
View this email in your browser

COCONINO COUNTY — Saturday, July 4 will be a busy day of celebration in Coconino County! There are five Independence Day parades taking place in Flagstaff, Page, Munds Park, Parks and Williams.
Click here for more information from Coconino County
Click here for more information on the Page 4th of July Parade from the City of Page

Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalk is a monthly celebration of creativity that brings downtown to life.
Join us for the next First Friday on July 3, starting at 5 pm, for a western-themed ArtWalk and a celebration of Flagstaff’s local artists!
The 2026 ArtWalk season is generously underwritten by Dapper Dre, supporting Car-Free First Fridays with traffic closures on Aspen St. for art and performance activations.

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Friday, July 3 in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. City Hall offices will reopen Monday, July 6 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on July 3 include:
East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Downtown Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N Izabel Street)
Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)
Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) (1800 E Butler Ave.)
Citizens Cemetery (1300 S San Francisco St.)

Join us for the opening reception of
FREEDOM
Celebrate the opening of Freedom, Sedona Arts Center’s newest exhibition,
with an evening of art, conversation, and community.
Inspired by the themes of America 250—Independence, Inclusivity, and Innovation—Freedom explores the many meanings of liberty through painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, fiber, mixed media, and more. Each artist offers a unique perspective on one of humanity’s most enduring ideas.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — With the Summer vacation season here, this is good time to take a deep breath, take care of yourself and find some ways to ease the stress for your children.
To help, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website.
Want to take a moment to take care of yourself? Visit our free Mindfulness (for adults) one-hour webinar.
Your child may also benefit from our free Mindfulness for Youth 45-minute webinar
READ MORE

AmigosNAZ.com Editor’s Note: Also see our story, visit this year’s new exhibit
View this email in your browser
The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) artworks for the 2027/2028 Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition. The exhibition features five sculptures, existing or newly created, that reflect diverse cultural expressions including Indigenous, Black, and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives and will invite interaction, conversation, and appreciation.
Note: Applications will be accepted exclusively through OpenGov. Artists must register on OpenGov before submitting an application.
Application Deadline: July 31, 2026, 5 pm (Arizona Time)
Image: Eniadé: She is Crowned by Anjola Ayodele

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — A variety of organizations are taking reservations for their Summer reading programs throughout Northern Arizona. The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y.
In addition, agencies, school districts and other organizations are also announcing their schedule for Summer food security programs. Finally, time is running short for families to apply for potential summer camp programs in Coconino County and Northern Arizona.
Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information. Please visit the links below to see if registration is still available. Registration deadlines may have already passed for some programs.
If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org
READ MORE

The annual Flagstaff Beer Festival is coming this Saturday and once again a portion of all proceeds go to support STEM City and our programs.
As a final push to increase attendance and support, Rugged Nature Productions are selling remaining tickets to Flagstaff STEM City supporters at a 75% discount. Please go to https://tinyurl.com/FBF2026-FriendsFamily or use the code FriendsFamily when you purchase.

We are seeking exhibitors to share their work and inspire curiosity in the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers with interactive, family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a returning participant or joining us for the first time, we invite you to be part of this exciting celebration of discovery.
Registration closes July 15, 2026. Space is limited so early registration is encouraged.

FLAGSTAFF — Momentum Aerial is putting out a call for auditions for our Halloween Show, The Book of Shadows: Nocturne. Auditions are open until July 20th and we want YOU to submit. Solos, duets, trios and group numbers are all encouraged to apply.
Audition Submission Period and Requirements: Auditions can be submitted at any time between 5/20/26 – 7/20/26. We will contact you with audition results by July 23rd 2026. Call backs (if needed) will be done via video submission. All submissions will be weighted equally. You may submit work in progress for your audition. It is not expected that you finish an entire piece for the audition. Auditions should be a minimum of one minute in length and a maximum of five minutes.

