Goldenstein Gallery

I was privileged to attend the creation of a sacred Tibetan Sand Mandala at L’Auberge de Sedona. The Monks begin construction of the sand mandala by consecrating the site with sacred chants and music. Over a number of days, they fill in the design with millions of grains of colored sand. While constructing a mandala, Buddhist monks chant and meditate to invoke the divine energies of the deities residing within the mandala. The monks then ask for the deities’ healing blessings. At its completion, the mandala will be blessed and then the blessed sand is swept up with small portions offered to those present. It was breath taking to experience the monks at work, you could viscerally feel a sense of peace in the room. This was part of Goldenstein Gallery’s special Artist in Residence Program. The owner, Linda Goldenstein believes that art is a living, breathing experience and regularly host special events so the public can have a life enhancing experience. Their website has a complete listing of current events. www.GoldensteinArt.com

Goldenstein Gallery owner Linda Goldenstein and artist Sherab Khandro at the gallery’s opening reception for their annual celebration of the American West! The evening was full of inspiration, cheer and cowboy regalia: This show features internationally renowned contemporary Native American and Western Artists - David DeVary, Upton “Greyshoes” Ethelbah, Ben Wright and Kevin McCarthy were all in attendance. This show is always one of the most anticipated arts events of the year! Guests mingled both inside at out and enjoyed the gallery’s sculpture garden under a full moon.

Goldenstein Gallery was buzzing with vitality and inspiration as I mingled with artists and other guests. Considered to be the “crown jewel” of the Gallery scene in Sedona, the gallery works with more than 50 artists in a variety of mediums. This evening I was treated to a personal inside look at the working process of more than a dozen artists while sipping wine and noshing on hors d’oeuvres. New friends were made and the gallery owner, Linda Goldenstein could not have been warmer or more welcoming. I walked away quite inspired! Goldenstein Gallery has been named Best Gallery in Sedona for 9 years running and recently USA Today’s 10 Best named them the number 1 place to shop in Sedona!! Goldenstein Gallery’s address is 150 State Route 179, at the corner of SR179 and 89A and is open daily. Visit www.GoldensteinArt.com or call 928-204-1765 for information.

While visiting Sedona L’Auberge is one of my favorite places to either have lunch or brunch creekside. This afternoon scultptor Kevin McCarthy was working on one of his newest pieces. He first sculpts in wax before it is taken to the foundry to be cast in bronze. The degree of detail and the lifelike humanity in this piece was breathtaking! The finished piece will be called “Child of The Wolf.” Kevin is an artist visiting from Colorado who was working at the L’Auberge as part of Goldenstein Gallery’s celebrated Artist in Residence program. One of the many magical things about the Artist in Residence program is the diversity of artists working in different mediums. I meet someone new everytime I visit! You can find a complete list of events on their website www.GoldensteinArt.com.

Sedona is a mecca for those who love art and no experience captures this more than Goldenstein Gallery’s Artist in Residence program. Today, while i was enjoying lunch creekside under the trees, sculptor Lucius Upshaw was working in residence. His work is diverse. The piece he was working on has a smooth contemporary texture and presence; there is another piece of his, “The Fisherboy,” placed by L’Auberge onsite by a pond that is traditional and takes you to another place. Lucius was visiting and sculpting onsite as part of Goldenstein Gallery’s artist in residence program. L’Auberge is one of my favorite spots for lunch and each time I go i meet a different artist and leave inspired! Goldenstein Gallery has a complete calendar of who is working onsite on their website: www.GoldensteinArt.com

A blustery day didn’t stop Michael Chesley Johnson from painting creekside at L’Auberge - it only enhanced what he was trying to capture!! One of my favorite places for lunch, every weekend you can find a different artist at work. On this day Michael was mesmerized by the light as it hit a very energetic creek. A plein air painter, he like to be in the middle of the action while he works. Michael was working creekside courtesy of Goldenstein Gallery’s Artist in Residence program. Owner Linda Goldenstein, who curates the program, believes that art is a living breathing experience and strives to create ample opportunities for the public to engage in both art and artists at work. You can find a complete schedule on their website www.GoldensteinArt.com

Patricia A. Griffin has to be one of the most inspiration artists I have met!! I was dining at L’Auberge and came across her at work. She paints amazing portraits of animals in an impressionistic style. Her work is vibrant and full of life - very like this delightful artist. A visiting artist Patricia is represented by Goldenstein Gallery and in addition to L’Auberge her work has been featured at numerous museums throughout the country. I so enjoyed meeting Patricia that I wanted to see more of her work and strolled over to Goldenstein Gallery to see more of her work. The award winning gallery is walking distance from L’Auberge. Every time I visit L’Auberge I am surprised and inspired by the artists I find working there through Goldenstein Gallery’s Artist in Residence program.