Category: Cultural

Sedona Arts Center — Sign up for an art class today!

park your creativity with upcoming classes and workshops at Sedona Arts Center! From ceramics and painting to photography, encaustics, and more, there’s something for every artist and learner — whether you’re beginning a new journey or expanding your practice. Join us in the studio or online, connect with fellow creatives, and be part of a vibrant community in the heart of Sedona.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Weekly Happenings 9/15/25

View this email in your browser September 15th – 20th, 2025 Special Events Adult & All-Ages Events Youth Events Book Clubs Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2330 (Downtown Library) or 928-213-2348…

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces honors District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez for his long support of local Hispanic community

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces honored District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez for his long support of local Hispanic community during a ceremony held on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 at Mayan Winds Coffee Emporium.

Vasquez was presented with an award signifying all the “Barrios de Flagstaff.” The award was created by long-time Nuestras Raíces Armando Gonzales.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 8-12, 2025

Significant progress continues on the Dragon Bravo Fire, which is now 86% contained at 145,504 acres with 617 personnel assigned.

Today at 6 a.m., the Kaibab National Forest reopened approximately 96,000 acres of national forest lands on the North Kaibab Ranger District. This step was made possible thanks to extensive suppression repair work, including hazard tree removal and safety improvements along roads and trails. While more areas are now accessible, several roads remain closed. For the latest road status, maps, and closure information, visit the Kaibab National Forest Alerts page.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for September 2025

Latest news updates for September 2025

Gallego, Cantwell & Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Extend Public Comment Period for Roadless Rule Repeal …

Gallego Introduces Bill to Protect Striking Workers …

Gallego Introduces Bill to Ensure Auto-Gratuity is Covered by ‘No Tax on Tips’ …

Gallego Statement on Charlie Kirk’s Passing …

Gallego Introduces Bill to Ensure Auto-Gratuity is Covered by ‘No Tax on Tips’ …

Gallego: “Ashli Babbitt was a traitor …

Gallego, Colleagues Call Out Trump Administration’s Wrongful Targeting of Dreamers in Illegal Immigration Scheme …

Gallego Joins Blumenthal and Colleagues to Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …

Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, Ansari Urge Trump to Prevent Removal of Arizona Mother and Business Owner …

Gallego Joins Blumenthal and Colleagues to Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …

ICYMI: Gallego Questions Trump Nominees on Energy Costs, Reliability …

MORE …

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for September 2025

Latest news updates for September 2025

Kelly Joins Kaine, Colleagues in Pressing for Answers from Trump Administration on Strike in Caribbean …

Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Small Businesses from Trump Tariffs …

Kelly, Colleagues Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …

Kelly, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Amendment to Raise Annual Pay Cap for Wildland Firefighters …

Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge Trump to Prevent Removal of Arizona Mother and Business Owner ..

MORE …

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes news updates for September 2025

Latest news updates for September 2025

Attorney General Mayes Announces Town Halls on Health Insurance Denials

Attorney General Mayes Files Brief in Support of Federal Employees’ Right to Collective Bargaining and Free Speech

Attorney General Mayes Wins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration, Stops $184 Million Cut to AmeriCorps Service Programs

MORE…

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition celebrates successful 2025 Conference. More details to come

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — An amazing setting complemented two fantastic speakers when the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth presented its CCC&Y 2025 Conference on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory.

Guest speaker Iyo Affo kicked off the morning presentation with her talk “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” skillfully weaving together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to promote transformation within organizations and communities.

She was followed with an afternoon presentation by Dr. Sandra Solano, who combined science with human emotions and taking care of oneself during her presentation “From Within to the World: Harnessing Heart Coherence for Healing and Systematic Empowerment.”

This is just a preview of the photos and the information on the conference that will be posted next week on our website and newsletter. Until then, thank you to all our speakers, our sponsors and all those who planned for, presented and attended our CCC&Y 2025 Conference. Very much appreciated.

READ MORE

The NAU Review — What’s on your plate?

The science behind every bite

The 36th Flagstaff Festival of Science promises to be a tasty treat. This year’s theme is Harvesting Knowledge, with talks, workshops, tours and other experiences uncovering traditional food science and its relevance to the environment, community health and culture. Here’s a list of some of the events at NAU.

Forest Service reopens more lands near Dragon Bravo Fire

FREDONIA — Starting Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, the public will have access to another 96,000 acres of national forest lands on the North Kaibab Ranger District as the Forest Service further reduces the White Sage & Dragon Bravo Fires Temporary Closure. Crews on the Dragon Bravo Fire continue to make significant progress on suppression repair work, enabling the Forest Service to reopen more areas without compromising public safety or fire operations. Approximately 82% of the North Kaibab Ranger District will be open to the public.

