Celebrating Cultures through the Stories They Tell: Yavapai College’s “Transforming Traditions” opens Oct. 3

Photo: Jeff Vulpes Downing – Necator Reliquary

Yavapai College celebrates the origin stories, tall tales, ethnic rituals, and legends that define our cultures in “Transforming Traditions: Art & Folklore in 2025,” running Friday, Oct. 3 through Friday, Nov. 7 at the Prescott Campus Gallery.

“Myths are clues to the spiritual potentialities of human life.” – Joseph Campbell

Every culture has folklore that illustrates its character, honors its traditions and defines its unique identity. In “Transforming Traditions,” the Yavapai College Prescott Art Gallery brings the lore of multiple cultures to life. More than fifty-five works will be featured. Thirty artists, from as close as Prescott Valley and as far away as Japan, will reimagine their folklore in painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, ceramics, digital art and musical instruments.

“Folklore is an oral and written tradition, but it’s also a visual one,” said Tim Hull, Yavapai College Prescott Art Gallery Manager. “Each work will be accompanied by an artist’s statement which will explore how these visual, written, or told stories — either from ancient or brand-new sources — can create deep, abiding meaning in our lives.”

“Transforming Traditions” will hold an opening reception on Friday, Oct. 3, from 5 – 7 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public and will feature the debut of “Imagine a Cave,” a short film by Jesse Ickler of Yavapai College’s Film & Media Arts Department.

The exhibition will also host musical and literary artists exploring similar themes:

• “Myth in Motion: An Evening of Poetry & Discussion,” Friday, Oct. 17, 5 – 8 p.m., begins with a workshop on poetry and mythology – where participants read poems embracing archetypes and myths – and concludes with readings from award-winning poets Brooke Sahni (Before I Had the Word) and Megan Merchant (The Dark’s Humming). The evening will include live music, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
• Critically acclaimed musician Mark Matos will perform songs and discuss the history and evolution of homegrown American music as part of a performance entitled “The Sound of American Folk Art” at the gallery Friday, Oct. 24, 5 – 7 p.m.
• The College will offer a “Free Family Art Day,” Saturday, Oct. 25, 1 – 3 p.m. at the Prescott Art Gallery. Kids will make Halloween and Day of the Dead crafts with the Prescott Art Docents and enjoy free snacks.
• Dr. Suzanne Waldenberger will host a lunchtime Art Talk: “The Shape-Shifting Holiday: Halloween’s Cultural Transformations,” Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to noon, featuring free sandwiches and non-alcoholic drinks.

“Transforming Traditions” opens Friday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m., at Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus Gallery, in the Jim & Linda Performing Arts Center, 1100 E. Sheldon Street. Admission is free. The Gallery is open 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. For exhibit schedules or more information, please call: (928) 776-2031 or visit: YC Prescott Gallery — YC Visual Arts

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Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over one hundred degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.