As part of Grand Canyon National Park’s Conservation K-9 Pilot Project, wildlife staff are asking employees and residents to report any elk observed within designated wildlife exclusion zones.
The five designated exclusion zones are:
El Tovar Complex
Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Maswik Lodge
Mather Campground Services Area
Grand Canyon School

As our fiscal year comes to a close, I’m reaching out one final time to ask for your support.
This campaign has always been about more than meeting a number. It’s about ensuring Sedona Arts Center has the stability and operating support needed to continue serving artists, students, and our community in the year ahead.
The summer months are traditionally our most difficult cash-flow period, and every contribution made right now helps us continue programs, plan ahead with confidence, and maintain the creative opportunities that mean so much to so many.
If you’ve been considering making a gift, this is the moment when your support can have an immediate impact.

Festival season has officially arrived in Flagstaff! There is nothing quite like this time of year, when warm, sunny days are paired with a perfect cool mountain breeze and the refreshing, unmistakable scent of pine trees fills the air. The city is buzzing with energy, and Theatrikos is absolutely thrilled to be part of the celebration.
As you head out to enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere, we invite you to come say hello! Catch up with us, experience a taste of local theatre, and see what we have in store at two fantastic upcoming festivals.

Application Deadline: July 3, 2026
Exhibit Dates: July 31 – October 10, 2026
Location: Tolleson Art Gallery, located inside Tolleson Public Library, Tolleson, AZ
Deadline to Apply: July 3, 2026
The Tolleson Art Gallery invites Arizona artists of all backgrounds and disciplines to submit work exploring the journey of artistic growth, transformation, and self-discovery.
My Evolution celebrates progression — the shift from where you began to where you stand today as an artist. This exhibition highlights personal development, changing perspectives, breakthroughs, experiments, reinventions, and the moments that shaped your creative voice.
Artists are encouraged to submit work that reflects changes in style, technique, identity, purpose, or pivotal moments in their artistic journey. All mediums are welcome, including painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, digital art, textiles, and more.
Selected exhibiting artists will receive a stipend, with additional compensation available for artists presenting a workshop, artist talk, demonstration, or public engagement program.

June at the Museum of Northern Arizona ushers in the start of an engaging season. Summer is truly special here! Our beautiful setting in the ponderosa pines comes alive with events, visitors, and community energy.
I invite you to kick off the summer at MNA’s Party on the Plateau fundraiser on Saturday, June 6. Reserve your tickets now. The accompanying online silent auction is open to all, featuring unique items and experiences to explore.

The Beautification, Arts & Sciences Program is seeking a collaborative and detail-oriented professional to manage public art collections, beautification assets, and community-focused public art projects throughout the City. This position oversees project development and maintenance, coordinates with internal and external partners, conducts community outreach, and supports program initiatives through project management, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills, along with experience managing projects of varying scope and complexity.
Application Deadline: June 21, 2026, 10 pm (Arizona Time)

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Fair is Labor Day weekend, September 4 – 7 at Fort Tuthill County Park, and the community is invited to participate in this annual event.
The Fair Book is available online and is the resource guide for placing entries into the County Fair. Whether community members are interested in showing off prized vegetables or flowers from their garden, or perhaps a new sewing project, the Fair Book has hundreds of exhibits to choose from. Last year, there were over 750 exhibitors who submitted over 2,300 entries, a showcase for the County.

We’re excited to share that the Flagstaff Festival of Science has launched a newly redesigned website! Visit us at www.scifest.org to explore the new look and updated features.
The new site was created to make it easier for our community to stay connected with Festival events, programs, and opportunities throughout the year. With improved navigation, a more modern design, and easier access to information, visitors can quickly find upcoming events, learn about our programs, and discover ways to get involved.
“Our goal was to create a website that reflects the energy, accessibility, and community spirit of the Festival,” said Gina Byars, Program Manager for the Festival. “We encourage community members to explore the site and learn more about all of our programs and events. We’re excited to offer an improved experience that helps people connect with activities and opportunities year-round.”

