Kayenta Arts

The Ancient Life of Washington County
2024-10-29 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | Center for the Arts at Kayenta
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES
The Ancient Life of Washington County
With Jerry Harris
Tuesday, October 29, 7:30pm
Social Hour begins at 6:30pm
The Lorraine Boccardo Theater
Join fan-favorite presenter, Jerry Harris, for an exploration of ancient life in Washington County. Jerry Harris is the Director of Paleontology Science Department at Utah Tech University, and is an advisor to the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm.
Southwestern Utah is a desert today, but throughout prehistory, it’s been many different environments: under the ocean, a “sea” of sand dunes, a forested river floodplain, a freshwater lake, and more. Evidence for each of these comes from the layers of rocks preserved in Washington County. Each of these environments hosted its own unique fauna and flora, some of which are preserved as fossils. Their stories tell us about the ever-changing nature of our backyard.
This year’s Voyager Lecture Series follows “The History of This Land,” from the deep time studied in geology, through modern concerns related to our changing environment.
Tickets $25

VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES: First Peoples and Ancestral Puebloan Culture
2024-12-03 19:30 - 21:00
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES

First Peoples and Ancestral Puebloan Culture

With Diana Hawks

Tuesday, December 3, 7:30pm

Social Hour begins at 6:30pm

The Lorraine Boccardo Theater

For more than 2,000 years the Ancestral Puebloan people lived and thrived in the northern part of the Southwestern U.S. Learn about how they and their predecessors survived and adapted to changing environmental conditions. And how the Ancestral Puebloan succeeded as farmers and village dwellers in an arid desert until AD 1300. Find out where they went after AD 1250 and why they abandoned this area completely.

This year’s Voyager Lecture Series follows “The History of This Land,” from the deep time studied in geology, through modern concerns related to our changing environment.

TICKETS

The Voyager Lecture Series is generously sponsored by:

UNLOCKING THE ARTS: The Magician's Sister
2025-01-18 18:30 - 19:00
UNLOCKING THE ARTS: The Magician’s Sister
Arrive Early for the Conversation!
January 18, 2024 // 6:30pm

Guest Scholar: Jami Brandli, MFA Creative Writing
Discussion: Magic and Gender through new writing and performance.

The Magician’s Sister is an award-winning new play that follows the story of two sisters over the course of thirty years, exploring the difficulties that come with the struggle to fulfill one’s own desires and potential. As the sisters make peace with their mother’s mental illness and violent death, they struggle to fulfill her dream for them becoming something “extraordinary.”

This program is made possible through a grant from Utah Humanities. Utah Humanities strengthens Utah communities by cultivating connections, deepening understanding, and exploring our complex human experience.

The Southern Paiute Story
2025-01-28 19:30 - 21:30
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES
The Southern Paiute Story
With Autumn Gillard
Tuesday, January 28, 7:30pm
Social Hour begins at 6:30pm
The Lorraine Boccardo Theater
The Southern Paiutes (Nung’wu) have traditionally lived here, in this region, since time immemorial. According to the tribe’s traditional creation stories, the Nung’wu were chosen to live in the most beautiful place at the center of the world to take care of Mother Earth (Too’veep).
The Southern Paiutes were the original stewards and possessors of what is now known as Southern Utah, Northern Nevada, Southwestern California, and Northern Arizona. The Nung’wu Ancestors were a peaceful community, culturally well adapted, and knowledgeable and resourceful. They worked with the earth, farmed on natural floodplains, and moved according to seasons, harvest times, and animal migrations.
This year’s Voyager Lecture Series follows “The History of This Land,” from the deep time studied in geology, through modern concerns related to our changing environment.

