Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
Discover the Joy of Making
Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, and photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors signed a proclamation on May 12, 2026 celebrating 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel in Flagstaff.
“WHEREAS, in May of 1925, the Hispanic families of Flagstaff began raising the first funds for a church of their own, and by September 25, 1925, the work commenced on the foundation—an effort that exhausted the full $500 then available but strengthened the community’s resolve; and …” members of the chapel’s caretakers the Guadalupanas began reading during the opening of the proclamation ceremony.
The county stated in its agenda as the reason for the proclamation:
“Since its dedication on December 5, 1926, and the inaugural Mass on December 12, 1926, this sacred site has served as the spiritual and cultural heart of the Southside neighborhoods/Barrios. …
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar had the honor of placing wreaths at Pearl Harbor on Sunday following the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) annual Western Interstate Region (WIR Conference (in Maui County, Hawai’i).
Benatar attended the 40th Anniversary of the USS Missouri’s Cold War Recommissioning where she met with veterans and active military personnel to celebrate their service and achievements. Alongside Jackson County Legislator’s Manuel Abarca IV and Venessa Huskey, she laid wreaths to honor both the USS Missouri and the USS Arizona.
“At the USS Arizona Memorial, I was reminded that service, sacrifice and stewardship are not just ideals, they are responsibilities we carry forward,” Benatar said. “On behalf of Coconino County and my county colleagues through NACo, it was a profound honor to place a wreath in tribute to those who gave everything and to reaffirm our commitment to never forget their legacy.”
View this email in your browser Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition Opens May 19 The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County announce the opening of the third annual Multicultural County Park Sculpture ExhibitionTuesday, May 19. This year’s exhibition features large-scale…
Fun at the Fort Summer Camp
8 Weeks this Summer
Spots are filling quickly! Secure your child’s spot for an unforgettable summer now.
Several weeks still have availability and each week is a different theme.
FLAGSTAFF — Join us in the celebration Mass of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel as we honor one hundred years of faith, devotion, and community. Through scripture, gospel, and uplifting hymns, we celebrate the enduring love for Nuestra Virgen de Guadalupe and the Chapel that has been a safe haven for generations. We remember with gratitude the founding families whose dedication built this Chapel and whose legacy continues to inspire us today. This joyful Mass celebrates a century of shared faith and the blessings that unite our community.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — Hikers, parents and children enjoyed a beautiful spring day to take in some fresh air in celebration of the annual 2026 Walk for Wellness — Physical & Mental Health held on May 9 at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff.
The 5th annual event was held in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month nationally and in Coconino County.
Organizers said event was designed to make taking care of your physical and mental health a habit, raise awareness, reduce the stigma of mental health and enjoy a walk with family and friends.
Some of the organizations participating in the event include Anderson General Tire, Arizona Dept. of Economic Security — Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP), Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Girl Scouts, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), the Narbha Institute, National Fire Prevention Education Team from the U.S. Forest Service, Northern Arizona Healthcare — Office of Philanthropy, Oxford House, Pioneer Title Agency, Terros Health, Tynkertopia and We Care Northern Arizona.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County announce the opening of the third annual Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition Tuesday, May 19, at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park in Flagstaff. A reception begins at 10 a.m. and includes a welcome by Vice-Mayor Miranda Sweet and remarks by City and County officials and participating artists. The event is free and open to the public.
This year’s exhibition features large-scale sculptures by artists Pamela Ambrosio, Anjola Ayodele, Robert L. Barnum, Nathaniel Trygg Patterson and Joe Ray. Artworks reflect diverse cultural representation and explore themes of nature, history and inclusivity. Together, they infuse the park with an engaging visual experience that highlights storytelling and community, while inviting the public to experience the park in new ways as they explore its sculpture pathway.
The Regional Plan Special Election ballot asks voters in the City of Flagstaff to vote on whether to ratify or not ratify the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045.
Your ballot must be received by the Recorder’s Office no later than 7:00 pm on Election Day, Tuesday May 19, 2026. Postmarks do not apply when considering this deadline. There are no polling places on Election Day.
If you haven’t mailed your ballot already, please use one of the drop off locations listed below to ensure it is counted. Click here for additional election information.
May is a perfect time to step into something new.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our May classes and workshops — from oil painting and jewelry making to iPhone photography — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring.
Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
Get ready to fall in love and laugh until it hurts! The hilarious musical revue I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is coming to the Theatrikos stage this July. This crowd-pleasing production takes a deep dive into the modern jungle of dating and relationships, offering a fast-paced look at the trials and tribulations of the human heart. From the nail-biting awkwardness of a first date to the chaotic bliss of marriage and beyond, the show explores universal truths with wit, soul, and a necessary touch of insanity.
FLAGSTAFF — With the crowd moving to the music of Ruben Hernandez and folks dining on an assortment of tacos and enchiladas, the American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrated their annual Cinco de Mayo Dance on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.
The Flagstaff Festival of Science calls for presenters to host an event in this year’s Festival!
During “Driven by Curiosity” taking place from September 25 – October 5, 2026, the Festival explores automotive ingenuity, engineering and technology. Your program is welcome to align with the theme, but if not, that is OK too.
What is your area of STEAM expertise? What science topic drives your curiosity? We want to know about it!
T-minus 8 days until the North Rim reopens for the 2026 season! NPS staff from the Planning, Environment, and Projects Division assist with installing barrier fencing on Thursday, May 7, in preparation for reopening.
Dear Museum Friends,
May brings a sense of anticipation at the Museum of Northern Arizona as we prepare for a vibrant summer season of exhibitions, programs, and other opportunities to connect with the Colorado Plateau. Before the busy months ahead, we invite you to enjoy a special start to the season with a colorful new exhibition and a day dedicated to celebrating museums as places of discovery and community.
Artist Hopid Unveiled, opens May 16 in the Courtyard Gallery and highlights the groundbreaking collective formed in 1973 by Hopi artists Michael Kabotie, Delbridge Honanie, Terrance Talaswaima, Neil David Sr., and Milland Lomakema. Drawn from MNA’s fine art collection, including recent acquisitions, the exhibition explores how these artists created bold contemporary visuals rooted in Hopi life, tradition, and storytelling. Presented in three thematic installations, the exhibition offers fresh perspectives on modern identity and cultural continuity.
We also look forward to celebrating International Museum Day on May 16 with free admission and activities for all ages. From hands-on art and science experiences to touch tables, guided tours, and family-friendly exploration throughout the Museum, it’s a chance to experience MNA as a place of creativity, learning, and connection.
I hope you’ll join us at the Museum as we welcome the season ahead.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona
Mother’s Day is coming up soon, and it’s a good time to start thinking about ways to celebrate the people who care for us. Give the mom in your life the gift of art.
CCA membership with Arts+ Pass includes free exhibition entry, invitations to exhibition previews, discounted pricing on events, concerts, and workshops, and enrollment in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association, offering free admission and exclusive discounts to over 1,300 museums and institutions across North America. This means that, whether the mom in your life is near or far, this gift offers ongoing access to a variety of artistic experiences all year long!
Cesar Duarte
From launching a campus engineering community to advancing cutting-edge exoskeleton research, this first-cohort mechanical engineer has been building impact from day one. His journey blends innovation, leadership and purpose, marking him as an emerging voice in the next wave of engineering talent.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Christopher N. David, chief executive officer of Native Americans for Community Action Inc., will be the opening speaker. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.
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This month, we are excited to present a new exhibition, FORM and FACE: Abstract Bodies + Masked Identities, in our Special Exhibit Gallery. Featuring work by Zarco Guerrero, Mike Medow, and Kevin Titzer, this dynamic show runs through May 31. Exploring the intersections of abstraction, the human form, and identity, the exhibition uses sculptural masks, figurative assemblage, and evocative materials to examine how identity is constructed, concealed, and revealed. It’s a truly compelling experience—don’t miss it.
If you’ve been a part of the United Way of Northern Arizona community for a while, you are already familiar with what KinderCamp™means for scores of preschoolers.
You’ve heard how this targeted intervention program, provided free to families, helps prepare 4- and 5-year-olds with little to no preschool experience so they are ready for that first day of school.
It’s the difference between a child walking into kindergarten ready to learn – and one who feels overwhelmed.
