The new year brings a sense of renewal and new beginnings, a time to look within. In January, Goldenstein Gallery celebrates the new year and the power of looking within with its annual Wisdom Show.

This exhibit explores the healing power of art to inspire and wake up feelings, give insight and enhance the way we perceive the world around us. The opening reception for the Wisdom Show is Friday, Jan. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m.

“Communicating through the arts causes barriers to melt away, and a dialogue with the heart opens in response. I believe we could achieve world peace through the arts,” Linda Goldenstein said. “Daily, we are blessed to see life enhancement through the arts for both the artists and those experiencing the art.”

Among the featured artists, American Indian painter Ben Wright creates a reflection of what he feels is a direct connection to the source.

“My artwork is intuitive and created without a time zone,” Wright said. “I emerge into my paintings and don’t think about the clock. Visually translating what I am feeling. The creative flow, no thought, the work of the creator… It’s amazing how many hours of the day will go by.”

Adele Seronde’s flowers and vast Southwest landscapes are full of bold strokes and brushwork as she urges viewers to expand their sense of awareness.

“Ultimately, I see art as a quest for the spiritual potential in all things,” said Seronde, whose work often cannot be contained to one canvas.

“Our humanity is found in our compassion for others and our willingness to engage in life, not just to float on the surface,” said mixed-media painter Karyl Bennett. “My wish is that you stand before my paintings and ask questions, not have the answers with a quick glance.”

She reverse-paints with inks and metals on Plexiglas, resulting in layers of rich luminosity, depth and sense of movement.

Allegorical Art is a term sculptor James Muir uses to describe his art as being filled with symbolic meaning. He said, “The longest journey is the journey within,” and he believes all are given a path of service to humanity and considers his talents as his way to contribute in a meaningful way.

His newest work, a breathtaking 33-foot monumental Christ of the Holy Cross, commissioned for the 60th anniversary of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, is to be installed in spring 2018. Each element in this sacred piece holds a special spiritual symbolism celebrating the Christ, his life and work. The maquette sculpture Christ of the Holy Cross is available to see and collect at Goldenstein Gallery.

Marilyn Bos often has 100 or more layers on a single painting, allowing light and shadow to create the essence of the world she is creating. Each painting changes color as the light reaches the sculpted texture and various layers, capturing red rocks, canyons and abstractions of nature.

“I believe painting is the most non-intrusive way to heal ourselves and others, silently without word or sound, through the eyes into the soul,” she said. “Painting is my love and responsibility, and the gift is sharing it with others.”
Sherab Khandro sees her art as an invitation.

“The power to uplift our world and the people in it lies in the palm of our hands,” she said. “Like the power found in a single atom, the ability to create great change can be found in the smallest of acts. Each one of us is a vibrant, pulsating center of creation, every thought, every word, every deed setting energy in motion.”

Khandro uses the style of pointillism in her paintings, tiny dots of color that create vibrant imagery; each stroke of the brush holds a prayer of compassion. The Lotus Heart pendent is the newest in her line of intentional jewelry.
Meet local artists at the opening reception for the Wisdom Show on Friday, Jan. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Visit GoldensteinArt.com or call 204-1765 for more information on artists, artwork, Goldenstein art exhibit and artists in residence at L’Auberge de Sedona. Open daily, Goldenstein Gallery is located at 150 State Route 179, at the corner of state routes 179 and 89A. The gallery is known for its diversity of more than 50 renowned local and regional artists in all media and styles.