Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture July 5-6 at Museum of Northern Arizona
81st annual event to feature more than 60 artists, dancing, musical performances and more

A Hopi dancer prepares to take the stage at the Museum of Northern Arizona during a past Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture. Photo/Museum of Northern Arizona

A Hopi dancer prepares to take the stage at the Museum of Northern Arizona during a past Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture. Photo/Museum of Northern Arizona

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The 81st annual Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture, also known as the oldest Hopi show in the world, returns to the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) July 5 and 6 showcasing artistry and cultural traditions.

More than 60 award-winning artists and presenters from the Hopi villages in northern Arizona will bring cultural traditions and their talent to MNA. The public can enjoy two days of authentic food, artist demonstrations, musical performances and dancing. Children can take home crafts related to the Hopi culture they make in a children's area. The Heritage Insight program by Hopi educators, scholars and artists will highlight ancestry, migration and efforts made to preserve the Hopi language and agricultural traditions. Festival attendees can peruse and purchase thousands of distinct art pieces from emerging and master Hopi artists including jewelry, paintings, katsina dolls, baskets, rattles and pottery at a wide range of prices.

The festival has been a Fourth of July tradition since the 1930s.

"For 81 years, the Museum and Hopi artisans, native scholars and performers have collaborated on a rich presentation of Hopi life and culture for the public," said Dr. Robert Breunig, president and CEO of MNA. "This event provides a great opportunity to learn about aspects of Hopi life directly from artists and presenters."

Linda Martin, Heritage program manager at MNA, said the Heritage program offers a balance of ancient and modern cultural presentations, performances and activities.

"Each provides insight into the peoples living on the Colorado Plateau and in the Four Corners region," Martin said. "The Hopi festival is a wonderful event to meet and buy directly from the artists, learn the cultural significance behind their work and spend a day or two immersed in the history and artistry of the tribe."

The festival features musical performances by artist in residence Ed Kabotie and his band Tha Yoties and dancing by the Tsootro Hopi Dance Group.

A members' preview takes place July 4, from 6 to 8 p.m., and includes a juried arts award ceremony, silent auction, and first opportunity to purchase artwork from participating artists. Information on becoming a member of MNA is available at (928) 774-5213, ext. 253.

Festival ticket prices are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (65+), $7 for students (w/ ID), $6 for American Indians (10+), and $6 for youths (10-17).

Arizona Commission on the Arts sponsors the event 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.

The Museum of Northern Arizona is located three miles from downtown Flagstaff on Highway 180 to the Grand Canyon.

More information on the 81st Annual Hopi Festival of Arts & Culture, including a complete list of scheduled performances and participating artists is available at www.musnaz.org. Information is also available at (928) 774-5213.

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