TICKETS

Join all five of our spring Voyager Lectures for $100!
VOYAGER LECTURES PACKAGE

VOYAGER LECTURE: Southern Utah History Through Picture and Word
2025-02-25 19:30 - 21:00
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES
Southern Utah History Through Picture and Word
With Lyman Hafen and Roland Lee
Tuesday, February 25, 7:30pm
Social Hour begins at 6:30pm
The Lorraine Boccardo Theater
This year’s Voyager Lecture Series follows “The History of This Land,” from the deep time studied in geology, through modern concerns related to our changing environment.
For February’s lecture, hear from writer Lyman Hafen and artist Roland Lee as they explore the history of Southern Utah through art and literature.
Lyman Hafen and his wife Debbie are natives of St. George, Utah. Lyman graduated from Dixie College where he discovered a love for learning and literature and came to terms with the idea that he would spend his life telling the compelling stories of this place to the world. After completing his education at Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in communications, he co-founded St. George Magazine in 1983, and was its editor for 16 years. He continues to write a bi-monthly column chronicling the history, culture and personality of his fast-changing hometown. He has written twelve books of fiction and nonfiction, and his writing has been honored on several occasions by the Utah Arts Council. Lyman is host of the NOT FORGOTTEN podcast sharing the legacy of stories of southern Utah. He recently retired after serving 25 years as executive director of Zion Natural History Association (now the Zion Forever Project) in Zion National Park.
Roland Lee and his wife Nellie have lived in St. George for over 50 years. Roland’s interest in pioneer history has led him to do a series of watercolor paintings of early southern Utah as well as following the pioneer trail of his own ancestors. His historical paintings have appeared on the covers of The Ensign magazine and Pioneer magazine, published by the Sons of Utah Pioneers. With paintings in over 2000 public and private collections, Roland has been honored with the Governor’s Mansion Medal and a 40-year retrospective of his work at the Sears Museum. Over the past 40 years he has teamed up with writer Lyman Hafen on many books and publications. At the Voyager lecture Lyman will share his writings and Roland will show slides of his historical paintings while together sharing their appreciation for those who came before us.

TICKETS

VOYAGER LECTURE: Colonization and Counterculture: Utah’s Fertility and Social Transformation
2025-03-25 19:30 - 21:30
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES
Colonization and Counterculture: Utah’s Fertility and Social Transformation
With Jason Bonham
Tuesday, March 25, 7:30pm
Social Hour begins at 6:30pm
The Lorraine Boccardo Theater
This year’s Voyager Lecture Series follows “The History of This Land,” from the deep time studied in geology, through modern concerns related to our changing environment.
Known to Kayenta Residents as the artistic director of the Soiree Musicale and as a concert violist, Jason Bonham’s other career is that of a historical sociologist and demographer at the University of Chicago. Jason will join us March 25th, to talk about his research concerning Utah’s 19th and early 20th century history concerning religion and fertility. Using sociological concepts, historical narratives, and rich demographic data, Jason explores how the Latter-day Saints’ adaptability allows Utah to transform from a polygamist counterculture to an industrialized American state. The evening will end with a discussion of how the lessons learned may apply to religions and institutions in general.
TICKETS

VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES: Stories from the Atomic Age
2025-04-29 19:30 - 21:30
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES
Stories from the Atomic Age
With Matthew Malinowski, The Atomic Museum
Tuesday, April 29, 7:30pm
Social Hour begins at 6:30pm
The Lorraine Boccardo Theater
This year’s Voyager Lecture Series follows “The History of This Land,” from the deep time studied in geology, through modern concerns related to our changing environment.
April’s program is presented by the Atomic Museum, a national science, history and educational institution that tells the story of America’s nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site. The Museum uses lessons of the past and present to better understand the extent and effect of nuclear testing on worldwide nuclear deterrence and geo-political history.
The Atomic Museum team will visit Kayenta to discuss the history, challenges and consequences of atomic testing at the Nevada Test Site, including the Downwinders living in Arizona, Nevada, and our area in Utah who were exposed to radiation from atmospheric nuclear testing.
Learn more about the Atomic Museum at atomicmuseum.vegas
TICKETS

Voyage Lecture Series is generously sponsored by Voyager Wealth Advisors and Cache Valley Bank.

VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES: Valley Fever and Our Rapidly Changing Environment
2025-05-20 19:30 - 21:30
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES
Valley Fever and Our Rapidly Changing Environment
With Dr. Katharine S. Walter and Dr. Ginamarie Foglia
Tuesday, May 20, 7:30pm
Social Hour begins at 6:30pm
The Lorraine Boccardo Theater
This year’s Voyager Lecture Series follows “The History of This Land,” from the deep time studied in geology, through modern concerns related to our changing environment.
Our final lecture of this series comes from Dr. Katharine S. Walter, an infectious disease epidemiologist based in Salt Lake City. Landscape development and climate change are elevating the risk of a new fungal infection in Southern Utah: Valley Fever. Join Dr. Walter, along with Dr. Ginamarie Foglia, as they discuss dangerous emerging fungal pathogens, Valley Fever, and the implications of very local projects including the proposed Dry Wash reservoir.
Learn more at Evo-Epi Laboratory

Kayenta 100 Project: The Beginnings, 1976-1986
2025-09-14 15:00 - 17:00
Kayenta 100 Project: First Five Decades
Part I: The Beginnings, 1976-1986
Sunday, September 14, 2025 | 3:00pm
The Lorraine Boccardo Theater
A look back at Kayenta’s visionary start—when a dream of intentional desert living first took root. This event traces the original land acquisition, early designs, and the radical idea of building a sustainable, artful community in the red rock canyons of southern Utah.
The Kayenta 100 Project: First Five Decades
Celebrating a Vision. Honoring a Legacy. Inspiring the Future.
The Kayenta 100 Project is a living history initiative honoring the first five decades of the Kayenta community in southern Utah. From its bold beginnings in the 1970s to its emergence as a vibrant hub for culture, design, and desert living, this five-part series invites residents and visitors alike to reflect on the people, projects, and ideas that shaped Kayenta’s unique story. Through storytelling, archival media, open discussions, and interactive experiences, each chapter highlights a transformative era in Kayenta’s evolution.
TICKETS

5 Event Package

VOYAGER: Images of Jupiter from a New Perspective
2025-12-02 19:30 - 21:30
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES

Images of Jupiter from a New Perspective: Science and Art

with Candice Koharcheck, Ph.D.

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 7:30pm | Social Hour Begins at 6:30pm

The Lorraine Boccardo Theater

Our Voyager Lecture Series returns with an evening that journeys to the edge of human exploration—Jupiter.

In 2016, NASA’s Juno spacecraft slipped into a polar orbit around the giant planet, carrying a remarkable instrument: JunoCam, a visible-light camera designed not just for scientists, but for all of us. From this unique vantage point, a new understanding of Jupiter’s swirling clouds and monumental storms is emerging—alongside a surprising collaboration between science and art.

In this talk, planetary scientist Dr. Candice Koharcheck will share how JunoCam invites the public into the real work of an imaging team. Members of the public process raw spacecraft images, transforming data into breathtaking portraits of Jupiter. The results are a striking blend of discovery and creativity

Candice Koharcheck has a Ph.D. in planetary science from UCLA. She began her career working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the Voyager spacecraft operations. Throughout the decades since then she has worked on Cassini (Saturn orbiter), Mars Polar Lander, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and now Juno, in orbit around Jupiter.

TICKETS

The Voyager Lecture Series is generously sponsored by Voyager Wealth Advisors and Cache Valley Bank.

Voyager Lecture Series: AI Made Simple
2026-01-13 19:30 - 21:00
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES
AI Made Simple
with Scott Allen
Tuesday, January 13, 2025 at 7:30pm | Social Hour Begins at 6:30pm
The Lorraine Boccardo Theater

Our Voyager Lecture Series continues in 2026 with this season’s theme: Venturing Into the Unknown.
As artificial intelligence accelerates at an unprecedented pace, it’s reshaping possibilities in ways that once felt like science fiction.
In this dynamic and accessible presentation, speaker Scott Allen breaks down how modern AI truly works—cutting through the hype to reveal its real capabilities and surprising impact on creativity, communication, and daily life. Through compelling examples and live demonstrations, you’ll gain a clear, grounded understanding of this rapidly evolving technology.
Join us to discover why stepping into the uncharted world of AI isn’t just fascinating—it’s an exciting and empowering opportunity for us all.
—

Scott Allen is a Senior Learning Management Systems Administrator in the Information Technology Department at Utah Tech University and teaches courses for the Institute for Continued Learning (ICL). A longtime member of the Utah Tech community, Scott has spent more than 25 years working in instructional technology and higher-education. His recent teaching focuses on generative AI—helping adult learners understand and apply modern AI tools in practical, creative, and empowering ways. He is passionate about lifelong learning and enjoys helping people discover how emerging technologies can enrich everyday life.

