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Dear Museum Friends,
Welcome 2025! As MNA marks its 97th year celebrating the Colorado Plateau, I’m excited to share a bit about our upcoming exhibits—a mix of art, science, and cultural phenomena.
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February: Life Extended: Biology as Metaphor features vivid new works by Flagstaff artist Debra Edgerton that explore the links between biological and human social structures.
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March: Collecting in a Changing World showcases recent MNA acquisitions with insights into why the museum collects what it collects.
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May: Shifting Life Zones looks at climate-driven ecological shifts in northern Arizona and MNA research that reveals how plants are adapting.
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November: Wagon Road to Mother Road marks the Route 66 Centennial with a journey through the rich history of the iconic highway. The exhibit will debut captivating stories about the road's wild side, unveiled by MNA archaeological research in Petrified Forest National Park.
Stay connected via our newsletters, website, and social media for more on these exhibits and MNA programs and activities throughout the year.
Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with memorable experiences.
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Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona
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| Easton Collection Center Tour (registration required) | January 10, 3-4 p.m. | | Geologic Mapping of the Grand Canyon | January 12, 2-3 p.m. | | Poetry On the Spot, Poetry Maps | January 12, 1-4 p.m. | | Monthly Members Meetup | January 15, 3:30-4:30 p.m. | | Poetry On the Spot, Poetry Maps | January 25, 1-4 p.m. | | Life Extended: Biology as Metaphor exhibit opens | February 1 | | Life Extended: Biology as Metaphor Museum members exhibit preview | February 1, 2-4 p.m. | | Monthly Members Meetup | February 9, 2-4 p.m. | | Easton Collection Center Tour (registration required) | February 14, 3-4 p.m. | | |
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Geologic Mapping of the Grand Canyon
January 12, 2 p.m.
Join us for an exploration of the U.S. Geological Survey’s long and fascinating history of geologic mapping in the Grand Canyon region. Ryan Crow of the USGS will share the story of retired geologist George Billingsley, whose work resulted in more than 70 geologic maps covering northern Arizona and southern Utah. He also will discuss how advanced technology is being used to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the geologic evolution of the Grand Canyon region.
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Indigenous artists of the Colorado Plateau: Don't miss an opportunity to show and sell your work at the 2025 Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture at the Museum of Northern Arizona June 28-29. In addition to connecting with hundreds of buyers, accepted artists are invited to submit their work in our Award of Excellence Competition with more than $9,000 in prizes. Submit your festival application by March 10. Learn more and apply.
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Parents and teachers: The Museum of Northern Arizona hosts tailored tours and class programs for students in preschool through the 12th grade. MNA’s programs align with Arizona standards for social studies, science, and visual arts. Students can explore the diverse cultures of the Colorado Plateau, fostering respect, understanding, and appreciation for the connections between people and nature. Funding support is available. Click here for the details.
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Shedding New Light in Our Galleries
Things are about to look brighter at the Museum. Over the next three months, the lighting in the Lockett and Waddell galleries is being upgraded to more energy-efficient illumination that allows for precise adjustments to better highlight objects and protect sensitive art. Some of the older working fixtures will be repurposed to improve lighting in other areas of the Museum. This lighting project is made possible through a generous estate gift. Thank you for your patience as we work to enhance your museum experience.
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Easton Collection Center Tours
January 10, 3-4 p.m. and February 14, 3-4 p.m.
Take a rare behind-the-scenes tour of MNA's Easton Collection Center. Learn about the impressive piece of environmentally friendly architecture and see part of the Museum's extraordinary collection of cultural artifacts, natural specimens, and fine art. This tour is led by seasoned guides and is small, providing art and cultural enthusiasts a closer look at pottery, jewelry, artifacts, paintings, weavings, and more. Space is limited; be sure to register today.
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Namingha Institute Applications Due
January 13
The Namingha Institute Master Class, led by Hopi-Tewa artists Dan Namingha and Arlo Namingha, provides a two-week residency learning experience for early-career artists. The institute is a paid residency held at the Museum of Northern Arizona April 27-May 11. The program is open to all artists 18 years of age or older. Completed applications must be received before 5 p.m. on January 13. Learn more. Contact us at naminghainstitute@musnaz.org.
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Art Classes
Local artists teach classes in ceramics, drawing, watercolor, and landscape painting in Discover Village at MNA. New classes are starting soon. See our classes page for details.
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Poetry Maps
Showcasing fine art from the Museum of Northern Arizona collections and poems from our community, the Poetry Maps exhibition brings together many viewpoints, expressed in visual art and verse. These paintings and poems serve as a map through place and time, revealing perspectives that form a collective connection to the extraordinary landscapes of the Colorado Plateau.
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Closes January 19
This highly anticipated exhibition explores the origins, heritage, and ongoing use of an iconic geology map first published by MNA in 1976. Alongside a display of the original map are rocks from the Grand Canyon formations, descriptions of the geologic layers, and bygone map-making instruments. Copies of the map and other related collectibles are for sale in the Museum Gift Shop.
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Opens February 1
Explore the captivating paintings of Flagstaff artist Debra Edgerton. Utilizing the microscopic imagery of local algae, Edgerton creates ethereal watercolors that serve as a metaphorical lens to explore social structures and the African American experience. Through her work, the artist examines themes of race, identity, and hierarchical relationships.
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This limited-edition commemorative Pendleton blanket made of wool and cotton features the Sunset Crater Kachina carved by Jimmy Kewanwytewa, a Hopi artist and early member of the museum staff. The suede tag is numbered with the Museum of Northern Arizona 90th anniversary logo. Authentic Native American works are for sale in our Museum Gift Shop and online at shopmusnaz.org. All proceeds benefit the artists and the Museum of Northern Arizona.
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