Tag: Museum of Northern Arizona

April at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • April 4, 2024 • Comments Off

There is something very special about seeing a new exhibition come together in a gallery after months of planning. Our latest exhibition is no exception, and over the past few weeks, I have enjoyed seeing Horse and Rider: A Southwest Story transform from ideas on paper to a new exhibition in the gallery, drawn entirely from works in the MNA collection. The show delves deep into the timeless bond between Indigenous people and horses, weaving together artwork, cultural artifacts, and stories. What makes this exhibit even more remarkable is the invaluable contribution of wisdom shared by our Dine, Hopi, and Zuni consultants.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces / Museum of Northern Arizona among finalists named for 2024 Viola Awards by Creative Flagstaff

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2024 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raices & the Museum of Northern Arizona: 20th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente has been selected as a 2024 Viola Awards Finalists for the Excellence in Collaboration category by Creative Flagstaff.

The winners of the category will be announced on March 23, 2024 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Flagstaff.

The 20th anniversary annual Celebraciones de la Gente — Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival was held Oct. 21, 22 at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

The event, a partnership between Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona, featured the return of the the ever-popular InTlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers, Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, El Charro Bohemia, sugar skull and other workshops, and the display of nearly two dozen ofrendas/altars in the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard.

February at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2024 • Comments Off

Message from Mary –

I often consider February a month of transition, when winter shows a mighty beauty, but we long to see what spring will bring. Now is an ideal time to enjoy the warmth of the museum and explore Selling the Southwest. MNA’s newest exhibit unveils idyllic portrayals of unspoiled landscapes – artworks commissioned to lure visitors to enchanting, unfamiliar lands. It tells a story of transition, one that would bolster early tourism, impact southwestern culture and art for generations, and influence the lives of Indigenous peoples. The exhibit showcases works by Thomas Moran, William Robinson Leigh, Louis Akin, Arthur W. Best, and Gunnar Widforss, as well as pottery, jewelry, and textiles by Native artisans from that period.

January 2024 at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • January 2, 2024 • Comments Off

Message from Mary –

As we all enter a new year and recover from the holidays, remember that a visit to the museum is a warm and welcome escape from winter. Come on a blustery day to enjoy the lush beauty of Tony Foster: Watercolour Diaries from the Green River. Visit alone when you need some calm and quiet or come with a friend for a social outing that prompts thoughtful discussion. No matter when you come or whom you visit with, museums are proven to be good for you, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and connecting you to the wonders of the world. A visit to MNA is a great way to start the new year!

Museum of Northern Arizona — Give the Gift of Learning & Discovery

by Community Contributor • November 27, 2023 • Comments Off

Your support is critical to growing and sustaining MNA’s work. In 2023, we:

Opened three new exhibitions;
Welcomed nearly 2,000 students on school visits;
Shared the MNA collections with hundreds of members of the public;
Provided over 200 researchers with in-depth access to collections;
Hosted numerous educational events that connect visitors with the art, science, and culture of the Colorado Plateau through authentic experiences;
And so much more!

November at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Message from Mary –

November is Native American Heritage Month, an opportunity to spread awareness of Indigenous history and contemporary Native issues. At the Museum of Northern Arizona we share and celebrate the Indigenous peoples of the Colorado Plateau year-round, both in our exhibitions and through special programs. This month we have a panel discussion about Indigenous foods with a Diné chef and a performance by a group of young Native dancers who have earned international recognition. Both programs are rooted in tradition while being contemporary and relevant – an appropriate reflection of Indigenous peoples and culture today.

A visit to the Museum is always a good way to learn about Native American Heritage, this month and year-round.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces says ‘Thank You’ to everyone who supported and attended the 20th Annual Anniversary of Celebraciones de la Gente on Oct. 21-22, 2023 at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by AmigosNAZ.com • October 27, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces this week offered a big THANK YOU to everyone who supported and attended the 20th anniversary annual Celebraciones de la Gente — Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 22.

This year’s event featured the return of the ever-popular InTlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers and Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff performing on both days of the festival in the Branigar/Chase Discovery Center, along with daily performances in the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard by El Charro Bohemia.

The 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente was supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Premier Sponsors include Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and APS. Celebraciones presented in partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona.

The event celebrated the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American and Latin@ communities in Northern Arizona at this annual fall event, which will include music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances.

Community members learn about Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas, customs during ‘Ofrenda 101’ and ‘Halloween vs. Día de los Muertos’ presentations at the Flagstaff Public Library

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Library patrons had the opportunity to learn about Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas, the meaning behind items on a family altar and other cultural customs honoring the dearly departed during a session presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raices at the Flagstaff Public Library on Oct. 5.