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography — Image of the Month September 2025

Chromatic colors in bubbles create a mesmerizing effect when light interacts with the thin film of soap, producing a spectrum of colors due to light interference and diffraction and splitting into its individual colors. As the bubble moves or changes shape, the iridescent spectrum of colors shift and transform due to the changing thickness of the soapy film, creating a dynamic and spell-binding result. As in the case of this image, a simple bubble against the blue sky can be used to create visually striking art and design pieces.

Art classes and workshops at Sedona Arts Center

Discover something new, deepen your creative practice, or reignite your artistic passion with one of our upcoming workshops at Sedona Arts Center. Here are just a few exciting classes you can sign up for now—and you’ll find our full lineup of workshops and events online at SedonaArtsCenter.org. Join us in the studio and be part of a vibrant community of artists and learners in the heart of Sedona.

Flagstaff Commuiversity — September programs Are About to Begin!

Banners and flags play an important role in the visual culture of social movements. Learn techniques for constructing a banner and create banners for our community parade repository. Under the guidance of two fabric artists, participants will learn to design and create beautiful parade banners.  

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — New Classes Start Next Week at Theatrikos!

Final Call: Youth Theatre Classes Start Next Week!
The countdown is on! For the first time in our history, Theatrikos is offering year-round theatre classes and they begin one week from today!

In just one week, our studios will be filled with young artists learning to bring characters to life with stage makeup, mastering iconic choreography, and discovering the joy of improv. From our youngest movers to our most advanced students, this season is packed with opportunities for learning and growth. Sign up today and let the creativity begin!

Community holds dance celebration at unofficial Latino Entertainment Day at 2025 Coconino County Fair

COCONINO COUNTY — From the colorful swirling traditional costumes of female performers from Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, to the energizing Latino tropical beat of headliner Tropicalisimo Apache, fairgoers had plenty of entertainment to choose from at the 2025 Coconino County Fair on Sunday, Aug. 31 at Fort Tuthill, Flagstaff.

The fair will conclude today, Sept 1. See today’s schedule here.

AZ Culture Connection on Sept. 5 presenting ‘From Artemis to Zorya: The Role of the Feminine Divine Throughout History’

Opening night of From Artemis to Zorya: The Role of the Feminine Divine Throughout History is here!A curated showcase of live performances, visual art, and the fascinating history of the feminine divine, taking place tonight from

6:00 – 9:00 pm at the Historic Ice House Downtown.

KNAU, other media report individual who grew up in Flagstaff dies in ICE custody. Family seeking funds for funeral expenses

Also see: 

The Latin Times — Mexican Man Reportedly Dies In Arizona Facility, ICE Yet To Disclose Cause Of Death
KNAU — Flagstaff man dies in ICE custody
Tucson Sentinel — Mexican man dies in immigration detention in Arizona

FLAGSTAFF — KNAU is reporting an individual who grew up in Flagstaff  has died in ICE custody and the family has started a Go Fund Me account to raise money for his funeral expenses and repatriation of his body to Mexico.

As stated on the family’s fundraising page, “With heavy hearts, we honor the life of Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas known to family and friends as “Lenchito”, a beloved son, brother, and friend, who passed away far too soon at the age of 32 while in ICE custody in Florence, Arizona.”

KNAU reports that Batrez Vargas, a Mexican nation who has been held at the Central Arizona Correctional Complex in Florence, died on Aug. 31 at the Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa.

While ICE officials said his cause of death is under investigation, the family alleges he died after not receiving adequate medical care while in detention,” KNAU reported.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 1-5, 2025

Grand Canyon Music Festival concerts this weekend

The festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.

All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday (August 29th) and running through Saturday, September 13, Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation with a suggested donation of $20. Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/

Coconino Center for the Arts — We’re So Close: Be Part of Our Theater’s Next Chapter!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we are getting close to our goal of funding brand-new theater seats for the Coconino Center for the Arts! After more than 40 years of use, our current seats have served our community well, but it’s time for a long-awaited upgrade.

With just a few weeks left before our September 27 deadline, we need your help to cross the finish line. Every seat sponsored brings us closer to unveiling a modern, more comfortable theater experience for all.