The drinks are pouring, the tension is mounting, and our mid-run audiences have proven what we knew all along: Life Sucks. is an absolute triumph. From the moment the first argument flies, viewers are transported into a brilliant, hilarious exploration of love and longing that is as heartfelt as it is chaotic. With just two weeks remaining, now is the time to experience the magic everyone is talking about.

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.
Whether you’re discovering a new passion or continuing to grow your skills, you’ll find opportunities to explore, create, and connect in the heart of Sedona. New ceramics classes begin in June, alongside a wide variety of upcoming workshops and studio experiences for adults, teens, and families.

Also see:
Arizona Daily Sun — Gallery: Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel celebrates 100 years
FLAGSTAFF — In a scene that harkened back to a time when the few local Catholic Churches hosted capacity crowds during multiple Sunday services, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Chapel enjoyed a resurgence during a Mass held in honor of its 100th anniversary on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Parishioners and community members could be seen standing on either side of the chapel’s pews, while others crowded in the back of the chapel and even outside structure’s heavy wooden front doors.
It was an appropriate turnout for a place that has so much meaning for the local Hispanic community.
“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. …” according to a portion of the official proclamation that was read at the event by members of the of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on May 16.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County celebrated the opening of the third annual Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition on Tuesday, May 19 at Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park.
“This year’s exhibition features large-scale sculptures by artists Pamela Ambrosio, Anjola Ayodele, Robert L. Barnum, Nathaniel Trygg Patterson, and Joe Ray,” the city reported in a media release. “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.”

FLAGSTAFF — From a moving standing-room-only service, to a variety of musical performances, food and inspiring stories, the Northern Arizona community came out in full force for the 100th anniversary of celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel in Flagstaff on Saturday, May 16. The event included:

I want to share a quick story with you.
Last year, we started the Sedona Entrepreneurial Artist Development Program (SEAD). Since then, a total of 34 artists from Sedona, across the state and beyond have learned the business skills necessary to take their art business to the next level. This incredible program has received acclaim from all who’ve participated and it has made a real difference in these artists lives.
This is what your support does.
As we approach the end of our fiscal year, we’re working to ensure that more stories like this are possible in the months ahead.

Every year, our Annual Meeting and Community Impact Celebration reminds me of why this work matters.
This year’s breakfast brought together so many of the business and community leaders who make northern Arizona the special place it is. We celebrated the close of a very successful annual campaign and reflected on the difference we can make when we work together.
Outgoing Board Chair Armando Ruiz said it beautifully: “I have been able to witness first-hand the power of partnership and collective impact. I am so proud of the work we are doing with youth.”

Right now, Arizona lawmakers are making critical decisions about the 2027 State Budget — including the future of funding for the Arizona Commission on the Arts.
Sedona Arts Center is joining Arizona Citizens for the Arts in urging supporters across the state to speak up now in support of continued arts funding.
An investment in arts and culture is an investment in education, community health, tourism, local economies, and quality of life throughout Arizona. Arts organizations, teaching artists, students, and communities across the state benefit from this essential support.
We encourage you to take a moment today to contact your legislators and ask them to support at least $2 million in ongoing funding for the Arizona Commission on the Arts in the 2027 budget.

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 — 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.

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.

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.

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

corner.
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.

Application Deadline: May 8, 2026
(This Friday)
Notification: May 15, 2026
Program Dates: June 1–25, 2026
Sedona Arts Center invites teens and college-age students (ages 15–22) to apply for Gallery 928, a paid summer art apprenticeship that pairs emerging artists with a master artist to design and create a public mural on the Sedona Arts Center campus.
Up to 12 apprentices will be selected for this immersive program. Each participant receives a $500 stipend and three free college credits through Yavapai College, along with hands-on experience in the full public art process — from concept to completion.
Gallery 928 also helps artists build essential professional skills, including teamwork, leadership, presentation, and résumé development, preparing them for future opportunities in the arts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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