Welcome to the July edition of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) Newsletter. In this edition you will find recent news and past, current, and upcoming happenings at IAIA. For questions, comments, or feedback, please contact IAIA Interim Director of Marketing and Communications Jason S. Ordaz at jason.ordaz@iaia.edu.

Students and graduates know first-hand that it is hard work staying in school—semester after semester, year after year. IAIA students are part of a unique Indigenous legacy formed by resilience and unity, and together they are Many Nations, One Family. IAIA Student Monika Guerra (Mexican American) ’22 said that she debated taking time off during the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, but the more she thought about it, the more she knew that the choice was easy—stay in school.

“If I took a semester off, I know that I would stagnate and not push myself as much, plus I work better in a studio environment, which keeps me focused. By staying in school, I decided to take whatever classes were available, and I was happy that I did because I discovered other mediums like ceramics, printmaking, and photography.”

—IAIA Student Monika Guerra (Mexican American) ’22

If you’re a student who has taken time away from IAIA or you know one who has, now is a great time to re-enroll. Contact Chief Admissions and Student Success Officer Nena Martinez Anaya at nanaya@iaia.edu to register. Need financial aid assistance? IAIA provides an extensive listing of over 50 scholarship opportunities on the Financial Aid page—plus, financial aid advisors are available to help. Students who register for Fall 2021 will be entered in a sweepstakes lottery for a $50 Visa gift card and five winners will be chosen randomly.

Read the full story.

In 2017, IAIA, Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI), and University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) signed a Memorandum of Agreement to provide collaborative academic offerings that enrich the learning and practice of Northwest Coast Arts. This agreement brings together Indigenous students and artists from each institution to advance creative expression and to preserve, perpetuate, and evolve Northwest Coast Arts.

IAIA is pleased to announce that the latest development of this agreement is the offering of an unprecedented Northern Formline course at IAIA in Summer 2021. Taught by famed Northern Formline artist Robert Mills (Tlingit), this course combines artistic instruction and cultural and historical contextualization. Formline is a millennia-old art form that integrates generations of knowledge and artistry to create works that balance positive and negative space, illustrating Northwest Coast stories, clan crests, cosmologies, and histories.

“We are mourning the recent discoveries of unmarked graves of First Nations children at former residential school sites across Canada. These institutions are a horrendous part of our past in which we are still experiencing the intergenerational traumatic effects of boarding school systems in the United States and Canada. We grieve for these children and stand with the survivors and those affected.”

—IAIA President Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee Nation)

Registration for the IAIA Virtual Scholarship Event and Auction is now open. Register to view the full schedule of events, including our in-person Auction Art Exhibition at the Balzer Contemporary Edge Gallery on IAIA’s campus. This year’s auction includes 75 extraordinary items of contemporary Native art by IAIA alumni, artists, and supporters.

The event combines an online auction with an in-person art exhibition, allowing IAIA supporters both near and far to participate. Share the event with friends—no matter where they are located—to make this the most highly attended IAIA scholarship event ever. Proceeds go to support IAIA student scholarships.

If you want to support student success right now, make a donation.

The IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) is excited to announce that MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett made a $3 Million unrestricted donation to the museum (this is in addition to the generous award of $5 Million from MacKenzie Scott to the Institute of American Indian Arts in 2020). Identified as one of “286 Teams Empowering Voices the World Needs to Hear,” Scott and Jewett want “to de-emphasize privileged voices and cede focus to others.” They acknowledge that “People struggling against inequities deserve center stage in stories about change they are creating. Arts and cultural institutions can strengthen communities by transforming spaces, fostering empathy, reflecting community identity, advancing economic mobility, improving academic outcomes, lowering crime rates, and improving mental health.”

The Scott team evaluated smaller arts organizations creating these benefits with artists and audiences from culturally-rich regions and identity groups that donors often overlook. They recognize communities that are “agents of change.”

As Pride Month comes to a close, we want to emphasize the importance of creating a safe and more inclusive environment for our IAIA LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit community members. To celebrate—beyond Pride Month—we now have an official logo. Download and view the logo.

As such, IAIA has included the addition of gender-neutral and non-binary references to our style guide (pg. 16) and is encouraging IAIA faculty and staff members to update their email signatures to include pronouns. Our community members should feel safe to express who they are, and we hope that normalizing the use of preferred pronouns will help to create a more welcoming and accepting environment for all.

IAIA MFACW starts the new academic year with the 2021 Summer Residency, which takes place July 17–24. The residency’s theme, States of the Art in Indigenous Literature, brings together mentors and students to interrogate the innovative work Indigenous writers do across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting. The program brings a host of writers from First Nations, countries, regions, cultures, perspectives, and experiences. It is important to celebrate that diversity by crafting an environment built on discourse, exchange, and tolerance as we continue to increase our understandings of the communities we serve. While we anticipated hosting the residency on campus, circumstances associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic prohibit normal operations. MFACW staff is planning an immersive residency which consists of four writing labs, six readings, 11 writing workshops, and 12 craft talks. All events will be closed to the public. However, recordings of craft talks and readings will be posted to the IAIA website at a later date.

Watch craft talks and readings that were live-streamed during the IAIA Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing Thesis Residency.

Beyond an Indigenous Avant-Garde is the theme for the inaugural MFA in Studio Arts (MFASA) Summer Residency to be held virtually between July 18–23. The programming for the week will include presentations by Master Artist Mentors Charlene Teters (Spokane), Raven Chacon (Navajo), Sara Siestreem (Hanis Coos), Jacksons Polys (Tlingit), and Tanya Lukin Linklater (Alutiiq). Dr. Ashley Holland (Cherokee Nation), who will be teaching our art history course this year, will introduce us to her scholarly and curatorial practice.

