The city of Sedona invites the public to attend its next artist reception to view the “Fur & Fiber” exhibit on Thursday, June 2, 2022, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the City Council chambers and Vultee Conference Room at City Hall. This exhibit celebrates the work of digital painter Robert Albrecht and fiber artist Shirley Eichten Albrecht. Special music guest will be critically acclaimed artist, William Eaton, New Age guitarist and luthier.
Albrecht spent many years as a professional photographer in the commercial and fashion industry. He always had a passion for creating the beautiful, the creative and the memorable with his special love for animals. “After I found my expression in digital painting, it was wonderful that I could demonstrate my love for animals and wildlife in this exciting new medium and still utilize my love for photography,” said Albrecht. He hand paints his subject matter using this new technology, carrying this technique into his classic pet portraits. His rich, classic style exemplifies his belief that all animals have a heart, soul and feelings, which is what he projects in his paintings.
Eichten Albrecht started her craft in 1987 creating traditional baskets. When the couple moved to Sedona in 2001, Native American designs began to influence her work. Currently she specializes in figurative pieces, which incorporate raku pottery, deer antlers, beads, geodes, needle weaving and semiprecious stones. Her gourd pieces take on a life of their own during the creative process. “Gourds just speak to me and the sculptures are very organic. I don’t plan out each design. It is intuitive and meditative. Sometimes a gourd will sit in my studio for a year before I decide what I’m going to do with it,” said Eichten Albrecht. She is a member of Missouri Basketweavers Guild and National Basketry Organization and past president of the Sedona Gallery Association, as well as the Verde Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild. Her work is represented at Rowe Gallery. The couple are members of the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition.
“I am delighted to exhibit Robert and Shirley’s work together at City Hall. Robert’s talent for capturing the essence of the animals he paints is palpable. His generously donated digital painting portraying Max, the city’s police dog, will also be on display. Shirley’s seasoned basketry skills are evident in the detail she puts into all her naturally woven pieces. I recommend coming June 2nd to meet and greet the artists and to view Shirley’s extended body of work, since her more delicate pieces will only be on display at the reception,” said Arts and Culture Coordinator Nancy Lattanzi.
More information
The City Hall Art Rotation Program exhibits are located in the Council Chambers, as well as the gallery in the Vultee Conference Room on the city campus at 102 Roadrunner Dr. Viewings outside of the reception are available by appointment only. This exhibit runs through September 7, 2022. To schedule an appointment, or for more information on the City Hall Art Rotation Program, please contact Lattanzi at 928-203-5078 orNLattanzi@SedonaAZ.gov.