The Ceramics Department at Sedona Arts Center

Explore the vast potential of ceramics in this six-week course, ideal for students looking to develop, strengthen, and advance their pottery skills in a playful environment. Working with the potter’s wheel, slab roller, extruder, texture tools, and more students will experiment with functional and decorative techniques, turning their creative ideas into tangible works of art.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — The Time Is Now – Final Week. Get your tickets for CCC&Y’s 2025 Conference on Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Students and their parents had the opportunity to learn about the variety of programs available, and had a chance to have some fun at the W.F. Killip Elementary School Open House held on Aug. 27 in Flagstaff.

Besides CCC&Y, some of the organizations attending the event included Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, Chicanos Por La CAUSA, Child & Family Support Services in Flagstaff, Coconino County Health and Human Services, Desert Financial Credit Union, Flagstaff Dentistry 4 Kids, Flagstaff Public Library Youth Services, The Literacy Center,  Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) and North Country HealthCare.

READ MORE

September at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Dear Museum Friends,

As the Museum of Northern Arizona marks its 97th year this month, I’m thrilled to announce Twilight Thursdays, our latest initiative to enable more people to visit. The Museum will stay open late every Thursday until 7 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-wish starting at 4 p.m. Guests are welcome to pay any amount—a few dollars, the regular admission price, or more if they’d like to support the Museum.

Whether you’re looking for an inspiring after-work outing, a family-friendly evening, or a peaceful way to wind down your day surrounded by art, culture, and science, Twilight Thursdays offer an exceptional opportunity for more people to enjoy the Museum galleries, exhibits, and Gift Shop.

The NAU Review — Want to experience Hat Ranch? Find out how!

Just 70 miles south of the Grand Canyon sits NAU Hat Ranch, a property rooted in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Once a working ranch, the property serves as a base for research, learning and retreat space for NAU students, faculty and staff. Hat Ranch is open to the public for overnight stays and events. The university is working to expand its offerings and honoring the past while building a future centered on education, community and hands-on learning.

Coconino Center for the Arts — Apply Now: Creative Flagstaff’s 2026 Arts & Science Project Grants!

Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Arts & Science Project Grant Program. With $125,000 available for funding, these grants are designed to empower and expand the creative, scientific, and cultural landscape of the Flagstaff community!

Arts & Science Project Grants are available to non-profit ORGANIZATIONS or INDIVIDUALS with a non-profit fiscal agent for INNOVATION:

Kaibab National Forest to lift fire restrictions Sept. 4

WILLIAMS — Due to an increase in rainfall over the last several days, the Kaibab National Forest will lift all fire restrictions at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Fire managers continually evaluate conditions across the forest to help determine when to implement and rescind fire restrictions. The forest has received enough widespread rain to increase fuel moisture and decrease the risk of severe fire.
To help prevent human-caused fires, forest visitors should always be vigilant while visiting the forest, regardless of restriction levels.

Dragon Bravo Fire Incident Update for Sept. 3, 2025 — 80 percent contained

Current Situation: Firefighters continue to make steady progress in the suppression repair efforts for the Dragon Bravo Fire. Each new shift, crews complete more crucial repair tasks that align with the suppression repair standards agreed upon by the resource advisors and the agencies. The goal of this phase is to eliminate safety hazards and return the land to as much of a pre-fire status as possible. Over the past several weeks, 37 miles of dozer line have been repaired, 2 miles of hand line rehabilitated, and 48 miles of road systems have been thoroughly inspected and completed to support recovery efforts.

Sedona Arts Center — SAC Art Classes: Unleash Your Creativity

Discover something new, deepen your creative practice, or reignite your artistic passion with one of our upcoming workshops at Sedona Arts Center. Here are just a few exciting classes you can sign up for now—and you’ll find our full lineup of workshops and events online at SedonaArtsCenter.org. Join us in the studio and be part of a vibrant community of artists and learners in the heart of Sedona.

Annoucing Theatrikos Theatre Company’s 2026 Season

It is with immense excitement and pride that I invite you to join us for Theatrikos Theatre Company’s 2026 Season, our most vibrant, daring, and heartfelt season yet.

From the first laugh of a lightning-fast mystery in Clue to the final, haunting chords of A Christmas Carol, this season is a celebration of everything that makes theatre magical: joy, depth, humanity, and connection. Whether you’re a lover of musicals that stir the soul, comedies that leave your cheeks sore from laughing, or dramas that spark meaningful reflection, this season was made for you.

