MDVAP Flagstaff: A Northern Arizona Initiative

Earl Terry engaging with artwork during Black Deaf Art Period

[ID: ​Earl Terry stands in a gallery wearing a blue blazer, signing while positioned near framed artworks on the wall.]

​Overview

The Melanated Deaf Visual Arts Project (MDVAP) is expanding into Northern Arizona through a focused initiative in Flagstaff, centering Melanated Deaf, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled artists through exhibitions, community engagement, and culturally grounded access.
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This initiative is part of MDVAP’s broader effort to build a statewide curatorial framework across Arizona.

Current Focus

MDVAP Flagstaff is currently developing:

• Exhibitions featuring Melanated Deaf, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled artists
• Community engagement programs that foster dialogue and connection
• Accessible experiences grounded in ASL, Protactile, and visual-tactile approaches

This expansion builds on MDVAP’s ongoing exhibition cycle across Arizona, including its annual year-end showcase, Reflections & Celebrations.

Featured Project

Echoes Beyond the Valley: Melanated Deaf Futures in Northern Arizona

​Echoes Beyond the Valley is a proposed exhibition that explores identity, memory, and futurity through the work of Melanated Deaf artists. The project centers Deaf ways of experiencing art by integrating ASL, Protactile, and visual-tactile storytelling into the exhibition design.

This exhibition reflects MDVAP’s vision of creating spaces where access is foundational and where underrepresented voices shape the cultural narrative.

​Echoes Beyond the Valley is currently in development and represents MDVAP’s continued expansion into regional and institutional spaces.

Interactive dialogue with attendees during Black Deaf Art Period.

[ID: Earl Terry signs while facing two attendees in a gallery, engaging in a shared conversation with artworks visible behind them.]

Why Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona offers a unique opportunity to expand access to Deaf-centered art experiences beyond metropolitan areas. MDVAP Flagstaff is committed to building relationships with local artists, organizations, and communities to create meaningful, place-based programming.

​Collaborate with MDVAP

MDVAP welcomes opportunities to collaborate with:

• Artists
• Arts organizations
• Cultural institutions
• Community partners

Interested in collaborating or learning more?
MDVAP welcomes opportunities to partner with artists, organizations, and communities in Northern Arizona.
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Contact: [email protected]

​In Development

MDVAP is actively exploring exhibitions and partnerships in Northern Arizona.