United Way of Northern Arizona — Annual Meeting Shows Community in Action

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.”

The NAU Review — Get your kicks at the Route 66 exhibition

Now through spring 2027, visitors walking into Cline Library will step into a slice of mid-century America: A glowing motel “No Vacancy” sign, vintage furniture, a guestbook waiting to be signed, a Polaroid camera to capture the moment. The exhibit “Echoes of the Open Road: 100 Years of Route 66 in Arizona” combines archival materials, student scholarship and community storytelling to trace the history of this iconic roadway—from its rise as a cross-country travel route to its cultural afterlife as a symbol of Americana.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Majority Vote “Yes” on Regional Plan 2045 Ratification

The City of Flagstaff has announced that ballots for the Regional Plan Special Election on May 19 have been counted and the results are in. The majority of voters chose to vote “Yes.” This means that the Regional Plan 2045 will take effect immediately as the City’s General Plan.

Yes on Question 492 received 57% of the votes

No on Question 492 received 43% of of the votes

Turnout for the citywide election was 27%.

Sedona Arts Center — Take action to support arts funding in Arizona

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.

Discover the Joy of Making at Sedona Arts Center

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.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors approve proclamation May 12 celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel 100th anniversary

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors signed a proclamation on May 12, 2026 celebrating 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel in Flagstaff.

“WHEREAS, in May of 1925, the Hispanic families of Flagstaff began raising the first funds for a church of their own, and by September 25, 1925, the work commenced on the foundation—an effort that exhausted the full $500 then available but strengthened the community’s resolve; and …” members of the chapel’s caretakers the Guadalupanas began reading during the opening of the proclamation ceremony.

The county stated in its agenda as the reason for the proclamation:

“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. …

Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar places wreaths at Pearl Harbor

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar had the honor of placing wreaths at Pearl Harbor on Sunday following the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) annual Western Interstate Region (WIR Conference (in Maui County, Hawai’i).

Benatar attended the 40th Anniversary of the USS Missouri’s Cold War Recommissioning where she met with veterans and active military personnel to celebrate their service and achievements. Alongside Jackson County Legislator’s Manuel Abarca IV and Venessa Huskey, she laid wreaths to honor both the USS Missouri and the USS Arizona.

“At the USS Arizona Memorial, I was reminded that service, sacrifice and stewardship are not just ideals, they are responsibilities we carry forward,” Benatar said. “On behalf of Coconino County and my county colleagues through NACo, it was a profound honor to place a wreath in tribute to those who gave everything and to reaffirm our commitment to never forget their legacy.” 

Kids Summer Art Camps at Sedona Arts Center

Summer Youth Clay Camp for Ages 8-12
with Kim Sammartano 
June 1–5, 2026 – 9am-12pm — $200

Let creativity take shape this summer in Youth Summer Clay Camp! Young artists (ages 8–12) will explore handbuilding techniques like pinch pots, coils, and slabs while creating fun, imaginative projects. Campers will also try the pottery wheel and learn about texture, form, and glazing. No experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy. Finished pieces will be kiln-fired and ready for pickup after camp.

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts& Sciences — News & Opportunities

View this email in your browser Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition Opens May 19 The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County announce the opening of the third annual Multicultural County Park Sculpture ExhibitionTuesday, May 19. This year’s exhibition features large-scale…

City of Flagstaff — Section of Cedar Avenue to close from May 29 – 31 for final roadway striping

FLAGSTAFF — Cedar Avenue will close to all traffic, from West Street to the Fourth/Lockett roundabout, from Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31, to allow crews to safely perform final roadway striping. Cedar Avenue and the Fourth/Lockett roundabout will reopen on Monday, June 1.

This closure will allow crews to safely perform final roadway striping along Cedar Avenue and within the Fourth/Lockett roundabout, as the striping that was completed last fall was temporary for the winter months. This striping effort will be the final work along Cedar Avenue as part of the Spruce Wash Suite of Projects.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel 2026 Centennial Celebration to be held May 16

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.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Community partners celebrate 2026 Walk for Wellness — Physical & Mental Health

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — Hikers, parents and children enjoyed a beautiful spring day to take in some fresh air in celebration of the annual 2026 Walk for Wellness — Physical & Mental Health held on May 9 at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff.

