Coming in Summer 2025: The Indigenous Cosmology Mural

The Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center invites visitors on an immersive journey through the universe, and will soon include a custom-painted mural featuring the cosmology of the Indigenous peoples of Northern Arizona. This breathtaking collaboration by Nani Chacon (Diné/Navajo) and Gerald Dawavendewa (Hopi) will ascend three stories alongside the Discovery Center’s grand staircase. Accompanied by an artist’s statement and an explanatory key, the mural will inspire visitors to reflect on humanity’s place in the universe and see themselves as part of the ongoing cosmic story.

The Indigenous Mural will have particular significance for the Native American Astronomy Outreach program. Through this program, hundreds of Native American students visit Lowell Observatory each year. Our education team will use the artists’ statements to craft grade-appropriate curricula tailored to visiting Native students. These students will experience firsthand that their heritage is celebrated even in non-Native spaces.

Meet the Artists

Nani Chacon, raised between the Navajo (Diné) Nation in Chinle and Albuquerque, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from the University of New Mexico and a New Mexico State Teacher Certification with an endorsement in Art Education. She is renowned for her public art and community-engaged murals that integrate Indigenous ideologies with contemporary themes.

Nani’s section of the mural will illustrate constellations intertwined with animals, plants, and people – reflecting Diné philosophy and a holistic view of interconnectedness*

Gerald Dawavendewa grew up in the village of Munqapi on the Hopi Nation, and has focused on exploring the Hopi view of the universe throughout his diverse career. He holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Arizona. Gerald has served as a scientific technical illustrator at the U of A Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, leading to an invitation to create artwork sent aboard the space shuttle Endeavor.

Gerald’s personal mission is to educate the public on the richness of Hopi culture. His section of the mural will depict the night sky and represent celestial bodies using traditional Hopi symbols and colors.*

 *Please note that all descriptions and renderings of the mural are preliminary and the design of the final piece may vary