Sedona Arts Center is kicking off the holiday season with Michael Bublé tribute performer, Scott Keo, on Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Arts Center parking lot.

This free, outdoor block party style event also features artist demos, the Wicked Good Food truck and beer and wine for sale. This is the third installment of our new bi-monthly event — Celebrate Sedona — and we hope to draw many locals and visitors with this special performance. Best of all, the event is free — did I mention that?

Keo is performing his special holiday-themed concert, which we are all very much looking forward to. I love the holidays and holiday music. I am one of those people who wants to start playing my holiday albums at Halloween. To me, this season is all about the tunes. And the food, of course.

But this season, more than ever, I am looking forward to celebrating with friends, family and neighbors. You see, last year, my husband and I didn’t have a Christmas. We were packing to move here and actually left Maine on Christmas Eve — in the middle of a northeastern snowstorm.

Christmas Day dinner was Lean Cuisine Cheese Raviolis from the hotel canteen. The carrot that kept us going was knowing we were headed to our new home here and a great new job at Sedona Arts Center.

I don’t mean to whine, but it was hard.

We all have so much to be grateful for this year. While we are all still dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks, there is light at the end of the tunnel — or at least a dim spark. Our staff and board are all vaccinated. We are encouraging all of our teaching artists, students, participants and volunteers to be vaccinated. It makes a difference and we want to be part of the solution.

In an effort to be as safe as possible, we are holding many of our events outside. We have a wonderful space between our gallery building and the Art Barn, and we’ve found it is great for parties. We purchased outdoor heaters and we are encouraging people to dress in layers and bring your winter gear so you can stay nice and cozy while enjoying whatever event you are attending.

• In addition to Celebrate Sedona, we have the opening of Souls of Forgotten Objects on Wednesday, Dec. 1. Exploring the intersection between trash and treasure, Souls of Forgotten Objects includes an exhibit, workshops and demonstrations that bring found or forgotten objects together to create something beautiful.
• Vision and Sound: An African American Experience is coming up on Friday, Jan. 28.
• The next Celebrate Sedona on Wednesday, Feb. 2, featuring The Ratio Band.
• A jazz brunch on Sunday, Feb. 13.

Mark your calendars, dress warmly and plan to have fun.

And because of the shipping issues that we have all been hearing about, what better year to shop local? Our gallery features local and regional artists that create a range of work from jewelry and glass to photography and paintings and more. We have enough price points that are affordable for every pocketbook. Remember, when you purchase a piece of art from the Sedona Arts Center Gallery, you are also directly supporting an artist whose livelihood depends on that sale. The gallery is now open seven days a week — with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day — so stop by and buy local.

See you soon at Sedona Arts Center.

Arts & Culture, written this week by Julie Richard, executive director of the Sedona Arts Center, appears in The Scene.