You can take everything that you think you already know about galleries of art, art exhibitions, Native American art history, western art, and southwestern contemporary art, and you can pretty much toss it right out the window as you make your way through the stunning red rocks of Sedona. In the art galleries of the town of Sedona, in northern Arizona, you will encounter an eclectic mix of gallery exhibitions that are unique and compelling.

In the galleries of Sedona, you will find amazing works of art from local arts, artisans, and master craftsmen who specialize in every genre and style. There are works ranging from contemporary art and modern art, to abstract works, to southwestern, western and traditional styles.

You can spend an afternoon ambling through just a handful of the dozens of galleries that are in and around Sedona and you will constantly be amazed and surprised by the depth, quality, boldness and eclecticism of the works that you encounter.

In many cases you will also have the opportunity to visit with the artists who are often available, much more in Sedona than in most other art communities. The owners of the art galleries in town also tend to be particularly available and love to discuss their passion of sharing the works of art and showcasing the artists.

The interesting thing about the galleries in Sedona, is that they provide an experience for even those visitors who typically don't have a burning interest in art museums and art exhibitions, yet are somehow are still able to captivate them with either the art itself, or the interesting people who bring the art and the galleries to life with their own passion and excitement.

For those who have a particular interest and love of native American art, these local galleries feature wonderful selections of fanciful Hopi Kachina dolls, vibrant hand-woven rugs and turquoise jewelry of the Navajo tradition, as well as beautiful pottery from various tribal cultures. The amazing variety of quality, authentic native American crafts and works of art that are available in Sedona makes it easy for anyone who appreciates its unique beauty and deep tradition to take something home to enjoy, whether they are a casual tourist or a serious collector.

The spectacular beauty of the red rocks of Sedona and the unique landscapes and colors of the southwest have also served as a potent inspiration and continues to inspire the more recent arrivals to the area. Artists of all disciplines arrive at the sun washed desert and take in the glowing red rock canyons, and find themselves moved to create works of artistry they had never before imagined. Also, the owners of the Sedona galleries exude an independent spirit and their gallery exhibitions create a vibrant, populist scene that features work from local "up-and-comers," right along side the works of prominent artists who enjoy national recognition.

In addition to fine paintings, unique jewelry, photography, sculpture and pottery, many of the Sedona art galleries also branch out and feature fine works of handmade textiles and beautiful one-of-a-kind home furnishings. While the Sedona art gallery scene is well-known around the world, it also has a small town feeling that welcomes guests and art lovers without the pretense sometimes found in "artsy communities."