Happenings

See the latest news and happenings from the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA). You can also view the latest happenings at the Museum Store.

Happenings

List of Events

Past Happenings

List of Events

Thunderbirds and Lightning Tongues

Mon, May 22, 1:00 pm–3:00 pm

Join us in welcoming IAIA Creative Writing students from both the undergrad and master’s programs for a cross-genre reading.

Inherent Memory and 2022–2023 IAIA BFA Exhibition: Beyond Reflections—Reception

Fri, May 12, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Join the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) for a reception on Friday, May 12, 5–7 pm, for Inherent Memory and the 2022–2023 IAIA BFA Exhibition: Beyond Reflections.

A Conversation with MoCNA’s Chief Curator Dr. Manuela Well-Off-Man and Rick Rivet

Wed, May 3, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm

Please join us for an online conversation with MoCNA’s Chief Curator Manuela Well-Off-Man and Rick Rivet (Sahtu-Métis).

(Canceled) Evelyn Vanderhoop—“Bringing to Life” Ceremony for the Diving Whale Robe

Fri, March 17, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm

Please join the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) in welcoming renowned weaver Evelyn Vanderhoop (Haida) for a public talk on the tradition of weaving a Naaxiin (Chikat) robe.

Rick Rivet: Journeys, Mounds and the Metaphysical—Opening Reception

Fri, February 10, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Please join us for the opening reception on Friday, February 10, 5–7 pm, to celebrate our newest exhibition at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA).

The OGs of Indigenous Fashion Panel Conversation

Sat, November 12, 2022, 3:00 pm–5:00 pm

Join the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) and SITE Santa Fe for a conversation about the progressive fashion scene surrounding the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe from the 1980s to the present.

The Stories We Carry—Opening Reception

Sun, October 16, 2022, 3:00 pm–5:00 pm

Join the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) for the opening reception of The Stories We Carry and an anniversary cake-cutting ceremony.

Yoo’tó “Beaded Water” Reading

Sat, August 20, 2022, 2:30 pm–5:00 pm

Join the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA), Words of the People, and Abalone Mountain Press for the Yoo'tó “Beaded Water” reading.

Making History Premiere and Panel Discussion

Sat, August 20, 2022, 11:00 am–12:00 pm

Join the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) and IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) for the premiere of the Making History documentary.

Gallery Tour with Matrilineal Guest Curator Laura Clark

Sat, August 20, 2022, 10:00 am–11:00 am

Join the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) for a gallery tour with Matrilineal: Legacies of Our Mothers guest curator Laura Clark (Mvskoke Creek Nation) and artists from the exhibition.

Matrilineal: A Fife Family Discussion

Sat, August 20, 2022, 9:00 am–10:00 am

Join the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) for a panel discussion with Matrilineal: Legacies of Our Mothers guest curator Laura Clark (Mvskoke Creek Nation) and artists from the exhibition.

2022 IAIA Student and Recent Graduate Art Market

Sat, August 20, 2022–Sun, August 21, 2022

MoCNA is pleased to announce that the annual IAIA Student and Recent Graduate Art Market will be happening this year August 20–21, 2022.

MoCNA Opening Reception for Summer 2022 Exhibitions

Fri, August 19, 2022, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Join the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) for the opening reception of our 2022 summer/fall exhibitions Art of Indigenous Fashion, Athena LaTocha: Mesabi Redux, and Matrilineal: Legacies of Our Mothers.

ArtWalk Santa Fe at MoCNA

Sat, June 25, 2022, 12:00 pm–4:00 pm

Join the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) for ArtWalk Santa Fe. The museum will have free admission all day, an outdoor art market, and music.

Museum Day at MoCNA

Wed, May 18, 2022, 10:00 am–5:00 pm

Join the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) in celebrating “International Museum Day.” The museum will have free admission all-day and a special screening of the film What Was Ours.

Earth Day Screening—Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring Our World

Fri, April 22, 2022–Sun, April 24, 2022

For Earth Day 2022, please join the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) for a special screening of the film Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring Our World.

Awakened Dreamscapes—Panel Discussion

Thu, April 7, 2022, 5:00 pm–6:00 pm

Awakened Dreamscapes is an exhibition of emerging students in the Institute of American Indian Arts’ (IAIA) BFA programs.

Community Mural Painting with Solomon Enos

Fri, March 25, 2022, 11:00 am–4:00 pm

Join artist Solomon Enos (Kānaka Maoli) for a public painting session at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA).

IAIA 2021–2022 BFA Exhibition: Awakened Dreamscapes—Opening Reception

Fri, March 11, 2022, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Awakened Dreamscapes is an exhibition of emerging students in the Institute of American Indian Arts’ (IAIA) BFA programs.

