Category: Cultural

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Arts: A Cornerstone of Northern Arizona’s Economic Growth

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Time to gather details on your hopes, goals, resolutions for 2025

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2024 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — As 2024 comes to a close, we want to find out what hopes, dreams, goals or (if you are willing to share) resolutions you may have for the coming year.

Maybe it’s setting a personal physical or mental health goal? Maybe it’s achieving a family or professional goal? Maybe more vacation travel, carving out more personal time or spending more time with friends and loved ones?

Imagining a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community starts with all of us and your dreams and goals feed back into the collective.

We want to know so we can include your thoughts when our newsletter returns on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, following our two-week newsletter break starting Dec. 25. And please let us know if you want us to share your comments anonymously with all our newsletter subscribers.

Maybe it’s too early to think about setting goals for the coming year. Instead, you can tell us what you are most proud of that you have done in 2024, be it a personal or professional accomplishment.

The NAU Review — Cheers to the Class of ’24! Meet the grads, plan your commencement journey + leave a ‘congrats’ for the Lumberjack in your life!

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2024 • Comments Off

Get ready to celebrate our incredible graduates at NAU’s Fall 2024 commencement! Over 2,400 outstanding new Lumberjacks are set to make their mark on the world—but first, they’ll mark this milestone with their loved ones and mentors in two unforgettable ceremonies at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome on Friday, Dec. 13. Whether you’re a student, family member or NAU employee, we’ve got all the info you need to make the most of this special day, from getting there to parking and navigating campus.
Read our commencement guide

Museum of Northern Arizona — Make Your Year-End Gift to MNA Today!

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

Art Works and classes at the Sedona Arts Center

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2024 • Comments Off

Intuitive Abstract Painting
with Casey Cheuvront
December 15: Sunday, 11am–4pm

This workshop focuses on intuitive, instinctive mark-making and painting, allowing student painters to work without preconceived plan or design, and permitting intuitive elements to occur naturally through the creative process.

We will begin with a brief review of basic art principles, a brief demo, and move into materials management and hands-on painting.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 12/9/24

by Community Contributor • December 9, 2024 • Comments Off

View this email in your browser December 9th, 2024 Connect with your community Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331…

Updated: Luminarias to light way for annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration on Dec. 12, 2024 in Flagstaff

by Community Contributor • December 6, 2024 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Luminarias will once again light way for the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Flagstaff.

The Celebration begins on Wednesday, Dec. 11 when participants meet at 5 p.m. at San Francisco de Asis Church, 1600 E. Rt. 66 (Rt. 66 & Ponderosa Parkway), to ride a busy to the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe for the procession. Participants can also meet at the chapel at 224 S Kendrick St., Flagstaff.

The procession will begin from the chapel to San Francisco de Asis Church at 5:30 p.m.

The procession will take a brief stop at the Flagstaff Fire Dept. Station 2, 1701 E. Ponderosa Parkway, for coffee and other drinks and sweets, and to watch a dance by Los Matachines de San Francisco de Asis before proceeding up to the church for another performance at 7 p.m. by Los Matachines, an Apparition Reenactment and the Consecration to the Virgin Mary. (There will be no Mass on the 11th).

A Mass will be held at 6 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at Our Lady of Guadalupe, where participants will be greeted by the glow of more than 100 luminaries surrounding the chapel placed by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, who will also present the breakfast in the church’s basement following the Mass.

See more photos here.

United Way of Northern Arizona — The Economic Case for High-Quality Preschool Programs

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2024 • Comments Off

United Way of Northern Arizona recently convened a meeting of more than 50 business and community leaders, elected officials, and early childhood education experts to discuss how strategic investment in early childhood programs can help support our local workforce and the economic health of our region.

Among the items discussed was the benefit of programs like Elevate PreK, the highly successful initiative that provides free, year-round, high-quality preschool education to 4-year-olds.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 2-6, 2024

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2024 • Comments Off

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:

Sedona Arts Center — Check Out Our Winter Art Workshops Lineup!

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2024 • Comments Off

Intuitive Abstract Painting
with Casey Cheuvront
December 15: Sunday, 11am–4pm

We will begin with a brief review of basic art principles, a brief demo, and move into materials management and hands-on painting.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Dec. 5 to share your story

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2024 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. 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.

