MNA is celebrating International Museum Day and its reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums with FREE admission today. Everyone is invited to enjoy the Museum exhibits, which tell the story of MNA’s work of ongoing research and efforts to illuminate the scientific, cultural, and artistic treasures of the Colorado Plateau. The day is also a celebration of Flagstaff’s ARTx festival, and the Museum’s grounds will feature ekphrastic poetry written by Flagstaff locals paired with art from the Museum’s collection.

Schedule of Events:

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Babbitt Gallery: MNA’s Chair of Anthropology Kelley Hays-Gilpin will offer interpretation of the pottery and jewelry in the gallery, as well as offer a hands-on pot sherd activity. 

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Director’s Conference Room: Poet Jodie Hollander will lead an ekphrastic poetry workshop.

Courtyard: Live music performed by the Mountain Time Ramblers.

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Courtyard: MNA Botany Collections Manager will lead an activity where participants will choose a beautiful plant to identify and mount and take home to enjoy.

1:30 p.m.

Guided walk through the ARTx Ekphrastic Poetry Installation with readings by the poets.

2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Keynote ARTx talk by Erick Gonzalez: The Physicist and the Shaman: Perspectives on the Speaking Earth — a lecture, meditation, and film.