Each production in our 2026 lineup has been chosen with care to speak to the broad, beautiful spectrum of human experience. You’ll find yourself swept up in nostalgic harmonies, provocative questions, moving love stories, and more than a few surprises. We’re not just putting on plays, we’re building a season of shared moments and unforgettable nights at the theatre.

And there’s never been a better time to subscribe.

Indivisible Northern AZ — Next big event ‘Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!’ on Sept. 1 at Flagstaff City Hall

Also see:

• USA Today — Workers Over Billionaires’ protests- Where will they be?

FLAGSTAFF — Indivisible Northern AZ has announced the next big event “Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!” will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1 at Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave.. Flagstaff.

About this event

This is a pivotal moment. The billionaire agenda is dismantling our government: overseeing mass firings, gutting worker protections and social services, and transferring wealth to the 1% while funding a private army of ICE agents.

This Labor Day won’t just be a barbecue. Across the country, unions and community organizations are deepening our coalitions, growing our capacity, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder to fight back. Workers are confronting attacks on public schools, civil rights, and democracy, while supporting each other’s local fights against workplace abuse.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 25-29, 2025

Dragon Bravo Fire Update – Aug. 28

The Dragon Bravo Fire remains at 145,504 acres and 64% containment, with 654 personnel assigned. Crews continue to make progress removing hazard trees along Hwy. 67 and other roads, with an average of 15 truckloads hauled out each day. Suppression repair, mop-up, and patrols are ongoing, and no additional fire growth is expected.

With the fire stabilized, attention is turning to post-fire impacts. The DOI Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is now on-site in the park, while the U.S. Forest Service BAER Team is working on the Kaibab National Forest.

Coconino County Fair (Aug. 29 through Sept. 1) entertainment to include Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, Rhythm Edition — Latin Set, Grupo Conceptos on Aug. 31

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to staff Coconino County booth Sunday afternoon, Aug. 31. Come by for a visit. SEE MORE COCONINO COUNTY FAIR INFORMATION BELOW…

COCONINO COUNTY — In what is becoming an unofficial Latino entertainment day, the Coconino County Fair’s (Aug. 29 through Sept. 1) entertainment will include Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, Rhythm Edition — Latin Set, Grupo Conceptos on Sunday, Aug. 31

Our entertainment schedule is now posted. You can now view the schedule for each day of the Fair. Check out the lineup here

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for August 2025

Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego

Latest news updates for August 2025

Gallego Leads Colleagues in Demanding Answers from Navy Federal Credit Union on Overdraft Fees

Gallego Backs Bill to Reverse GOP Energy Tax Hike and Cut Americans’ Electricity Costs

Gallego Backs Legislation to Cap the Cost of Prescription Medication

MORE …

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for August 2025

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

Latest news updates for August 2025

Kelly, Gallego Demand Answers on Trump Administration’s Weakening of U.S. Cyber Agency Following Arizona Election Cyberattack

Kelly Calls Out Trump Administration for Funding Cuts Threatening Community Colleges

Kelly, Arizona Lawmakers Demand Full and Immediate Disbursement of Solar for All Funds

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes news updates for August 2025

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

Latest news updates for August 2025

Attorney General Mayes Wins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration, Stops $184 Million Cut to AmeriCorps Service Programs

Attorney General Mayes Announces Two Convictions for ESA Program Fraud

Attorney General Mayes Sues Hefty® Parent Company for Misleading Arizona Consumers

Attorney General Mayes Secures Full Relief for Arizona Schools in Lawsuit Challenging Withholding of Education Funding

Attorney General Mayes Joins 44 States in Demanding Tech Companies End Predatory AI Interactions with Kids

Attorney General Mayes Sues Operators of Real Estate Scam Targeting Elderly Arizonans

MORE …

The NAU Review — Can academics use AI with integrity?

The gray area of AI in academics

Artificial intelligence has quickly become part of the fabric of academic life, causing scholars to ask: When does innovation come at the expense of integrity? Two NAU faculty members and one Lumberjack alumna are part of a research team that’s examining the ethical gray area of AI usage in academic publishing.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Get your tickets now to hear two powerful speakers at CCC&Y 2025 Conference on Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory

Less than two weeks remain to get your tickets to attend the return of our popular and educational  CCC&Y Conference with this year’s  theme of “Coherence Rising: Inner Alignment as the Catalyst for Systematic Change.” The 2025 conference will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.

Join us in a beautiful setting that reminds us the universe is infinite and so is our potential.

We are joined by not one, but two amazing and powerful keynote presenters who share their expertise, gift for inspiration and profound insights.

