Museum of Northern Arizona — Upcoming events and exhibitions

Message from Mary –   Audience research shows that visiting museums is largely a social event. People come to museums with family and friends. Sharing the experience of art and culture opens new conversations and creates shared memories. With Valentine’s Day approaching, you may be thinking about how to treat that special someone in your life, or looking to find a way to make a new connection with someone you fancy. Why not bring them to the Museum of Northern Arizona where you can enjoy engaging exhibitions and displays together? There is something for everyone in our galleries and in our temporary art exhibitions. Searching for a Bigger Subject explores the expansive landscapes of the Grand Canyon and Mount Everest, while The Force Is With Our People showcases imaginative works by Native American artists in response to Star Wars. And before you go, stop by the museum shop to pick up a memento of a special visit.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona
Public Meeting: Conservation of MNA Land
Sunday, Feb. 16, 2:00 pm
Learn more about efforts to set aside 90 acres of MNA Land through permanent conservation easements. So far donors have been found to support the preservation of 36 acres, and the board members are actively seeking more conservation-minded donors for the remaining 54 acres. This public meeting will be held in the MNA Branigar-Chase Auditorium and is open to all.
Science Poster Viewing
Saturday, Feb. 22, 1-4:00 pm
MNA research associates work on a variety of interesting projects, from investigations of rock art to digital archives of arthropods to studies of the prehistoric paths of streams. Come see some of this research presented as science posters and get the opportunity to meet some of the researchers.
From Sacred Clay – Artistic Expressions in Puebloan Pottery
Thursday, March 9, 6:30 pm
Mary D. Fisher Theatre, Sedona
Native American pottery artist Jennifer Tafoya and gallery owner Charles King discuss the nature of Puebloan clays and the process of sgraffito, a decorative technique Tafoya uses to embellish her pottery. Tickets are $8 for members/ $10 for non-members. Reserve a seat at sedonafilmfestival.com.
Register now : Spring Break STEAM Camp
Monday-Friday, March 16-20
This day camp for kids ages 5-12 runs during the FUSD spring break. From 9 am – 4 pm campers will be engaged in a variety of art & science projects, outdoor activities, and field trips with educator Lorie Cavalli and guest artists. See details
STEAM Second Saturday: Archaeology Day
Saturday, March 14, 2 pm
Local archaeologists and demonstrators will be at MNA for an afternoon of exploring how prehistoric people lived. Try out ancient technology and weapons and create your own pinch pot. Part of Archaeology Awareness month. The STEAM Second Saturday is included with museum admission and open to kids of all ages.
Last weekend, ends Monday, Feb. 17
The eminent landscape painter Tony Foster is well-known for embarking on long journeys to paint incredible scenes in watercolor. For this series he went even farther, from the world’s vastest canyon to the world’s tallest mountain. The journey juxtaposes the greatest of all wild landscapes—the Grand Canyon (USA) and Mount Everest (Nepal and Tibet).
The Force Is With Our People
Extended through Monday, May 25
Whether you’re a Star Wars fan, an art lover, or interested in Native cultures, this exhibition has something to engage everyone. The 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. It includes fine art, jewelry, pottery, and a full-size robot. Learn more here. Teachers can email the tour coordinator about special school group visits.
Friday, April 10, 2020
Join experienced river guide and instructor, Derik Spice, for a day long paddle adventure in an inflatable kayak or a stand-up paddleboard down a gentle section of Arizona’s Wild and Scenic River. This unique riparian habitat offers stunning scenery, a variety of fish and wildlife, and beautiful bedrock canyons. Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
The West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon contains one of our rare Arizona streams that flow year-round. As such, it is an excellent location to explore riparian ecosystems, landscape evolution, and the role of groundwater on the Colorado Plateau. This trip is also timed for the warbler migration, so it is a great opportunity for birdwatching.Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online.
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Slate Mountain is a small, extinct volcanic dome. The 5- mile trail to the top spirals around the mountain, providing views of the San Francisco Peaks Volcanic Field as it progresses through three of our four forest life zones. In early May we may see wildflowers at the base of the mountain. Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online.
Explore the Grand Canyon
Sign up for one of these multi-day trips to hike or raft the Grand Canyon with expert guides. An unforgettable adventure in the Canyon makes a memorable gift. Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online.
Something special for your Valentine
The Museum Shop is filled with lovingly crafted objects as unique and special as your loved ones. The Heart Doll Ornaments crafted by Audrey Joe have hand-painted faces, beaded necklaces and the traditional Diné tsiiyéel hairstyle. Any girl would cherish this token of love…especially if it comes with a heart-shaped ring, bracelet, or earrings. Find these and more in the Museum Shop or online.
Select Museum of Northern Arizona to support MNA with every purchase when you buy through Amazonsmile.