Melanated Deaf Visual Arts Project - MDVAP
  • About
    • Founder Story
    • What is MDVAP?
    • Mission Statement
    • Earl Terry
  • Programs
    • Phoenix Project
    • Tempe Project
    • Mesa Project
    • Tucson Project
    • Flagstaff Project
    • Workshops & Services
  • Events
    • Deaf Awareness Month
    • Reflections & Celebrations: The MDVAP Winter Gala
    • 2027-2028 Upcoming Events >
      • February 2027 Western Black Deaf Arts
      • June 2027 Queer Deaf Creativity Ball
      • April 2028 AZ Deaf Arts Festival
  • Get Involved
    • Community Updates
    • Ways to Collaborate
    • Sponsors Page
    • Accessibility at MDVAP

​Reflections & Celebrations: The MDVAP Winter Gala

[ID: A blurred picture of artworks hung on the walls]

A Year-End Gathering of Melanated Deaf Excellence

​📍 Flagstaff
🗓 December 2026
🎭 Hybrid Experience (In-Person + Virtual)

​Join us for an unforgettable evening of storytelling, recognition, and celebration—centering Melanated Deaf artists, culture, and community.

​👉 [RSVP / Tickets – Coming Soon]
👉 [Join the Community Access Fund]

​✨ ABOUT THE GALA

Reflections & Celebrations is MDVAP’s annual winter gathering—an intentional space to honor the stories, artistry, and impact of Melanated Deaf communities.

Held in Flagstaff, Arizona, this gala brings together artists, community members, and allies for an evening rooted in joy, recognition, and cultural connection.
​
This is more than an event.
It is a space to be seen.
It is a space to reflect.
It is a space to celebrate—together.

​🎭 WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 🏆 Awards & Recognition honoring Melanated Deaf excellence
  • 🎤 Live Performances including visual music, storytelling, and more
  • 🧠 Curated Storytelling from community voices and featured artists
  • 🎨 Artist Highlights from MDVAP exhibitions
  • 🤝 Community Connection in an elegant, welcoming environment

🏔 A DESTINATION EXPERIENCE

Join us in the mountains of Northern Arizona for a weekend of connection and celebration.

Saturday: Arrival + Gala
Sunday: Community Brunch
​
Step away from the everyday and gather in a space designed for reflection, joy, and community.
​
More details on travel and lodging coming soon.

✊🏾 COMMUNITY ACCESS

We believe this gathering should be accessible to our community.

Through our sliding scale ticket model and Community Access Fund, we ensure that financial barriers do not prevent participation.
​
No proof required. Just community trust.

🎟 Sliding Scale Tickets

Choose the rate that aligns with your financial reality:
  • Community Rate
  • Standard Rate
  • Solidarity Rate (supports others)

🤝 Community Access Fund

Through our Community Access Fund, we provide supported tickets for those who may need financial assistance.

👉 Request support (no proof required)
👉 Contribute to support others

Accessibility is not an add-on—it is a core value.

​🏆 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

At the heart of the evening is a recognition of excellence, impact, and cultural contribution within Melanated Deaf communities.
​
These honors celebrate artists, leaders, and storytellers who are shaping our present and future.
​
Award categories will include:
  • Artist of the Year
  • Emerging Artist
  • Community Impact
  • Accessibility Advocacy
  • Cultural Storytelling
​
Nomination details coming soon.

​🎶 PERFORMANCES & STORYTELLING

Experience a dynamic lineup of performances and stories that reflect the depth, beauty, and power of Melanated Deaf experiences.
​
Featuring:
  • Deaf performers and artists
  • Visual storytelling and creative expression
  • Reflections from MDVAP featured artists

WHY THIS MATTERS

​This gathering exists to honor the stories, artistry, and impact of Melanated Deaf communities—creating space for reflection, recognition, and collective celebration at the close of the year.

​🌟 GET INVOLVED

Interested in participating?
  • Nominate an award recipient
  • Perform or share your story
  • Volunteer or support the event
  • Become a sponsor
👉 Contact: [email protected]

💼 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Support the celebration of Melanated Deaf excellence while investing in community access and cultural programming.

Sponsorship opportunities include:
  • Event recognition
  • Award sponsorship
  • Community Access Fund support
​
👉 Sponsorship packet coming soon

​📣 STAY CONNECTED

Be the first to receive updates, ticket releases, and announcements.
​
👉 Join our mailing list
👉 Follow @mdvap.az (Instagram)
👉 Follow @mdvapofficial (YouTube, Facebook & TikTok)
Access Statement:
​

MDVAP centers Deaf and DeafBlind experiences through ASL, Protactile, and visual-first design. Accessibility is integrated into all events and programming.

MDVAP is a Deaf-centered arts and cultural initiative based in Arizona.
For collaborations, workshops, accessibility inquiries, or community partnerships: [email protected] 

Follow MDVAP for updates, workshops, artist opportunities, and community engagement.​​
  • About
    • Founder Story
    • What is MDVAP?
    • Mission Statement
    • Earl Terry
  • Programs
    • Phoenix Project
    • Tempe Project
    • Mesa Project
    • Tucson Project
    • Flagstaff Project
    • Workshops & Services
  • Events
    • Deaf Awareness Month
    • Reflections & Celebrations: The MDVAP Winter Gala
    • 2027-2028 Upcoming Events >
      • February 2027 Western Black Deaf Arts
      • June 2027 Queer Deaf Creativity Ball
      • April 2028 AZ Deaf Arts Festival
  • Get Involved
    • Community Updates
    • Ways to Collaborate
    • Sponsors Page
    • Accessibility at MDVAP