MoCNA Literary Session with “Exposure” Artists

Thu, December 16, 2021, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm

Please join MoCNA for a poetry reading featuring current Exposure artists Dan Taulapapa McMullin (Samoan) and No’u Revilla (Kanaka Maoli) as Mā'ohi author and activist Chantal Spitz.

Jazmin Novak (Diné), Be Still, 2021, Bronze, 4.5 x 4.5 x 11 in., photograph by Jason S. Ordaz, IAIA

“We Went Wild”—Panel Discussion

Tue, December 7, 2021, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm

We Went Wild is an exhibition of emerging students in the Institute of American Indian Arts’ (IAIA) BFA programs.

“Somebody’s Daughter (1492–Now)” and “Say Her Name”

Fri, December 3, 2021, 3:00 pm–7:00 pm

Please join us for the film screening of Somebody’s Daughter (1492–Now) and Say Her Name.

CURATE: A Discussion with “Exposure” Co-Curator Erin Vink

Thu, October 21, 2021, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm

Please join us for an online discussion with the co-curator of MoCNA’s current exhibition, Exposure: Native Art and Political Ecology, Erin Vink (Ngiyampaa).

Indigenous Peoples’ Day at MoCNA

Mon, October 11, 2021, 11:00 am–5:00 pm

Join us for Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA).

Mallery Quetawki: Instagram Takeover

Wed, September 29, 2021–Thu, September 30, 2021

Zuni artist, Mallery Quetawki, will be taking over MoCNA’s Instagram platform for two days to share some of her work and artistic background.

Will Wilson (Diné), Mexican Hat Disposal Cell, Navajo Nation (Connecting the Dots series), 2019, drone-based digital prints, ca. 44 x 100 in., photo courtesy of the artist

Exposure: Native Art and Political Ecology—Panel Discussion with the Co-Curators

Sat, August 21, 2021, 1:00 pm–2:00 pm

Join us for a panel discussion of Exposure. Facilitated by MoCNA Chief Curator Manuela Well-Off-Man and joined by Co-Curators Dr. Kóan Jeff Baysa and Tania Willard (Secwepemc Nation).

Exposure: Native Art and Political Ecology—Gallery Session and Tour with Artists

Sat, August 21, 2021, 10:00 am–11:00 am

A panel discussion with Exposure artists Mariquita Lynn Davis (Chamoru, Guam), Kohei Fujito (Ainu, Japan), Dan Taulapapa McMullin (Samoa), and Will Wilson (Diné, United States).

Exposure: Native Art and Political Ecology—Panel Discussion with Artists

Sat, August 21, 2021, 9:00 am–9:45 am

A panel discussion with Exposure artists Mariquita Lynn Davis (Chamoru, Guam), Kohei Fujito (Ainu, Japan), Dan Taulapapa McMullin (Samoa), and Will Wilson (Diné, United States).

2021 IAIA Recent Graduate Art Market

Sat, August 21, 2021–Sun, August 22, 2021

MoCNA is pleased to announce that the annual IAIA Recent Graduate Art Market will be happening this year August 21–22, 2021.

Exposure: Native Art and Political Ecology—Opening Reception

Fri, August 20, 2021, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Visit the Museum in-person as we celebrate the opening of Exposure: Native Art and Political Ecology on Friday, August 20, 5–7pm

The Moving Land: 60+ Years of Art by Linda Lomahaftewa—Closing Reception

Fri, July 16, 2021, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Please join us for the closing reception of The Moving Land: 60 + Years of Art by Linda Lomahaftewa on Friday, July 16, 5–7 pm.

Darby Raymond-Overstreet: Instagram Takeover

Fri, May 14, 2021

Artist Darby Raymond-Overstreet (Diné) will be taking over MoCNA’s Instagram platform for one day to share some of her work and artistic background with us.

Panel: Kinship and Solidarity Across Borders

Thu, May 13, 2021, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm

This panel brings together Indigenous curators and artists based in “so-called” Canada and the United States who will discuss their Indigenous curatorial practices and issues and movements.

Michael Namingha: Artist Talk and Virtual Tour

Thu, April 22, 2021, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm

Please join us for an artist talk and virtual tour with Michael Namingha (Tewa/Hopi) for a discussion about his exhibition Altered Landscapes.

Linda Lomahaftewa, Untitled (detail), late 60s–early 70s, oil on canvas (unstretched), 65 x 60.5 in., Image courtesy of IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts

Linda Lomahaftewa: Artist Talk

Thu, March 4, 2021, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm

Discussion with artist Linda Lomahaftewa (Hopi/Choctaw) and Curator Dr. Lara M. Evans (Cherokee).

