Museum of Northern Arizona update for Jan. 28 — Introducing our interim director

Introducing our interim director

Scientist and former university administrator Dr. Laura Huenneke has stepped in as interim director while the MNA Board continues the search for a permanent museum director. Huenneke is an ecologist and conservation scientist who has lived in Flagstaff since 2003. She served at NAU as dean, vice president for research, and provost. Huenneke has been an MNA trustee since 2017, but has resigned from the board to become interim director.

Decolonizing Museums: Pathways of Cultural Justice

Feb. 6, 6-7 pm

Free

Jaclyn Roessel examines some of the tensions between museums and Indigenous communities and discusses how, with further dedication to decolonized practices, museums can facilitate the assertion of Indigenous community’s cultural rights. Roessel is the Founder and President of Grownup Navajo and a museum professional. This is jointly sponsored by MNA and the Martin-Springer Institute.

Rock Art of the Homol’ovi Region

Feb. 7, 9:30-10:30 am

At Sedona United Methodist Church

110 Indian Cliffs Rd, Sedona

Come learn about the significance of rock art sites to today’s tribal people and the steps archaeologists take to interpret and protect them. Peter Pilles, Chief Archaeologist for the Coconino National Forest, is a rock art expert and a regional hero in protecting the indigenous villages and sacred burial grounds of our region.

How did I get here?

Feb. 11, 7-8 pm

$6 members/$7 nonmembers

At Sedona United Methodist Church

110 Indian Cliffs Rd, Sedona

Kimberly Spurr, MNA’s Archaeology Division Director, interweaves the cultural and natural history of the Colorado Plateau with her personal and professional story. This multilayered tale travels through varied landscapes, past and current archaeological projects, and five generations of family history.

Winter Stories: Looking Forward/Looking Back

Feb. 16, 3:30-5 pm

Free for members or with paid admission

Join us as we wrap up our Winter Stories series, a celebration of the timeless tradition of telling tales. Come hear Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom and other local storytellers.

Storytelling Workshop

Feb. 16, 2-5 pm

$15 members/$20 nonmembers

Stories are more than entertainment. They can pull teams together. Award-winning storyteller Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom shares how to craft stories that serve a purpose, whether its personal or organizational. Participants will have the opportunity to craft and tell their own stories to the community during this workshop. Sign up for the workshop by calling 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

STEAM Second Saturday: Go Fish

Feb. 9 at 2:00-3:00 pm

Free for members and kids age 9 and under

USGS Fish Biologist, David Ward with be discussing native fish of the Colorado River and Northern Arizona. Live examples of some of these endangered species will be included as well as plenty of fish activities and crafts for the whole family.

Spring Break Camp: Carnivores

Registration starts Feb. 4

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.

Celebrate Grand Canyon’s 100th anniversary:

Two spaces left! Colorado River Trip with Wayne Ranney, May 3-10

South Rim Day Hikes, Apr. 3-6, 2019

North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Sept. 9-12

Experience the canyon in ways you will never forget, either by floating down it with geologist Wayne Ranney, hiking into it with guides Helen Ranney & Lisa Kearsley or discovering the seldom-seen sights of the North Rim with Don Keller and Heather Green. Limited spaces left. Sign up by calling 928-774-5211 ext. 222 or Online

Transcending Duality: The Santa Fe Studio Style

Open until February 10

There are just a few weeks left to see this visually dynamic exhibition, which looks at the work created by some of the Southwest’s greatest Native painters. Once it ends, these delicate works on paper must be put away again for several years. Learn more at this interactive website created by NAU students.

Pivot: Skateboard Deck Art

A Viola Award nominee

Open until 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.

View Pivot online

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

Opening Feb. 16

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

Limited-Edition Pendleton Blankets

Whether hung on a wall or draped across a sofa, the MNA commemorative Pendleton blanket adds cozy ambience to any room. The blanket features the Sunset Crater Kachina, carved by Jimmy Kewanwytewa, a memorable Hopi artist & early member of our very own museum staff. Limited edition = limited availability, so order yours online or stop by the MNA shop to feel how soft it is.

Have an artful year

In a few weeks the Transcending Duality exhibition will be taken down from the MNA walls, but you can keep enjoy it on your walls all year long with this 2019 calendar. And since the calendar goes through January 2020, you still get 12 months of use from it.

Buy online

Keeping the heat on

A few days after Christmas, as the temperatures outside plunged, the 55 year-old furnace in the archaeology wing sputtered and quit working. After a chilly week, a new furnace was installed. It’s working well and 96% efficient, but cost about $5,000. Heating buildings is a major cost and concern at this time of year. To help pay for the furnace and keep our archaeologists warm enough to work through the winter, click Donate and put “Furnace” in the notes.