On August 1, the walls of the Jerome Artists Cooperative will be adorned with visions of the open highway. Michele Cokl Naylor unveils her new mixed-media show, “Arizona Road Trip,” recalling carefree adventures and simpler times.

The show is a journey down memory lane, capturing the essence of family vacations and youthful summers. It’s all here, the scenery, sense of discovery, kitschy roadside culture, even backseat games to keep the kids busy. The imaginative display is filled with color and humor.  

Naylor also creates small dioramas called Tiny Art in a Tin. She utilizes vintage Cracker Jack and gumball prizes along with old maps, road signs, advertisements, gum wrappers, game pieces, cacti, and more, evoking childhood memories.

“Arizona Road Trip” opens Saturday, August 1, with a special reception from 4 to 7 p.m. Naylor will be present to discuss her work. Refreshments will be served and the early rock and roll soundtrack will have the joint jumping. The event will be part of the popular Jerome Art Walk, which includes several participating shops and galleries. “Arizona Road Trip” runs through September 29.

The Jerome Artists Cooperative is located at 502 Main Street in downtown Jerome. For more information: 928-639-4276, www.jeromecoop.com.

Learn more about Michele Cokl Naylor at www.michelecoklnaylor.com.

Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition (SVAC) is comprised of professional and emerging artists from Sedona and the entire Verde Valley. The group works in a broad variety of mediums and processes. I will have my wall art, glasses cases, greeting cards and some new tiny art in tins.

The Face of Friendship - the opening reception is March 6 from 4-6 p.m.

The Small Works exhibition that will run from December 6-22 is our Element of Celebration!  This show’s intention is to make art more accessible to first time buyers, holiday shoppers and seasoned collectors, alike.

I will have two of my pieces in this show. There will be a reception for the show on Friday, December 6, 2024 4p-6pm.

The exhibition presents the work of two women from vastly different backgrounds who come together to celebrate the wonders of the state. Michele Cokl Naylor grew up in a small Indiana town, moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she continued making art before landing on the other side of the country. Here the vivid Arizona landscapes enhanced her passion for colorful paintings and mixed media canvases.

Birgitta Lapides traveled halfway around the world, drawn to Arizona’s shining light. Born in Sweden, Lapides lived and worked for many years in southern France on the Mediterranean producing and selling her hand-woven and hand-painted garments. By 1996, she was living in Arizona and creating stunning collage paintings.

Sedona Artists Open Studios Tour is FREE | April 28-30 | 10-5 pm each day. For a map and more information please visit https://sedonaartistscoalition.org/