TICKETS

The Voyager Lecture Series is generously sponsored by Voyager Wealth Advisors and Cache Valley Bank.

Voyager Lecture Series: Mass Extinctions
2026-02-03 19:30 - 21:00
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES
Mass Extinctions
with Jerry Harris
Tuesday, February 3, 7:30pm
Social Hour Begins at 6:30pm
The Lorraine Boccardo Theater

Our Voyager Lecture Series continues in 2026 with this season’s theme: Venturing Into the Unknown.
Earth’s history has been shaped by moments of profound loss—and remarkable renewal. In this Voyager Lecture, scientist Jerry Harris explores the story of mass extinctions over the past half-billion years, events that radically transformed life on our planet by erasing entire groups of organisms and opening the door for new forms of life to emerge. By uncovering the causes and consequences of these ancient upheavals, Harris reveals what the deep past can tell us about the challenges we face today—and what our future may hold if we fail to learn from it.
—

Dr. Jerry Harris is a paleontologist and educator who most recently served as a professor at Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University), where he taught geology, paleontology, and related courses. He holds a Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Science from the University of Pennsylvania and has dedicated his career to uncovering and interpreting ancient life. Harris has long been involved with the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, serving as an advisor and contributing his expertise to research, preservation, and public education about the remarkable fossil record of southwestern Utah. In addition to his academic work, he has co-authored publications on paleontology and helped bring the prehistoric world to life for students, researchers, and visitors alike.

TICKETS

The Voyager Lecture Series is generously sponsored by Voyager Wealth Advisors and Cache Valley Bank.

Kayenta 100 - Part IV: Expanding Views
2026-03-08 15:00 - 17:00
Kayenta 100 Project: First Five Decades

Part IV: Expanding Views, 2006-2016

Sunday, March 8, 2026 | 3:00PM

The Lorraine Boccardo Theater

Kayenta became a showcase for innovative desert architecture and sustainable design. This event highlights the bold experimentation and collaborative spirit behind the iconic “Concept Homes”—projects that drew national attention and redefined modern desert living. This chapter also covers the creation of Kayenta Arts Foundation and the 2008 Financial Crisis.

The Kayenta 100 Project: First Five Decades

Celebrating a Vision. Honoring a Legacy. Inspiring the Future.

The Kayenta 100 Project is a living history initiative honoring the first five decades of the Kayenta community in southern Utah. From its bold beginnings in the 1970s to its emergence as a vibrant hub for culture, design, and desert living, this five-part series invites residents and visitors alike to reflect on the people, projects, and ideas that shaped Kayenta’s unique story. Through storytelling, archival media, open discussions, and interactive experiences, each chapter highlights a transformative era in Kayenta’s evolution.
TICKETS

VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES: Venturing Into the Unknown: The Great Wealth Transfer and the Future of American Assets - with Kevin D. Rorie, CFP®, CDFA®
2026-03-31 19:30 - 21:30
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES

Venturing Into the Unknown: The Great Wealth Transfer and the Future of American Assets

with Kevin D. Rorie, CFP®, CDFA®

Tuesday, March 31, 7:30pm | Social Hour Begins at 6:30pm

The Lorraine Boccardo Theater

Our Voyager Lecture Series continues in 2026 with this season’s theme: Venturing Into the Unknown.

As the largest generational wealth shift in American history accelerates, trillions of dollars are set to change hands—reshaping families, communities, and the financial landscape in profound ways. In this timely presentation, Kevin Rorie will guide us as we explore The Great Wealth Transfer through practical insights to help you understand what’s coming and how to prepare. From shifting demographics to emerging opportunities and potential pitfalls, this presentation will equip you to confidently navigate uncertainty and make thoughtful decisions in a rapidly evolving financial era. Join us as we venture into the unknown and uncover what this historic transition means for you and the future.

—

Kevin Rorie began his financial services career in 2014 as a personal banker at Wells Fargo before joining Voyager Wealth Advisors in 2017. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional, committed to guiding clients through a structured financial planning process—the cornerstone of Voyager’s practice.

