Full Circle: From Childhood Memories to Artist Journey in Sedona

Growing up in northern Arizona, Sedona was our family's quick getaway spot. Just an hour down the switchbacks and we'd be in a warmer world with those amazing red rocks. Weekend picnics, family hikes, and visits to my step-grandparents who retired there were regular parts of my childhood.

As a teenager, those family trips turned into adventures with friends. We must have driven down to cool off in Oak Creek hundreds of times. Those hot summer days spent at Red Rock Crossing were some of the best - jumping off rocks, sunbathing, and feeling that wonderful sense of freedom that comes with being young in a beautiful place.

When I had my own family, Dino and I naturally took our daughters down to Sedona too. Family traditions continued with our kids splashing in the same creek spots I'd enjoyed decades before. Holiday hikes, summer swims, special occasions - Sedona was always there for us.

And now at 60, I have exciting news to share - I'm officially an artist at the Sedona Artist Market & Gallery! I find myself driving that same canyon road, but now with a completely new purpose. Having my art displayed in Sedona - a place long recognized as one of Arizona's defining art communities - feels both surprising and perfectly right. Every trip down the mountain combines that familiar feeling of "going to Sedona" with the thrill of seeing my own paintings hanging in a gallery in this special artistic community that I've loved my entire life.

Ruth at SAM Gallery

My wonderful space at the Sedona Artist Market & Gallery in West Sedona.

I have to laugh when I think about it. That young girl who just wanted to escape the Flagstaff cold never would have guessed she'd someday be setting up her paintings in a Sedona gallery. Life has a funny way of connecting the dots in ways we don't expect.

I'd love to see you at the Sedona Artist Market & Gallery during the First Friday of each month from 12-3 pm. I’ll be demonstrating my process with work in progress and would enjoy catching up in this beautiful space.

Is there a place that's shown up in different chapters of your own life? I'd love to hear about it when I see you!

Sedona, Arizona

One of my favorite Sedona views.


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When Nature Says No, But Art Says Yes