Creative Gateways Open Studios & Gallery

45 Birch Blvd, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA

Imagine walking into an artist’s community where the cross-pollination of ideas is actively fostered, creativity is nourished and spontaneous collaborations flourish. This describes the experience at Sedona’s newest gallery Creative Gateways. . Founded in 2016 by Pilisa Rainbow Lady, this pioneering artist collective and gallery is nestled under the trees in West Sedona. Its working studios are open to all, and visitors are welcome to drop in at any time to meet the artists and engage with the creative process. The gallery space showcases the innovative and lively work that results from this very special environment. You can even stir your own creative fires by taking part in one of their monthly classes! Current studio artists include Pilisa Rainbow Lady, Terry and Marika Israelson, Meg Munro and Michael and Sumati Colpitts. You never know what you’ll find artist Meg Munro is pictured here reading her favorite sonnet at the opening reception for “Romancing Imagination” in February. A must see for all visitors!

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Romancing Imagination at Creative Gateways

Imagine walking into an artist’s community where the cross-pollination of ideas is actively fostered, creativity is nourished and spontaneous collaborations flourish. This describes the experience at Sedona’s newest gallery Creative Gateways. . Founded in 2016 by Pilisa Rainbow Lady, this pioneering artist collective and gallery is nestled under the trees in West Sedona. Its working studios are open to all, and visitors are welcome to drop in at any time to meet the artists and engage with the creative process. The gallery space showcases the innovative and lively work that results from this very special environment. You can even stir your own creative fires by taking part in one of their monthly classes! Current studio artists include Pilisa Rainbow Lady, Terry and Marika Israelson, Meg Munro and Michael and Sumati Colpitts. You never know what you’ll find artist Meg Munro is pictured here reading her favorite sonnet at the opening reception for “Romancing Imagination” in February. A must see for all visitors!

Creativity Flourishes at Creative Gateways

Imagine an artist’s community where the cross-pollination of ideas is actively fostered, creativity is nourished and spontaneous collaborations flourish and you are envisioning Creative Gateways! Nestled under the trees in West Sedona its working studios are open to all, and visitors are welcome to drop in at any time to meet the artists and engage with the creative process. The gallery space showcases the innovative and lively work that results from this very special environment. You can even stir your own creative fires by taking part in one of their monthly classes! At their opening event I was warmly welcomed and taken on a tour by Gallery Director and artist Marika Israelson. Current studio artists include Pilisa Rainbow Lady, Terry and Marika Israelson, Meg Munro and Michael and Sumati Colpitts. I was dazzled by the ambient play of light reflected in the sinuous glasswork of artists Pilisa Rainbow Lady and Terry and Marika Israelson. Their work is meant to be woven into everyday life, from bowls to poured light sconces, pieces illuminate the surrounding atmosphere allowing function and form to come together. Michael Colpitts’ abstract paintings have a fiery sense of movement and energy that bursts off the canvas. In contrast to Michael the vibrant pieces of watercolorist Meg Munro invite the viewer into their inner center and stillness. Ceramicist Sumati Colpitts deftly captures the essence of her subjects whether it is the playfulness of a “Beaver” or the centered stillness of “Buddha.’ It was delightful to be in a space where the commitment to art and creativity could be palpably felt. The crowd that evening enjoyed wine, treats and music while mingling with both artists and art. It felt as though old friends were reconnecting and new friends were being made.

Artists Working in Residence

If you are looking for inspiration one of your must see destinations in Sedona is Creative Gateways! Unique in Sedona, its working studios are open to all, and visitors are welcome to drop in at any time to meet the artists and engage with the creative process. This evening I was able to witness Pilisa Rainbow Lady working on a “raindrop bowl,” a technique that she discovered while working in her particular passion fused glass. There is a gallery space and multiple working studios where you can talk to artists working in glass, ceramics, mixed media and watercolor. Warmly welcomed, I left feeling both inspired and eager to return soon.

Art Night at Creative Gateways

I was enfolded with a sense of bubbling joy as I entered Creative Gateways this evening - they were having an spontaneous “Art night” where all of their artists, even the ones who worked in different mediums, were playing and creating with glass. One of the most special attributes of this studio and gallery space is that ideas are cross pollinated. A sense of creative playfulness is fostered. You can’t help but walk away feeling a sense of freedom and a little more inspired.

Artist Terry Israelson Working in Studio

Each time I am in Sedona Creative Gateways is at the top of my list as a “must do” item. This evening Terry Israelson was working in studio sharing with guests the intuitive magic behind his lasted series of fused glass sconces. He has recently been using a powdered glass silkscreen technique, essentially painting photographs directly onto the glass. The finished pieces literally glow. I found out this evening that he does commissioned pieces as well. Creative Gateways is always a source of artistic inspiration and design ideas.

Artist Meg Munro Working in Studio

One of my favorite places in Sedona is Creative Gateways, with both an artist’s collective and gallery there is always something or someone to be inspired by! This afternoon watercolorist Med Munro was working in her studio on her newest series “Apparitions.” This series takes sacred images from Mexico, such as the Virgin of Guadalupe, and sets them in nature. Each piece hold something unexpected and the sense of connection within is extraordinary. Artist driven there is no other gallery experience like Creative Gateways in Sedona.

Mixed Media Artist Michael Colpitts working in Primative Studio Space

Artist driven, Creative Gateways is unique in Sedona. Here I was able to observe Michael Colpitts vigorously working on his newest mixed media piece. Awash with color and light the canvas viscerally seemed to vibrate as he added layers and textures. Michael studio space, Primativa Studio, is one of four within this artists collective. Visitors are able to observe artists working in residence as well as being witness to the cross pollination of ideas that thrive here.

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