Sisters Rising: Discussion with Filmmaker Willow O’Feral

Thu, January 21, 2021, 4:30 pm–5:30 pm

After the virtual screening of the film Sisters Rising, attend a discussion with filmmaker Willow O’Feral.

Robyn Tsinnajinnie: Instagram Takeover

Wed, November 18, 2020–Fri, November 20, 2020

Artist and IAIA Alum Robyn Tsinnajinnie (Diné) will be taking over MoCNA’s Instagram.

Warrior Women: Virtual Screening

Mon, November 16, 2020–Sun, November 29, 2020

Virtual screening of film Warrior Women, directed by Christina D. King and Elizabeth A. Castle, produced by Anna Marie Pitman.

“What is Feminist Art?”, no date, photograph by Mercedes Dorame (Tongva)

Mercedes Dorame: “Taking Our Ancestors Forward” Virtual Workshop

Wed, October 28, 2020, 5:30 pm–6:45 pm

MoCNA’s Social Engagement Art resident Mercedes Dorame (Tongva) will be facilitating a workshop on memory-making.

Cut paper Collage Illustration of “Spearfinger,” image by Luzene Hill (Eastern Band Cherokee)

Luzene Hill: “Juxtaposed” Virtual Workshop

Tue, October 27, 2020, 5:30 pm–6:45 pm

Join MoCNA’s Social Engagement Art resident Luzene Hill (Eastern Band Cherokee) for a virtual workshop.

Mercedes Dorame: Instagram Takeover

Thu, October 22, 2020

MoCNA’s Social Engagement Art resident Mercedes Dorame (Tongva) will be taking over MoCNA’s Instagram for one day.

Mercedes Dorame: Virtual Artist Talk

Wed, October 21, 2020, 5:30 pm–6:30 pm

MoCNA’s Social Engagement Art resident Luzene Hill (Eastern Band Cherokee) will be taking over MoCNA’s Instagram for one day.

Luzene Hill: Instagram Takeover

Thu, October 15, 2020

MoCNA’s Social Engagement Art resident Luzene Hill (Eastern Band Cherokee) will be taking over MoCNA’s Instagram for one day.

Luzene Hill: Virtual Artist Talk

Wed, October 14, 2020, 5:30 pm–6:30 pm

Join MoCNA’s Social Engagement Art resident Luzene Hill (Eastern Band Cherokee) for a presentation on her artistic practice.

Blood Memory: Virtual Screening and Presentation

Thu, September 24, 2020, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm

Live virtual presentation with Sandy White Hawk (Sicangu Lakota) and filmmaker Drew Nicholas.

Tamara Burgh, MoCNA, and form & concept

Sat, September 19, 2020, 10:00 am–11:00 am

Video premiere on Facebook of fiber artist Tamara Burgh (Inupiat-Kawerak/Swede).

MoCNA #AskACurator

Wed, September 16, 2020, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm

#AskACurator with Chief Curator Manuela Well-Off-Man and Curator of Collections Tatiana Lomahaftewa-Singer.

MoCNA Instagram Takeover: Terran Last Gun

Thu, September 3, 2020–Fri, September 4, 2020

Visual artist and printmaker, Terran Last Gun (Piikani (Blackfeet)), will be taking over MoCNA’s Instagram.

Jeffrey Veregge: Virtual Artist Talk

Tue, June 9, 2020, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm

Join us for the first of five artist talks in our “Indigenous Futurisms Virtual Series” with artist Jeffrey Veregge.

Somebody’s Daughter—Special Showing

Fri, March 6, 2020, 5:30 pm–6:30 pm

Somebody’s Daughter focuses on some of the higher-profile MMIW cases, some of which were raised during the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs MMIW/MMIP hearing in December 2018.

Eve Picher, Kali, 2019, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 30 in.

IAIA 2020 BFA Exhibition “Resistance Through Existence”—Reception

Fri, March 6, 2020, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

The exhibition tackles a wide variety of topics ranging from the revitalization of tribal regalia and mask making to healing from traumatic events that happened as a result of European colonization.

Somebody’s Daughter

Sun, February 16, 2020, 3:00 pm–4:00 pm

Somebody’s Daughter focuses on some of the higher-profile MMIW cases, some of which were raised during the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs MMIW/MMIP hearing in December 2018.