In preparation for its 20th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 21-22, Flagstaff Nuestras Raices has been presenting a series of information lectures for Coconino County employees and patrons at the Camp Verde Public Library.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raices President Lydia Anaya and treasurer Becca DeLapp presented the “Ofrenda 101” session, creating a temporary ofrenda in the library’s Community Room.
They presented information about the meaning behind the use of colored candles, marigold flowers, water, salt, and your loved ones favorite foods.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces takes trip south to teach Ofrenda 101 lesson at Camp Verde Community Library — Presentation reported in the Camp Verde Journal. Click here to see the entire story

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — In preparation for upcoming Dia de Los Muertos celebrations in the region, members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces took a road trip south to teach an “Ofrenda 101” workshop at the Camp Verde Community Library on Sept. 15.

Community parents and children learned the basics of creating an ofrenda / altar, the placement of colored candles, family photos, favorite foods and other items on an ofrenda.

The library, which created its own ofrenda, is presenting a series of workshops and programs ahead of the annual Dia de Los Muertos Celebration from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 at the Phillip England Community Arts Center, 210 Camp Lincoln Road, Camp Verde

September at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2023 • Comments Off

Message from Mary –

The Museum of Northern Arizona turned 95 last week, but we’re not stopping to reminisce about the past. There is too much to look forward to this month, with a new exhibition opening, a harvest festival and market in the garden, the launching of a new series of talks on cultural appropriation, and a free day at the museum as part of the Festival of Science.

So many of the events this month reflect MNA’s many community collaborations. For the exhibition Seeing People Through Trees: A Human History of the Forest we worked with Coconino National Forest, NAU School of Forestry, Fort Valley Experimental Forest, and Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. For a third year, Flagstaff Foodlink organized the Harvest Festival and Indigenous Farmers Market at the Colton Garden. We’re partnering closely with the Sedona Arts Center to put together the series of panels on appropriation. And of course Flagstaff Festival of Science is a longstanding community event.

When MNA opened 95 years ago, many of those other organizations didn’t exist. It’s wonderful to be part of an institution that has been a foundation of the cultural life of Flagstaff for so long, and continues to be integral to the community.

Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona

August at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2023 • Comments Off

This month you have the opportunity to gain unique insights into the museum Easton Collection Center, from a talk about living roof this weekend to an open house on August 26. During that open house, we’re rolling out the rug for you, quite literally – the Staples rug. This large, double-sided rug was last displayed in 2017. Because of its size and age (more than 130 years old) the rug is difficult to display, but also a remarkable example of Navajo weaving.

I hope you join us for this opportunity to see not only the Staples rug, but also our beautiful collections facility and some of the other spectacular objects we care for.

There’s so much more going on this month I can’t mention it all, but be sure to scroll through this entire email to see the upcoming talks, Ventures trips, art classes, and more.

June at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2023 • Comments Off

NOTE NEW DATES for 2023: We are counting down the days to one of the biggest events of the year – the Heritage Festival of Art and Culture. This year the festival will be on June 24 and 25. We moved the date in response to artists and attendees who overwhelmingly agreed that moving away from the busy 4th of July weekend would be better for everyone.

I am so excited that this festival brings together Indigenous artists from across the Colorado Plateau, the only such festival that I know of. These artists will all share and celebrate their cultures from under the shade of tents among the tall pines surrounding the museum. What a beautiful setting! In addition to over 100 artists from 10 different tribes, highlights include flute workshops with Aaron White, a presentation by fashion designer Patricia Michaels, as well as performances by the Zuni Water Striders, Dilzehe’e, Apache Singers, and Yoyhoyam Hopi Youth Dancers. I am looking forward to an exciting an inspiring weekend! I hope to see you at the Heritage Festival, and at the museum.

May at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2023 • Comments Off

This week Museum members came to see the new Designed to Move exhibition, and I had the joy of watching their delight. In stunning photographs by Taylor James, seeds are enlarged and lustrous. Poppy seeds resemble bumpy planets. The fluff on willow and clematis seeds glows. One young boy shook a seedpod and exclaimed “Dad, it’s nature’s music!”

Indeed, this exhibition reveals the music, art, and engineering within these essential but often overlooked parts of our world. It’s a revelation, and a reminder of how easy it is to take for granted things that enrich our lives.

