The Sedona Artists Consortium promises to transform how artists connect in one of America’s most picturesque creative hubs.

When Skip Daum arrived in Sedona in July 2024, he brought with him not just a passion for art but a vision for community. Despite being a self-described modest collector who “can’t paint a crooked line,” Daum quickly recognized what many locals and visitors have long believed: Sedona is truly the “Art Mecca” of the Southwest.

This recognition led to the founding of the Sedona Artists Consortium (SAC), an organization created with a simple yet powerful purpose – to provide a place where artists can gather, communicate, and share.

Breaking Down the Walls of Isolation

Sedona’s magnetic landscape has drawn seasoned and aspiring artists, gallery owners, and art material suppliers for decades. Yet Daum observed that many creators work in isolation, spending days or weeks alone in studios or homes. This solitude, while sometimes necessary for the creative process, can limit the cross-pollination of ideas and opportunities that happens when artists connect.

“Artists naturally focus on their craft, often at the expense of community,” Daum notes. “But gathering among like-minded folks inevitably yields friendships—even among competitors—better communications, and a willingness to share techniques, tools, markets, and business opportunities.”

Conversations on Stage

To address this need for connection, SAC is launching a groundbreaking series of live, in-person conversations that will bring together artists working across various media. These first-ever staged discussions will feature creators specializing in glass, ceramic, acrylic, wood, bronze, paint, photography, weaving, and more, representing traditional, modern, and impressionistic styles.

The conversations aim to showcase not just the artistic processes but also the business side of art—how creators market their work, build sustainable careers, and navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of Sedona’s art scene.

An Inclusive Vision

What makes the Sedona Artists Consortium particularly special is its inclusive approach. As Daum emphasizes, this organization is “outside the box” and welcomes all who appreciate and support art, regardless of their creative abilities.

This inclusivity reflects the consortium’s understanding that a thriving art community needs not just creators but also appreciators, supporters, and business minds to truly flourish as an “Art Mecca.”

As SAC takes its first steps, it represents a promising new chapter for Sedona’s artistic community—one where collaboration complements creation, and where the business of art strengthens rather than diminishes its creative spirit.

For more information about upcoming events and how to get involved visit the Sedona Artists Consortium, or contact Skip Daum at: 916.825.9522.

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