Somebody’s Daughter

Sun, February 16, 2020, 1:00 pm–2:00 pm

Somebody’s Daughter focuses on some of the higher-profile MMIW cases, some of which were raised during the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs MMIW/MMIP hearing in December 2018.

Charlene Teters: Way of Sorrows—Reception

Thu, February 13, 2020, 4:30 pm–7:00 pm

Way of Sorrows, a new installation by Charlene Teters (Spokane), addresses current issues such as forced migrations and the US-Mexico border crises, while asking questions about responsibility and identifying new myths.

Indigenous Futurisms: Transcending Past/Present/Future—Reception

Thu, February 13, 2020, 4:30 pm–7:00 pm

Indigenous Futurisms highlights artworks that present the future from a Native perspective, and illustrates the use of cosmology and science as part of tribal oral history and ways of life.

G. Peter Jemison: Iroquois Creation Story—Reception

Thu, February 13, 2020, 4:30 pm–7:00 pm

This exhibition features colored pencil drawings and 3-D works by renowned contemporary Native artist G. Peter Jemison (Seneca, Heron Clan) created in preparation for his film Iroquois Creation Story.

Amanda Beardsley: Future Vibes

Thu, February 13, 2020, 4:30 am–7:00 pm

Future Vibes depicts young Pueblo women dancing into the future—to suggest that traditional knowledge continues into the present and future.

Free First Fridays at MoCNA

Fri, February 7, 2020, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Join us on Friday, February 7, 2020, from 5–7 pm at the MoCNA for “Free First Fridays”—free admission to the Museum and hot cocoa.

Mix and Mingle at MoCNA—Learn about Volunteering

Wed, January 15, 2020, 5:00 pm–6:30 pm

Join us Wednesday, January 15, 2020, from 5–6:30 pm at the MoCNA to learn all about the Volunteer and Docent Training Opportunities for Spring 2020.

Free First Fridays at MoCNA

Fri, January 3, 2020, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Join us on Friday, January 3, 2020, from 5–7 pm at the MoCNA for “Free First Fridays”—free admission to the Museum and hot cocoa.

Suzan Shown Harjo Symposium

Fri, September 20, 2019

The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) and the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) are co-sponsoring the Suzan Shown Harjo Symposium on September 20, 2019 at the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Joy Harjo: Reading and Reception

Sun, August 18, 2019, 1:00 pm–3:00 pm

MoCNA and Collected Works Bookstore are co-presenting a reading and performance by Joy Harjo (Muscogee Creek Nation), the first Native American to be appointed United States Poet Laureate.

Experimental exPRESSion: Panel Discussion

Sun, August 18, 2019, 11:00 am–12:00 pm

The subject of this panel is Experimental exPRESSion: Printmaking at IAIA, 1963–1980 , a new exhibition curated from a print collection recently donated MoCNA.

Contemporary Indigenous Discourse Series: Reconciliation Panel Discussion and Performance

Sat, August 17, 2019, 3:00 pm–5:00 pm

This panel, moderated by Reconciliation guest curator and former state historian Dr. Estevan Rael-Gálvez, discusses Pueblo and Hispano artists’ responses to the aftermath of last year’s ending of “La Entrada”.

The Blessing: Film and Dialogue

Sat, August 17, 2019, 1:00 pm–2:30 pm

The Blessing is a vital piece of modern Native storytelling. The film has some of the most unique and intimate views of life today on a reservation we’ve ever seen.

Painting and Driving: Axle Contemporary in Conversation with Steven Yazzie

Sat, August 17, 2019, 10:30 am–11:30 am

Matthew Chase-Daniel from Axle Contemporary mobile gallery will interview Steven Yazzie (Navajo) about his Drawing and Driving performances.

Tour: Sámi Intervention/Dáidda Gážada

Sat, August 17, 2019, 10:00 am–10:30 am

Join Andrea R. Hanley (Navajo), curator of Sámi Intervention/Dáidda Gážada as she discusses this exhibition.

Gallery Session: Tour with Visual Voices Contemporary Chickasaw Artists

Sat, August 17, 2019, 9:00 am–10:00 am

Join us for a gallery tour of Visual Voices: Contemporary Chickasaw Art artists Kristen Dorsey, Brenda Kingery, and Dustin Mater.

Live Broadcast: Santa Fe’s Public Radio KSFR 101.1 FM

Sat, August 17, 2019, 9:00 am–5:00 pm

Featuring giveaways and live radio all day from KSFR 101.1 FM, Tara Gatewood (Isleta Pueblo) of Indigenous Foundation, will be live from the booth.

2019 IAIA Student and Recent Graduate Art Market

Sat, August 17, 2019–Sun, August 18, 2019

Visitors will be able to purchase artwork by current Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) students and recent graduates at this exclusive two-day art happening at MoCNA.