Coming from an Air Force family, Kevin was born in Okinawa, Japan, spent his formative years in Suffolk, England, and later relocated to Northern Utah. His diverse upbringing instilled in him an appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. He earned his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Biology and Psychology) from Utah Tech University, a background that enhances his ability to understand clients’ financial behaviors and long-term goals.

Kevin is deeply involved in his community, serving on the Board of the Kayenta Arts Foundation (KAF) and as a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). He is a strong advocate for equality, opportunity, and education within underrepresented groups. He and his wife, Marina, live in Ivins, Utah, where they enjoy the outdoors with their miniature pinscher, Joe. Outside of work, Kevin can often be found on the golf course, basketball court, or exploring Utah’s scenic landscapes.

The Voyager Lecture Series is generously sponsored by Voyager Wealth Advisors, Proven Law, and Cache Valley Bank.

VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES Beyond Billionaires: Bringing Space Down to Earth with Theresa Hitchens
2026-04-21 19:30 - 21:30
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES

Beyond Billionaires: Bringing Space Down to Earth

with Theresa Hitchens

Tuesday, April 21, 7:30pm | Social Hour Begins at 6:30pm

The Lorraine Boccardo Theater

How many times a day do you think you touch outer space? Probably more than you think. GPS navigation, weather forecasts, and even the value of your stock portfolio all rely on satellites orbiting Earth. So do essential government functions, from national security and environmental monitoring to managing the electric grid and dam operations. In reality, we already are space people—and as more nations work to build infrastructure beyond Earth, from space stations to the Moon and beyond, humanity may not be far from becoming true inhabitants of the heavens.
So who are the players shaping the rules for managing, developing, and protecting the space environment? Is space and its future being thoughtfully and collaboratively utilized or is it more akin to the “Wild West”? How do the world’s militaries factor in? What challenges come with humanity’s growing presence in space, and what is being done to address them?
Please join us for an evening with journalist and space expert Theresa Hitchens to gain a deeper understanding of these issues—and to consider what role, if any, we as citizens can play in what remains a space of geopolitical competition and billionaire ambition.
TICKETS

—

Theresa Hitchens is a journalist and researcher based out of Washington, DC, with almost 40 years of expertise on US and international military defense programs and budgets, space governance and regulatory issues, and space-related technology. She is a former director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, and the first American to hold that position. She currently writes about defense-related space activities for Breaking Defense.

The Voyager Lecture Series is generously sponsored by Voyager Wealth Advisors, Proven Law, and Cache Valley Bank.

Kayenta 100 - Part V: Kayenta Lifestyle & Arts
2026-05-10 15:00 - 17:00
Kayenta 100 Project: First Five Decades
Part V: Kayenta Lifestyle & Arts, 2016–2026
Sunday, May 10, 2026 | 3:00pm
The Lorraine Boccardo Theater
A celebration of the present moment and a vision for the future. From the expansion of the Kayenta Art Village to the rise of performing arts, culinary experiences, and wellness culture, this chapter explores how Kayenta has come to embody a unique and evolving desert lifestyle.
The Kayenta 100 Project: First Five Decades
Celebrating a Vision. Honoring a Legacy. Inspiring the Future.
The Kayenta 100 Project is a living history initiative honoring the first five decades of the Kayenta community in southern Utah. From its bold beginnings in the 1970s to its emergence as a vibrant hub for culture, design, and desert living, this five-part series invites residents and visitors alike to reflect on the people, projects, and ideas that shaped Kayenta’s unique story. Through storytelling, archival media, open discussions, and interactive experiences, each chapter highlights a transformative era in Kayenta’s evolution.
TICKETS

We invite you to help us tell the story of our Kayenta community. Do you have old photos, home videos, newspaper clippings, or keepsakes connected to Kayenta? Or a personal story about your own experiences here? If you do, get in touch with Wil! You can email him at Wil@KayentaArts.com.
Another way you will be able to share your Kayenta Story is at each Kayenta 100 Event, where we will have a Story Booth set up! Your memories and materials bring our history to life.

