EXPERIENCE ARIZONA

NATURE'S ARTISTRY: A PORTFOLIO OF SHAPES AND TEXTURES Ron Behrmann made special arrangements to lead you to some of the most photogenic sites in the Southwest, including the austere, graceful sand dunes found at White Sands National Park and fields of black lava accented with spikes of blooming yuccas. Your creativity will be inspired during a private after-hours tour of Carlsbad Caverns. The artistic challenges of this workshop may tempt you to bring every lens you own on this search for the ultimate image. For a schedule of the Friends of Arizona Highways workshops, call (602) 712-2004; toll-free (888) 790-7042; or visit the Friends' Web site at www.friends-ofazhighways.com.

OTHER WORKSHOPS: April 18-22 The World of Photojournalism with Bernadette Heath and Janet Farnsworth May 5-9 Giants with Marc Muench May 7-11 Slot Canyons with Richard Maack July 16-20 Storm Light with Jack Dykinga July 21-26 Wildflowers of the Rockies with Jim Steinberg Arizona Highways Photography Exhibits OUR LAND, OUR PEOPLE Photographs by Arizona Highways contributors Through March 1 Mohave Community College, Kingman (520) 757-0851 CELEBRATING NATIVE CULTURES Photographs by Jerry Jacka Through March 11 Heard Museum, Phoenix (602) 252-8840 CELEBRATING THE GRAND CANYON Photographs by Gary Ladd Through May 27 Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott (520) 445-3122

CIVIL WAR BUFFS DO 'BATTLE'

March 10-11; Picacho Peak Few people realize that the Civil War reached Arizona. And it shouldn't have. In fact, the Battle of Picacho Peak, in April 1862, was all a big mistake - a surprise collision between the advance guard of a 2,350-man Union army from California and a Confederate patrol out of Tucson, then occupied by 300 men in gray. The confrontation was a confusing skirmish of dusty death, but it exerts an allure to this day. Now more people show up to the Battle of Picacho Peak Reenactment to watch it being replayed each year than lived in the Southwest at the time of the battle. Each spring, a few hundred Civil War buffs live out their fantasies for nearly 5,000 bemused spectators. For two days, they don period uniforms, wheel out cannons and load blanks into long muskets to re-create the western-most battle of the Civil War. Information: (520) 466-3183.

WILDLIFE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

March 3-4: Phoenix Everything from backyard alligators to brokenwinged bald eagles has found sanctuary and a healing touch at the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Adobe Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in north Phoenix. The center cares for injured and confiscated animals, including skunks, desert tortoises, hawks, horned owls, ospreys, javelinas and mountain lion cubs.

Once a year, the public is invited to the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Open House. Naturalists lead guided walks along a short nature trail in front of the center, presenting information on native plants and insects. Information: (623) 582-9806.

CELEBRATE O'ODHAM TRADITION

March 17; Ajo The Tohono O'odham tribe in southern Arizona traces its heritage to the ancient Hohokam Indians, farmers who built extensive canal systems to irrigate their fields. The O'odhams were master desert farmers, diverting runoff with such skill they could grow corn, squash and beans. They also gained respect for their intricately designed coil basketry, traded across the Southwest and deep into Mexico.

At the annual O'odham Day Celebration Of their culture, the O'odhams demonstrate ancient crafts and traditions, such as basket-weaving, farming and storytelling. The event's held at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument near Ajo. Information: (520) 387-6849.

OPEN HOUSE AT A 700-YEAR-OLD DWELLING

March 17-18, 24-25; Globe The Salado people inhabited the 200-room village of Besh-ba gowah between A.D. 1225 and 1450. It was rebuilt from a small diorama drawn in 1883 by archaeologist Adolph Bandelier. Today the building re-creates the atmosphere of Salado life with baskets, pottery and other remnants of an age long gone. An ethno-botanical garden outside produces crops grown by the Salado, including gourds and cotton. Visitors may try their hands at grinding corn with metates once used by the Salado.

The Besh-ba gowah Open House features free admission to the park, demonstrations and entertainment. Information: (520) 425-0320.

Other Events

Cotton Days; March 2-4; Coolidge; (520) 723-3009. Horseshoe tournament, cotton-bale-rolling contest and other events at San Carlos Park.

Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market; March 3-4; Phoenix; (602) 252-8840. More than 500 top Native American artists' handiwork displayed.

Walk Pow Wow; March 10-11; Tucson; (520) 294-5727. A weekend of intertribal dancing at Mission San Xavier del Bac.

Ostrich Festival; March 10-11; Chandler; (623) 842-8434 or (480) 782-2220. Ostrich races, international foods and arts and crafts.

Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Superstition Mountain Trek; March 11; Apache Junction; (602) 258-6016. Searching for Jacob Waltz's lost mine and panning for gold.

Territorial Days; March 17; Tombstone; (520) 457-9317 or toll-free (888) 457-3929. An 1880s-style race and parade.

Worldport - Glendale's Celebration of the Nations; March 24-25; Glendale; (623) 930-2299. Ethnic music, dance, parade and bazaar.

Flagstaff Book Festival; March 30-April 1; Flagstaff; (520) 774-9118. Featuring 15 authors, including Rick Bass, Denise Chavez, Simon Ortiz and others.