Experimental exPRESSion: Printmaking at IAIA, 1963–1980—Opening Reception

Fri, August 16, 2019, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Experimental exPRESSion: Printmaking at IAIA, 1963–1980 features fifty-one recently-acquired works on paper from the Tubis Print Collection.

Kristen Dorsey, What Fuels Leadership?, 2017 Series of 2 gorgets, silver, copper, black rhodiumplate, solar panel, leather, plastic, LED lights, batteries, 18 in. cord, 3.5 in. x 6 in. x 1 in.

Visual Voices: Contemporary Chickasaw Art—Opening Reception

Fri, August 16, 2019, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Visual Voices: Contemporary Chickasaw Art presents thought provoking, experimental, and critical works by fifteen established and emerging artists whose art confirms a strong continuation of Chickasaw art practices.

Reconciliation—Opening Reception

Fri, August 16, 2019, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Reconciliation responds to the transformation and last year's ending of “La Entrada” as part of the Santa Fe Fiestas. Recognizing the power of art to open dialogue toward reconciliation, the exhibition will serve as an expression of “post-entrada” creativity in Santa Fe and surrounding communities.

Sámi Intervention/Dáidda Gážada—Opening Reception

Fri, August 16, 2019, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Through video and installation art, this exhibition creates a narrative of visual sovereignty and cultural and intellectual connections with contemporary Sámi, who are Indigenous peoples from parts of Norway, Sweden, and northern Finland.

2019 Indian Market at MoCNA (All Happenings)

Thu, August 15, 2019–Sun, August 18, 2019

During the 2019 SWAIA Indian Market weekend, please visit IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) for its own special events Thursday, August 15–Sunday, August 18.

Yatika Starr Fields (Osage, Cherokee and Creek), Tent Metaphor #2, 1997, Oil on canvass

Action + Activation: Art for a New Understanding—Panel Discussion

Thu, June 6, 2019, 3:00 pm–4:00 pm

Please join us for a dynamic discussion featuring artists from MoCNA’s newest exhibition, Art for a New Understanding: Native Perspectives, 1950s to Now, organized by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Dwayne Wilcox, Tiffany Adams, #NoFilter Reception, and MFA Reading

Fri, May 17, 2019, 4:00 pm–7:30 pm

This event includes four components—a Gallery talk with Dwayne Wilcox (Oglala Lakota), a performance by Tiffany T. Adams (Chemehuevi Indian Tribe), a reading by MFA Creative Writing graduates, and the closing reception for #NoFilter: IAIA 2019 BFA Exhibition.

2019 IAIA Graduating Senior Creative Writing Reading: Scribo Ergo Sum

Sat, May 4, 2019, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm

Graduating seniors Debbie Haddow, Damien Moore (Navajo), Chelsea Napper, and Matthew Robeck will be reading from original works in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction.

Jewelry Workshop Remix: Brian Fleetwood

Thu, April 18, 2019, 1:00 pm–3:30 pm

Due to overwhelming response to this workshop, please join artist Brian Fleetwood (Mvskoke Creek) in a second jewelry workshop, in which the artist will discuss his practice and participants will be guided through a creative process.

The Art and Aesthetics of Flies: A Seminar with Norman Maktima

Thu, April 4, 2019, 1:00 pm–2:30 pm

Join world class fisherman Norman Maktima (San Felipe/Laguna/Hopi) in a demonstration in the art and aesthetics of fly fish tying, in which Maktima will discuss his practice and participants will be guided through a creative process.

MoCNA Social Engagement Artist-in-Residence Talk

Wed, March 20, 2019, 12:00 pm–1:30 pm

Bring your lunch and join artists Sonya Kelliher-Combs (Inupiaq and Athabascan) and Terrol Dew Johnson (Tohono O’odham) as they discuss their practice and their current Social Engagement Art Residency at MoCNA.

Kids’ Day at the Museum Store

Sat, March 9, 2019, 11:00 am–12:00 pm

Please join the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) book club as we welcome children (K-5) to the Museum. Join us for this fun-filled family event.

IAIA A-i-R: Monique Sol Sonoquie—Brown Bag it with MoCNA

Thu, March 7, 2019, 12:00 pm–1:30 pm

Bring your lunch and join IAIA Artist-in-Residence (A-i-R) artist Monique Sol Sonoquie (Chumash, Apache, Yaqui, Zapotec, Irish) as she discusses her art practice.

