Change starts with you
You don’t need special skills to make a difference; all you need is the willingness to help. The volunteers at the Flagstaff Family Food Center have been helping change people’s lives for 34 years, distributing more than 7.4 million pounds of food to the northern Arizona community last year alone. In this month’s volunteer video highlight, see how you can be part of the change.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our classes and workshops — from iPhoneography and oil painting to sculpting, stained glass, ceramics, and pottery for teens and beginners — 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.
The City of Flagstaff seeks Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) for an artist or artist team to design and execute a large-scale mural on a water tank at Buffalo Park. This highly visible project envisions an artwork that will become an emblematic feature of the park and the surrounding area. The mural could reflect Flagstaff, Northern Arizona, the current activity and/or history of the park, or the communities that utilize this natural and recreational resource among other ideas.
Five finalists will receive an honorarium of $5,000. The total budget for this project is up to $300,000 for fabrication and installation.
• Next IndivisibleNAZ Community Gathering, Planning meeting to be held Jan. 21, 2026 in Flagstaff
More than 350 local residents and visitors protested on the street in front of the Flagstaff City Hall against recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions on Jan. 10, 2026.
The protest was part of a national day of action against ICE following the shooting death of on Jan. 7 of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, Minn. A number of videos show a confusing scene when protesters blocked ICE vehicles on a city street, not far from the murder George Floyd by police officers. Good was shot when she attempted to drive around other vehicles after an ICE agent walked in front of her vehicle.
More than 1,000 protests were held in Boston, El Paso, Las Angeles, Minneapolis, New York and other cities nationwide. They follow a number of smaller protests earlier this week including one in Flagstaff.
For several years, Theatrikos has welcomed film into our space as part of our artistic offerings. Beginning in 2026, that work deepens into a lasting commitment. Film at Theatrikos places cinema at the heart of our programming, embracing film as a powerful storytelling medium alongside live theatre. Through carefully curated documentaries, independent films, festival partnerships, and community centered screenings, we are expanding how stories are shared and experienced at Theatrikos. This new focus reinforces our mission to connect, inspire, and engage our community through exceptional storytelling, on stage and on screen. Stay tuned as we share more details in the months ahead.
With the latest winter storm bringing much needed moisture to Northern Arizona, you may be wondering, what are some snowplay options in the region?
❄️Check out Flagstaff Snow Park located at Fort Tuthill County Park. Flagstaff Snow Park offers visitors a variety of tubing hills including a kiddie hill and long, fast runs.
📌The 2025-26 Flagstaff Winter Recreation Map will tell you where to go and what winter recreation activities there are throughout Flagstaff.
🌬️Located west of Flagstaff and along the iconic Route 66, the city of Williams Experience Williams offers a multitude of winter recreation activities, including snow tubing at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park.
FLAGSTAFF — Gov. Katie Hobbs has appointed Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett to serve on the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Commission members are chosen for their demonstrated ability, good judgment, and experience in arts-related fields.
Mayor Becky Daggett was born and raised in Arizona and is a passionate advocate for affordable housing, the arts, forest health and climate action, and education. She won her first term on the Flagstaff City Council in 2020 and was elected mayor in 2022.
Saturday-Sunday,
January 10-11
USASA Grand Canyon State Series Rail Jam Weekend
Arizona Snowbowl
Two days of USASA rail jam competitions for skiers and snowboarders. 8 a.m.
Learn More
Winter Emergency Notification Reminder
As of this writing, Desert View Drive and Hermit Road have CLOSED due to hazardous road conditions. Road closure information is always available by calling the park’s Road Line at 928-638-7496 (please, do not call Dispatch). As winter weather returns, residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications.
Grand Canyon NPS Everbridge alerts are a great way to receive real-time updates about power outages, road closures, weather-related events, and other emergency situations.
You can decide how you would like to receive notifications, whether this is through text, email, or by phone call. Sign up now by following this link.
The road stretches wide.
The laughter is warming up.
