Museum of Northern Arizona update for March 4 — March is Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month

It’s Archaeology Month and MNA has lots of ways to learn and celebrate. Sign yourself up for the Behind-the-Scenes Archaeology tour, come hear the history of Tim’s Cave from the man who found it, or bring the kids to STEAM Second Saturday for hands-on archaeology activities. While you’re at it, sign them up for a week of fun at spring break camp. Or sign yourself up for a week of fun with a Ventures Trip.

Support MNA at REI

March 7- April 8

REI in Flagstaff

The MNA Nature Trail wanders through a shallow canyon carved by the Rio de Flag. Its a sublime getaway for people, birds and animals, but is in need of trail improvements and signage. As part of the “Loving Our Local Outdoors” event, any REI member shopping in the Flagstaff store from March 7 to April 8 will be given a token to vote on how to divide $5,000 of donations between three local stewardship projects. The MNA Nature Trail is one of the choices. Please tell friends, family and everyone you know about this opportunity to support MNA at REI.

Brew for MNA

Win the chance to brew a Historic beer

Raffle tickets $10 each or 5 for $40

One lucky winner will be able to bring four friends to Historic Brewing Company on May 11 and create a signature beer for the Museum of Northern Arizona. Raffle tickets on sale now at the museum or online. The winner will be drawn on March 9. Need not be present to win, but the more tickets you buy, the better your chances!

Howlin’ for the Plateau with Ed Kabotie

March 11, 7-8 pm

$6 members/$7 nonmembers

At Sedona United Methodist Church

110 Indian Cliffs Rd, Sedona

Museum of Northern Arizona, Artist in Residence, Ed Kabotie, will share songs and stories that express his love and burden for the sacred lands of the Colorado Plateau.

Behind-the-Scenes tour: Archaeology

March 14, 4 pm

Tour guide: Gwenn Gallenstein,Flag Area Monuments Museum Curator

Tour MNA’s legacy Archaeology Collection, which includes rare artifacts ranging from sandals to painted baskets and prehistoric murals to 1000 year old pottery. Find out what researchers look for in potsherds and hear about recent findings that continue to inspire dialogue.

Gallery Talk: Gunnar Widforss

March 24, 3 pm

As we celebrate the 100th year of Grand Canyon National Park, it’s also worth celebrating the “Painter of the National Parks,” Gunnar Widforss. Widforss expert and MNA Curator Alan Petersen shares highlights of Widforss’ life, his relationship with MNA and introduces the new Gunnar Widforss Institute at MNA. The institute will maintain the online catalog raisonné, totaling nearly 1,300 paintings.

The Story of Tim’s Cave

March 31, 2-3 pm

Free for members or with paid admission

Come hear how a helicopter tour booked as a birthday present led to the discovery of a cave filled with large pots and baskets. Andy Seagle will be at MNA to tell the tale of how the cave was found, and why it was named for his brother, Tim, who had explored the area and studied the archaeology many years before.

Slow Art Day

April 6, 3:00-5:00 pm

Free for members or with paid admission

Come savor art as part of this international day encouraging people to stop and really look. Participants will spend about 10 minutes looking at each piece of artwork selected by curator Alan Petersen. Afterward, share insights from the exercise in mindful museum-going.

STEAM Second Saturday: Archaeology

March 9 at 2:00-3:00 pm

Free for members and kids age 9 and under

Join archaeologists and demonstrators for an afternoon of exploring how prehistoric people lived. Try out ancient technology and weapons, create your own pinch pot and try some Anasazi stew. Part of Archaeology Awareness month. See the schedule of upcoming STEAM Second Saturdays.

Spring Break Camp: Carnivores

Registration open

Camp dates are March 18-22

Ages: 5-12

From the meat-eating dinosaurs of long ago, to the stealthy coyotes of today, carnivores play an exciting and important role in our environment. Learn about these top predators through field trips, projects and guest presenters. Sign up for one day, two days or the whole week.

