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.
NightVisions: AMBER is an international juried art exhibition that seeks to explore and celebrate our deep connections with the night. In its 9th iteration for 2026, this long-standing collaboration between Coconino Center for the Arts and the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition celebrates the 25th anniversary of Flagstaff’s designation as the world’s first International Dark Sky City. This special anniversary-year exhibition expands upon the established NightVisions: Cultural Interpretations of the Night Sky concept with a focused thematic exploration of amber lighting, aligning with the critical role that amber spectrum lighting plays in Flagstaff’s dark-sky conservation.
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget, is inviting community members who are committed to public education to consider running for openings on one of five School District Governing Boards in the 2026 election.
Join us for the opening reception of Vision & Sound: An African American Experience
with free live music by: Just Common
Courtesy MosaicNAZ.org
FLAGSTAFF — A national shutdown is planned for Friday, Jan. 30 as part of the growing opposition to the ICE crackdown operation in Minneapolis, Minn. Under the banner of”No Work, No School. No Shopping. Stop Funding Ice,” organizers hope the action will convince the Trump administration to end their operation in Minneapolis.
“The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country – to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” the organization reported on its website.
Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensified during the past few weeks following the shooting deaths of ICE watchers Renee Nicole Good on Jan. 7 and Alex Pretti on Jan. 24.
Another protest against ICE and surveillance cameras is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 near Flagstaff City Hall.
In Arizona, Native Americans represent 5.3% of the population but just 1.1% of registered nurses. Charmaine Begay is determined to change that. A first-generation student from Crystal, New Mexico, Begay is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing through NAU’s American Indian Nursing Program and helping shape a future in which Indigenous communities get care from providers who understand their culture and values.
Saturday, January 31
SNOWHAUS: Winter DJ Showcase
Arizona Snowbowl
A full day of high-elevation house music at Arizona Snowbowl featuring Polar Bears, Carrie Keller, Ekonovah, and Rich Dietz! 11 a.m.
Phantom Ranch has reopened following the successful repair of multiple breaks along the Transcanyon Waterline, and water service has now been restored to Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, Boat Beach, and the Delta restrooms. Park water utilities crews completed repairs near Manzanita Rest Area and the mule corral near Phantom Ranch, allowing the system to be repressurized and inner canyon operations to resume.
On the South Rim, water tanks are slowly refilling as the system stabilizes. Grand Canyon National Park remains under Stage 2 water restrictions, and residents are encouraged to continue reducing water use wherever possible to support system recovery. Utilities staff will continue monitoring the waterline and system pressures as operations return to normal.
Also see:
• AZ Daily Sun — Gallery: Students walk out of Flagstaff High School and Coconino High School in protest of ICE actions
• Great Circle Media — Flagstaff students organize walkout to protest ICE
FLAGSTAFF — More than 150 Flagstaff High School students took to the streets and protested in front of the Flagstaff City Hall as part of a citywide-protest by youth against the nationwide ICE crackdown during protests on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.
Protests were also reported by students at Coconino High School and Mount Eldon Middle School.
Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensified during the past few weeks following the shooting deaths of ICE watchers Renee Nicole Good on Jan. 7 and Alex Pretti on Jan. 24.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5. 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.
The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.
READ MORE
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is preparing an adaptive approach for the seasonal reopening of the North Rim, evaluating potential impacts from winter weather to park infrastructure after the Dragon Bravo Fire. The park aims to open popular points of interest, including the North Kaibab Trail, on May 15, weather and conditions permitting.
Park officials emphasize that the guiding principle for the upcoming season is: “We will open what we can, where we can, when we can.” This approach prioritizes visitor safety, resource protection, and operational readiness. Park officials are aware of the challenges of local communities, businesses and our visitors in planning for the 2026 season and are committed to providing specific details about the 2026 North Rim season no later than April 1, 2026.
Arizona law provides property tax assistance options for eligible widows and widowers, veterans with a disability and individuals with a permanent disability, commonly referred to as individual exemption programs. These exemptions reduce the assessed value of qualifying property, which may include individually owned real estate, mobile homes and, in some cases, personal property. Applications for individual exemptions are accepted Jan. 1 through Mar. 1 each year.
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.
Winter Outdoor Survival Skills
Friday, Jan. 30 | 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. and
Saturday, Jan. 31 | 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Are you prepared to spend a freezing night out in the woods? Come learn the five survival priorities when faced with an emergency.
Survival – Learn more and register!
Cultivating wellness for women farmers
Hidden underneath the tough exterior of women in agriculture lies a growing mental health crisis shaped by isolation, financial pressure and relentless farm stress. Gayle Gratop, a doctoral student at NAU and a farmer herself, is finding ways to offer support, filling in the gaps where existing systems fall short.
Engage directly with F3’s Executive Director during F3’s Coffee Conversations. Learn what F3 will be up to in 2026, share your thoughts about Flagstaff issues, get updates on ongoing issues, and meet other citizens and members who are or want to be engaged with issues in Flagstaff.
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
CALL TO ARTISTS — Culture Connection AZ is hosting an exhibition during the month of March in honor of Women’s History Month. Titled Resilience Revisited: The Women Continuing the Legacy, the exhibition will honor both the experiences of women in Northern Arizona, and specific women who have carried on the legacy of the groundbreaking women honored in the original Resilience exhibition.
Online Learning at Sedona Arts Center
Sedona Arts Center’s online classes and workshops bring the depth, creativity, and expertise of our School of the Arts directly to you — wherever you are. Designed for students who can’t travel but still want a rich, hands-on learning experience, these courses offer expert instruction across a range of visual art disciplines. Learn from working artists, build real skills, and stay connected to a vibrant creative community — all from home.