IAIA 2019 BFA Exhibition #NoFilter—Opening Reception

Fri, February 15, 2019, 4:00 pm–6:00 pm

#NoFilter: IAIA 2019 BFA Exhibition showcases the diversity of work being created by IAIA seniors trained in studio and cinematic arts. The selected works by these artists are grounded in ideas of personal, political, social, cultural, or historical import—and reflect an earnest exploration of the artists’s chosen media.

IAIA Creative Writing Reading—Hangry for Love

Sat, February 9, 2019, 7:00 am–9:00 am

Please join IAIA Creative Writing faculty and students as they celebrate the month of love with a reading on Saturday, February 9, 2-4 pm in the MoCNA Project Lab. The event is free and open to the public.

Jewelry Workshop: Brian Fleetwood

Thu, January 31, 2019, 1:00 pm–3:30 pm

Join artist Brian Fleetwood (Mvskoke Creek) in a jewelry workshop, in which the artist will discuss his practice and participants will be guided through a creative process. This event is limited to 10 participants with a fee of $25 for materials.

Art for a New Understanding: Native Perspectives, 1950s to Now—Curators + Coffee

Sat, January 26, 2019, 10:30 am–12:00 pm

Please join Curators Dr. Mindy N. Besaw, Candice Hopkins, and Dr. Manuela Well-Off-Man for coffee and a dynamic discussion about MoCNA’s newest exhibition Art for a New Understanding: Native Perspectives, 1950s to Now.

Art for a New Understanding: Native Perspectives, 1950s to Now—Opening Reception

Fri, January 25, 2019, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Art for a New Understanding: Native Perspectives, 1950s to Now seeks to expand and reposition art in the U.S. and Canada since 1950. It is the first exhibition to chart the development of contemporary Indigenous art from the United States and Canada.

Darren Vigil Gray—Artist Talk and Performance

Sat, December 8, 2018, 1:30 pm–4:00 pm

Join MoCNA exhibition artist Darren Vigil Gray (Jicarilla Apache/Kiowa Apache) for a special holiday event. Gray will discuss his art practice and perform with his band the Righteous Renegades, an experimental jam band, as they bring in the holidays with a bang—Don’t miss the fun!

2018 Museum Store Holiday Sale

Sat, December 8, 2018–Sun, December 9, 2018

Holiday shopping all weekend long at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Store, which is offering discounts on the finest Native and Indigenous art. Museum members receive 20% off and non-members receive 10% off store purchases. Complimentary gift-wrapping, refreshments, and more—don’t miss this annual shopping event!

Shawna Shandiin Sunrise, photograph courtesy the artist

Nizhónígo Anílééh (Make it Beautiful)—Autumn Harvest Arrangement Workshop

Wed, December 5, 2018, 6:00 am–8:00 am

Fall is here and the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) has partnered with well-known Indigenous floral designer Shawna Shandiin Sunrise for a seasonal workshop. The workshop is limited to 10 participants with a fee of $25 for materials.

MoCNA/Skype™ with Artist Holly Wilson

Wed, November 28, 2018, 3:30 am–4:30 am

Join MoCNA and artist Holly Wilson (Delaware Tribe of Western Oklahoma/Cherokee) currently featured in the MoCNA exhibition, Holly Wilson: On Turtle’s Back. This discussion will happen via Skype™.

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MoCNA Docent Training Program

Mon, October 15, 2018–Tue, January 29, 2019

MoCNA is seeking candidates for its docent training program. The program will feature instruction in Native American art and the workings of a major museum that will enable successful participants to provide valuable services to visitors to the museum.

MoCNA Volunteer Training Program

Mon, October 15, 2018–Tue, November 6, 2018

MoCNA is seeking candidates for its volunteer training program. The program will feature instruction in Native American art and the workings of a major museum that will enable successful participants to provide valuable services to visitors to the museum.

IAIA A-i-R: Lillian Pitt—Brown Bag It at MoCNA

Wed, September 26, 2018, 6:00 am–7:30 am

Bring your lunch and join IAIA Artist-in-Residence (A-i-R) artist Lillian Pitt (Warm Springs Wasco/Yakama) as she discusses her art practice. Pitt is known internationally for her masks of clay, bronze, and cast glass, along with her sculpture, jewelry, and prints—which honor her ancestors from the Columbia River Gorge.

Sea of Grass: A Family Tale from the American Heartland

The Sea of Grass—Book Reading and Dialogue

Sun, August 19, 2018, 5:00 am–6:00 am

Located in the Allan Houser Art Park. Join Pawnee Tribe of Oklahoma citizens, author Walter Echo-Hawk and Kevin Gover, Director of the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, in a lively discussion on historical fiction novel The Sea of Grass: A Family Tale from the American Heartland.

