand built pieces made with mica rich clay echo these ancient motifs in a contemporary style . Leahy is also a painter working in acrylics and oils , using similar vibrant colors and fluid concepts based on nature and animal subjects .
Leahy has lived in Sedona since 1997 . She has won numerous awards for her artwork , as well as having taught workshops at the Sedona Arts Center . For the Sedona Art Center’s 60
thanniversary in 2017 , Leahy along with others , was named a Sedona Legacy Artist . This honor was for exhibiting her work in galleries for more than 20 years . Currently her work is represented by the Sedona Arts Center . She was previously represented by Turquoise Tortoise Gallery for 25 years , as well as galleries in Santa Fe .
“I truly enjoy supporting local artists and connecting people in our community . I knew I had to introduce Karen and Mariann , who are so like - minded in their passion for other cultures , nature and the southwest . The colorful , bold work of these established artists complement each other beautifully . I hope the public will take time to view this intriguing exhibit , ” said Arts and Culture Specialist Nancy Lattanzi .
More information
Viewings are available by appointment only . To schedule an appointment , or for more information on the City Hall Art Rotation Program , please contact Lattanzi at 928 - 203 - 5078 or
NLattanzi@SedonaAZ . gov
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