And the full company of Route 66 to the Grand Canyon has officially taken shape.
Commissioned to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, this world premiere production is a fast paced, family friendly comedy that brings the Mother Road to life through zany humor, audience interaction, and heartfelt storytelling. It is infused with the legendary spirit of Northern Arizona.
CALL TO ARTISTS
Juried Friends Show & Sale —
The Face of Friendship
Exhibit Dates: March 6 – April 15, 2026
Opening Reception: March 6, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Location: Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Road, Sedona, AZ
Deadline to Apply: February 1, 2026
Notification: February 6, 2026
Now in its 45th year, this juried exhibition is open to all current Friend Level Donors ($60+). This year’s theme — The Face of Friendship — invites artists to explore connection, collaboration, and the emotional resonance of companionship through visual art. Submissions may be individual or collaborative, literal or abstract, celebrating the creative community that supports the Arts Center’s mission.
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Look no further than MNA’s virtual auction, featuring 20 stunning jewelry pieces! What’s more, all auction proceeds will benefit MNA’s educational mission, so you can give a lovely gift and support the museum at once.
This auction is now open and will close on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:00 pm to allow us time to ship any items and ensure that they will arrive before February 14th.
Saturday, Jan 31, 7:30 pm
Jake Allen has toured globally, is endorsed by Takamine Guitars, and has shared stages with guitar legends such as Andy McKee and Mike Dawes. As a solo artist, Allen utilizes impeccably timed live looping to create a captivating one-man show, with his hypnotic command of the guitar bringing every inch of the instrument to life.
Ryan David Green has been called “a full blown shredder” by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. A graduate of Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, his instrumental “Time Is Not What You Think It Is” was awarded 1st place in the 2024 American Songwriter Song Contest and his original compositions have received numerous film and TV placements, including shows on E!, Lifetime, and ABC Family/Freeform.
For NAU physicists, it’s snowflake season
When water molecules solidify and stick together in cold air, they form complex hexagonal formations known as snowflakes. As it turns out, fabricated gold, copper and iron nanocrystals do the same thing during lightning-fast chemical reactions. This new discovery by NAU researchers could give scientists better control over the nanomaterials they fabricate, leading to unprecedented breakthroughs.
Next Steps in Stained Glass Techniques: Copper Foil Overlay
with Sonja London-Hall
January 24–25, 2026
COCONINO COUNTY — As we kick off a new year, this is a good time to provide an update on the variety of monthly in-person and virtual community resource meetings available to nonprofit and governmental agencies who serve children and families throughout Northern Arizona.
To aid in that effort, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth maintains this listing of health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County and Northern Arizona.
The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety groups the opportunity to share information on upcoming programs and events that benefit the educational, health and welfare needs of children, youth and families throughout the region.
The following is a listing of some of those meetings. Please check with individual meeting group coordinators for updated times, dates and meeting links. Please send any updates to frank@coconinokids.org
READ MORE
Happy New Year! We begin 2026 with two exhibitions designed to spark curiosity and engage the senses.
Starting January 10, we invite you to explore Katsintithu—Katsina Dolls. This newly expanded installation takes a deeper look at the tradition, meaning, and artistry of these uniquely Hopi dolls. The installation of dolls will rotate every six months, drawing from MNA’s extensive collection.
Later in the month, we hope you’ll return for Call of the Colorado Plateau, an immersive exhibition that explores the powerful relationship between nature and the human spirit. Featuring artists and adventurers inspired by the region’s dramatic landscapes, the exhibition goes beyond the visual with multisensory experiences that evoke the feeling of being in the wilds. We’re very proud to present this exhibition as the regional museum of the Colorado Plateau.
Meet Earth’s biggest sodium seekers
While it’s easy for us humans to get plenty of sodium in our diets, some of the world’s largest land animals have access to a pinch too little. A new study from NAU researchers showed that elephants, rhinos, giraffes and other large plant-eaters can only get enough salt in a few specific areas of the world, limiting their population growth.