KinderCamp returns this June in Flagstaff, Williams, Holbrook and Pinetop-Lakeside, but we’re coming up on a critical deadline.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will begin a roof replacement project at the historic Milligan House, located at 323 W. Aspen Avenue, starting Monday, May 11. The project is expected to take approximately one week to complete, weather permitting.
The Milligan House, built circa 1904, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the Department of Interior. It is architecturally significant as a unique representation of Victorian residential architecture in Flagstaff and carries additional significance for its connection to James C. Milligan, a local brickmaker and building contractor who played a major role in shaping Flagstaff’s historic commercial and residential landscape.
Conscious Writing & Sharing
Wednesday, June 3, 10, 17, 24
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Through writing prompts, the group will reflect, renew, share stories, and enhance their creativity. The class will also focus on building trust and learning how to offer constructive feedback.
Writing – Learn more and register!
City of Flagstaff voters,
There’s a lot of misinformation being spread in our community, on social media and by word of mouth, about ratifying the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045.
F3 would like to directly address this misinformation by providing direct answers to specific misinformation. The questions and answers below are taken directly from the City of Flagstaff’s Regional Plan 2045 website FAQs.
Does the Regional Plan 2045 require that all new homes must be electric?
No, there is no policy that directly states that all new homes should be all electric. There is an action item in Chapter 10 to “Update the City Sustainable Building Resolution and Sustainable Residential Building Incentives to further implement net-zero energy standards.” The incentives could include points or options for all electric homes.
May is a perfect time to step into something new.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our May classes and workshops — from oil painting and jewelry making to iPhone photography — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring.
Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
FLAGSTAFF — The American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present their annual Cinco de Mayo Dance, featuring music by Ruben Hernandez, on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.
• Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. — $12
• Dance from 8 to 11 p.m.
• Tickets are $15 per person / $20 per couple.
By Indivisible Northern Arizona
FLAGSTAFF — (The Boycott) lays the foundation for future economic disruption.
LET’S SHOW OUR COLLECTIVE POWER!
What to do instead? Celebrate collective bargaining.
And if you must shop, SHOP LOCAL!
Event details:
Water Conservation Remains Critical Following New Pipeline Break
Grand Canyon continues to operate under water conservation measures. A new break in the Transcanyon Waterline was identified the evening of April 29 and as of Thursday afternoon, the break has been located along the North Kaibab Trail north of Phantom Ranch near the 4th footbridge. This latest development is a reminder that the system remains fragile and conditions can change quickly.
Warmer streams may weaken river food webs
Can you tell the difference when a stream gets warmer? The tiny living things that make that ecosystem their home can. In a new study, researchers from Ecoss found that microbes and aquatic insects are processing fallen leaves, twigs and bark more rapidly and releasing more carbon dioxide into the water and air. The findings could have implications for plants and animals in rivers across the western United States.
Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
May is a perfect time to step into something new.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our May classes and workshops — from oil painting and jewelry making to iPhone photography — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring.
Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Superior Court will present new installation during Flagstaff First Friday Art Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. May 1.
This event will feature new art on display inside the courthouse from the CJCC Indigenous Initiatives Committee, along with opportunities to connect with various county departments and learn more about the services they provide. It’s a great chance to experience the courthouse in a new way while supporting community collaboration.
Your guide to NAU Giving Day 2026
Not sure where to swing your Axe of Kindness this NAU Giving Day? Let us help! We’ve shared a few inspiring stories that illustrate the power your gift can wield, whether you donate to NAU’s general fund or choose a specific area of impact. Your Axe of Kindness will change lives and transform Arizona for the better, no matter how you give.
This ballot asks voters in the City of Flagstaff to vote on whether to ratify or not ratify the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045. Return your ballot by 7pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The special election is a vote-by-mail only election. There are no polling places on election day.
Click here for ballot drop-box locations and additional election information.
FLAGSTAFF — Join us at Flagstaff City Hall as part of a nationwide day of action against the Trump administration’s expansion of ICE detention — and its assault on the due process rights of immigrants and all Americans from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at the Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.
Send a message to ICE that they are not welcome in Flagstaff
The Department of Homeland Security is moving to lock thousands of people in massive detention warehouses — cutting them off from their families, their lawyers, and any meaningful chance at due process. We’re taking to the streets because Flagstaff stands for something better: dignity, justice, and the rule of law.
