Fall is in the air and the 2025-26 season is well underway at Sedona Arts Center. We are excited to share the return of the Sedona Entrepreneurial Artist Development program taking place March 14 and 15, 2026. This innovative two-day intensive empowers artists to view their creative practice through an entrepreneurial lens and take their career to the next level. What makes SEAD special? Where do I begin? Imagine a casual and welcoming environment that includes informative presentations, engaging conversations, plenty Q&A, networking with fellow creatives, and, of course, inspiring art making. We can’t wait to bring together a brand-new cohort of Arizona artists this spring.

Our first SEAD weekend, launched last spring and was a hit. The curriculum covered a wide range of topics from financial management and marketing, to crafting an artist statement, developing work samples, and selling artwork online. Led by arts professionals and working artists, the sold-out weekend workshop provided practical tools to enhance business knowledge and build and sustain a professional career. Participants who completed the program and developed a strategic plan became eligible to apply for a $500 grant to put their ideas into action — making SEAD the first program of its kind to focus on workforce development for artists.

SEAD is open to Arizona residents aged 18 and over and is limited to 20 participants. The cost for artists accepted into SEAD is $75, with scholarships and housing options available. Artists who successfully complete the program and create a strategic plan will be eligible to apply for a $500 implementation grant. SEAD is supported by ONE AZ Credit Union Foundation and other foundations. For more information, visit sedonaartscenter.org. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 9, 2026.

We received such positive feedback from our inaugural participants about the program’s impact. One artist shared:

“Thank you for an inspiring and insightful SEAD program … The thought and heart you put into helping emerging artists get a head start on their business is invaluable. This workshop not only empowered us but also illuminated the path forward, giving us the tools and confidence to grow as artists.”

Comments like this remind us why we do what we do—to continue our commitment to arts education, expand our role as a leader of arts development, and offer opportunities where artists can flourish.

Beyond SEAD, here’s a peek at upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

Join us from Sept. 15 to 30 for “Out of the Fire: Ceramic Student Showcase + Exhibition,” an annual showcase celebrating the “best of” work by our talented students and instructors from SAC’s ceramics department. The show features a beautiful selection of artwork, from functional wares to decorative artworks, at a variety of price points.

An artist reception will be held Friday, Sept. 19, from 4-6 p.m. in conjunction with “Celebrate Sedona.” Enjoy an afternoon filled with artist demonstrations, music, food, wine, and beer. As always, exhibitions and artist receptions are free and open to the public with complimentary parking available behind SAC’s Art Barn.

Looking ahead, artists and makers 18 years and older are invited to apply for our Holiday Market Dec. 5 to 7. This curated seasonal event features 25 artists showcasing one-of-a-kind functional artworks including greeting cards, jewelry, accessories, painting, photography, glass, sculpture, ceramics, and more. From fine art to artisan goods, it is the perfect opportunity to buy holiday gifts for family and friends while shopping local. Space is limited and the deadline to apply is Oct. 1.

Finally, mark your calendars for the “21st Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival,” October 20-26. Staff is hard at work finalizing event details for this fun-filled, signature event that brings together more than two dozen of the nation’s top plein air painters. Held outdoors in venues across Sedona and the Verde Valley, the week includes artist demonstrations, paint outs, a juried art competition, and the opportunity to purchase stunning artworks by master artists. To view the current schedule, including exclusive culinary and wine events, visit sedonapleinairfestival.org.

See you soon.

Julie Richard

CEO, Sedona Arts Center