Open Houses Map

For the third consecutive year, the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) and Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) held a joint Open House on September 19. The two institutions saw over 600 visitors to their campuses throughout the afternoon’s events, which included a printing steam roller, a Beggar’s Banquet Art and Culinary Exhibition, and a showing of “Dream Big! The Art of George Rodrigue” (the artist who created the Blue Dog paintings) at SFCC, and events at IAIA included glass blowing, raku firing, foundry pouring, a showing of the campus’s own “Thunder Bee” hive as well as food sharing from the campus agricultural Land-Grant program. View the IAIA Open House program to see the entire listing.

IAIA President Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee Nation) spoke at the ribbon-cutting saying, “It’s ten short months that this building has gone from breaking ground to construction [and] our students will be housed here. It’s really going to make a difference because housing is an issue. Affordable housing is an issue across the nation. This is important to the students and their success.” Dr. Martin also cited the 3,000 square feet of studio space that would be available even after hours to students working on their varied art forms.

Kristi L. Salazar Martinez, a representative with the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce said, “We know that educational institutions are the ones who are educating the future artists, entrepreneurs, and future business owners of Santa Fe. Affordable housing is very hard to find in Santa Fe and the fact that you’re offering it is the next step. You’re providing [students] with places to live and work.”

“The success of this year’s Open House is a testament to the incredible dedication of our committee, the support of the IAIA community, and partnership with the Santa Fe Community College (SFCC),” said Jason S. Ordaz, IAIA Communications Director and Chair of the IAIA Open House Committee. “With 600 attendees, we were able to showcase the creativity, leadership, and vibrant spirit that exemplifies Indigenous creative excellence. I am deeply grateful for everyone’s contributions in making Open House such a memorable experience.”
Dr. Jim Wysong, SFCC’s Dean of School of Liberal Arts and the School of Arts, Design, and Media Arts, told KSWV host Estevan Gonzales that the two schools’ synergy was palpable. “We’re not competitive, we’re complimentary,” he said.

Watch a video of the 2024 Open House highlights and join us next year on September 18, 2025.

Photographic Views

View a collection of photographs made by Nicole Lawe (Karuk) ’16.

Pre-Recorded Content

A collection of videos and one slideshow that can be viewed during (or after) the Open House event.