Some artworks begin not with a landscape, but with a landmark that makes you smile every time you pass it. For me, that landmark was the towering roadrunner sculpture at Sedona’s Morgan Road roundabout. Created by artists Don Kennell and Lisa Adler of DKLA Design, the original steel and metal work stands as a whimsical, larger-than-life greeter for travelers arriving in Sedona. Sedona’s Red Rock Roadrunner celebrates not only the artistry of Kennell and Adler’s sculpture, but also reimagines it in glowing fluorescent acrylics—bringing the bird to life in an entirely new way. I nicknamed him “Morgan,” after the road he stands on, and eventually painted my own interpretation.
In my version, Morgan springs to life in luminous paint. His plumage shifts through electric blues and vivid purples, while the desert trail beneath him winds toward three of Sedona’s icons—Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Castle Rock. The sky bursts with fiery pinks and textured blues, lending the scene a dreamlike atmosphere. It’s a painting that celebrates not just a sculpture, but the Southwest’s spirit itself: playful, resilient, and unmistakably alive.
Fluorescent acrylics allowed me to give Morgan a dual soul. In daylight, his feathers gleam with saturated hues, bright and electric. But under black light, the original reveals its hidden side. The pigments ignite, edges sharpen, and a gentle 3-D glow lifts Morgan off the canvas. Collectors often remark that it feels like the bird is striding right out of the frame, ready to run through Sedona’s red desert.
Roadrunners themselves are symbols of wit, speed, and adaptability—qualities that suit Sedona’s energy perfectly. They dart across desert roads with humor and resilience, much like the people who live and create here. In my painting, Morgan embodies that personality. He’s not just a bird; he’s a character, a guide, and a reminder that art can be joyful as well as reverent.
As with many of my pieces, I tucked hidden hearts into the desert forms—small cairns of love waiting for those who take time to look. They are reminders that even playful works carry depth, and that connection is always part of the story.
Sedona’s Red Rock Roadrunner quickly became a favorite among collectors, chosen for its ability to bring humor, color, and energy into a room. Canvas gallery wraps, luminous metal prints, and giclée art prints preserve its vibrancy, allowing Morgan’s spirit to brighten homes far beyond Arizona. Though only the original carries the full black light transformation, each reproduction retains the energy and color that make the piece feel alive.
Within my “Top Nine” collection, Morgan plays an important role. Where Pure Joy captures awe and gratitude, and Cathedral Moon embodies reverence, the Roadrunner adds humor and playfulness. He shares DNA with Coyote’s Lunar Serenade, another work that balances the mystical with the playful. Together, these works remind us that Sedona’s beauty is not only sacred—it’s spirited, too.
Why does Morgan resonate so strongly? I believe it’s because he reflects something universal. He is whimsical yet grounded, humorous yet monumental. Travelers who see the real sculpture smile and take photos. Collectors who see my painting feel the same spark—that art can be fun, lighthearted, and still deeply connected to place.
For me, Sedona’s Red Rock Roadrunner is more than a painting of a bird or a sculpture. It’s a celebration of Sedona’s landmarks, its trails, its humor, and its ability to welcome everyone with open arms. It’s proof that joy belongs in art as much as reverence does.
Explore Morgan and the full Top Nine collection here