Sedona’s Favorite Art Gallery and Gift Shop

The Village Gallery of Local Artists is delighted to invite art lovers and collectors to view the whimsical, nature-inspired work of felt artist Nancy Axelrod. Axelrod will be our Featured Artist for the month of November 2025, and we will host a reception on Friday, November 7th, from 5 to 8 p.m., to showcase her collection. Join us for light refreshments and the opportunity to meet Axelrod and learn more about her process and inspirations as an artist.

Customers at the Village Gallery convey the delight and wonderment that comes from laying eyes upon Nancy Axelrod’s hand-sewn, felt creations for the first time. They regularly “ooh and ah” over the quirky, long-legged birdies wearing sneakers, or the wide-eyed, wild-haired You-Do dolls (with their button eyes and hair made from colorful yarn), that “help you do what you do.” People often comment on how lifelike they look. Unable to choose just one, customers often approach the counter, clutching an armful of little felt friends.

Inspired by nature, Axelrod designs and hand stitches her colorful array of one-of-a-kind pieces, including small potted cacti with prickly pears, birds, and the dolls. Her collection also features the slightly larger “spirit dolls,” with their starry-sky patterns and sparkly staffs. “I made one for each element and a bling one – because, why not?”

Axelrod uses only wool blend felt from reputable vendors online, not the synthetic felt found in local craft stores. Every dimple, leaf, petal, and bow tie is sculpted to life without a sewing machine. Even as the field has become more computerized and automated, Axelrod has remained devoted to handwork. “I started quilting 30 plus years ago as a hobby, and that gradually evolved into smaller, more portable projects.”

When asked about her favorite piece, she replies, “Actually, each piece I work on is the current favorite. I never truly know how each piece will turn out. . . Having said that, I will always gravitate toward making cactus pieces. They gave me my start and the combinations to put them together are endless.”

And as for her greatest artistic hurdles, “The bigger pieces can be a challenge in both form and palette. When I first started making the prickly pears it took a few to understand. . . how to make sure they weren’t wobbly in the pots. They needed more wiring.”

We invite our Sedona community of art enthusiasts to meet Nancy Axelrod and immerse themselves in a new experience where felt meets nature and imagination. Join us from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 7th. The Village Gallery is located at 6512 State Route 179, in the Village of Oak Creek, and is always accepting applications for unique art and new membership in our cooperative style gallery. For more information, go to sedonalocalartists.com or phone (928) 284-1416.