Sedona, AZ: Late fall days in Sedona are crisp and blue-sky clear with starry nights of indescribable splendor. It's a great time for quick getaway weekends and pre-holiday merriment like Sedona’s newest “Festival of Trees” event. Be sure to set aside the first weekend in December (December 5 - 7) at Arizona’s favorite shopping destination, Tlaquepaque, The Art and Soul of Sedona.
Over 25 fabulous Christmas trees will be elaborately ornamented and festooned by some of Sedona’s favorite artists including Andrea Smith, Lisa Danielle, Rod Bearcloud, Chris Navarro, Robert Shields, and John Soderberg. For ten days starting November 28, until December 6, the Christmas trees-turned-art will be on display and can be viewed on the upper terrace overlooking Patio del Norte. Silent bids will be taken on each art inspired tree—some six footers and the smaller tabletop faux trees. During this time everyone is encouraged to visit Tlaquepaque and check their bids through 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
The final weekend has something for the whole family and kicks off Friday evening, December 5, with a cocktail celebration for visitors and locals to mingle with the artists from 5 - 7 p.m. A full bar is available and hot hors d'oeuvres will be served. Tickets for this special “Meet the Artists” evening are $25 per person and can be purchased by calling 928-282-3101. Proceeds from the holiday event will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Arizona that gives hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions and the Chameleon Project in Sedona that focuses on the environment.
On Saturday, December 6, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., kids and family members will love creating seasonal decorations using vibrantly colored paints on a wide variety of bisqueware pottery. Sedona’s Imagine Art, "the Pottery Painting & Gallery," will be set up, complete with pottery kiln in Patio del Norte, helping everyone make a one-of-a-kind tree ornament or prepare a special Christmas or Hanukkah gift. Head off for some shopping while your beautiful piece is glazed and kiln fired. (Fees are minimal and based only on items selected.) And for the little ones there will be time to visit with Santa Claus who is paying a special Tlaquepaque visit for the occasion. In addition Sedona’s own Eric Miller, master guitarist, will be performing live from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and plenty of hot chocolate will be flowing for visitors.
The lucky winners of the “Festival of Trees will be announced at 4:15 p.m., just after the bidding closes on Sunday. Winners are invited to take their trees home at that time. For additional information please contact Mally Paquette, the event coordinator, at 772-643-2742. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Home to more than 40 shops and galleries and four restaurants, Tlaquepaque, the Art and Soul of Sedona, now in its 36th year, is located at 336 Highway 179 at the Oak Creek Bridge just south of 89A on Highway 179. It is open daily at 10:00 am. For more information call 928-282-4838, visit: www.tlaq.com.
Article courtesy of Wib Middleton.
Posted October 17, 2008.