Museum of Northern Arizona Virtual Auction Closes Today at 12 pm (MST)

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2023 • Comments Off

This morning is your last chance to bid on unique experiences through the MNA Virtual Auction. The auction closes today (Wednesday, 4/19) at 12 pm (MST).

We are grateful to the many individuals and businesses who have generously donated their time and services to benefit MNA, and we are grateful to you for your enthusiastic bidding!

The experiences below are just a few of the many items you can bid on before noon. Happy bidding!

April at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2023 • Comments Off

There needs to be a word to refer to the vibrant cultural community we are part of, in the same way we can refer to an ecosystem. Like organisms in an ecosystem, the many arts organizations in Flagstaff interact and create a stronger, more vibrant place for us all to thrive. That’s why this month’s Museum News includes upcoming events put on by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestraand Theatrikos Theatre Company. We often work together with these and other arts organizations and decided to reach out to our mailing lists together. Strengthening existing partnerships and broadening our engagement with the community is all part of MNA’s Strategic Plan.

March at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2023 • Comments Off

March certainly arrived like a lion. Beautiful as all this snow is, I’m looking forward to some more lamb-like weather and eventually some spring flowers. While we may not see those flowers until April or May, we have lots to look forward to at the Museum this month, including fun activities for kids during spring break next week. It’s another example of our efforts to broaden our engagement with visitors and the community, as identified in our Strategic Plan.

This is also the final month for the exhibition Baje Whitethorne Sr: Náátsʼíilid/Rainbow Light, which has been nominated for a Viola Award in Visual Art. If you haven’t seen it yet, come in to enjoy a burst of vibrant color by one of Flagstaff’s preeminent artists. Then come back on March 25 for a closing event to celebrate Baje and this marvelous exhibition, which was curated by another Viola honoree – Alan Petersen.

February at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2023 • Comments Off

Snow transformed the museum campus last month and each day the sculptural spires of ice hanging from the eaves drip, extend, and even bend in the wind. While nature paints the landscape white, within the museum we have art in a full spectrum of colors, from the rich abstract landscapes of Joella Mahoney to Baje Whitethorne’s rainbow-hued skies and cliffs.

Visiting the museum is a warm respite from the cold outside, and I encourage you to visit us to enjoy our galleries and exhibitions. Winter is my favorite time at the museum because the galleries are often quiet and can be experienced at whatever pace a visitor wishes. I love to spend time in front of favorite works of art or displays to really take them in, and sometimes see them from a new perspective.

Sept. 17 — Sedona Arts Center, MNA to present ‘Moving from Appropriation to Authenticity ‘ at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2023 • Comments Off

Sedona Arts Center (SAC) and the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) announce their collaboration to bring a series of panel discussions to the region on the topic of appropriation of Indigenous art and culture with funding provided by Arizona Humanities.

The three panel discussions are scheduled for:
September 17, 2 PM at the MNA; November 5, 2 PM at the MNA; and January 21, 2024, 2 PM at SAC.

This series of panel discussions complements the Arizona Humanities’ mission in several ways. The talks aim to expand the audience’s understanding of what constitutes authentic Indigenous art versus art that has appropriated aspects of Indigenous culture, and to create deeper connections between artist, culture, and community. By contextualizing the role of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board and the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, the boundaries of Indigenous artists’ intellectual property and agency over representation will be explored. By framing each discussion with questions that attendees can adopt in their evaluation of how to engage with Indigenous cultures and art, an enhanced knowledge will foster their ability to appreciate and differentiate authentic representation from appropriation. Panelists will be a diverse complement of Native and non-Native experts, representing a mix of traditional, contemporary, accepted, and challenged perspectives on Indigenous representation.

January 2023 at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2022 • Comments Off

Message from Mary –
I hope you are enjoying the holiday season and are keeping safe and warm in the beautiful winter snow here in Flagstaff. As the new year approaches, I am filled with anticipation for what 2023 will bring and am hopeful it will offer energizing and inspiring times for us all.

Here at MNA we’re excited to be heading into the new year with a wonderful new exhibition – Vast Lands, Inner Visions: The Art of Joella Jean Mahoney – and lots of great ideas for 2023. We worked hard in 2022 to complete a new plan for MNA, and we will begin implementing it in earnest is 2023. You can find more information about that here: https://musnaz.org/about/strategic-plan/

December at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • November 30, 2022 • Comments Off

As a Holiday gift to our communities, we are opening the museum this Saturday and Sunday with free admission during our Winter Art Market on December 3rd and 4th. If you haven’t been to the museum for a while, this is a wonderful opportunity to come enjoy the exhibitions, let the kids make seasonal crafts, and buy a few unique gifts from Indigenous artists.

