The Sedona Arts Center announced last week that it recently received more than $32,000 in grants from local and state organizations.

The center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, said the money will help further its mission of furthering the creative life of Sedona and the cultural identity of Northern Arizona. That includes arts education programs, gallery exhibitions and annual events, the center said in a news release.

The city of Sedona contributed $20,000 in support of the center's programming. Other contributions came from the Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona, in support of digital arts and other programs, and the Arizona Commission on the Arts, for general operations.

"We serve tens of thousands of people each year with classes, exhibitions, festivals and cultural programs that are homegrown for the Verde Valley," said Kath Gilliam, president of the arts center's board. " Generous funding and new support like this is helping Sedona Arts Center grow our creative community."

The center also announced last week that Eric Holowacz will be its new executive director. Holowacz's 25-year career in the arts includes stops in New Zealand, South Carolina, Florida and Louisiana, where he served as chief executive of the Arts Council in Baton Rouge before moving to Sedona.

Holowacz replaces Pam Frazier, who recently retired after three years as Sedona Arts Center director.

The center has plenty to offer visitors, so check out its website and plan a trip up to Red Rock Country today. Have dinner at Elote Café while you're at it (but get there early).

Photo courtesy of Sedona Arts Center