Museum of Northern Arizona — October activities at MNA

Message from Mary –

Even epic exhibitions must end. After an amazing year, “The Force Is With Our People” exhibition is in its final month. This exhibition of Native art inspired by Star Wars opened last October to a gallery packed with museum members, Stormtroopers, Ewoks, and Tusken raiders. It went on to receive national and international attention and was recognized with a Viola Award for Excellence in Visual Arts. If you still haven’t seen “The Force Is With Our People” or were meaning to come see it again with friends, I encourage you to come before it closes on October 25.

In response to audience demand, the latest edition of MNA’s Plateau Magazine is a companion publication presenting essays and full color photographs exploring in more depth why ‘Star Wars’ resonates so strongly with Native communities, specifically those in the American Southwest.

Be safe, be well, and may the Force be with you.

Mary Kershaw

Executive Director & CEO

Museum of Northern Arizona

How to visit the museum

Open Thursday-Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm, Last entry 2 pm

Closed Monday-Wednesday

Advance ticketing allows us to limit and control the flow of people through the galleries, keeping the experience safe for all. Wear a mask and bring your own water bottle when you come. Members and kids still get in for free, but do need a ticket. Watch this video to see what you can expect when you visit.

Springs: Grand Canyon’s Hidden Waters

Facebook Live on October 5, 3 pm

The Colorado River carved the primary path through Grand Canyon, but the canyon is also sustained by more than 1,400 springs, one of the highest concentrations of springs in the United States. MNA Curator of Ecology Dr. Larry Stevens will talk about the many springs and their unique and important role in the Grand Canyon ecosystem.

Day of the Dead Decoded: Ofrendas 101

Facebook Live on October 7, 2 pm

A centuries-old tradition, ofrendas are an integral aspect of Day of the Dead. Join members of Nuestras Raices for an interactive discussion of the origins of these ritual alters and the symbolism behind them. To have a loved ones photo included in the community ofrenda at MNA, email ageorge@musnaz.org.

Diné COVID PSA project

Facebook Live on October 12, 2 pm

Doctor and artist Chip Thomas, Diné poet Esther Belin, and community organizer Cassandra Begay will discuss the work of a coalition of artists and grassroot aids organizations that formed in response to Covid-19 on the Navajo Nation. They’ve worked to spread public health information and distribute supplies across the Navajo Nation.

Gardens: A meadow walk and an ofrenda

Facebook Live at noon

We’re coming to the end of the growing season, with just a few more plant talk. Find past presentations on the MNA Facebook page or on the MNA YouTube channel.

October 13 – A walk in Colton Meadows

October 20 – A garden ofrenda

Virtual Grand Canyon Tour

Thursday Nov. 5, at 6 pm

Ticketed online event, $12 for members/ $15 nonmembers

Take a Grand Canyon tour with renowned geologist and long-time river runner Wayne Ranney, all without leaving home! Ranney will share images of the geology, archaeology sites, and waterfalls on the Colorado River. This is a fundraiser to support the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Missed a program? It might be online.

If you miss a live program, you can probably watch the video later. Most MNA programs can be found afterward in the video section of the MNA Facebook page, and some are also available on the MNA YouTube channel. Here are links to recent videos:

Virtual STEAM Saturday: Fossil Day

Saturday Oct. 10 at 2:00 pm via Facebook Live

Learn about fossils and see some of the fossils from the museum collection, then try some fossil related activities at home. STEAM Second Saturdays are being held as virtual events to promote social distancing. Past programs can be found in the video section of the MNA Facebook page under the playlist Family Fridays and STEAM Saturdays.

Family Fridays: Light & Color

First & Third Fridays at 2:30 pm via Facebook Live

MNA educator Mari Soliday presents a short education program on the first and third Fridays of the month. Past programs can be found in the video section of the MNA Facebook page under the playlist Family Fridays and STEAM Saturdays.

Oct. 2 – Light & Color

Oct 16 – Day of the Dead activities

Nov. 6 – Rock Art

The Force Is With Our People

Extended through October 25, 2020

Come experience this exhibition featuring work by more than 20 contemporary Native artists who were influenced by Star Wars. Meet HOPI-R2 and watch a documentary about the making of Navajo Star Wars. Advance tickets are required to visit the museum exhibits, which will be open from Thursday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm.

Day trips

Red Mountain Guided Hike- Oct. 17, 2020

Petrified Forest– Oct. 31, 2020 (FULL)

Geologist Kent Colbath leads these moderate hikes to locations with fascinating geology. Because of Covid, participants will meet at the trailheads and be asked to wear masks.

Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online.

A starry night, captured in glass

This blown glass vase by local artist George Averbeckis a a nod to Flagstaff’s designation as an International Dark Sky City. Averbeck was recently featured on Arizona Highways TV and has been creating one-of-a-kind hand blown glass works of art for more than 40 years. He draws inspiration from the natural world and the landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. Every purchase supports the museum and the artist. These and more are available online and can be shipped or picked up curbside.

Buckle in with style

The bold design of this Badger Paw buckle is typical of the works by Hopi artist Anderson Koinva. Anderson learned Hopi overlay jewelry from his father-in-law, Bernard Dawahoya, who was the master silversmith on the Hopi reservation. Available online or in the shop.