For later this month, we’re also preparing a new exhibition – Vast Land, Inner Visions: The Art of Joella Jean Mahoney. This retrospective of a prominent regional artist is full of color and energy, and a beautiful complement to the ongoing exhibition of art by Baje Whitethorne Sr. Both will brighten the dark days of midwinter, so if you are not a member, now is a great time to become one.

Please also consider the museum in your end-of-year giving. MNA is a private non-profit that depends on the support of people like you. Your donation helps us continue engaging local, regional and global audiences with life-enriching knowledge and experiences.

I hope to see you soon at the museum,

Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona

19th annual Celebraciones de la Gente receives media coverage

by Community Contributor • November 11, 2022 • Comments Off

As preparations begin for the 20th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona in October 2023, local media interviewed and photographed members of partner organization Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, museum officials, performers and participants during the recent celebration held on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29, 30 at the museum. See links to coverage below.

The event was preceded by a “Celebraciones” concert, held on Oct. 28, presented by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, the Museum of Northern Arizona and in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.

November at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • November 7, 2022 • Comments Off

November is Native American Heritage Month — a time to learn about, honor, and celebrate the people who have lived here since time immemorial. A great way to do that is with a visit to MNA, where the ten tribes of the Colorado Plateau have shared their cultures and art in their own words. We are proud to help tell their story not just for a day or a month, but all year round. This November we have the honor to welcome the Pueblo of Acoma Enchantment Dancers for a special presentation on November 26. They will share their buffalo dance and talk about aspects of their culture.

Science Play Day at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2022 • Comments Off

With the change of season, we look forward to the traditions that mark the time of year. Two weekends ago the 2nd Annual Harvest Festival and Indigenous Farmers Market at Colton Garden brought lots of people to the MNA campus to celebrate the bounty of the summer and the fabulous work done in the museum gardens. Kudos to the many volunteers and staff involved, particularly our partners for the event, Flagstaff Foodlink.

Now we are in the midst of the annual Flagstaff Festival of Science, another of MNA’s community partnerships. On Tuesday kids and parents came to the museum’s Discovery Village to learn about volcanoes within view of our most dramatic volcano – the San Francisco Peaks. Our biggest FFOS event will be this Saturday, when we will hold a Science Play Day at the museum exhibit building. This event includes hands-on science activities for kids, a series of short science talks, and some very special guests. Like all of the Festival of Science, the Science Play Day is completely free to the public, a gift from us to our community.

Another long-standing fall tradition comes at the end of October, when we partner with Flagstaff Nuestras Raices to put on Celebraciones de la Gente. That Day of the Dead Festival honors those we have lost while celebrating life.

Three great events and three great community partners – we often talk about MNA as a center of science, art, and culture, but we are also a place of food, fun, and family.

I hope to see you soon at the museum,

Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona

Museum of Northern Arizona announces opening of new exhibit looking at history of MNA archaeologists working in Glen Canyon

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2022 • Comments Off

This weekend we open a new exhibition looking at the long history of MNA archaeologists working in Glen Canyon. The artifacts and information from initial surveys of Glen Canyon in the late 1950s continue to reveal new information and MNA archaeologists recently returned to the same locations to see how the sites have changed. All this reinforces the importance of the museum as a place where artifacts are cared for and continue to be studied. MNA Archaeologists in Glen Canyon complements the photography show in the Lockett Gallery, The Great Unknown: Artists at Glen Canyon.

MNA was started by community members who recognized how important it is to have a museum preserving and sharing information about the Colorado Plateau, and that community connection continues through our members and donors. You can help support the museum by participating in the virtual auction that is taking place right now. And if you aren’t yet a museum member, consider becoming one today in time to attend the upcoming Member Appreciation Day this Saturday.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Heritage Festival July 2 and 3!!

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2022 • Comments Off

If you drive by the museum you’ll soon see large tents going up in the parking lots, an obvious sign that we are busy preparing for the largest celebration of Colorado Plateau cultures we’ve ever held.

