Southwestern Art & Architecture Vacations

Through artists such as Georgia O'Keefe and Eliot Porter, the Southwest landscape has come alive for travelers who have never had the opportunity to visit this rugged region. Art lovers interested in learning more about the region that has attracted so many world class artists will find full itineraries.

An excellent base for art tours is the city of Sedona. Known for its red rock beauty, Sedona is a city surrounded by towering sandstone splendor, making it easy to see why it inspired so many artists. Located in central Arizona about two hours from Phoenix and two and a half hours from Grand Canyon, Sedona is an excellent base for Arizona day trips, but it is also home to plenty of attractions of its own.

Although settlers first arrived over 120 years ago, Sedona was rediscovered in 1950 when surrealist painter Max Ernst drew the attention of the art world to the community. Soon, other painters followed, the Cowboy Artists of America was organized, and Sedona became recognized as a center of Southwestern art. Today over 200 artists call Sedona home, and visitors can select from over 40 galleries.

Even if the two of you have never before visited Sedona, your arrival here may be accompanied by a case of deja vu thanks to the big screen. Movie makers were attracted by the natural formations found at sites such as Red Rock State Park and Slide Rock State Park. Today couples can admire the terrain on back country guided jeep tours, helicopter tours, or even aboard hot air balloons.

From Sedona, it's an easy trip south to the nation's seventh largest city: Phoenix. This bustling metropolis has seen a cultural rebirth of its own and now boasts several new multi-million dollar projects. The city has long been known as the home of The Phoenix Art Museum (602/257-1880), with a collection of over 13,000 works of art, and the Heard Museum (602/252-8840), home of an extensive collection of Native American art.

Lower prices are also found in the many communities surrounding Phoenix such as Mesa, Chandler, and Tempe. Other coujples head to the surrounding communities for a taste of their art scene, especially in Scottsdale, home of 120 galleries, studios, and museums . The Convention and Visitors Bureau suggests a full day of art activities in the Scottsdale area along, starting with a visit to Cosanti (800-752-3187), approximately 15 minutes from downtown on Doubletree Ranch Road. This Arizona Historic Site is a complex of concrete structures designed by architect Paolo Soleri. Here shoppers can purchase the renown bronze windbells made at the site.

From Cosanti, couples head to Taliesin West (602-860-2700), about 20 minutes away, to tour Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and studio. Set in the Sonoran Desert, the home uses native materials and sports beautiful views.

After a lunch at the Scottsdale Art and Shopping District, the two of you can spend the afternoon seeking out their own favorite artworks at the Main Street Arts and Antiques District and the art galleries of the Marshall Way Arts District. After a dinner break travelers often head to a dance or theater performance at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts.

Another hotspot for Southwest art aficionados is Santa Fe, New Mexico. Nicknamed "the City Different," both visual and performing arts shine in Santa Fe. Hundreds of businesses showcase the work of local artisans while more than 20 performing arts groups entertain audiences. World-class productions are offered by the Santa Fe Opera (505/986-5955), whose performances are held in an outdoor amphitheater in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

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Photo: Sedona; iStockphoto.com