In her morning presentation “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” guest speaker Iya Affo will weave together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to spark transformation within organizations and communities. Affo, a Culturalist and Trauma Specialist, will draw on personal experiences, neuroscience and the power of collective healing to talk about how self-healing communities and systems change can be the foundation for lasting transformation.

… During her afternoon presentation, Dr. Sandra Solano will talk about “From Within to the World: Harnessing Heart Coherence for Healing and Systematic Empowerment.” Solano, M.D., M.S. is a results-driven healthcare executive, will explore the science and practical applications of how your heart’s powerful energy works and influences your entire environment. You’ll discover that true, lasting change begins not “out there,” but within you.

READ MORE

Dragon Bravo Fire Incident Update for Aug. 27, 2025

Acres: 145,504                          Containment: 64%                   Personnel: 646                  

Start Date: July 4, 2025            Cause: Lightning                     Location: Grand Canyon North Rim

Current Situation: With fire activity minimized due to several days of precipitation, crews are focused primarily on the large task of removing hazards and rehabilitating the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park lands to as much of a pre-fire condition as possible while reducing further impacts in the future.

Sedona Arts Center Special Update: New tax benefits for arts donations

Make Your Gift Count for Art,
Community, and Learning

Your support of Sedona Arts Center empowers creativity, community, and lifelong learning. Recent changes in tax law may provide new ways to maximize the impact of your giving—helping us continue our mission to inspire, educate, and connect artists and audiences across the Verde Valley.

Areas of County around Coconino National Forest adjust fire restrictions. Moving to Stage 1 on Aug. 27

COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest will move to Stage 1 fire restrictions effective Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 8 a.m.

This decision, according to Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance, will apply to all private property within, and adjacent to, the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest. 

CCC Community Education — October schedule … Check it Out!

Exploring Flagstaff’s Latino Heritage and Community

Thursday, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30
3:30 to 5 p.m.

Dive into the rich and diverse stories of the Latino communities that have shaped Flagstaff. This course offers a discussion of the people, traditions, and industries that have played a vital role in the city’s development.

Latino – Learn more and register!

The NAU Review — We are SO back

Welcome back, Jacks!

It’s been a big week for new Lumberjacks. When they weren’t toting luggage around campus and saying goodbye to loved ones, they were enjoying a Welcome Week full of music, games, meet-and-greets and more. Flip through a few photo highlights and watch this Welcome Week video.

Coconino National Forest reducing fire restrictions

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will move from Stage 2 to Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective 8 a.m., Wednesday, August 27,due to widespread precipitation across all three districts of the forest.

Motorized closures around specific areas of the San Francisco Peaks, Marshall Lake area and Pumphouse Wash area will be lifted, and campers at developed recreation sites are allowed to burn campfires following proper campfire guidance.

Art Workshops and Classes at Sedona Arts Center

Discover something new, deepen your creative practice, or reignite your artistic passion with one of our upcoming workshops at Sedona Arts Center. Here are just a few exciting classes you can sign up for now—and you’ll find our full lineup of workshops and events online at SedonaArtsCenter.org. Join us in the studio and be part of a vibrant community of artists and learners in the heart of Sedona.

Discover Flagstaff — 14th Annual Hopi Arts and Cultural Festival at Flagstaff Mall on Aug. 23-24 and more events

14th Annual Hopi Arts and Cultural Festival
Flagstaff Mall


Experience the incredible talent of Hopi artists through diverse artwork and captivating social dance performances. Sat. 10 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m. Free.

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Update Fall 2025 Newsletter

The County has updated the Plan and will hold public hearings this fall. Opportunities for public comment will be available during the public hearings. To submit written comments in advance email: mshaw@coconino.az.gov.

The 60-day review comments and the public hearing draft will be available on September 1, 2025. To view these documents:

City of Flagstaff seeks community input for Spruce Wash Wedge artwork

“If you live on the Eastside or have a strong connection to this area, the artist team wants to hear from you,” said Jana Weldon, program manager for Beautification, Arts & Sciences. “This is your chance to share what makes this part of Flagstaff special.”

An online survey, open now through September 9, invites participants to answer a series of experiential questions designed to spark factual, imaginative, and community-rooted responses. Insights gathered will help the artist team develop a site-specific, one-of-a-kind artwork that reflects the spirit of the Eastside.

Flagstaff Communiversity — August edition

A parliment? A pandemonium? A flamboyance? There should be a word to describe an assembly of puppet-makers! Under the guidance of guest artist Lisa Sturtz, puppet-maker extraordinaire, and the enormous energy of our peerless citizen-artists, Lady Liberty came to life.

