Museum of Northern Arizona — October events at MNA

Do you feel a disturbance in the Force? The long-anticipated exhibition opens this weekend, and costumes are encouraged at both the Member’s Preview Friday night, and the general opening Saturday. Come meet the artists and see HOPI R2 being operated by his creators. Members can also advantage of the double discount days through Saturday! It’s just the beginning, both for this exhibition, and the many fun fall activities at the museum.
Vote for something you love
Now through October 27
The annual Best of Flagstaff voting has begun online and there are many ways to vote for the Museum of Northern Arizona. Under Favorite festivals, select the Hopi Heritage Festival. Vote for the Museum of Northern Arizona as a favorite Flagstaff Attraction, a favorite Live Music Venue and a favorite Non-profit. In the Shopping section, choose the Museum of Northern Arizona as your favorite Native American Jewelry Store. Vote for MNA today!
The Force Is With Our People Artists Panel
October 5, 2 pm
Hear what inspired the artists featured in the new exhibition. Curator Tony Thibodeau will moderate a panel including artist Ryan Singer (Diné), Duane Koyawena (Hopi-Tewa), Shandiin Yessilth (Diné), Jonathan Nelson (Diné), Darby Raymond-Overstreet (Diné), Rod Velarde (Jicarilla-Apache), and Geri Hongeva (Diné). These artists will be discussing their motivations for incorporating Star Wars imagery into their work and why Star Wars has resonated with their culture.
Horticulture Tour: Grasses, Seeds & Asters
October 5, 10 am
Get to know our native plants, particularly grasses and asters. Learn how and why native seed is collected. MNA Horticulturist Jan Busco leads this small group tour around the museum exhibitions building and along the nature trail. This is the final horticulture tour of the season. Advanced tickets required.
Preserving your Families Collections
October 12,10 am-noon at the Pioneer Museum
Archivists from Northern Arizona University, the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Arizona Historical Society, and Lowell Observatory will offer a workshop on preserving family photographs, documents, scrapbooks, and digital records. They will provide a basic overview of archival preservation practices and have some free preservation supplies available for attendees. No reservations required.
An AlterNative History of America
October 14, 2 pm
Ed Kabotie shares an indigenous perspective on American history, through stories and original art and music.Learn about the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, when the Pueblo Nations of New Mexico and Arizona banded together 339 years ago to regain their freedom and liberate their lands.
Behind the Scenes Tour: Archives
October 18, 4 pm
Time travel through the past 90 years of MNA history and hear fascinating stories about the people behind the research. Peruse old photos and gain insights into the care and content of museum archives. Limited to 10 people. Advance tickets required. 
Celebraciones de la Gente
October 26, 10 am-8 pm
October 27, 10 am – 5 pm
This annual Day of the Dead festival is really a celebration of life, full of color, music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances. Rooted in community, this weekend-long event is presented in partnership with Flagstaff’s Nuestras Raíces, who set up ofrendas (altars). See the schedule online.
Pottery Wheel Basics for ages 11 through adult
4-5:30 pm Thursdays, through Nov. 7
Still registering, pro-rated classes available
Learn the basics of wheel-throwing, including how to center, pull up the walls, and form a variety of shapes such as bowls, cups, small vases, pitchers, and more. Class Includes clay, kiln firing (bisque and glaze) and instruction from Arial Chanko. Limited to 8 students and now open to anyone age 11 or older. Sign up by calling Call 928-774-5211 x222
STEAM Second Saturday: Raptors and People
Oct. 12 at 2 pm
Free for members and kids age 9 and under
Join the International Raptor and Falconry Center at the Museum to explore how humans impact raptors and how you can help raptors every day. Enjoy hands-on activities, demonstrations and live raptors. No owls will be used. See the schedule.
Petrified Forest
October 26 at 7:30 am -6:00 pm
$100 members/ $120 nonmembers
This is a great trip for fans of fossils and Arizona’s colorful landscape alike! It includes a special tour of the fossil preparation lab and short hikes to examine fossils in the field. Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online.
Grand Canyon Historic Day Tour
October 28 at 7:00 am -5:30 pm
$125 members/ $150 nonmembers
Join the Sedona Muses and Helen Ranney for a one day visit to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with tours including Historic Buildings, Boats, and the Greenhouse. Lunch, drinks and snacks will be provided and travel will be in 12 passenger vans.
Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online.
Four Grand Day Hikes at the South Rim
May 12-15, 2020
Travel with MNA Ventures to experience the beauty and magnificence of the Grand Canyon with seasoned professional guides/educators Helen Ranney and Lisa Kearsley. Each day we will hike a different trail (6 miles round trip or less) returning to a comfortable hotel in the evening.Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online.
The Force Is With Our People
Opens Oct. 5
Members Preview Oct. 4 (RSVP to membership@musnaz.org)
This is the art you are looking for. This exhibition features work by more than 20 contemporary Native artists who were influenced by Star Wars and explores the reasons Star Wars resonates with them.
Nine 4 Ninety: Artists for a New Era
Ends soon
As part of our 90th year celebrations, this exhibition highlights nine young to midcareer artists who are doing interesting, exploratory work in sculpture, printmaking, fashion design, silverwork, landscape painting, and mixed media. The featured artists will be Melissa Cody, Arlo Namingha, Michael Namingha, Melanie Yazzie, Orlando Dugi, Jason Garcia, Delwyn Tawvaya, Josh Elliott, and Michelle Condrat.
Docent Training
October 23-March 25, 9:30 am-1:00 pm
Become a know-it-all, at least when it comes to the Museum of Northern Arizona. Docents get to learn all about the Colorado Plateau from museum experts, so that they can share that knowledge with visitors. The new Docent training session starts Oct. 23 and will continue most Wednesdays until the graduation on March 25. For more information contact Mari Solidayat (928) 774-5211 x275.
Lovin’ our logo
Even if the MNA logo didn’t represent a beloved institution that celebrates the art and science of the Colorado Plateau, it would be a fine fashion choice because it just looks good. Now available in both women’s and men’s cuts. Come see it and the other t-shirts featured in the shop or online.
Double discounts for members!
Through Saturday MNA members receive an extra discount, on top of their regular 10% discount, on most items in the gift shop. That includes beautiful jewelrylike this Crossing Paths bracelet by Dine’ Artist Jerry Begay.  Also, the annual Rug Sale continues, with many rugs at 20% off! This sale applies to all rugs that are not consigned, both in the store and online.
Ready for fall
When the weather turns chilly, it’s nice to keep a cozy blanket near at hand, for a little extra comfort while lounging in the living room. The commemorative Pendleton blankets looks lovely as it waits to wrap you in woolen warmth. People who have bought the blanket have been sending in photos of how wonderful it looks in their homes. There are a few of these limited edition blankets left.
Select Museum of Northern Arizona to support MNA with every purchase when you buy through Amazonsmile.