Check out our 2026 Catalog of Workshops and Classes now online…
Discover hands-on workshops in painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. Whether you’re just beginning or expanding your skills, Sedona Arts Center offers a welcoming place to grow creatively.
We are excited to announce the Grand Opening of the Bijou Teen Center in Holbrook on January 9th. More than two years in the making, this center is a shining example of what our community can achieve through collaboration.
The seeds for the teen center were planted back in 2023, when a youth-led mental health survey of northeast Arizona teens revealed a strong desire for a safe, inclusive space they could call their own. Multiple partners then worked together to transform that dream into a reality.
Saturday, January 3
Science Saturday: Winter Wonderland
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center
Through games, crafts, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, curious minds of all ages can learn about the science of the season. We’ll study how animals adapt to the cold, how water changes to snow and ice, and so much more! 9:30 a.m
Learn More
AmigosNAZ does not accept any illustrations, photos or other images and written material that are in violation of copyright law. Individuals and organizations may be required to provide proof of such copyright authorization. Otherwise, please provide only website links to your upcoming events.
This Valentine’s weekend, experience a concert that offers both grandeur and intimacy—each from a fresh perspective. Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra presents Indulge: Symphonic Flavors on Friday, February 13, an evening of rich sound and unexpected delights, ideal for a romantic date night or a meaningful night out.
As we approach the end of the year, we wanted to share a snapshot of what’s been happening at United Way of Northern Arizona — and invite you to be part of what comes next.
In 2025, our community came together in powerful ways to support children, families, and individuals across Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties. Through collaboration with nonprofit partners, educators, service providers, and caring neighbors, we made meaningful progress on some of the challenges facing northern Arizona.
Wednesday, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve
Downtown Flagstaff
Heritage Square will be buzzing from 10:00am–1:00pm with crafts, games, face painting, axe throwing, pinecone decorating, a live DJ, a photobooth, and more family-friendly fun, all leading up to a magical Noon Pinecone Drop with a sparkling apple cider toast to welcome 2026. 10 a.m. Free.
Learn More
As we prepare to welcome a new year, Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra wishes to express our deep gratitude for the moments we shared in 2025. Together, we experienced uplifting and artistic performances, impactful collaborations, and collective enthusiasm that inspired us every step of the way.
Whether you attended a concert, supported one of our outreach programs, or simply shared your love of live orchestral music with others, you helped make this year one of connection and joy.
Dear Friends,
There’s still time for a year-end donation to ensure arts engagement for youth at Coconino Center for the Arts.
Creative Flagstaff has been awarded a $15k grant from the Robert Lehman Foundation toward our $30k initiative to expand educational programs and build permanent infrastructure for youth access to the visual arts at CCA, which includes:
Check out our 2026 Catalog of Workshops and Classes now online…
Discover hands-on workshops in painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. Whether you’re just beginning or expanding your skills, Sedona Arts Center offers a welcoming place to grow creatively.
All of us at United Way of Northern Arizona wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season. May this time be filled with meaningful moments, safe travels, and time spent with the people who matter most.
We are deeply grateful for your continued support and partnership. Together, we will keep strengthening our communities and creating opportunities for youth, families, and neighbors across Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties in 2026 and beyond.
Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!
Liz Archuleta and the UWNA Team
This special section highlights the outstanding achievements of Arizona teachers and schools in 2025. These accomplishments reflect not only individual talent but also the collaborative spirit that drives educational success across schools and classrooms serving Native American students. (Note: This is not an exhaustive list and is presented in no particular order. Some achievements may be missing due to reporting timelines or limited availability of information.)
Lodging Reopens as Transcanyon Waterline Work Continues
As 2025 comes to a close, overnight lodging on the South Rim has resumed and some water restrictions have eased. This progress comes after park water utility crews successfully completed complex repairs to the existing pipeline and resumed pumping water without identifying additional breaks.
