City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences news and opportunities

Keep an eye out next week, when the City of Flagstaff opens a Request for Statements of Qualifications (RSOQs) for an artist or artist team to design and execute a large-scale mural on the Buffalo Park water tank. This highly visible project could reflect Flagstaff, Northern Arizona, the current activity and/or history of the park, or the communities that utilize this natural and recreational resource. The mural will become an emblematic feature of the park and the surrounding area.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition provides listing of 2026 Health and Welfare Resource Meetings in region

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

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January at the Museum of Northern Arizona

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.

The NAU Review — Happy new year! What’s new in science, hospitality & health

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.

United Way of Northern Arizona — You’re Invited! Bijou Grand Opening January 9th

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.

Downtown Flagstaff — Start Your New Year Right – Flagstaff Happenings

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 

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City of Flagstaff hosts meet and greet event for Deputy City Manager candidates on Feb. 11

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting a meet and greet event for members of the community to meet and provide feedback on candidates for the Deputy City Manager position. The City began its competitive search following the appointment of former Deputy City Manager, Joanne Keene, to the role of City Manager. The City received 184 applications and six finalists have been invited to participate in in-person interviews and an in-person public meet and greet event on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 5 -6:45 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall in Council Chambers (211 W Aspen Ave).

A Valentine’s Weekend Concert, Reimagined with Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra on Feb. 13

This Valentine’s weekend, experience a concert that offers both grandeur and intimacy—each from a fresh perspective. Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra presents Indulge: Symphonic Flavors on Friday, February 13, an evening of rich sound and unexpected delights, ideal for a romantic date night or a meaningful night out.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Join Us & Have Your Giving Go Further in NAZ

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.

The Literacy Center — Thank You for Being Part of Our Story This Year

FLAGSTAFF — Thank you for supporting the Literacy Center this year. We wanted to let you know that as the year comes to a close, your support helps makes a lasting difference. Your generosity ensures that adults and children in our community have access to tutoring, classes, and immigration legal services that open doors to learning, belonging, and opportunity. Every day, we see lives transformed–parents gaining confidence in English, children discovering the joy of reading, and families finding stability and hope. These successes are possible because people like you choose to invest in our learners.

As the only privately funded adult education center in Northern Arizona, The Literacy Center relies on charitable giving to provide one-on-one tutoring, ESL and GED classes, youth reading programs, and immigration legal services at little to no cost.

NACASA program transfers to Northern Arizona Healthcare and Victim Witness Services leadership

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Attorney’s Office announces transition of Northern Arizona Care And Services after Assault (NACASA) from North Country Healthcare to a shared leadership model between Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) and Victim Witness Services (VWS).

Downtown Flagstaff — Find Your New Year’s Eve Plans Here. Flagstaff Happenings

Wednesday, December 31

Noon Year’s Eve

Downtown Flagstaff

Heritage Square will be buzzing from 10:00am–1:00pm with crafts, games, face painting, axe throwing, pinecone decorating, a live DJ, a photobooth, and more family-friendly fun, all leading up to a magical Noon Pinecone Drop with a sparkling apple cider toast to welcome 2026. 10 a.m. Free.

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Flagstaff Festival of Science — Your Year End Donation – Matched!

Season’s Greetings!

As we wrap up 2025, we reflect with deep gratitude on the 36-year journey of the Flagstaff Festival of Science and the many lives changed because of supporters like you.

Each year, the Festival shines a spotlight on the incredible research, innovation, and discovery happening right here in our community. Through more than 100 free events—lectures, field trips, hands-on activities, and school programs—we connect people of all ages to the excitement of science.

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra wishes you a Happy New Year

As we prepare to welcome a new year, Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra wishes to express our deep gratitude for the moments we shared in 2025. Together, we experienced uplifting and artistic performances, impactful collaborations, and collective enthusiasm that inspired us every step of the way.

Whether you attended a concert, supported one of our outreach programs, or simply shared your love of live orchestral music with others, you helped make this year one of connection and joy.

Coconino County Center for the Arts — Your Year-End Donation is needed now to support youth arts

Dear Friends,

There’s still time for a year-end donation to ensure arts engagement for youth at Coconino Center for the Arts.⁠

Creative Flagstaff has been awarded a $15k grant from the Robert Lehman Foundation toward our $30k initiative to expand educational programs and build permanent infrastructure for youth access to the visual arts at CCA, which includes:

United Way of Northern Arizona — Holiday Wishes

All of us at United Way of Northern Arizona wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season. May this time be filled with meaningful moments, safe travels, and time spent with the people who matter most.

We are deeply grateful for your continued support and partnership. Together, we will keep strengthening our communities and creating opportunities for youth, families, and neighbors across Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties in 2026 and beyond.

Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!

Liz Archuleta and the UWNA Team