Workshops and Lectures
Upcoming Lectures
The Right Stuff: Raw Material Selection in Flintknapping
Febuary 20th, 2026 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Evidence of stone tool production dates back 3.3 million years, predating our own species. From the beginning, this new behavioral adaptation required early hominin relatives to understand which characteristics a stone must possess in order to be utilized for tool production. Only stone types with specific traits can be predictably and reliably fractured into a predetermined shape to create sharp-edged fragments that are useful as tools—a process referred to as flintknapping. Understanding the nature of these qualities and learning to identify them in raw materials across the landscape is the first step in producing stone tools, a technology that was essential to the success of ancient relatives living in harsh and dangerous environments around the world.
In this lecture, ASU Graduate Research Assistant Nic Hansen will describe the necessary characteristics a rock must have to be useful as a raw material for producing stone tools. He will provide examples of the many different varieties of stone that possess these qualities and discuss how and where they have been utilized throughout the deep history of global human ancestors. He will also share his experiences investigating raw material selection and procurement through self-collecting stone for flintknapping in Arizona. Finally, the lecture will include a live demonstration of knapping techniques using a variety of raw materials, highlighting differences in their characteristics and the types of tools best suited to each. Attendees are invited to join in an engaging exploration of the stones that helped shape our shared human history.
Upcoming Workshops
Flute Making Workshop with Aaron White
February 7th, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
DVPP Member Admission: $50
General Admission: $60
We are excited to offer the unique experience of handcrafting a flute with Native American artist, Aaron White. Using local materials, Aaron will guide you through the process of shaping, sanding, decorating, sealing, and song-making your very own flute. All materials will be provided, and attendees will leave with the flutes they make.
Aaron White is a flute musician and guitar player and is part Northern Diné from the Blacksheep Clan and Northern Ute tribe Whiteriver Band. His band, Burning Sky, was nominated for the 2003 Grammy of Best Native American Album and Won Group of The Year at the Native American Music Awards in 2004.
Beading Workshop from Maxica Colectivo
March 7th, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
DVPP Member Admission: $50
General Admission: $60
Create your own gorgeous beaded bracelet with Maxica Colectivo! Learn from mother-daughter duo, Adriana Quintero and Luz Violeta, about the relaxing art of beadwork!
Maxica Colectivo is a group of Wixarika and contemporary artists sharing creations inspired by nature. Their work seeks to honor the Earth the way their ancestors have, and to share the medicinal art that is part of our culture. Maxica Colectivo features traditional and contemporary beadwork made by Indigenous hands. Through this collective, they have made alliances with artist communities from Northwest Mexico, allowing them to sustain their families and ancestral traditions.
Workshop Policies
Spots are limited. If you cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible so someone else may have the chance to participate.
- Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected] at least 7 days before the workshop to qualify for a refund.
- Cancellations within 7 days of the workshop, or failure to attend, are not eligible for a refund.
Refunds (when eligible) will be issued to the original payment card.
Registrations may be transferred to another person with prior notice to the Preserve by emailing [email protected].