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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.

Echoes of Excellence
Ellen Parish is the President of the Diablo Trust, a nonprofit in northern Arizona that provides a forum for active community participation in collaborative land stewardship (see the harmonic highlights article below for more information on the Diablo Trust.)
Ellen grew up near Porterville, California in a family that ranched and worked in the animal health industry. She moved to Arizona to go to school at NAU and, like so many of us do, fell in love with northern Arizona. Ellen’s strong connection to conservation was enhanced through studies in biology and physiology. While at NAU she fell in love with the ceramics department, and to this day makes ceramics as creative outlet during our winter months.

Phantom Ranch Closure and Upcoming TCWL Shutoff
All Phantom Ranch operations are closed from January 2 to March 30, 2025, for the installation of new water and electric lines for the Transcanyon Waterline Project. Hikers can still access the North Kaibab Trail, however, the bypass route around Phantom Ranch may change. Please follow all closure signs and be aware that water will only be available at Boat Beach (near the Black Bridge) during this closure period.
Additionally, from 8 a.m. on January 15 to 5 p.m. on January 19, the Transcanyon Waterline will be shut off for necessary construction work on a temporary water bypass along the River Trail. During this period, water will not be available at Boat Beach or Manzanita Rest Area. More information on water availability in the inner canyon can be found on park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.
Water for the South Rim will be supplied from the existing storage tanks, and park management will closely monitor tank levels. Water conservation measures may be implemented until pumping is resumed to the South Rim.

Welcome 2025! As MNA marks its 97th year celebrating the Colorado Plateau, I’m excited to share a bit about our upcoming exhibits—a mix of art, science, and cultural phenomena.
February: Life Extended: Biology as Metaphor features vivid new works by Flagstaff artist Debra Edgerton that explore the links between biological and human social structures.
March: Collecting in a Changing World showcases recent MNA acquisitions with insights into why the museum collects what it collects.
May: Shifting Life Zones looks at climate-driven ecological shifts in northern Arizona and MNA research that reveals how plants are adapting.
November: Wagon Road to Mother Road marks the Route 66 Centennial with a journey through the rich history of the iconic highway. The exhibit will debut captivating stories about the road’s wild side, unveiled by MNA archaeological research in Petrified Forest National Park.

Our new catalog of classes and workshops is now available!
(You can also check it out online by clicking here)
See what’s new and explore a new class or workshop today!
Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years!

Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery is the hilarious adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, where Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are called to investigate a mysterious, deadly hound haunting the desolate Devonshire moors. The Baskerville estate has named a new heir who is the potential next victim. The play features rapid-fire character changes with only four actors playing forty roles, creating a whirlwind of disguises and witty twists as the intrepid duo try to unravel the truth behind the murderous curse.

Join us this Friday, January 3, from 4-6 pm for Celebrate Sedona and the opening of “Earth and Fire,” a ceramics exhibition and sale January 3-31, 2025. The exhibition showcases a diverse collection of ceramic pieces and kicks off with an opening reception Friday, January 3, from 4-6 pm, programmed in conjunction with Celebrate Sedona. The afternoon features artist demonstrations, food, wine, beer and music. Both events are free and open to the public.
“Earth and Fire” features a variety of artworks that celebrate and reflect ceramics contribution to the arts in Arizona as well as the artists who’ve graced Sedona Arts Center’s halls over the years. Event attendees will find everything, including decorative and functional pieces.

This Saturday, August 30, FSO’s Sippin’ with the Symphony returns at Wiseman Aviation. An evening of music, fine wine & craft beer, culinary delights, and live and silent auctions await. Tickets are selling fast—secure your seat today for this intimate soirée.
Purchase tickets here or by clicking the button below.

In conjunction with the Southwest Collaborative Music Convergence.
“Listening to Thollem play the piano is an astonishing experience. He has an innate ability to compose transcendent music using the piano as his expressive voice and to explore the depth and range of the instrument like no one else.” (Joan Jeanrenaud, Kronos Quartet)

FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will hold its 22nd annual Fiesta de Independencia Celebration from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 at Flagstaff Mall. Free event.
Featuring a live band, folklorico dancers, and a piñata for the kids. Come celebrate Independence! There will be food and other items for purchase at the event.
The Mexican Consulate of Phoenix, AZ will perform the historic “El Grito” Ceremony at approximately 3:45 PM.