The guest speaker for this week Jennifer Hernandez, project manager, College & Career Pathways — Northern Arizona for the Center for the Future of Arizona. She is presenting information on the center’s youth internship program.

The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

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.

December at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2024 • Comments Off

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

Sedona Arts Center — Call to Artists

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2024 • Comments Off

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 NAU Review — NAU partners with Univision to launch new scholarship, Improving Arizona’s transit systems, meet a future PA

by Community Contributor • December 3, 2024 • Comments Off

Incoming first-year students for the 2025-26 school year can apply for the scholarship by submitting a 250-word essay describing the impact their college degree will have on both their personal trajectory and the Hispanic community at large.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Help Us Reach Our Campaign Goal on Giving Tuesday!

by Community Contributor • December 3, 2024 • Comments Off

Welcome to the biggest single day of philanthropy on the calendar – #GivingTuesday. Can we count on you to help us reach our 2024 Campaign Goal during this international day of giving?

When you donate, you help LEAD THE WAY and support early childhood development programs and help our youth live up to their full potential. You also help fund programs that meet our community’s needs, quickly and efficiently, in times of crisis.

During our campaign kickoff, we announced a goal of $1.2 million. Today we are two-thirds of the way there, but still need $400,000 to reach our goal. Can you help us bridge the gap today?

2024 Festival of Science — It is Giving Tuesday! Your donation is matched!

by Community Contributor • December 3, 2024 • Comments Off

Give now and amplify your support for the Festival of Science’s In School Speaker program! Getting kids excited about their world and beyond is what we care about. In 2023, the In School Speaker program reached more than 6,000 students in Flagstaff and the surrounding areas! We are steadily growing our impact year after year!

For a limited time, your donation will be matched 1:1, helping us achieve our goal of $10,000 faster.

Bilingual report — Northern Arizona Interfaith Council to present ‘Let’s Talk About the Current State of Immigration’ on Dec. 4

by Community Contributor • December 2, 2024 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Northern Arizona Interfaith Council will present “Let’s Talk About the Current State of Immigration” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff.

Language interpretation available.

Hear from Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly, incoming Coconino County Sheriff Bret Axlund and other public officials and legal experts.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 12/2/24

by Community Contributor • December 2, 2024 • Comments Off

Connect with your community

AmigosNAZ taking a break for the holiday season

by AmigosNAZ.com • December 1, 2024 • Comments Off

Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season.

AmigosNAZ.com will be taking a holiday vacation, off Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 and returning to work Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

Discover Flagstaff — Elf: The Musical, Theatrikos Playhouse, Thanksgiving Brunch, more events

by Community Contributor • November 27, 2024 • Comments Off

Friday-Sunday, November 29- December 1
Elf: The Musical, Theatrikos Playhouse.

This candy cane twirling modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Fri-Sat 7:30 p.m, Sun 2 p.m.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 25-29, 2024

by Community Contributor • November 27, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection — ¡Adiós 2024! … ¡Bienvenido 2025! … ¡GRACIAS!

by Community Contributor • November 27, 2024 • Comments Off

Today we conclude the radio programming for 2024 We hope to continue in 2025 and, above all, continue to count on your tune. We wish to have served you as you deserve. THANK YOU!

***

Hoy concluimos la programación radial de 2024. Esperamos continuar en 2025 y, sobre todo, seguir contando con su sintonía. Deseamos haberle servido como usted se merece. ¡GRACIAS!

Aspen Niche beautification and bicycle parking project complete

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2024 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences program announces the completion of Aspen Niche. The project, a partnership between the City and Qwest Corporation, began in 2021. Located on Aspen Avenue between Century Link and Pay ‘N Take, Aspen Niche features bicycle parking and beautification elements including new fencing, vehicle and pedestrian gates and asphalt replacement—enhancing the pedestrian experience by transforming the banality of chain link and asphalt into a vibrant focal point.

“Aspen Niche is a bright and inviting aesthetic for the downtown experience,” said Jana Weldon, Program Manager for the City’s Beautification, Arts and Sciences program. “With the bike hub, this project adds value that is both artistic and functional, creating a more welcoming atmosphere by encouraging visitors to engage with their surroundings.”

