John Spannagel
Painter, Teacher and Musician

John's Biography

Born and raised in scenic Alamosa, Colorado, John Spannagel has spent the majority of his life in the arts and entertainment industry. John graduated from Adams State College in 1973 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. While studying drawing and painting he also earned a double major in the Performing Arts, Classical and Flamenco Guitar. After college he taught fretted instruments to people of all ages, both privately and as a faculty member at his alma mater. John has performed in numerous bands, sharing the stage with such music icons as John Conlee, Marshall Tucker, Doug Kershaw and Michael Martin Murphy. He was also the opening act for the legendary western band, Sons of the Pioneers, in 2002 at the then-newly-completed Sedona Cultural Park's Georgia Frontiere Performing Arts Pavilion. These days, you'll often find John at various local venues in Sedona Arizona, entertaining residents and visitors alike as he enjoys strumming and singing with other Sedona musicians.

In regard to the visual arts, John Spannagel became a design artist and later the general manager for an art gallery in Breckenridge, CO. In 1994, John moved to Sedona and was soon painting professionally. Numerous pieces quickly added to his notoriety including a 30 x 40 inch painting commissioned by Jake Weber, owner of the IGA Food & Drug Store in the Village of Oak Creek. Then, in 1998, John Spannagel successfully completed a 144 square-foot painting of Bell Rock that can be seen just outside The Sedona Trading Post in VOC. Titled, Like a Rock, this painting led to a 90-foot long, five-foot high wall that runs parallel to Route 179 at the same location. In this project, entitled Art--The Golden Thread of Life, John utilized his signature style--a thread of golden metallic paint woven throughout the piece--to provide a physical connection to the elements spanning the history of art from ancient Egypt to the present and beyond. The mural is now a local Sedona landmark.

John Spannagel is known, as well, for his passionate interest in furthering artistic awareness, education and opportunity for children. He believes that by supporting such events as 'The Sedona Taste', an annual major fund-raiser for the Boys and Girls Club, he "...can help provide opportunities for kids to be exposed to art and music and perhaps contribute in some way to a youngster's budding artistic passion." John Spannagel has donated, over the years, both his time and artwork to this valuable and heartfelt cause.

More recently nominated for the prestigious 'State of Arizona Governor's Art Award' by the 'Arizona Commission on the Arts', and 'Arizonan's for Cultural Development', John Spannagel's work has been recognized to be among the best and most creative contributions to this state. His art can be found in numerous fine art galleries throughout the Southwest and in private collections around the world. In addition to these, John is proud to show at many public displays including the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in Leadville, Colorado.

John Spannagel also takes great pleasure in meeting with visitors to Spiritwind Art Gallery where he frequently demonstrates on the weekends. You'll often find him on our beautiful patio, striking up conversation, making new friends and, for those drawn to purchase one of his paintings, adding personal meaning to the moment. "Most people," he says, "love to meet the artist and I take great joy, however brief, in each relationship." John explains, "I feel like I'm experiencing a kind of second childhood with regard to my painting, with the freedom of imagination and creative expression I enjoy so very much." All of us at Spiritwind Art Gallery in Sedona share that enjoyment as we're honored to share the same with you.