On Saturday, federal agents horrifically shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse who cared for veterans, in the Eat Street neighborhood of south Minneapolis after brutally beating him in front of witnesses.
Enough is enough. Exercising our Constitutional right to document and record ICE and other federal agents is more important than ever.
This call will give you the tools to exercise your rights in a moment when federal agents are terrorizing our communities and using excessive force.
Policy & Program Updates Webinar – You’re Invited!
Monday, January 26 – Learn about AZ Tribal Consultation and Exceptional Student Services.
Monday, February 23 – Hear updates about state and national policies affecting Native American education.
From 10-11am MST. Visit website for information and register for the Zoom event!
New Name: After January, the P&P webinar will be renamed to OIE Connect!
Over the last week, Grand Canyon National Park water utilities crews successfully repaired multiple pipeline failures along the North Kaibab Trail that temporarily disrupted water service in the inner canyon. Two pipeline breaks near Manzanita Rest Area were fully excavated and repaired, followed by successful excavation and repair at the Xanterra mule corral site near Phantom Ranch. With all damaged sections addressed, the Transcanyon Waterline is now being repressurized.
Why was Japan’s 2011 earthquake so deadly?
A new seafloor study coauthored by an NAU faculty member revealed one reason for this unusually devastating earthquake and tsunami. Learn what happened on the seafloor off Japan and how this study could help scientists understand and respond to other intense earthquakes and tsunamis.
COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.
The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and we couldn’t do it without the support of our Funding Partners, our Sponsors and our Organization and Group members.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y) is pleased to receive support from both local and state partners. This support ensures the success of activities and increases the capacity of CCC&Y to have the greatest impact on children and youth at the earliest stages possible.
Our Funding Partners include:
The City of Flagstaff
Coconino County
Vitalyst Health Foundation
Our 2025 Sponsors included:
APS
Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona Health
Richard and Julianne Hartzell
READ MORE
View this email as a webpage. Jan. 20, 2026 We deliver top headlines to the Lumberjack community every Tuesday and Thursday during the academic year. For more, visit news.nau.edu. Honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy On Monday, the NAU…
Happy New Year!
Thank you for staying connected and engaged with planning projects and information in Coconino County! Planning helps to guide the future of our communities. In this newsletter the Planning and Zoning Department has two important updates to share:
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.
FLAGSTAFF — Join the Office of Inclusion along with the Black Student Union (BSU), the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Access, the Center for Service and Volunteerism at NAU, The Southside Community Association , and the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience Project for an event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Black History Month on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Waterline Repairs Continue After Multiple Failures in the Inner Canyon
This week, a series of three pipeline breaks along the North Kaibab Trail has temporarily disrupted water service in the inner canyon. Two of the breaks occurred within 50 feet of each other just north of the Box, with a third near the Xanterra mule corral at Phantom Ranch.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Flagstaff Sustainability Grant cycle. The Flagstaff Sustainability Grant is a competitive grant program that funds up to $7,500 for community projects related to food, community health and climate resilience, energy, transportation, and waste.
“We can’t wait to see these community-led projects come to life each year! We want to applaud these awardees for their vision for a more sustainable Flagstaff,” said Mayor Becky Daggett.
The 2025 grant recipients and their projects are as follows:
When we listen to youth, powerful things happen.
That’s why one of the core commitments of your United Way of Northern Arizona is bringing our community together around programs and projects that provide local youth with the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
I’m excited to share two items that will make a difference to teens this winter. The first is the grand opening of The Bijou Teen Center in Holbrook, a project for youth by youth that has been several years in the making.
A day in the life
After a long pause, HRM’s Job Shadow Program is back, immersing students in the nonstop rhythm of hotel and restaurant operations. During the winter break, students stepped into industrial kitchens, executive offices and behind front desks to witness how hospitality comes to life.
Do you know someone who is making a meaningful impact on STEM education in our community? Now is your chance to recognize and celebrate them!
STEM City is now accepting nominations for the STEMMY Awards, honoring individuals and organizations who help STEM thrive in Flagstaff.From innovative classrooms and inspiring students to dedicated teachers, businesses, and community partners, the STEMMY Awards shine a spotlight on the people who make STEM possible in Flagstaff. Help us celebrate the changemakers who spark curiosity, creativity, and connection through STEM—submit a nomination today!
We are accepting nominations in the following four categories:
Sedona Arts Center’s online classes and workshops bring the depth, creativity, and expertise of our School of the Arts directly to you — wherever you are. Designed for students who can’t travel but still want a rich, hands-on learning experience, these courses offer expert instruction across a range of visual art disciplines. Learn from working artists, build real skills, and stay connected to a vibrant creative community — all from home.
FLAGSTAFF — Creative Flagstaff and ARTx: Art + Ideas Experience are pleased to announce the 2026 ARTx at The Arb commissioned installation, Ephemeral Bloom: Weathered by Time, created by artist Jill Sans in collaboration with botanical consultant and storyteller Kate Watters. The work will be on view throughout the 2026 season at The Arboretum at Flagstaff, opening April 29, 2026 and running through the end of October.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — As we prepare for another wonderful year ahead serving children and youth throughout Northern Arizona, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth would like to recognize a very busy but productive year for the organization.
READ MORE
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.
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.
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.
There are two four-year seats available on the Flagstaff Unified School District Governing Board. Successful candidates will serve a term beginning Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2030. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Superintendent Mango-Paget will host a community information session on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at the Flagstaff Unified School District Main Office in the Board Room, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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.
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
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.