Coconino Center for the Arts invites the community to hit the open road—without leaving town—for Route 66 Diner Theater, a one-night-only benefit for CCA’s exhibitions and programs. This dynamic evening blends the tastes, sounds, and stories of America’s most iconic highway into an unforgettable experience.
The ticket price includes appetizers and dinner by Sosta, (2) drink tickets, theatrical performance, and three unique musical experiences, weaving together a rich tapestry of sound and storytelling within Coconino Center for the Arts’ current exhibition.

Join us for an immersive celebration of art set against the awe-inspiring red rock landscapes of Sedona, Arizona.
As one of the oldest continuously running plein air festivals in the western U.S., this iconic event brings together master artists from across the country to paint on location and share their talents with the public. Held during Sedona’s most beautiful season, the festival features a week of outdoor painting, special exhibitions, engaging workshops, and free community events.

FLAGSTAFF — This October, the Historic Ice House will transform from a relic of the past into the region’s most chilling haunted attraction: The Haunted Ice House, presented by Culture Connection AZ. Once a working ice factory before home refrigeration became common, the building will serve as the eerie backdrop for a terrifying immersive experience filled with dark history, sinister characters, and unforgettable scares.
Led by a tour guide, guests will encounter bloodcurdling thrills along their journey, and just might meet some of the Ice House’s most infamous spirits, such as The Hookman. Once an ice factory worker in the Ice House, he became obsessed with the steel hooks used to move massive ice blocks. Until one day his obsession turned sadistic…They say you can still hear the faint metallic screech of his hook and feel the chill of his wrath.

I’m very excited to be working with NAU’s Kitt School of Music on the Southwest premiere of my latest composition, Abya Yala Choral Suite. This multilingual composition is the result of many months of research and collaborative work with different poets in Latin America, in an attempt to vindicate historically discriminated languages and communities throughout Abya Yala.

Coconino County is pleased to announce that the public hearings for Envision 2045, the County’s updated Comprehensive Plan have been scheduled.
The updated Plan was developed over the past two and a half years with input from communities across the County, numerous outreach events, surveys, open houses, collaboration with local, State and Federal partners and with guidance by a citizen advisory group.
The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range policy document that sets out a 20-year vision, based on public input that guides the county’s future physical, economic and social development. Its text, maps, goals, policies and implementation actions guide decisions about the County’s future, in particular land use decisions, and serves as a resource document reflecting information about the county at the time it was updated.

Friday, November 7, 7:30 pm
Each generation, perhaps once a decade, bluegrass experiences a band or an artist that redefines and recenters the genre itself. Della Mae is one such band.
The GRAMMY-nominated string band was founded in 2010 and over the next decade and a half they’ve demonstrated to the roots music world, once and for all, that a band of all women is not, nor has ever been, a mere novelty. They remain at the forefront of the explosion of women instrumentalists and all-women acts in roots music and their impact is striking and measurable – not just in North America, but around the globe.

SHIFTING TOPOGRAPHIES: Extracting the Landscape features projects by Carol Hartman (Red Lodge, MT), Jeff Schmuki (Stateboro, GA), and Klee Benally in memoriam (Diné, Black Mesa, Navajo Nation; Flagstaff, AZ). In a rapidly changing climate, we are witness to and complicit in irreversible scarring of the land. There are eight National Parks and Monuments within a 2-hour drive of Flagstaff that face potential threats to their preservation, due to the proposed federal reopening of protected sacred lands to mining. This timely and relevant exhibition theme—extraction—takes on a markedly different approach depending on the geographical and cultural perspectives of the represented artists.

Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible milestones Culture Connection AZ has reached this year. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve been able to connect our community, celebrate local culture, and amplify voices that have long been overlooked. Our events this year have brought together hundreds of attendees, and we are excited to share with you some of the highlights and successes from the past year.