Form and Face explores abstraction, the human figure, and the layered construction of identity through the visionary work of Zarco Guerrero. Featuring sculptural masks, figurative assemblage, and evocative materials, this Special Exhibition invites viewers into a bold meditation on body, persona, and transformation.
2026 STEM Celebration
Fort Tuthill County Park
The 2026 Annual Community STEM Celebration is an opportunity for all of Flagstaff to engage with the STEM community. 1 p.m. Free.
Cover photo: The final section of new pipeline for the Transcanyon Waterline Project was installed this week just above the River Trail. (NPS Photo)
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — The Coalition will participate in the 2026 Annual Community STEM Celebration to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds.
THE EVENT, PRESENTED BY Flagstaff STEM City, IS FREE!!!
The Coalition’s display will feature the return of its stomp air rockets, a water bottle rocket display and plenty of informational handouts on the U.S. space program including the recent successful Artemus II journey around the moon.
This year’s STEM Celebration will include the return of the Lunar Legacy Invitational – bringing even more opportunities for hands-on STEM exploration.
The Lunar Legacy Invitational will welcome robotics teams from across the Southwest to celebrate Flagstaff’s rich history in space exploration. Teams will compete in space-themed challenges, earn awards, and explore exciting STEM exhibits—continuing the legacy of innovation in our community.
NAU’s 2026 class of changemakers
At a ceremony on Tuesday, NAU celebrated the 2026 President’s Prize winners, Gold Axe winners and Distinguished Seniors who made enormous positive change as Lumberjacks. “Their impact reaches far beyond campus—into neighborhoods, organizations and communities that are better because of them,” said President José Luis Cruz Rivera. Meet the outstanding seniors.
Our 29th Annual Adult Mountain Spelling Bee Bash was a celebration of literacy and community, and your support helped make this event a huge success! If you joined us, thank you to bringing your energy and making the night so much fun. If you didn’t make it this year, follow this link to watch the video with pictures from the event.We hope to see you there next year!
Beyond this event, your generosity allows us to support adults, families and students throughout the year. The letter below shares one parent’s experience and the powerful difference your support can make in a child’s life.
“(April 14) the Week of the Young Child proclamation was read at the Flagstaff City Council meeting, recognizing the importance of the early years and their impact on lifelong success,” said Pearl Santillan of First Things First.
“Our PPO Shawn Soumilas, shared powerful remarks highlighting that nearly 4,000 young children in Flagstaff are in their most critical years of development and how access to affordable, reliable child care is directly tied to workforce stability, education, and the overall strength of our community.
“I had the opportunity to briefly close by grounding the moment in the people behind this work recognizing the providers, families, and partners who show up every day to support young children across our region.
“We were proud to stand alongside our Regional Partnership Council members, staff, community partners, and Rebecca Cirzan’s son, Hayden, who even joined me at the podium, a sweet reminder of who this work is ultimately for. Grateful to be part of this work and this community.”
Members of the public are invited to attend a series of meetings of the Public Safety Citizen Committee (see schedule below). This Committee is tasked with advising the Mayor and Council on potential ballot measures for the November 2026 election, including funding for Fire, Police, Aircraft Rescue, Wildland Firefighting, and Emergency Management.
The Public Safety Citizen Committee started meeting late last year. F3 is represented on the Committee by Michele James, Executive Director. The Committee has four meetings remaining before its scheduled to submit a recommendation to City Council. The Committee is exploring a potential sales tax increase and a city bond to provide a yet-to-be-determined amount of needed funding that cannot be covered by the City’s General Fund.
FLAGSTAFF — Dora Rodríguez, who nearly perished while fleeing El Salvador and crossing the AZ border in 1980 will give to readings of her memoir, A Daughter of Unforgiving Terrain, . Dora’s survival is credited with helping to spark the Sanctuary Movement. She is a committed humanitarian and an incredibly inspiring speaker.
On Thursday April 23 you have two different opportunities to hear Dora read/present:
@ 4 pm in Liberal Arts 120 at NAU
@ 6 pm in the Coconino Center for the Arts, 2300 N Fort Valley Rd
Please join United Way of Northern Arizona on Thursday, April 30th as we celebrate a year of impact and achievement and the many things we have done – together – to ensure that all can thrive in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
Our community breakfast will feature a panel discussion highlighting UWNA’s partnership with organizations that serve youth, including representatives from Homeless Youth Connection, Stuck Community Acupuncture, Boys and Girls Club, and the Flagstaff Unified School District.