Contemporary Indigenous Discourse Series: Resilience and Rights—Panel

Sat, August 18, 2018, 9:00 am–11:00 am

Located in the Allan Houser Art Park. Contemporary Indigenous Discourse Series in Partnership with the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) + Creative Santa Fe—Native Arts and Policy: Resilience and Rights recognizes the increasing importance and relevance of the cultural community and art within a national and international platform. An introductory poem will be read by Navajo Nation Poet laureate Luci Tapahonso.

N. Scott Momaday and the Sense of the Sacred: A Native Poet and Artist, a Universal Voice—Book Reading + Discussion

Sat, August 18, 2018, 7:00 am–8:30 am

Located in the Allan Houser Art Park. Please join author N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa) and W. Richard West (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma), President and CEO, Autry Museum of the American West, Dr. Joëlle Rostkowski, and Jill Momaday (Kiowa) in a dynamic discussion about N. Scott Momaday and the Sense of the Sacred-A Native Poet and Artist, a Universal Voice written by Dr. Joëlle Rostkowski.

Gallery Sessions with Artists Terrol Dew Johnson, Holly Wilson, Darren Vigil Gray, and Ian Kuali’i

Sat, August 18, 2018, 3:00 am–5:30 pm

Located in the Anne and Loren Kieve Gallery and Allan Houser Art Park. Artists Terrol Dew Johnson (Tohono O’odham), Holly Wilson (Delaware Tribe of Western Oklahoma/Cherokee), Darren Vigil Gray (Jicarilla Apache/Kiowa Apache) and Ian Kuali’i (Native Hawaiian/Mescalero Apache) will discuss current exhibitions and participate in a panel discussion on their respective art practices with introductions by MoCNA Chief Curator Manuela Well-Off-Man.

Santa Fe’s Public Radio KSFR 101.1 FM—Live Broadcast

Sat, August 18, 2018, 3:00 am–11:00 am

Located in the South Courtyard. Santa Fe Public Radio KSFR 101.1 FM will have a live radio feed at the Museum. Featuring giveaways and live radio all day. Radio personality Tara Gatewood (Isleta Pueblo) of Indigenous Foundation will be live from the booth from 2–5 pm.

Latest News

The most recent news, press releases, and updates from the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA).

Celebrate in May with the Institute of American Indian Arts

May 11, 2023

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings Celebrate in May with the Institute of American Indian Arts The mission of the Institute of American Indian Arts is “to empower creativity and leadership in Indigenous arts and cultures through higher...

MoCNA Director Patsy Phillips Joins the AAM Board of Directors

May 1, 2023

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings MoCNA Director Patsy Phillips Joins the AAM Board of Directors IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Director Patsy Phillips (Cherokee Nation) has been appointed for a three-year term to the...

IAIA Staff and Faculty Express Gratitude in March

Apr 11, 2023

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings IAIA Staff and Faculty Express Gratitude in March As part of the annual Spring Gratitude Challenge, Human Resources Director Todd Spilman encouraged IAIA faculty and staff to submit answers recognizing...

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts Selected as No. 3 Museum by USA TODAY

Feb 27, 2023

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts Selected as No. 3 Museum by USA TODAY The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is pleased to share that USA TODAY 10Best named the IAIA Museum of Contemporary...

IAIA Making History Symposium

Oct 14, 2022

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings IAIA Making History Symposium We’ve been preparing for this for the past 60 years! This coming Monday, October 17, from 8:30 am–5:00 pm (MDT), we will present the IAIA Making History Symposium. Whether...

IAIA—Making History During SWAIA’s Indian Market

Sep 12, 2022

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings IAIA—Making History During SWAIA’s Indian Market Over the third weekend in August, thousands of Indigenous art and culture appreciators flocked to New Mexico to celebrate the Southwestern Association of...

IAIA Fall 2022 Semester Reopening Plan

Aug 17, 2022

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings IAIA Fall 2022 Semester Reopening Plan The COVID-19 pandemic impacts many facets of life at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). IAIA’s priority is the safety, health, and well-being of our...

Show Up and Show Out at the “Art of Indigenous Fashion” Opening Reception at MoCNA

Aug 8, 2022

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings Show Up and Show Out at the “Art of Indigenous Fashion” Opening Reception at MoCNA “There is no one way to define Indigenous fashion, but what I can say is Indigenous fashion is the original fashion and...

