Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, from left, former Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans and artist Shonto Begay were among the honorees of the Culture Connections AZ’s “The Faces of Flagstaff” exhibit. Photos by Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ.com
Artwork also honored variety of community members including Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, artist Shonto Begay.
FLAGSTAFF — Former Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans, tattoo artist Dan Duke and Arizona Daily Sun photographer Jake Bacon were honored at Culture Connection AZ’s “The Faces of Flagstaff” opening art exhibition on July 28 in Flagstaff.
The trio were recognized by the creation of three large wood-cut images created by local artist Eric Kruse. Others honored with smaller images included: Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, Michael Marquess, JoeBob Armstrong, Marian Armstrong, Lee Born, Kayley Quick, Cindy Payne, Gillian Ferris, Brad Dimock, Jessica Van Zijll, Shonto Begay, Cecily Maniaci, Brian Dierker, Joni Pevarnik and Matt Ziegler!
Local artist Eric Kruse and former Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans.
The Faces of Flagstaff will be viewable through the end of August during regular business hours at the Historic Ice House, 201 E. Birch Ave in downtown Flagstaff.
Kruse is partnering with Culture Connection AZ, a nonprofit organization in downtown Flagstaff and dedicated to connecting people of different cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences, to present The Faces of Flagstaff. The exhibit features community leaders and those who have shaped Flagstaff through their commitment to making a positive impact in our community.
“The idea for Faces of Flagstaff sprang forth from my desire to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of local personalities,” Kruse said. “Through my hand carved wooden art portraits, I aim to honor and celebrate these extraordinary individuals.”
“I was so excited when Eric approached me and shared his idea for this exhibition. It matches perfectly with our organization’s mission to uplift the community through meaningful connection. There are so many “unsung heroes” who dedicate countless hours to making Flagstaff a great place, and we hope to honor that work through this exhibition,” said Culture Connection AZ’s Executive Director Audra Travelbee.
The event featured live music from 69 Hippies, beverages from Mother Road Brewery, and food from Pita Jungle. All proceeds from the event went to supporting Culture Connection AZ’s efforts to continue providing opportunities to local artists and other members of the community.
For more information, contact Audra Travelbee at 928-440-3561 or audra@cultureconnectionaz.org
Also see: Arizona Daily Sun — “Carving out connections for Flagstaff’s community”
Tattoo artist Dan Duke, left speaks about the wood artwork created by Eric Kruse.
Arizona Daily Sun photographer Jake Bacon, right, admires the artwork by local Artist Eric Kruse.
Culture Connection AZ’s Executive Director Audra Travelbee opens “The Faces of Flagstaff” exhibit.
Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez.
The “69 Hippies” entertained the crowd.
Artist Shonto Begay and tattoo artist Dan Duke share a moment at “The Faces of Flagstaff.”