This Heritage Festival has been a long time coming. MNA hasn’t hosted a festival like this since 2019, or perhaps ever. The festival has moved completely outdoors, allowing it to spread across the museum campus. There were many reasons to move the festival into the fresh air, and one was that we are able to make space for nearly 200 artists from the Acoma, Navajo, Havasupai, Hopi, Hualapai, Jemez, Laguna, Yavapai Apache, and Zuni communities. Of those, 34 are attending the festival either for the first time ever, or the first time in many decades. They bring an exciting diversity of art and traditions.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Signs of summer – Thirsty Thursdays & plant sales

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2022 • Comments Off

What is it about the Colorado River that captivates people? Every photograph in the newest exhibition at the museum is a reminder of how strongly people respond to that river. For some, a trip down the Colorado River changed their life forever. Actress Katie Lee went on a river trip and then dedicated her life to singing and speaking for the river. When photographer Eliot Porter took his first river trip he was so overwhelmed he missed photos opportunities, but returned again and again to portray the incredible colors and intimate details of the canyon.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Two new exhibitions, many May events

by Community Contributor • April 26, 2022 • Comments Off

At MNA we look at the land through many lenses. Some are literal lenses – microscopes, binoculars, and telescopes. Many are figurative – mapping data to reveal an otherwise unseen pattern or reconstructing a place in time from remnants that remain.

Art can be another lens to bring the world into focus. The Great Unknown: Artists at Glen Canyon and Lake Powell opens in May, exploring that area through the artistic lens of the photographer. The starting point is Eliot Porter’s striking, nearly abstracted images. Porter’s book The Place No One Knew established the genre of photobooks for environmental causes. Among the other works in the exhibition are the black and white photos by Martin Stupich, where the dam itself dominates the frame, as well as more recent images by Peter Goin that bring attention to what the receding waters of Lake Powell reveal. The Great Unknownhas been drawn from an exhibition of the same name previously on show at the New Mexico Museum of Art, and curated by Katherine Ware, MoA’s Curator of Photography.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Springing forth with color and activity

by Community Contributor • March 29, 2022 • Comments Off

With warmer weather and bright sunshine, it feels like we are experiencing the Spring season’s promise of renewal. I feel that too when I walk through the museum and see people enjoying the exhibitions. Looking ahead at the new exhibitions opening and the many in-person activities planned, it’s a time of rebirth within the museum as well.

April 2 will be a very exciting day. It’s the first day to see the newest exhibition, Baje Whitethorne Sr.: Náátsʼíilid/Rainbow Light, which celebrates an artist whose importance stretches far beyond the canvas, touching many lives. That Saturday is also Slow Art Day, when MNA joins with museums around the world in inviting people to slow down and look. Neuroscience has confirmed what ancient artists always knew: we see only a tiny fraction of what is around us. To widen the lens and allow more in, we must slow down.

Oct. 28 — Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of Northern Arizona/Flagstaff Nuestras Raíses present ‘Celebraciones’ concert

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to highlight the culture of the traditional Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos with our concert, “Celebraciones!” in collaboration with the Museum of Northern Arizona/Flagstaff Nuestras Raíses’ “Celebraciones de la Gente” from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.

Joining us for this spectacular celebration of Mexican music and composers will be Flagstaff’s own Ballet Folklorico de Colores, presenting a traditional Mexican folk dance to José Moncayo’s classic Huapango.

Holiday season at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • November 22, 2021 • Comments Off

Museums are places of connection. They connect us to the past, to place, to culture, and to each other. The Museum of Northern Arizona has provided connections – between art and science, land and culture, people and places, and much more – for 93 years. Although the past 20 months have been the most challenging of MNA’s long history, with your generous support, we have continued to provide connections to our community and beyond. If you believe, as I do, that these connections are vital as we continue to face the challenges of the pandemic, I would be honored if you would support MNA with a year-end gift.

As a way of giving back to the community, we will be offering free entry to the museum during the annual Winter Market on December 11 and 12. I hope you will take the opportunity to visit and connect with us. We have missed you throughout the pandemic!

Community celebrates in-person return of Celebraciones de la Gente

by AmigosNAZ.com • October 29, 2021 • Comments Off

Celebraciones de la Gente, the annual Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead celebration, returned to the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 23-24 with an appreciative crowd who strolled around the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard to view family ofrendas / altars, view workshops on creating ofrendas, a presentation honoring the more than 400 people who died due to COVID-19 in Coconino County, dance performances by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff and music by Mariachi Tradición de México from Tucson and Los Alambrados Flagstaff.

The 18th annual event, which was hosted by the Museum of Northern Arizona, in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, was presented virtually in 2020 due the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Fall Happenings at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • October 29, 2021 • Comments Off

Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton in the West
Oct. 30, 1 pm
Attend in person at MNA, or watch on Facebook
Alan Peterson, MNA’s Fine Art Curator, will discuss Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton’s early life and education in Philadelphia, her first trips to the West as a young artist, how she met Harold Colton, their honeymoon trip, and their subsequent trips to Flagstaff before moving here in 1926.