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed fee increase for non-commercial river trips. The proposed change would begin March 1, 2025.
The existing $25 lottery application cost fee would remain the same and the flat rate per-person cost would increase from $90 to $310 for Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek and $0 to $55 for Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry.
Interested parties can submit feedback online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRCA_River_Trip_Cost_Increase through January 30, 2025. Written comments may also be sent to the following address by January 30, 2025:

Mini Masterpieces: Palette Knife and Cold Wax Basics
with Casey Cheuvront
January 4, 2025: Saturday, 11am–4pm
Good things come in small packages! Add some dimension to your painting with cold wax and learn the basics of palette knife painting in this one-day workshop. All materials provided. Leave with your own mini masterpiece!
Gallery depth mini panel, palette knife, paint, and cold wax included in the materials fee (paid to the instructor)
Reserve early; limited seating – All levels welcome!

SEDONA — The Coconino National Forest and partners will discontinue the sale of the Grand Annual Pass on Dec. 31, 2024, to simplify pass requirements across the forest, but existing Grand Annual Passes sold through the end of 2024 will be honored at all fee sites through 2025.
ExplorUS, in coordination with the Coconino National Forest, is excited to announce the launch of the new annual Sedona Pass. The annual pass will be sold for $50 starting in January 2025, and will provide visitor access for one vehicle and up to five people per pass to the following day-use sites on the Coconino National Forest.

FLAGSTAFF — Even before dawn on a chilly but clear morning, the faithful gathered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration on Dec. 12, 2024 in Flagstaff.
As has been traditional in recent years, more than 100 luminarias lit the way for those who attended the event, which featured spiritual music and prayers.
The Rosary was led by Las Guadalupanas, followed by the Mañanitas Serenade to Our Lady of Guadalupe and the bilingual Mass.
The luminarias surrounding the chapel were placed by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, who will also present the breakfast in the church’s basement following the Mass.

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Discover unique, handmade goods from local artists and artisans, enjoy live music from The Pocket Limes, sip on warm coffee and cocoa, and explore a variety of crafts and more! Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift or simply enjoying the holiday spirit, there’s something for everyone!
Don’t miss out on this festive celebration — bring your friends, family, and holiday cheer!

The arts are more than a source of inspiration – they are a vital economic driver for northern Arizona.
We know from data collected by the national Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), the latest economic impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts, that the arts account for more than $85 million in direct economic activity in Flagstaff annually, and another $13.5 million in Sedona.
The arts are one of the top 10 sectors in the region based on employment and our 5-year Strategic Plan calls for community leaders to support the expansion and enhancement of arts and cultural venues and offerings within our communities.

Why support MNA today?
Because in a world that’s increasingly filled with replicas, virtual experiences, and even artificially created images and videos, museums matter more than ever.
Because nothing can replicate the experience of this place. The bubbling fountain in the Golightly Courtyard surrounded by the life zones of the Colorado Plateau.
The anticipation of walking into a new exhibition, or the quiet communion of sitting with an artwork or object in one of MNA’s intimate galleries. The exhilaration of watching a traditional Indigenous dance performance – not on your phone, but live and in person.

Resume Workshop Series at Albright Training Center
Albright Training Center is hosting a series of resume workshops designed to help individuals apply for and compete for jobs with the National Park Service. Led by Paul Ganas and Dalirca Matos, Human Resource Specialists for NPS, these sessions will provide valuable insights into building strong resumes and navigating the federal hiring process.
Each workshop is tailored to a specific audience, so be sure to attend the session that best fits your needs:

As the year winds down and the holiday season is in full swing, I invite you to find inspiration and calm at the Museum of Northern Arizona. A great place to start is in our new Poetry Maps exhibition, offering unique perspectives on the landscapes we hold dear.
This coming weekend, we’re hosting our annual Winter Market and Open House, a beloved tradition highlighting Indigenous artistry and craftsmanship. It’s a perfect opportunity to find thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting Indigenous talent. If you’re still searching for something truly unique, take advantage of our Museum Shop. It’s a delightful space where you’ll discover regional handcrafted treasures, surrounded by the quiet charm of the Museum.
Amid the holiday hustle, a visit to the Museum can bring moments of peace and reflection. Whether you’re exploring exhibits or just taking in the season’s beauty, we hope to see you here soon.
Warm wishes for a joyful December,
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona

Development Program (SEAD)
March 8-9, 2025
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 3, 2025
The Sedona Artist Entrepreneurial Development Program (SEAD) is a 2-day intensive opportunity that empowers visual artists to see their creative practice through an entrepreneurial lens. The SEAD curriculum explores tools to organize, plan, and sustain a creative career, with the goal of developing an individualized business plan to prepare each artist to take their creative endeavors to the next level.
Participants will learn about topics including strategic planning, creating your artist statement, resume and bio, marketing, accounting and more. Participants who successfully complete the program and create their strategic plan within a year will each be eligible to apply for a $500 grant for implementation. This program is conducted in partnership with USDA Rural Development.

