The Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre will provide on-screen access to the Mayor's Arts Awards as they are taking place in the Mary D Fisher Theatre. You can still enjoy the pre-event reception and view all the award videos and acceptance speeches on screen as they happen.This signature event will take place Saturday, November 2 from 6-8 pm at the SIFF Theatres, located at 2030 West Highway 89A in Sedona.
The Mayor’s Arts Awards recognizes four categories for exceptional contributions in the development and success of the arts in our community. We are excited to celebrate the 2024 recipients that will be honored. This includes Winnie Muench for Individual, Sedona Visual Artists Coalition for Business/Organization, Chamber Music Sedona for Education and Susan Kliewer for Lifetime Achievement.
Muench, Founder and Executive Director of Sedona Chamber Ballet will be honored for her vision and commitment enriching the arts in Sedona for over a decade. She has brought world class dance performances to our community, as well as nurtured and impacted over 250 students directing The Nutcracker performances. In addition to dance, Muench is recognized for other initiatives that celebrate a wide range of art mediums in film and festivals.
The award for Business/Organization will go to the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition. This organization has been dedicated to the arts for decades, elevating our artist community through education and exhibitions. Their annual notable event is the Open Studios self-guided tours, which invites the public to meet up to 50 artists and view their studios. These tours are widely attended by many locals, art lovers from Arizona and throughout the country.
Chamber Music Sedona has earned the award for Education. For 40+ years CMS has been committed to advancing music in our local schools through education, workshops and concerts. Students learn a range of instruments from baroque to contemporary. World class music teachers offer a string program, which was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. Financial support is also provided for after school classes, enriching many students lives in music arts.
The Lifetime Achievement award will go to sculptor Susan Kliewer, a 55 year Sedona resident with a fascination for the American West. One of her many prominent pieces is the 10 foot sculpture of Sedona Schnebly at the Sedona Library. Kliewer’s outreach includes teaching art for 15 years, serving on Art in Public Places for 16 years and teaching clay classes to cancer patients. Her beautiful sculptures, Julian and Maria will grace the Canyon Drive roundabout.
The evening will include a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are free on a first come first served basis.
Any questions related to this event, please email Arts and Culture Specialist, Nancy Lattanzi at nlattanzi@sedonaaz.gov or call 928-203-5078.