MoCNA Nominated for Best of Santa Fe

May 31, 2022

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings MoCNA Nominated for Best of Santa Fe MoCNA has been nominated as the Best Museum in Santa Fe in the Santa Fe Reporter’s annual Best of Santa Fe reader poll. If you appreciate MoCNA’s continued commitment...

Action/Abstraction Redefined opens at the Cahoon Museum of American Art

May 17, 2022

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings Action/Abstraction Redefined opens at the Cahoon Museum of American Art The IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts’ (MoCNA) national traveling exhibition Action/Abstraction Redefined (A/AR) successfully...

Patsy Phillips Featured in Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People

Apr 8, 2022

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings Patsy Phillips Featured in Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Director, Patsy Phillips (Cherokee), was recently featured in an episode of Osiyo, Voices of...

“Making History” in a Photograph

Mar 25, 2022

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings “Making History” in a Photograph To commemorate our anniversaries, Cara Romero (Chemehuevi Indian Tribe) ’05 has created a masterpiece that showcases six decades of esteemed, innovative artists,...

Messages from Dr. Robert Martin

Jan 4, 2022

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings Messages from Dr. Robert Martin Video Showcase View a Vimeo video showcase that includes IAIA Town Hall Meetings. Tuesday, January 4, 2022 Dear IAIA Community, Happy New Year! I hope you had a peaceful,...

Making History: Celebrating 60 Years of IAIA and 50 Years of MoCNA

Jan 1, 2022

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings Making History: Celebrating 60 Years of IAIA and 50 Years of MoCNA IAIA—One Entity, Two Locations, Making History for 60 Years in the Pasatiempo Did you see our ad in the Pasatiempo, Friday, November 25?...

2021 IAIA Recent Graduate Art Market

Jul 15, 2021

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings 2021 IAIA Recent Graduate Art Market Join MoCNA for the annual IAIA Recent Graduate Art Market, held August 21–22 alongside the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) Indian Market, under the...

A Gift to Us, A Gift to You—Free Admission at MoCNA During August

Jul 11, 2021

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings A Gift to Us, A Gift to You—Free Admission at MoCNA During August To celebrate the generous donation from MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett, the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) is breaking...

MoCNA Receives Generous Unrestricted Award from MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett

Jun 16, 2021

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings MoCNA Receives Generous Unrestricted Award from MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett The IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) is excited to announce that MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett made a $3...

MoCNA Receives Reader’s Choice Award in USA Today 10Best

May 10, 2021

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings MoCNA Receives Reader’s Choice Award in USA Today 10Best The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is pleased to share that USA TODAY 10Best named the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA)...

MoCNA’s Reopening Plan

Apr 1, 2021

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings MoCNA’s Reopening Plan The IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) is open to the public at a limited capacity as per the Governor’s approval. The Museum is open Monday and Wednesdays through...

Memorial for Jeff Kahm

Mar 30, 2021

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings Memorial for Jeff Kahm A memorial will be held for IAIA Assistant Professor Jeff Kahm (Plains Cree) on Wednesday, March 31, at 11 am (MDT). The event, held in the Gym on the IAIA campus, will be live...

IAIA’s Spring 2021 Reopening Plan

Jan 18, 2021

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings IAIA’s Spring 2021 Reopening Plan The COVID-19 global pandemic has impacted almost every facet of our lives, including colleges and universities. Thus, IAIA’s goal is to reopen our campus for students,...

Innastate Band Video Filmed at MoCNA

Jan 13, 2021

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings Innastate Band Video Filmed at MoCNA Watch “Seeds,” the newest music video by local Indigenous reggae band, Innastate, with Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) alumnus Adrian Wall (Jemez Pueblo) ‘14,...

IAIA Receives Five Million Dollar Donation

Dec 18, 2020

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings IAIA Receives Five Million Dollar Donation The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is excited to announce that MacKenzie Scott made an unrestricted donation of five million dollars to IAIA. This past...

Official Launch: MoCNA Mobile App

Dec 16, 2020

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings Official Launch: MoCNA Mobile App Experience the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) from your smartphone. Explore contemporary Indigenous art through our current exhibitions, through guided...

MoCNA Virtual Museum

Oct 19, 2020

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings MoCNA Virtual Museum The IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Virtual Museum is now live. This VR space is a virtual replica of our physical museum located in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, and...

MoCNA Named a “Cultural Treasure in America” by Ford Foundation

Sep 30, 2020

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) Happenings MoCNA Named a “Cultural Treasure in America” by Ford Foundation The IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) is one of twenty organizations that have been identified as “America’s Cultural...

3D Stereoscopic Photography

Jul 1, 2020