In-person 18th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente returns to the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates the in-person return of Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead when the 18th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente is presented at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23 and 24.

Celebrate the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American and Latin@ communities in Northern Arizona at this annual fall event, which will include music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances.

In partnership with Flagstaff’s Nuestras Raíces, the museum’s Jaime Golightly Courtyard will be transformed into a beautiful lit setting, with intricately cut papel picado (pierced paper) and lovely arrange ofrendas (altars) to welcome past loved ones to the party.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Fun and fundraisers

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2021 • Comments Off

This is a golden time in Flagstaff, with fields of sunflowers blooming and everything lush from the monsoon. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of extended drought, life-giving rains can come to see us through.

As a nonprofit museum, we face a drought in our finances as well. Though we’ve reopened to six days a week, visitor numbers are not rebounding to anywhere near pre-pandemic numbers. Admissions revenue cannot come near to making up for what Covid has cost us. We had planned to hold our annual fundraising Gala dinner this weekend, but Covid has again made it unwise to ask people to gather together for a meal.

Drawing on our experience of navigating unexpected challenges this past year, we have shifted gears and brought the fundraising auction online. With more than 100 items in a range of prices, from vintage baskets to paintings by Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, Merrill Mahaffey, Michelle Condrat, and more. Go to event.gives/MNA to browse the auction and encourage your family and friends to do the same. I am grateful to our gala sponsors and auction donors for their generous support.

If we don’t see you Saturday at the Member Appreciation Day, we do hope to see you here soon.
Thank you for your support of MNA.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Celebrating summer with festivals, dancing, and rain

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2021 • Comments Off

Summer arrived in a cloud of smoke last Monday, though luckily for us at the museum, we are far from the path of the Rafael Fire and the shifting wind clears the air around us. We are grateful that these increasingly frequent summer fires are not endangering the museum and that we can continue to welcome visitors Tuesday through Sundays with a safe and inspiring indoor visit. I know many of you are eager to get out and about after staying at home for so long and we are pleased to welcome you to MNA.

Museum of Northern Arizona — New art and new ways to enjoy the collections

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2021 • Comments Off

I have a new favorite stop on my morning walks across the museum campus to my office – the studio space where young artists are working with master artists Dan and Arlo Namingha as part of our Namingha Institute. MNA has a long history with the Namingha family of artists, and a strong collection of work by Dan, Arlo, and Michael Namingha, which you can now view online.

The ability to browse MNA’s collections online is one of my favorite features of our newly rebuilt website. The address is the same as before – musnaz.org – but the website has many other new features, including easy links to buy ticketsto visit the museum now that we are open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, or to sign your kids up for Discovery Summer Camps, which begin June 14.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Ready for a fun-filled summer at MNA

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2021 • Comments Off

Things are looking brighter and it’s not just the sunshine filtering through the pine branches. After months making plans for the summer, while closely monitoring the increasing vaccination rate in our community and falling number of infections, we are now able to open up a bit more.

Starting June 1, the museum will be open six days a week, from Tuesday through Sunday, meaning you have more opportunities to visit this summer.
We’ve already opened registration for the Discovery Camps to museum members, and will soon open to nonmembers. We’re also accepting applications from artists for booths at our Heritage Festival, which will be held four weekends in July.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Much to look forward to at MNA

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Snow finally fell, like a sparkling blanket of hope laid across the landscape. Precipitation in any form is welcome after the driest year on record and we dare to dream that this is a harbinger of things to come – more rain, more vaccines, more ability to gather together. At the same time, we realize a single snowfall won’t end a drought. Nor will the other problems we face disappear quickly.

We are planning for this year with the same creativity, caution, and resilience that got us through last year, ready to continue adapting as we go along. This means many of our annual events are being planned to take place in new ways, and often we set a date closer to the event to assess the current conditions and make a final decision on whether we can go forward or not. Keep reading this newsletter and following us on social media to stay informed.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Grateful for what we have at MNA

by Community Contributor • November 25, 2020 • Comments Off

In the midst of a difficult year, I’ve found myself frequently thinking how blessed we are at MNA. So many people help out to keep this museum strong — the volunteers who tend our gardens, the docents who provide a welcoming and informative museum experience, the members and donors who support us financially. This has been a hard year for museums and many may not survive, but MNA will, with your help. With Giving Tuesday coming up, and year-end donations to be made, please help MNA reach our fundraising goals. There are many ways to support MNA, including direct donations, upgrading your membership, doing your holiday shopping at the museum shop, or buying tickets to the art raffle.

