So named for the Namingha family, who believe deeply in giving back to the community by aiding and nurturing young artists, the Namingha Institute celebrates the region’s diverse artistry. Supported in part by the Philip M. Smith Trust, each year this residency provides selected artists with a challenging and stimulating environment to explore their artistic interests through various media. During the residency students have opportunities to work with master artists, tour MNA’s Platinum LEED Certified Easton Collection Center, and pull inspiration from the beauty and diversity of the Colorado Plateau.
Application now open for the 2025 Namingha Institute
Click to download the application
Applications due by January 13, 2025
The 2025 Namingha Institute will be held April 27 to May 11. Throughout the two week residency, students will participate in classes with Master Artists Dan & Arlo Namingha on the Museum of Northern Arizona campus. Residents will stay in rustic cabins near the studio and be provided a $1,500 stipend. The Namingha Institute is open to all artists 18 years of age or older. For more information, please contact Education Manager Sacha Siskonen at NaminghaInstitute@musnaz.org or at 928-774-5211 ext 217.
About the Master Artists
Dan Namingha at Niman Gallery.
Dan Namingha is an internationally known artist whose works are in significant and private collections throughout the world. He has been painting and sculpting professionally for close to 50 years. He is from the Tewa-Hopi tribe. He attended the Institute of American Indian Arts, University of Kansas and the American Academy of Art in Chicago.
He has had one-man exhibitions at museums such as The Fogg Art Museum in Boston, MA, The Reading Public Museum in PA. The Palm Desert Museum, Palm Springs, CA. The Carnegie Mellon plus numerous others. His works are in numerous collections such as the Denver Art Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, The British Royal Collection, NASA Art Collections, Sundance Institute, and numerous US embassies. In 1983-1986 he had an exhibition that was sponsored by the United States Information Agency that traveled throughout Europe.
Arlo Namingha, son of Dan Namingha, has been showcasing his art professionally for over 20 years. He is Tewa and Hopi from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, New Mexico and Polacca, Arizona.
Arlo has studied in the fine arts with a focus on architecture and business. Arlo comes from a long line of artisans in his family. His great, great, great grandmother is Nampeyo, whom is recognized for reviving the traditional styles of Hopi pottery making. Arlo’s work has been showcased in many exhibitions across the world including Santa Fe, New York, Monaco, and Japan. His work also resides in several permanent museum collections as well as several international U.S. Embassies.
Read press coverage on the 2019 Namingha Institute
Application and Selection for Namingha Institute Residency Program
The Namingha Institute Master Class residency program is open to all artists 18 years of age or older. Completed applications must be received before 5pm on January 13, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
To apply for this residency, email the following to Namingha Institute Coordinator, Sacha Siskonen at NaminghaInstitute@musnaz.org:
- Letter of interest describing how the Namingha Institute Master Class will enhance your artistic practice and/or further your career as an artist
- Artist statement (200 words or less)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- A portfolio with photos of no less than five and no more than ten examples of your recent works from within the last five years. Please list the title, your name, the medium, the year, dimensions and a brief description of each piece (maximum of 150 words).
- Letter of Support from a community member or instructor regarding your art and involvement with the community. One page maximum with contact information for the recommender. This letter is optional but recommended.
Applicants will be evaluated on the quality of their work and the apparent use of artistic theory. Applications will be reviewed by an advisory panel. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or reviewed. Program staff will make final selections and notify selected applicants of acceptance in early February 2025.
2019 & 2021 Namingha Institute Class Images
