2024 IAIA Alumni Luncheon group photograph

The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) held its annual alumni luncheon on August 16 at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Allan Houser Art Park. IAIA has graduated more than 4,000 students, representing more than 90% of the 562 federally recognized tribes. More than 20% of IAIA alumni have earned a graduate degree. Many enjoy successful careers in the arts right here in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

One of those is Russell Frye (Pueblo of Tesuque) ’15, who has found his artistic voice in creating glass and cast bronze forms inspired by his family’s legacy of Pueblo pottery and who began his journey in glass art at IAIA, where he continues to be involved in alumni activities. Frye gave the opening blessing and was followed by Beverly Morris (Aleut) Board of Trustees Chair who talked about the recent IAIA scholarship gala where over $1M was raised. “It was such a success because of alumni that made contributions,” she said.

Alumni council members then spoke about ongoing efforts to create and implement an alumni database which would serve as a vital way for prospective and current students of IAIA to connect with former graduates who are making inroads in all forms of the arts throughout the United States and beyond.

Save the date for the next alumni luncheon on August 15, 2025—please join us, participate, and spread the word.

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