Hotels operated by Xanterra—including El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, and Maswik Lodge—as well as Delaware North’s Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village, are now welcoming overnight guests, with reservations open. While water storage is improving, the park will continue operating under enhanced water conservation measures until storage tanks reach adequate capacity. Dry camping remains in effect, campground spigots are still turned off, and fire restrictions continue across the South Rim and inner canyon.
This holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community. Your partnership, collaborative spirit, and generosity are what make northern Arizona so special and why we make this region our home.
I’d also like to invite you to consider a gift to United Way of Northern Arizona that will not only help support our youth and families but also give you a break on your taxes.
There are many ways to give and each has its benefits.
As the year comes to a close, all of us at Sedona Arts Center want to say thank you. Your support—whether through attending exhibitions, taking classes, supporting our artists, or simply believing in the importance of creative expression—makes this place…
COCONINO COUNTY — With 2026 rapidly approaching, we want to find out what hopes, dreams, goals or (if you are willing to share) resolutions you may have for the coming year.
Maybe it’s setting a personal physical or mental health goal? Maybe it’s achieving a family or professional goal? Maybe more vacation travel, carving out more personal time or spending more time with friends and loved ones?
Imagining a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community starts with all of us and your dreams and goals feed back into the collective.
We want to know so we can include your thoughts when our newsletter returns on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, following our two-week newsletter break starting Dec. 17. And please let us know if you want us to share your comments anonymously with all our newsletter subscribers.
Maybe it’s too early to think about setting goals for the coming year. Instead, you can tell us what you are most proud of that you have done in 2025, be it a personal or professional accomplishment. For the Coalition, one of the things we are most proud of is our collaboration with our community partners on a variety of resource events throughout the year. (See photos).
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is announcing Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) construction closure-related work for 2026.
Rockfalls occurred along a section of the River Trail in August, causing a 50-foot section of the trail to collapse and triggered the need for additional assessments and work to rebuild the trail.
As we wrap up an incredible year of creativity in Flagstaff, now is the time to lift up the artists, leaders, and organizations who inspired you by submitting your nominations for the 18th Annual Viola Awards!
The nomination deadline is January 5, 2026, and we want to hear from you.
FLAGSTAFF — Early morning temperatures in the low 20s didn’t deter parishioners or supporters of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration held at the historic Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel in Flagstaff on Dec. 12, 2025.
About 100 Luminarias, placed by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, lit the way for the more than 100 churchgoers who took part in the event that included a Rosary led by Sociedades Guadalupanas, a Mañanitas Serenade to Our Lady of Guadalupe, a bilingual mass with a blessing of new new Guadalupana members.
Pan dulce, coffee and Mexican chocolate, served by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, greeted attendees who went downstairs to the meeting hall in the basement.
The celebration officially began on Dec. 11 when participants met in front of the chapel prior to the traditional procession to San Francisco de Asis Church, which featured a performance by Danza San Francisco de Asis, followed by a Reenactment of the Apparition and Consecration to the Virgin Mary.
Comet Talk – Finding Santiago: Indians, Immigrants, and the Meaning of Birthright Citizenship
Monday, Jan. 26 | 6 to 7 p.m. | Free
Hear the story of the origins and development of the legal doctrine known as birthright citizenship from the perspective of three unique individuals.
Santiago – Learn more and register!
Workplace fundraising is truly the beating heart of our Annual Campaigns, and they simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of Workplace Campaign Coordinators.
These champions inspire their colleagues, organize creative events, and help share the message of what it means to Live United.
From the government and education sector to businesses of all sizes, their leadership ensures that our community continues to come together to support youth opportunity, healthy communities, and meeting the basic needs of our neighbors in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences program has announced the completion of two public art projects at Cleo Murdoch Park and the Murdoch Community Center.
“Rustle,” an 8-foot-high weathering steel artwork located at Cleo Murdoch Park, adjacent to the Murdoch Community Center, was designed by artist Beth Nybeck. The sculpture incorporates words and phrases contributed by the community into its leaf-like form. Symbolizing both nature and the interconnected stories that define the neighborhood, the artwork celebrates the Southside, its history, and its people.