The 5th annual event was held in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month nationally and in Coconino County.

Organizers said event was designed to make taking care of your physical and mental health a habit, raise awareness, reduce the stigma of mental health and enjoy a walk with family and friends.

Some of the organizations participating in the event include Anderson General Tire, Arizona Dept. of Economic Security — Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP), Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Girl Scouts, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), the Narbha Institute, National Fire Prevention Education Team from the U.S. Forest Service, Northern Arizona Healthcare — Office of Philanthropy, Oxford House, Pioneer Title Agency, Terros Health, Tynkertopia and We Care Northern Arizona.

City of Flagstaff, Coconino County celebrate year three of the Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition opening May 19

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.

City of Flagstaff — Return Your Ballots for the Regional Plan Election!

The Regional Plan Special Election ballot asks voters in the City of Flagstaff to vote on whether to ratify or not ratify the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045. 

Your ballot must be received by the Recorder’s Office no later than 7:00 pm on Election Day, Tuesday May 19, 2026. Postmarks do not apply when considering this deadline. There are no polling places on Election Day. 

If you haven’t mailed your ballot already, please use one of the drop off locations listed below to ensure it is counted. Click here for additional election information. 

Explore Art Classes & Workshops at Sedona Art Center

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.

Sandbag cleanup operations for Sunnyside and Grandview Homes starting in late May

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will launch a one-time sandbag clean up operation throughout the Sunnyside and Grandview Homes neighborhoods, in the areas shown on the map. Residents of Sunnyside and Grandview Homes are instructed to move their sandbags debris to the curb (within City Right-of-Way) in front of their property. City of Flagstaff crews will remove this sandbag debris between May 26 and June 8. 

Residents who want to remove their sandbag debris early can bring them to the City’s Cinder Lake Landfill (6770 E Landfill Rd). The City will waive the landfill fee for all sandbag debris. A copy of the resident’s municipal water bill is required for address verification. 

Theatrikos Theater Co. — Meet the cast of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!

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.

American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrate 2026 Cinco de Mayo Dinner/Dance

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.

Festival of Science Calling all Presenters for 2026!

The Flagstaff Festival of Science calls for presenters to host an event in this year’s Festival!

During “Driven by Curiosity” taking place from September 25 – October 5, 2026, the Festival explores automotive ingenuity, engineering and technology. Your program is welcome to align with the theme, but if not, that is OK too.

What is your area of STEAM expertise? What science topic drives your curiosity? We want to know about it!

May at the Museum of Northern Arizona

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

Coconino Center for the Arts — A Creative Way to Celebrate Mom

Mother’s Day is coming up soon, and it’s a good time to start thinking about ways to celebrate the people who care for us. Give the mom in your life the gift of art.

CCA membership with Arts+ Pass includes free exhibition entry, invitations to exhibition previews, discounted pricing on events, concerts, and workshops, and enrollment in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association, offering free admission and exclusive discounts to over 1,300 museums and institutions across North America.⁠ This means that, whether the mom in your life is near or far, this gift offers ongoing access to a variety of artistic experiences all year long!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on May 6 to share your story

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Christopher N. David, chief executive officer of Native Americans for Community Action Inc., will be the opening speaker. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

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.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org​​​​​​​ to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

READ MORE​​​​​​​

May News at Sedona Arts Center

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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.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Deadline for KinderCamp™ 2026 Coming Up (May 15)

If you’ve been a part of the United Way of Northern Arizona community for a while, you are already familiar with what KinderCamp™means for scores of preschoolers.

You’ve heard how this targeted intervention program, provided free to families, helps prepare 4- and 5-year-olds with little to no preschool experience so they are ready for that first day of school.

It’s the difference between a child walking into kindergarten ready to learn – and one who feels overwhelmed.

KinderCamp returns this June in Flagstaff, Williams, Holbrook and Pinetop-Lakeside, but we’re coming up on a critical deadline.