Museum of Northern Arizona exterior

Navajo Festival of Arts & Culture Celebrates 65 Years

(Flagstaff, Ariz.) June 20, 2014 – Experience the Diné way of life at the Museum of Northern Arizona’s 65th Annual Navajo Festival of Arts & Culture Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3, 2014. More than 60 award-winning artists will travel from all corners of the Navajo Nation for a weekend of cultural immersion at the Museum, located at 3101 N. Fort Valley Road in Flagstaff.

Ticket prices are $10 adults, $9 seniors (65+), $7 students (with ID), $6 American Indians (10+), and $6 youth (10-17). The event is supported by the Arizona Commission on the Arts with funding from the state of Arizona and the National Endowment on the Arts, Arizona Humanities Council, Flagstaff Arts Council, and the City of Flagstaff/BBB Revenues.

“We are excited to reach the 65-year mark for the Navajo Festival of Arts & Culture,” said Dr. Robert Breunig, President and CEO of the Museum of Northern Arizona. “The festival is a place where culture, creativity and community happen. We hope everyone will come out to help us celebrate this anniversary and also the long-standing relationship between the Museum and the Navajo people.”

In August of 1949, through the cooperation of traders on the western portion of the Navajo Reservation, 15 trading posts submitted ten of their best rugs to the Museum of Northern Arizona to compete for prizes. The Museum intended to interest both weavers and traders in keeping alive the old styles of weaving and improving the quality of yarns, dyes and designs. This was the beginning of the Navajo Festival. Today, the weekend-long event draws thousands of visitors from across the region and internationally, too.

“It’s a lovely way to spend a high country summer day among the Flagstaff pines and a rare opportunity to meet and engage with so many talented artists,” said Linda Martin, Heritage Program Manager at the Museum of Northern Arizona. “Each of our Heritage Program festivals provides an in depth look into the cultures and peoples of the Colorado Plateau and allows a wonderful exchange between artist and visitor.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase traditional and contemporary examples of silver work, jewelry, painting, weaving, folk carving, sculpture and more directly from the artists. In addition, they will enjoy artist demonstrations like weaving and sand painting, traditional foods, musical performances and the pageantry of Navajo social dances. “Our main stage entertainment includes some of the region’s best performers,” said Martin.

A members’ preview will be held Friday, August 1, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., and includes a juried arts award ceremony, silent auction and first opportunity to purchase artwork from participating artists. To become a member of the Museum of Northern Arizona, call 928.774.5213, ext 253.

The Museum of Northern Arizona is located three miles from historic downtown Flagstaff on scenic highway 180 to the Grand Canyon. For more information on the 65th Annual Navajo Festival of Arts & Culture, including a complete list of schedule performances and participating artists, visit musnaz.org. Information is also available by phone at 928.774.5213.

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 About the Museum of Northern Arizona: Our mission is inspire a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty and diversity of the Colorado Plateau through collecting, studying, interpreting and preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Founded in 1928 by zoologist Dr. Harold S. Colton and artist Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, MNA was originally established as a repository for Native American artifacts and natural history specimens from the Colorado Plateau. Today, MNA offers more than 450 public programs annually, including exhibit and collection tours, a docent education program, the Discovery Program for children and teens, the adult education Ventures Program, a volunteer program, the Heritage Program art and cultural festivals, publications and a variety of lectures and forums. For more information, visit www.musnaz.org or call 928.774.5213.