Originally inspired by the end of slavery (look for the symbolic broken chains), the Statue of Liberty welcomes everyone to a life that is free of tyranny. She reminds us to imagine the possible and BE EMBOLDENED by it.  

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your Invitation to Hope, Healing & Infinite Potential (Seats Filling Now)

This gathering is more than a conference—it’s a call into hope, connection, and limitless potential.

Our keynotes were crafted specifically for this event and setting—Lowell Observatory, a place that symbolizes the infinite universe and infinite possibility. In a time when spirit, science, and connection are needed most, our speakers will guide us into transformation on both a personal and community level.

 Here’s what you’ll experience (see details in the images below):

A keynote weaving together storytelling, science, spoken word, and systems change to ignite transformation in individuals and communities.

A keynote exploring the power of the heart’s energy as a catalyst for healing, coherence, and system-wide change—giving you actionable tools for leadership, communication, and personal empowerment.

Sign up! Workshops and Classes at Sedona Arts Center

Discover something new, deepen your creative practice, or reignite your artistic passion with one of our upcoming workshops at Sedona Arts Center. Here are just a few exciting classes you can sign up for now—and you’ll find our full lineup of workshops and events online at SedonaArtsCenter.org. Join us in the studio and be part of a vibrant community of artists and learners in the heart of Sedona.

Coconino County — SBA activates loan program for northern Arizona and southern Utah businesses

“As fire crews were on the ground, Coconino County was also thinking about economic recovery assistance for businesses who rely on tourism both on the North Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon,” said County Manager Andy Bertelsen. “The loss of the infrastructure at the North Rim and the fires impact on tourism have definitely affected the economy of northern Arizona. Coconino County took proactive steps to begin a process for federal resources to be made available to businesses throughout our county and surrounding counties.”  

Kaibab National Forest to enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, reduce North Kaibab closure area

FREDONIA — The Kaibab National Forest is reducing the temporary forest closure on the North Kaibab Ranger Districts. Beginning Tuesday, August 19, western portions of the district will reopen to public access. Fire behavior on Dragon Bravo has decreased, containment has increased, and fire crews have shifted focus to suppression repair, allowing large areas of the National Forest to be reopened without compromising fire operations or public safety.

The NAU Review — How an NAU professor is helping safeguard Grand Canyon’s water from fire

Protecting the Grand Canyon’s water from fire

The Dragon Bravo Fire could threaten the drinking water supply for millions of visitors and thousands of workers at the Grand Canyon, but not if Abraham Springer has anything to say about it. With rapid-response funding from the National Science Foundation, the NAU researcher is working with Grand Canyon National Park, the U.S. Geological Survey and other colleagues to protect Roaring Springs, the park’s sole water source.
Audrey O’Connell speaks to the camera
Fit it in a Minute
with Audrey O’Connell

Have you heard about the Training Development and Technology Adoption services? O’Connell, the lead technical training analyst, explains how the TDTA team creates training materials that support the NAU community. Can she fit it in a minute?

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences — Community input sought for Spruce Wash Wedge Artwork

We want to hear from you! The City of Flagstaff seeks community input for a landmark three-dimensional artwork to be installed at the promontory at East Cedar Avenue and North West Street as part of the Spruce Wash Wedge Detention Project. If you live on the Eastside, or have a strong connection to this area, this is your chance to share what makes this part of Flagstaff special.

An online survey, open now through September 9, invites participants to answer a series of experiential questions designed to spark factual, imaginative, and community-rooted responses. Insights gathered will help the artist team develop a site-specific, one-of-a-kind artwork that reflects the spirit of the Eastside.

Coconino Center for the Arts — Calling All Artists — ARTx 2026 Applications Now Open!

Creative Flagstaff is thrilled to announce that ARTx: Art + Ideas Experience is back for 2026 — and we’re once again offering funding to bring bold, creative ideas to life in Flagstaff! Thanks to $125,000 from the City of Flagstaff’s Bed, Board, and Beverage tax revenue, this marks the 4th year of funding for artists through ARTx.

The 2026 biennial event will light up Flagstaff May 1–3, 2026 with a multi-day celebration of performances, exhibitions, installations, activations, conversations, and community gatherings — plus additional ARTx moments all year long during First Friday ArtWalks.

We’re looking for individual artists, creative collaborations, and organizations ready to dream big. Whether your work thrives on the street, in a gallery, outdoors, or in unexpected places, ARTx has a space for you.