Thank you for your support of MNA.

Museum of Northern Arizona / Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces / Coconino County partner to present variety of virtual Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos events

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Museum of Northern Arizona presents recordings of Sugar Skull livestream workshop, “Day of the Dead Decoded: Ofrendas  101” and virtual view of ofrenda / altar in the Colton Community Garden

While we can’t enjoy a traditional Celebraciones de la Gente, members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the Museum of Northern Arizona and Coconino County have been busy with a number of virtual Día de los Muertos projects.

Turning of the seasons at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • October 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Message from Mary –

Fall is in the air and the oak and aspen trees around the museum are turning gorgeous colors. This is the time of year when we would normally be preparing for Celebraciones, but of course we are not able to have such a large gathering this year. Instead, we’re celebrating Dia de los Muertos with two beautiful community ofrendas. One is in the museum building courtesy of Flagstaff Nuestras Raices and the other in our Colton Community Garden. I hope you’ll come see them.

As the colder weather and shorter days bring us inside, the museum offers many experiences to enjoy indoors, whether by signing up for the Docent Training program, embarking on a virtual trip through the Grand Canyon with geologist Wayne Ranney, or coming to visit the museum. The staff and I look forward to seeing you at MNA, online or in person.

Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona

Museum of Northern Arizona — October activities at MNA

by Community Contributor • October 1, 2020 • Comments Off

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.

The fullness of Fall at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Thanks to all of you who supported us through the Gala To Go this year. It was a very different event from previous years, but a joyful and fun day. We were delighted to welcome supporters and some of our volunteers back to the museum to share in the special program. In a normal year, the funds raised at MNA’s Gala are crucial to our success.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Get in on the action, and the auction

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2020 • Comments Off

Many of you have been in touch with me to say how much you enjoy the information you get in these newsletters. Thanks for those messages – the staff and I always appreciate hearing from you. We are all now focused on our fundraising Gala To Go on August 29th. We’ve had to completely reimagine this event and it’s shaping up to be an amazing experience. Going online means all aspects of MNA will be represented in the program, showcasing the wonderful range of art, science, and culture of our region. Ticket holders will be able to enjoy this program online from anywhere and will also be able to bid on an array of fun experiences and fine art, including a Gunnar Widforss watercolor, a print by Gustave Baumann, and an intricate rug by Jackson Dean. In addition to a great showcase, this is an important fundraiser for MNA. I encourage you to support MNA by purchasing a ticket to the Gala To Go, and inviting family and friends to join you from wherever they are. We’ve all missed so much this year.
You don’t want to miss this!

Celebraciones de la Gente postponed until 2021

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2020 • Comments Off

The 17th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona has been postponed until 2021. Originally scheduled for Oct. 24-25, 2020, the Day of the Dead festival was rescheduled for the health and safety of all of our artists, visitors and staff.

Rooted in community, this weekend-long event has been presented at the museum in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces. It features fine art and unique crafts, music and dancing, colorful and elaborate ofrendas (altars), insightful heritage programs and Day of the Dead inspired crafts for the kids.

Members of Nuestras Raices and the Museum of Northern Arizona are currently working on virtual Celebraciones de la Gente programming for this year. Details to come shortly.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Art & adaptation

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2020 • Comments Off

When the world turned upside down this year, we learned to do somersaults, working from our home offices. The specialist work of caring for our extensive collections is an important part of our mission and continues despite the pandemic, as does our archaeological and ecological fieldwork and the preservation of MNA’s buildings, gardens and landscape. We are finding new and imaginative ways to bring the art, science, and culture of the region to your homes, including a re-imagining of The Annual Gala.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Museum exhibits reopen

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2020 • Comments Off

This is a year of constantly evolving changes for all of us, including MNA. After months trying to reimagine the annual summer festivals celebrating Indigenous arts and culture in a way that they could safely continue, we have determined that we must cancel the festivals completely. We make this decision with heavy hearts, recognizing that these festivals are important to the community, and particularly to the artists. We initially hoped that we would be able to reschedule the festivals to a single larger event in September. We now know that it is unlikely we can hold a large gathering in September, even if it was going to be outdoors and dispersed. Sad as we are to make this decision, we will now turn our energy to finding other ways to help the Native artists market themselves and to allow our members to support the Native populations.

MNA-a place for what matters

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2020 • Comments Off

Recent acts of violence against Black people have left us sad and angry. We recognize that these high-profile events are the latest in the long history of brutality against people of color in our nation. We must all be part of the solution to stop the killing, marginalization, and repression based solely on the color of a person’s skin.