Grand Canyon National Park Initiates Water Conservation Measures

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2024 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park is implementing mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim, effective immediately. These measures are in response to a pipeline break along the North Kaibab Trail, which has impacted the park’s water supply.

To help conserve water, all residents, visitors, and park operations are urged to reduce water usage wherever possible, including in homes, hotel rooms, and campgrounds. These efforts are critical to maintaining water availability while still ensuring public health and safety.

Mandatory water conservation measures include:

City of Flagstaff, Coconino County announce Thanksgiving closures

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2024 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — City of Flagstaff administrative offices will be closed Nov. 28 and 29, 2024 for the Thanksgiving holiday and will reopen on Dec. 2, 2024. Operating hours for other City of Flagstaff facilities are listed below.

Sedona Arts Center — Check out these Art Classes in Sedona!

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2024 • Comments Off

Ceramics – Hand Building
with Ben Roti
November 26 – January 7, 2025: Tuesdays, 1–4pm

This fun and creative class is for beginning and experienced ceramicists. Tap into your creative self and experience various hand-building techniques. Make bowls, vases, mugs, serving platters, and boxes, using slabs, molds, and textures. The possibilities are endless. Each class will include a demonstration and individual instruction that will help you achieve your goals.

The Sedona Arts Center’s ceramic department operates free from the constraints of grades and benefits from the talents of its ceramic faculty and assistants as well as nationally recognized guest instructors. This combination allows our department to offer flexible and diverse programming in both traditional and contemporary techniques.

Pottery Tools – There are 9-piece tool kits available for purchase in the Ceramics Studio for $15 per kit. Purchase of the tool kit is not required to take the class.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 11/25/24

by Community Contributor • November 25, 2024 • Comments Off

The Downtown and East Flagstaff Community Libraries will close at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27 and will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29 for Thanksgiving. they will OPEN Saturday, Nov. 30.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Thanksgiving Week, Let’s Honor Immigrant Farmworkers

by Community Contributor • November 25, 2024 • Comments Off

With the approach of Thanksgiving, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the people who make this holiday possible. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and other staples of our Thanksgiving feasts are harvested by immigrant farm workers.

Valle del Sol’s Hispanic Leadership Institute in Phoenix Congratulates HLI Alumni who are now elected officials for the State of Arizona

by Community Contributor • November 22, 2024 • Comments Off

PHOENIX — Valle del Sol Community Health’s Hispanic Leadership Institute in Phoenix, and a local official, congratulated HLI Alumni who are now elected officials for the State of Arizona.

Ruth Eaton, former chair and current member of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) extended her congratulations to the HLI Alumni on their accomplishments this fall.

“Being one of the first HLI graduates many years ago, I am very proud of HLI’s achievements and statewide expansion in Arizona,” Eaton said. “HLI opens the path for Hispanic Leadership.”

HLI stated on its Facebook page:

“These alumni are true examples of leadership and have actively stepped up to serve their communities. ¡Felicidades!,”

They include:

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler Named to National Disaster Reform Task Force

by Community Contributor • November 22, 2024 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Lena Fowler, Coconino County Supervisor, District 5 has been named to a newly formed National Association of Counties (NACo) Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force.

This presidentially appointed group of 28 county leaders is tasked with modernizing federal disaster policies, strengthening intergovernmental partnerships geared towards disaster resiliency and enhancing local disaster mitigation, response and recovery capacities.

“As the Coconino County Supervisor for District 5, I offer extensive expertise in disaster management, particularly in response to wildfires and floods in Northern Arizona,” said Fowler. “My leadership during significant events, including the Schultz Fire, has been instrumental in orchestrating complex recovery efforts in collaboration with local, tribal, state, and federal agencies while advocating for the development of resilient infrastructure. My in-depth understanding of the region’s unique geography, combined with my commitment to the welfare of our diverse communities, ensures a proactive and inclusive strategy for disaster preparedness and response.”

City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences — Exciting Opportunity to Serve on a Public Art Panel!

by Community Contributor • November 22, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

Discover Flagstaff — Fall Events and More with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

by Community Contributor • November 22, 2024 • Comments Off

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.

Creative Flagstaff Announces the 17th Annual Viola Awards (April 26, 2025)

by Community Contributor • November 22, 2024 • Comments Off

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.