The Center for the Arts at Kayenta invites the community to explore a unique interactive installation designed to tap into the collective force of human creativity. As part of the Kayenta Summer Arts Showcase, this event encourages participants to set a trap for their muses and find new ways to overcome creative blocks.
There are two distinct ways to experience this “thrift store of ideas” during its final days. Visitors can drop in during open installation hours from 12 PM – 3 PM through June 26, 2026. During these hours, guests are encouraged to follow their own instincts as they navigate the space and attempt to appease The Muse.
For those seeking a more structured experience, creator Sara Flannery Murphy will lead a guided workshop on June 26 at 5 PM. This session includes a lecture and hands-on exercises specifically designed to help participants break through artistic stagnation. Whether you are an experienced artist or just starting out, you are invited to bring your creative blocks and join the experiment.
The installation and workshop are part of the month-long Kayenta Summer Arts Showcase. This annual event features exceptional local artists and the premiere of brand-new creative work across several disciplines. It serves as a vibrant celebration of local art, fun, and community connection throughout the month of June.
Sara Flannery Murphy, the creator behind the project, is an accomplished author and educator who now calls Southern Utah home. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, she grew up dividing her time between the city and the Arkansas Ozarks. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis and her MLIS from the University of British Columbia.
Murphy has published several notable works, including “The Possessions,” “Girl One,” and “The Wonder State.” Her shorter writing has appeared in international publications such as The Guardian and LitHub.
Currently residing in Washington, Utah, with her husband and two sons, Murphy is a dedicated member of the local literary scene. She teaches craft- and publishing-related courses for Utah Tech University and works at the circulation desk at the Washington library. Additionally, she serves as the grants chair for Write On St. George, a local chapter of the League of Utah Writers.
