Celebrate Día del Niño (Children’s Day) with the Heard Museum!

The Heard Museum and Archie are excited to host our annual celebration of Children’s Day, Día del Niño—a joyful event centered on painting, creativity, and embracing your inner child. Or, as we like to say, embrace your inner Heardling!

Experience Indigenous creativity through vibrant art-making activities, live music performances from Latine communities, artist demonstrations, and more. Families can also explore our newest exhibition, Kay WalkingStick / Hudson River School, which places powerful landscape paintings by renowned contemporary Cherokee artist Kay WalkingStick in conversation with 19th-century Hudson River School works.

Event Lineup

Live Painting with Artist Tiffany Enos
All Day ( 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) in Steele Auditorium Foyer
Watch artist Tiffany Enos bring her work to life and join in the creative process with exclusive coloring pages designed especially for the event.

Stray Horse Studios: Community Mural & Art Activities
All Day ( 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) in the Encanto Room
Contribute to a collaborative community mural inspired by the work of Rarámuri artist Catalina Quinn. Plus, enjoy hands-on art-making experiences, including the “Barrio Dogs & Barrio Cats” recycled sculpture craft (located in Steele Auditorium), where families create animal figures using found and recycled materials, and a color-your-own framed masterpiece activity inspired by Catalina Quinn’s artwork designs. This special activation honors Catalina’s artistic legacy and celebrates her lifelong dedication to creativity and family.

Live Music Performances by Harmony Project Phoenix
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. in Crossroads Gallery
Enjoy lively performances from youth ensembles of the Harmony Project, including a vibrant Children’s Mariachi. These performances highlight the talent and energy of young musicians while celebrating musical traditions rooted in Latine culture.

Live Dance Performance by San Carlos Apache Youth Dance Group
12:30 – 1 p.m. & 1:50 – 2:30 p.m. in the Museum Courtyard
Crown Dance performed by the San Carlos Apache Youth Dance Group, highlighting the cultural pride and dedication of these young dancers.

Family Art Activities
All Day ( 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) in Steele Auditorium Foyer Foyers, Steele Auditorium, and the Encanto Room
Bring the whole family and explore a variety of hands-on art activities designed to spark creativity and collaboration.

Designated Quiet Zone
All Day ( 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) in the Monte Vista Room
A low-sensory, quiet space is available for guests who may need a break from the activity. For more information about accessibility at the Heard, click here.

Remembering Catalina Quinn Colwell (Rarámuri, 1942-2026)

Catalina Quinn Colwell was born in Malibu, California to actress Katherine Demille and artist Anthony Quinn. As a mother, she used art as a way to express the depth of her love through form, color, and image. Drawing from her Indigenous and Latine roots, she expanded her work into painting, sketching, and clay and wood sculpture, eventually naming her creative space Stray Horse Studios. Like a stray horse in the wild, she resisted being confined by the structures of the art world and remained independent.

When Catalina passed away in February 2026, she was in the early stages of preparing for her appearance as a featured artist for Día del Niño at the Heard Museum. While she is no longer here in person, her family will represent her, carrying forward her stories, spirit, and artistic vision.

What are Heardlings? And who is Archie?

The Heardlings is a family friendly initiative committed to engaging and educating children and their adult caregivers. Led by a welcoming animal guide — Archie the Jackrabbit (named after the museum’s iconic arches) — young museum-goers are invited to experience the Heardlings Family Activity Room, and the Heardlings Art Cart. Additionally, families can enjoy signature events for youth audiences; a child-friendly menu at the Courtyard Café; Heardlings merchandise at Books & More; and HeardBeat, a youth and family e-newsletter.

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