Summer Camp Registration

Member Registration opens March 25

Camps run weekly from June 10-Aug. 2

Ages: 4-14

Select from 40 art and science (STEAM) camps, all led by professional educators. Extended care and scholarships available. Download the Discovery Camp schedule and start planning for summer. Members get 10% off on all camps.

Poetry on the Plateau Workshops

Ancient Inspiration, April 5, 3:00-6:00 pm

Nature Writing, April 6, 9:00 am-Noon

Polish & Publish, April 7, Noon -2:00 pm

Celebrate National Poetry Month with a weekend of writing workshops with internationally acclaimed poet Jodie Hollander. The Ancient Inspiration workshop includes a collections tour. The Nature Writing workshop includes a horticulture tour. Sign up for one or get a discount for all three. To register call 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or register Online

Navajo Weaving Workshop

May 25-27, 9 am -4 pm

$325 members/$375 nonmembers

Join renowned Navajo weaver Marilou Schultz for a three day weaving workshop at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Learn the basic techniques of weaving to create your own piece and gain insight into this beautiful and traditional art form. Loom and most supplies included. Perfect for all levels including beginners.Sign up for the workshop by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or register Online

Four Grand Day Hikes at South Rim

Apr. 3-6, 2019

Explore the canyon during the day and spend each night in a comfortable bed on the South Rim. Experienced guides Helen Ranney & Lisa Kearsleyshare their favorite canyon day hikes and views. Limited spaces left. Sign up for South Rim Day Hikes by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 orOnline

SP Crater Day Hike

May 18, 2019, 8:30 am to 4 pm

Explore two textbook small volcanoes in one day with geologist Kent Colbath. The short but rigorous hikes lead to glimpses into SP Crater and Doney Crater, as well as spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks volcanic field. Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online

Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

May 1-8, 2020

Experience the canyon in ways you will never forget. Enjoy a seven-day, six-night, fully outfitted motorized rafting trip on the Colorado River with Grand Canyon geologist and expert Wayne Ranney. These trips fill up early. Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online

Pivot: Skateboard Deck Art

Final month, ends March 31

More than 100 blank skateboard decks transformed into works of art by artists of many tribes and traditions. From traditional carvers to contemporary painters, the decks on display represent a pivotal moment in Native American art, as a young generation combines traditional imagery and techniques with modern interpretations and canvases. Generously supported by NARBHA.

90 Years of Ideas

Now open

The Museum of Northern Arizona was founded 90 years ago with some big ideas – that a museum can be core to the culture of a community; that science, art and culture belong together in one museum; that a museum can and should advocate and educate. Come see a graphic presentation of MNA history highlighting some of the ideas and research.

The Ant Empire: Strength in Community

Now open

A living exhibition of honeypot ants! These fascinating insects store sweet liquids in their swollen abdomens. Myrmecocystus are native to Arizona, where they live in nests underground. The living display at MNA gives visitors a peek into their complex community. This exhibition is generously supported by Isaac’s Ant Foundation and dedicated to the memory of Isaac Calley

Kids education materials

An art lesson inspired by Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton will accompany the retrospective exhibition opening this weekend. Coloring pages, scavenger hunts, and lab booklets connect kids to the museum exhibitions. MNA is developing more educational supplements to accompany exhibitions, so that all ages of visitors can enjoy and engage. To support the development and printing of these materials, click Donate and put “For kids” in the notes.

Find your fine art

MNA collections are full of fine art, and so are MNA shops. Whether you’re investing in original paintingsor looking to brighten your home with a print or someones day with a card, come find a bit of beauty. Learn more about the history of MNA and the art and advocacy of Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton through museum publications.

Sleep beneath symbols of hope

The MNA commemorative Pendleton blanket is rich with symbolism representing rejuvenation. The blanket features the Sunset Crater Kachina, known for showing the Hopi how to turn the devastation left by the volcanic eruption into a benefit for their crops. Rain clouds above and growing plants at the kachinas feet all speak to a time of regrowth. Bring some springtime to your own dreams. Buy your limited edition blanket online or stop by the MNA shop.