The 2024 Fall Astronomy Volunteers. This team put on dark skies programs 4-5 nights per week through the fall season, connecting tens of thousands of visitors to the stars. Thank you for your stellar service to your national parks and to Grand Canyon’s dark skies! Left to right: Bernie Sanden, Robyn Tan, Steve Dimse, Lian Tan, Tyler Cherry, Rader Lane, CC Cogswell, Joey Green.

We’re excited to share a great opportunity for community members to get involved with Flagstaff’s public art scene! The City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences program is looking for passionate individuals to serve as panelists for upcoming public art projects. We’d really appreciate it if you could help spread the word to your constituents, staff, volunteers, or anyone in your community who might be interested in participating.
We’re looking for people from all backgrounds—art experience isn’t required! Panelists will evaluate artists, artist proposals, or engage in discussions about projects. The time commitment varies, depending on the project, but participation is virtual making it easy to take part from anywhere.

Saturday, November 23
The Brothers Reed, Coconino Center for the Arts
With their comedic brotherly banter, impeccable harmonic expression, and widely varying influences, a Brothers Reed performance will have you reflecting on lost lives and lovers, laughing hysterically and leaving completely entertained. 7:30 p.m.

FLAGSTAFF — Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the 17th Annual Viola Awards on April 26, 2025, at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff. Honoring a legacy of excellence in arts, science and culture in Flagstaff, we are reveling in 17 years with Dancing Queens! Look forward to a spectacular evening of dazzling performance to celebrate artistic excellence in our community.
The Viola Awards celebrate achievements in the arts, science, and culture akin to the Oscars of Flagstaff. Each year, the community gathers to applaud the achievements of our local creative community, with over hundreds in attendance. The event was founded in 2009 to honor Viola Babbitt and her dedication as a founding member of Flagstaff’s creative community. The Viola Awards event is sponsored annually by the Babbitt Brothers Foundation and other institutions that value arts and culture.

Key Updates to the 2024 Superintendent’s Compendium for Grand Canyon National Park
What is the Compendium?
The Superintendent’s Compendium is a vital document that outlines the specific regulations and policies governing Grand Canyon National Park. It serves as a supplement to federal regulations, allowing park management to address unique local conditions and issues. The Compendium is updated every year to ensure the park’s rules remain current and effective.
Key Updates for 2024:

Pastels: A Crash Course
with Nori Thorne
November 22: Friday
Are you drawn to the beauty and versatility of pastel but don’t know where to start? This crash course is for you. We will have pastel demonstrations, exercises, and plenty of at-easel encouragement in Pastels: A Crash Course. Learn how to block in a design, underpaint using a wet wash, experiment with a variety of pastel surfaces and materials. With an emphasis on achieving correct values, colors, and shapes you will create an exciting floral still life and leave the workshop with skills to begin your pastel journey.

Hunchback Enrollment
Coming up in December
Theatrikids Educational Theatre Program:
The Stage Buddies program, now in its tenth year, brings the classic Hunchback of Notre Dame to the Theatrikos stage for six performances in February. In this abilities-inclusive program, actors with disabilities age 15-18 are paired with experienced middle and high school actors to share a role in the play.

FLAGSTAFF — The beauty and magic of el Día de los Muertos through folkloric dances from the regions of El Estado de México- Concheros (Aztec dances), Oaxaca, Puebla, Jalisco and Veracruz was presented at the Orpheum Theater on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 by Flagstaff’s own award-winning Ballet Folklórico de Colores during its “¡Mueve el Esqueleto¡” celebration.
The fundraiser also included an authentic altar/ofrenda presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces to remember our loved ones who have passed on.
Traditional Mexican food for El Día de los Muertos was also available for purchase.