February 1st, 2017
For Immediate Release
Winter Tales: Family Event and Art Exhibition at Willow Bend
Flagstaff AZ— Willow Bend Environmental Education Center is inviting the community for a fun and interactive celebration of winter this Saturday, February 4th from 9am-1pm. The event is part of Willow Bend’s monthly Science Saturday program, occurring on the first Saturday of every month. But this month, in addition to hands on activities and experiments, Willow Bend will be hosting the Jones Benally Family and an opening reception for the Winter Tales Art Exhibition.
Saturday’s event will offer hands on activities and displays such as wildlife track making in the snow, observing snow under a microscope, measuring snow temperatures, and creating your own snow crystals. During the event the Jones Benally Family, an internationally acclaimed traditional Diné (Navajo) performing group, will be sharing winter stories and teaching, and playing some games.
The art exhibition will feature a number of local artists including Rachel Wilson, Ken Walters, Julia Williams, Pieter Schaafsma, Frederica Hall, and Tom Bean. Winter focused artwork will include photography, paintings, and mixed media. The exhibition will be up until the end of February.
Berta Benally, the manager for the Jones Benally Family said that they are “excited to share traditional Diné (Navajo) winter stories, which are a delight and an educational opportunity for one and all”.
Artist Rachel Wilson, who is one of the art exhibition’s organizers, said that she is “pleased to be part of this group show of Flagstaff artists’ work celebrating the transformative and mysterious beauty of winter. Winter Tales is part of a series of art shows about nature that Willow Bend is generously hosting this year in their wonderful, solar-warmed space”.
Moran Henn, Willow Bend’s Executive Director added that “we love our Science Saturday events, since each month focuses on a different theme and provides the community with fun and engaging activities. However, we are especially looking forward to this month’s event as it will be extra special. We are honored to host the Jones Benally Family and thrilled to have so many talented artists featured in the exhibition”.
The event will be held at the Willow Bend Center located at 701 E. Sawmill Rd. For a full schedule of the event and directions please visit Willow Bend’s website: www.willowbendcenter.org/events or contact Moran Henn at (928) 779 1745, moran@willowbendcenter.org
xxx
The Jones Benally Family
Artwork by Rachel Wilson
Photo by Tom Bean