The Kayenta 100 Project is generously sponsored by Kayenta Homes & Properties

VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES: Train the Mind, Open the Heart - with the Mindfulness Center of Southern Utah
2026-05-26 19:30 - 21:30
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES
Train the Mind, Open the Heart
with the Mindfulness Center of Southern Utah
Tuesday, May 26, 7:30pm | Social Hour Begins at 6:30pm
The Lorraine Boccardo Theater

Join us for the final Voyager Lecture of this season, Train the Mind, Open the Heart. This lecture brings together three distinguished experts from the Mindfulness Center of Southern Utah—Dr. Ginamaria Foglia, DO, MPH, FACP, Dr. David Tate, and Kirk Benson, JD—for an engaging exploration of mindfulness and its real-world impact.
This presentation goes beyond theory, revealing the clinical evidence behind mindfulness practices and how training the mind can unlock profound benefits for the heart—improving physical health, emotional resilience, mental clarity, and social connection. Part of this event will invite you to experience mindfulness firsthand through guided, interactive elements designed to help you immediately connect with these transformative techniques.
Whether you’re curious about the science, seeking stress relief, or looking to deepen your well-being, this evening offers practical tools you can carry into everyday life.
TICKETS

Ginamarie Foglia, DO, MPH, FACP has over 30 years of healthcare experience as an internationally known subject matter expert and speaker in infectious disease, internal medicine, public health, clinical trial research & development, medical education and wellness. She is an Adjunct Professor at Rocky Vista University College of Medicine and lecturer at Utah Tech University. Certified as a personal/group fitness trainer, she has completed several endurance and strength-training activities to include marathons, cycling tours and the Ironman70 triathlon. More recently, she held the position of Adventure Guide and Wellness Consultant at Red Mountain Resort in Ivins, UT. Dr. Foglia is a board member of the Southern Utah Mindfulness Center and volunteers for the Southwest Utah Medical Reserve Corps and the Southern Utah Veterans Home. She served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for 8 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Dr. David Tate, PhD, is a psychologist in St. George, Utah, where he has been in private practice for 27 years. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Mindfulness Center of Southern Utah.
He has taught Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) classes for over 30 years. He was one of the founders and teachers of Intermountain Healthcare’s Stress Reduction Clinic (1990-1995), where his doctoral dissertation was the first replication study of research conducted by his mentor and originator of MBSR, Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center Stress Reduction Program. In 1995 Dr. Tate helped develop the first “mindfulness-based” health and wellness resort in the United States, Miraval, Life in Balance, being the initial Lead Mindfulness Instructor and later the Program Director.
He has taught mindfulness seminars for many businesses and organizations including Nike, Ernst and Young, New Line Cinema, Abbott Laboratories, AT&T, the National Make-A Wish Foundation, Zion National Park, and the NCAA.

Kirk A Benson, JD, is a retired businessman who has been practicing mindfulness for over ten years. He has received mindfulness training from Brown University, Mindful Schools, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (associated with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach), and the Mindful Eating Training Institute. He is a co-founder, along with his wife, Gael, of the Mindfulness Center of Southern Utah.

The Voyager Lecture Series is generously sponsored by Voyager Wealth Advisors, Proven Law, and Cache Valley Bank.

Short Film Screening & Art Talk
2026-06-19 19:30 - 21:00
SUMMER ARTS SHOWCASE: SHORT FILM SCREENING
RE
by filmmaker, Wendy Womack
June 19, 7:30PM | Followed by an Art Talk with Addison Kanoelani
Lorraine Boccardo Theater
RE tells the story of two sisters who reunite three years after escaping an abusive cult and discover that recovery looks different for everyone. At this special preview screening, you’ll get a first look at the film and have the opportunity to share your feedback. The film runs 15 minutes and will be presented alongside Addison Kanoelani’s Art Talk.

Wendy Bird Womack is a writer and filmmaker whose award-winning work has received recognition from the Austin Film Festival, BlueCat Screenplay Competition, First Flights Film Fund, the League of Utah Writers, and others. Wendy’s career has spanned multiple corners of the film industry, from development through post-production. Most recently, she taught film courses at Utah Tech University and served as the communications manager for Conserve Southwest Utah, where she advocated for the protection of public lands and endangered species. An avid traveler, Wendy often draws creative inspiration from the places she visits and the people she meets.

