Fine Art Museum of Sedona Unveils Its Inaugural Exhibit

On October 3, a long-held vision materialized as the Fine Art Museum of Sedona officially opened at Suite 4 in Harkins Plaza, West Sedona. This establishment marks a significant moment for the local art community.

“We gently opened,” quipped board Chairman Harley Todd, signaling a soft launch for the museum, which currently operates from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Admission is free, with hopes of extending visiting hours as volunteer support increases.

Collections Committee Chairman Mike Schraeder reflected on the complex journey toward this opening. “We’ve explored many different angles of how to make this happen,” he noted, emphasizing the board’s unified commitment. Four months were devoted to assembling the inaugural exhibit, according to board Vice Chairwoman Mary Byrd.

The museum’s location within Harkins Plaza offers vital advantages, including ample parking and high pedestrian traffic. “There’s fair tourist traffic here between ice cream, movies, and the thrift store,” Schraeder added, highlighting the spot’s potential for attracting visitors.

Currently on display is the museum’s first exhibition, titled “FAMoS Presents An Art Journey Through Time.” This show features artworks from renowned artists including Dorothea Tanning, Max Ernst, and Charlie Dye, among others. The exhibit will remain open until mid-February.

“It’s a retrospective of the different types of art that were here,” Byrd explained. Most pieces are on loan from local collectors, with a few coming directly from the artists.

Schraeder pointed out Sedona’s historical connection to surrealism, noting the works of Tanning and Ernst. The exhibit includes pieces from their son and granddaughter, alongside works by French surrealist Yves Tanguy and a unique print by Max Ernst.

The Cowboy Artists of America are also represented in this collection. Noteworthy pieces by Lillian Wilhelm Smith, a pioneering woman artist in Sedona, highlight this distinct artistic legacy.

Byrd shared a notable story about Zoe Mozert, another featured artist whose house was saved from demolition by local advocacy. Mozert, a prominent pinup artist, is recognized for creating the iconic Jane Russell poster for the 1943 film “The Outlaw.”

The exhibition also embraces American Indian art, showcasing works that delve into relevant themes. Schraeder highlighted the intriguing background of artist David Chethlahe Paladin, whose history spans unique experiences from his youth.

In addition to individual artworks, larger pieces like Muir’s striking “Man in the Maze” add a remarkable visual element to the museum’s space. Contemporary works by John Waddell and others serve to enrich the exhibit while celebrating local artistic talent.

“While our theme is an art journey through time, there’s also an underlying narrative of refuge,” Byrd reflected. This theme is particularly poignant given the histories of various artists, many of whom sought solace in Sedona during tumultuous periods.

The museum features a multimedia room that screens an oral history film on Muir, funded by a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation. This initiative marks the museum’s commitment to education and community engagement.

“We want this to be a welcoming environment,” Schraeder noted, recognizing that traditional galleries can sometimes intimidate visitors. “This is more than just a gallery; it’s an educational experience.”

Looking ahead, the museum board is eager to plan future exhibitions while remaining open to diverse artistic projects. Byrd explained that they are considering a range of options, including both local and traveling exhibits.

With a lease secured for the current space, the vision for the future includes rotating exhibits of exceptional artistic merit, with aspirations for a more permanent facility down the line. “Surveys show strong community support for an art museum,” Byrd added, indicating growing interest in a dedicated space.

To sustain their mission, the board is actively seeking grants, private donors, and volunteers. “Everybody that likes art ought to stop by and say ‘hi,’” Schraeder encouraged, inviting community participation in this new chapter of Sedona’s artistic journey.