Sedona Arts Center — FREE PERFORMANCE on Nov. 1 by Thunder & Lightnin’ tomorrow at Celebrate Sedona!

Contemporary Surrealism harkens back to the roots of the Sedona Arts Center and the connection between SAC and iconic surrealists Max Ernst and Dorothea Tanning in the early 1960s. Like the artistic movement of Surrealism, which explored the creative potential of the unconscious mind, artworks by 50+ artists from across the country will delve into the uncharted imagination through a myriad of subject matter—magical landscapes, fantastical depictions of people and animals, and mysterious sculptures.

Participating artists include: Donna Abbate, Linda Anderson, Jena Ataras, Annemarie Baldauf, Janet Ballweg, Allyn Boley, Caryn Bopp, Becca Boring, Mary Brown, Jeff Byrd, Anne Carman-Hendel, Jackie Cassidy, Chris Collins, Charles Crabb, Craig Cully & Kelly Leslie, Santa De Haven, Collin Douma, M. M. Dupay, Cliff Finity, Oscar Galvan, Karen Gaudette, Elisabeth Geel, Teri T Gilfilen, Liz Godbey, Christine Golden, Paula Goodbar, Andee Grandits, Laura Gruici, Frederica Hall, Lynn Haygood Lee, Mary Helsaple, CJ Henderson, Joanna Hoge, Howard Jones, Denize Katzen, Emerson Klaasmeyer, Amy Light, Josh Louchheim, Garry Mealor, Cynthia Miller, Rose Moon, Ellen Moore-Osborne, Paul Murray, Andrew Lincoln Nelson, Dale Odell, Avery Palmer, Stacy Pearl, Gene Provenzo, L. Katherine Roberts, Alexander Rupert, Jake Sheykhet, Egor Shokoladov, Kati Thomson, Rhonda Urdang, G. E. Vogt, Katelin Walczyk and Dawn Zintel.

COME CELEBRATE WITH US!

Celebrate Sedona takes place in Uptown Sedona at Sedona Arts Center.
FREE TO THE PUBLIC – Food and Beverages available, FREE ADMISSION, 21 to Drink

Kennedy’s artworks meld a spiritual simplicity with a figurative rhythm and physical energy. His ceramic pieces range from functional thrown forms to coil and slab-built figurative sculptures. Current artworks meld thrown forms, slabs, altering, incising and sculpting. His oeuvre reflects the spiritual energy and the magical natural beauty of Sedona, and his pieces are represented in collections throughout the Southwest, Southern California and New England.

“Our Gallery Shop sells ceramics, jewelry, paintings, sculptures and mixed media by more than 90 local and regional artists, more than any other store in Sedona,” says Julie Richard, CEO of Sedona Arts Center. “Our bi-monthly featured artist program highlights the incredible work of artists, like Neil, whose artwork is inspired by this region.”

Kennedy grew up in New England where he was influenced by Cape Cod ceramicists. After studying figurative and Renaissance art in Rome, Italy, he returned to the United States and continued his studies with the nation’s leading ceramicists. After working in the sports marketing world, he moved to Santa Barbara, CA, where he deepened his artistic commitment, began working in clay full time and started the search for his artistic voice. Later inspiration was found in the raw beauty of the mountains of Lake Arrowhead, CA. In 2018, Kennedy relocated to Sedona, Ariz. where he remains enveloped by the stunning landscapes. His studio overlooks Boynton Canyon and Thunder Mountain.

Kennedy also teaches at SAC. His 2023-2024 winter, spring and summer fine art courses include Hand Building and Pottery Wheel for Beginners. “Neil is one of our most popular instructors at SAC,” says Richard. “His classes are enjoyed by beginning and experienced ceramicists of all ages. His upcoming class is already sold out!”