ART TALK
Thresholds: Art in Between
With Addison Kanoelani
Discuss the short film preview, RE with visual artist, Addison Kanoelani, in this Art Talk. Explore the artistic process, and the practices and needs of creatives today.

This event is part of the Kayenta Summer Arts Showcase, an all-month event featuring exceptional local artists and the premiere of brand-new creative work, across several disciplines. Join us this June to celebrate and experience local art, fun, and community.
We’re introducing tiered ticket pricing for this program. The Kayenta Summer Arts Showcase is about welcoming audiences to see the work of artists within their own community. We’re committed to making our events as accessible as possible, and believe this tiered structure will help remove financial barriers, while also presenting quality events and compensating artists fairly for their work. The pricing tiers are as follows:
$10 – Pay What You Can
$20 – Suggested Ticket Price
$30 – Support This Program
TICKETS

The Book Bungalow Presents: Eli McCann
2026-09-01 19:30 - 21:00
HUMANITIES & LECTURE SERIES
The Book Bungalow Presents
Eli McCann
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Social Hour at 6:30p // Presentation at 7:30p
Join the Center for the Arts at Kayenta and The Book Bungalow for an engaging lecture and book talk with Utah author, humorist, podcaster, and lawyer Eli McCann as he presents his new book, Stitched.
Known for finding humor, humanity, and meaning in the experiences that connect us, McCann brings his distinctive voice to Kayenta as part of our new Humanities & Lectures series. Following the presentation, guests will have an opportunity to meet the author and have copies of Stitched signed.

Eli McCann is the author of We’re Thankful for the Moisture and a host and producer of Strangerville, a live storytelling series and podcast. He writes a monthly humor column for The Salt Lake Tribune, and his work has appeared in The Washington Post, Newsweek, HuffPost, and the BBC. He lives in Salt Lake City with his husband, their new child, and two naughty dogs.

This special pre-launch event gives guests the exclusive opportunity to purchase Stitched and have it signed by Eli McCann—a full week before its official release. Books can be pre-ordered along with your ticket below.

In Stitched, Betty Lou Dearden has been a member of the Ogden Quilter’s Association for more than twenty years when it’s announced that the biggest quilting competition in the country is coming to her small Utah town. With the clock ticking, the women welcome two young gay men to their group as they bicker their way to an award-worthy entry and attempt to beat their long-time rivals once and for all.
With disarming humor and extraordinary heart, Eli McCann takes readers deep into the cozy but cutthroat world of competitive quilting and the sometimes-messy friendships that shape our lives.

TICKETS

Seeking the Wildest West: Histories of Wilderness Experiences and Challenges To Their Future
2026-10-06 19:30 - 21:30
VOYAGER LECTURE SERIES
Seeking the Wildest West:
Histories of Wilderness Experiences and Challenges To Their Future
Dr. Brenden Rensink
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Social Hour at 6:30p // Presentation at 7:30p
What does it mean to experience the West as truly wild—and what will it take to keep it that way?
Join historian Dr. Brenden Rensink for an engaging exploration of the American West and our evolving relationship with wilderness. Drawing on histories of outdoor experience, recreation, conservation, and the landscapes themselves, Dr. Rensink examines how generations have sought out, understood, and shaped the idea of the “wild” West.
Looking to the future, the conversation will consider the growing challenges facing these treasured places and ask what the history of wilderness can teach us about preserving meaningful encounters with wild landscapes for generations to come.
Brenden W. Rensink is Professor of History at Brigham Young University and Associate Director of the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies. A historian of the American West, borderlands, Indigenous peoples, environment, genocide studies, and religion, his recent books include the award-winning Native but Foreign: Indigenous Immigrants and Refugees in the North American Borderlands (2018) and Essays on American Indian and Mormon History (2019), and The North American West in the Twenty-First Century (2022). He is Project Manager and General Editor of the Intermountain Histories digital public history project, Host and Producer of the Writing Westward Podcast, and editor of the University of New Mexico Press “The West in Context” series. Rensink is currently researching environmental and cultural histories of “wilderness” adventuring and experience in the West.

TICKETS