We’ll also talk about the success of this year’s Annual Campaign and hold our annual meeting, including the installation of Kyla Garrison of Mission Driven Finance as the Chair of the UWNA Board of Directors.
Continued Water Conservation Remains Critical for South Rim Community
As announced in this morning’s news release, the park will begin gradually easing water conservation measures on the South Rim starting Friday, April 17 at 12 p.m., following progress in repairing the South Rim water pipeline and restoring pumping capacity. While this marks an important step forward, the park continues to operate on a constrained, aging, and vulnerable water system. Additional pipeline breaks remain possible, and water use must remain careful and intentional.
2026 OIE Annual Summit
September 8-10, 2026
Registration is now open!
Interested in presenting? Call for session proposals are now open! We hope to see you there! Visit website to learn more.
Vendor and Exhibitor applications closed now.
Support Youth Arts Education & New Interactive Space Hello, After a recent field trip to Coconino Center for the Arts, students in a high school English class for nonnative speakers reflected that it was the best experience of the school…
What started as a compost project using human stool has turned into an experiment that could open the door for colonizing another planet. Researchers at NAU are simulating the barren soils of Mars and the Moon to turn human waste into resources that will help grow food in space.
Get ready for a hilarious, heartbreaking, and “sort of” Chekhovian experience as Theatrikos presents Life Sucks., opening May 21. Directed by John Forsythe, this bold adaptation of Uncle Vanya tackles life’s biggest questions with modern wit and a healthy dose of fourth-wall-breaking honesty.
We are thrilled to announce an incredible ensemble of local talent bringing this “beautiful mess” to life:
Joel Austin
Andrew Dzeguze
América Fregozo
Leslie S. Jones
Nick Rabe
Vicki Thompson
Audrey Young
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — Families braved a last-minute rainstorm and breezy conditions outside to return to Killip Elementary School for the annual “Full STEAM Ahead!” Flagstaff Early Childhood Fair on Saturday, April 11, 2026 in Flagstaff.
Nearly two dozen family-supportive organizations staffed a variety of interactive activity tables related to S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math). The event also provided a variety of resources for parents and providers, dental information and snacks.
Tickets are on sale for the Viola Awards at the Orpheum Theater on April 25, 2026!
This year’s Viola Awards are bringing all the homecoming vibes with our theme:
Homecoming: Look How Far We’ve Come.
Join us for a night of celebration, reflection, and school-spirit–level pride as we honor the individuals and organizations who have helped shape our community and move it forward. Think: a reunion with purpose, a celebration of growth, and a reminder of just how far we’ve come—together.
Last week, 11 graduate students stood in front of an audience and shared their research. That’s par for the course for any researcher. What was different this time? They had only three minutes and one slide to sum up months, or even years, of research. See what students have worked on during their careers at NAU and which students walked away with a cash prize.
Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
A perfect time to step into something new.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our upcoming classes and workshops — from oil painting and wet concrete carving, to no solder chain making, alternative pottery finishing and iPhoneography — our classes are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring.
Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
Saturday, May 9, 7:30 pm
S.E. Willis returns with Roger Smith, Frank Manhardt (Freaky Frank) and Donny Roberts. If you missed his last standing room only show at CCA now is your chance!
This show will be more eclectic, not so Blues focused, with more Americana and even Country elements. We’re having a party 60 years in the making and we’re inviting you to come out and see what a lifetime of experience playing American music can achieve. Let’s have some fun!
GET TICKETS
Members save 10% on tickets!
FLAGSTAFF — On a cool, breezy afternoon in April, dozens of individuals gathered on the lawn of the Coconino County Courthouse for the annual Field of Hope Dedicationpresented by the Exchange Club of Flagstaff.
Following a presentation by local dignitaries on April 3, 2026, those in attendance took part in the solemn ceremony (video)of placing of 113 white Prevent Child Abuse flags (video)representing the 113 children who died in 2025 (video) due to neglect or abuse in Arizona. The ceremony (video) also included the ringing of a bell (video) by members of Girl Scout Troop 4668 for each child remember during the event.