Black lives matter. It’s not enough for us to make a statement about what we believe. We must use our platform in the world to take action.

Museum of Northern Arizona — June at the Museum

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2020 • Comments Off

As I pass the one year mark as Director here at MNA, I look back on a memorable and sometimes challenging year. From the Museum Fire last year to a Pandemic in 2020, our staff, volunteers and members have demonstrated resilience, imagination, flexibility and their passion for MNA. After many weeks working from home, some of the museum staff are now gradually and gratefully returning to their offices, after undergoing training to further enhance their safety while at work. From increased cleaning and socially distanced meetings to wearing masks when together, we are adjusting to new ways of working safely. We will be equally cautious reopening to the public. We are currently planning so that you can come and experience the museum in a safe and enjoyable way. To see some of the changes we are putting in place, I invite you to join the virtual tour of the museum on June 18, as we continue to bring the museum to you, until you can come to us. I look forward to that day. It is the people of MNA, all of you included, who make this museum the remarkable place it is. Thank you for being a part of MNA, and for helping to make my first year here such an enjoyable and rewarding time.

Museum of Northern Arizona — May brings the museum outdoors

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2020 • Comments Off

May brings new leaves to plants, longer days, and an awakening animal kingdom. This month at MNA our online offerings focus on the natural world. Join us for presentations on garden plants and soil; learn more about dragonflies, owls and reptiles; become a dinosaur detective with Dinosaur Dave; and channel your inner artist by painting the landscape. May is also the month we celebrate Mother’s Day. MNA’s gift shop is open for online business with a wonderful range of gifts. Finally, these are challenging times for all of us and there are many needs in our community. If you are able, I would encourage you to support those causes closest to you on #GivingTuesday, including MNA. Your support helps us to create new programs, educate our communities, and share the joy and wonder of the Colorado Plateau. Thank you for being a part of MNA.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Museum from home

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2020 • Comments Off

Message from Mary – Thank you for keeping up with news from MNA by subscribing to this eNewletter. In it, we are able to share new developments at the museum, upcoming events, and new initiatives. Despite the fact that our…

Museum of Northern Arizona — MNA comes to you

by Community Contributor • April 8, 2020 • Comments Off

Message from Mary – Not surprisingly, this newsletter presents a very different range of activities and events than you will be used to seeing. While our community is staying at home, we are finding new ways to connect with you…

Museum of Northern Arizona — Exploring MNA from home

by Community Contributor • March 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Message from Mary – The museum’s exhibit building remains closed to visitors until city and state officials determine it is safe for gathering space to reopen. During this time of closure, it’s our intent to keep the museum staff working…

Museum of Northern Arizona — Spring events and exhibitions

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2020 • Comments Off

Message from Mary – This is an exciting week at MNA, starting with winning a Viola Award For Excellence in the Visual Arts forThe Force Is With Our People. We’ll cap the week by opening another marvelous exhibition, Liberating Landscape, that features…

Museum of Northern Arizona — March events and exhibitions

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Message from Mary – As I read this ‘Museum E-News’, I am struck by the wonderful diversity of activity here at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Our Venture trips are an opportunity to go out and about in the amazing…

Museum of Northern Arizona — Upcoming events and exhibitions

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2020 • Comments Off

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…

Museum of Northern Arizona — Winter events and exhibitions

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2020 • Comments Off

Message from Mary – Glancing regularly at the glistening peaks is one of the perks of working at MNA, and not just the ones I can see out the window. Tony Foster’s paintings of Mt. Everest provide breathtaking views of…

Museum of Northern Arizona — Winter events and exhibitions

by Community Contributor • January 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Message from Mary – January can be a time to hunker down, stay warm and retreat from the world. You will see from the activities below, we at the Museum of Northern Arizona give a good reason to leave the…

Museum of Northern Arizona — A new decade at MNA

by Community Contributor • January 2, 2020 • Comments Off

Message from Mary – Happy New Year! As we begin a new year and a new decade, our thoughts often turn to new beginnings and to New Year resolutions. These resolutions are often around improving our health and happiness. Growing…

Aug. 29 — Museum of Northern Arizona — Invitation to the Gala To Go

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Join us for the 14th Annual Gala “To Go”
The Gala To Go can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home, or you can reserve a time for a VIP visit to the museum. Either way, you will have access to performances, special talks by museum experts, and an online auction.
Find details and buy tickets at musnaz.org/gala

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