 

There will also be opportunities for our incoming class to present their work and participate in critiques, seminars, lectures, and engage in writing exercises that address the current state of Indigenous arts within a global context.

 

Our robust programming will also include public lectures by Brett Graham (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura), Ryan! Feddersen (Colville), Amalia Còrdova (Latinx), and Nolan Dennis. Visit the MFASA page during residency to view live stream events.

IAIA Land-Grant Extension Educator Melanie Kirby (Tortugas Pueblo) and Sponsored Programs Director Laurie Logan Brayshaw talk about the addition of three honey bee hives to the IAIA Campus, its benefits to nature, and the challenges of beekeeping through a shifting climate with the Santa Fe Reporter. Kirby’s beekeeping program is just one way that IAIA is utilizing Indigenous knowledge to create a more sustainable campus.

“IAIA sits on 140 acres at the southernmost end of Santa Fe, but Brayshaw explains its buildings only occupy 40 of those acres. With all the open land, the school is planning for a natural restoration—ensuring runoff is controlled and straying from watering technology that isn’t organic or natural. What’s good for the campus, Brayshaw says, is good for the bees.”

To learn more about the IAIA Land-Grant program and beekeeping journey, visit the Land-Grant page.

IAIA Assistant to the Faculty Doris Hernandez’s last day at IAIA was Wednesday, June 30. Staff and faculty attended a farewell party commemorating her tenure. Colleagues wrote on a large card during the event, and although there were many voices, a singular “I am going to miss you” was all present. She may be retired, but Doris’s love for IAIA may soon well see her return—she may attend an exhibition opening, artist talk, or just stop by to say “Hi.” 

“When I took this position, I was excited that I would be working in an institution that promoted the arts. I mean, to see the students, faculty, and staff all involved in the arts—it’s lovely to see, and as an artist myself, I enjoyed working here.”—Doris Hernandez

Construction and renovation have begun for the Research Center for Contemporary Native Arts (RCCNA) on the IAIA Campus. The project will add 9,400 gross square feet (GSF) to the Academic Building. This initiative runs parallel with IAIA’s commitment to students and higher education and expands upon future educational and research activities. Completion is slated for early 2022.

The RCCNA streamlines patron access to the art and archival collections stewarded by IAIA and MoCNA. The RCCNA merges theory and practice to aid scholars, artists, and students in crossing the disciplinary divides normalized by Western educational practices. RCCNA supports real-time developments in Contemporary Native American art by bringing Artists-in-Residence and Scholarly Fellows to campus to participate in our community activities. The RCCNA supports students, faculty, artists, and scholars through research support, curriculum development, workshops, internships, fellowships, artist residencies, scholarly fellowships, exhibitions, and active acquisition of art and archival materials.

The Research Center for Contemporary Native Arts is an academic division of the Institute of American Indian Arts.

The Museum Store offers a unique shopping experience, featuring a collection of high-quality, Native-made, and Native-designed products, including one of the most extensive collections of books on Native-related topics. The inspiring collection of items also includes prints, textiles, paintings, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, various home goods, and children’s products.

Now in the online inventory are one-of-a-kind works from Holly Wilson (Delaware Tribe of Western Oklahoma, Cherokee). Did you know that staff, faculty, students, alumni, and Museum Members receive a discount? Contact store@iaia.edu for more information.

IAIA Alumna and still life painter Lauren E. Johnson ’15 was featured in the June 2021 issue of Eldorado Living where she discusses her time as a studio arts major at IAIA, her passion for art, the subject matter within her artwork, her artistic process, and her deep love of food. If you are in the greater Eldorado area, be sure to pick up a copy.

“During art school, I sometimes struggled to choose my subject matter but loved all the art processes I learned. After I graduated, I developed a great enthusiasm for cooking and gardening. I spent all my free time growing herbs and flowers, peppers, and tomatoes and learning how to cook a variety of dishes. Eventually, something clicked, and I realized that painting food might just be perfect for me. I dove in and haven’t stopped.”

Johnson has also stated that her painting style is hugely influenced by late IAIA Associate Professor Jeff Kahm (Plains Cree) ’90, who taught her techniques like scumbling, glazing, and layering colors with dry brushing. You can learn more about Johnson and view her artwork on her website.

If you missed MoCNA’s monthly announcement on June 17, you can still view the July Exhibitions and Public Programs newsletter on the Constant Contact website. The newsletter features recent news, happenings, exhibitions, public programs, new offerings from the IAIA Store, and much more.

The Museum is open Monday and Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 am–5 pm, and on Sunday from 11 am–4 pm. The Museum remains closed on Tuesdays. Face coverings are recommended.

Tickets can be purchased online ahead of entry or in-person.

The IAIA Artist-in-Residence (A-i-R) program is now accepting applications for the Fall 2021 semester. IAIA A-i-R hosts Native and First Nations artists for variable-length residencies taking place on the IAIA Campus in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a meaningful period of art-making and interaction with IAIA students, staff, and faculty—as well as the Santa Fe arts community.

The application deadline is July 19, 2021.

The IAIA Continuing Education Summer Courses are now available for registration. The course schedule features unique and affordable educational offerings, including a beekeeping series, Indigenous language, writing, and business courses.

Continuing Education is committed to providing comprehensive training and adult education for the advancement and growth in workforce skills, lifelong learning, and empowerment through community-based learning opportunities.

Continuing Education is always looking for interesting course ideas and opportunities. If you would like to suggest or teach a course, please contact continuinged@iaia.edu or submit a “Suggest a Course” or Teach A Course” proposal at www.iaia.edu/ce. If you are an IAIA Alumni or member of the IAIA community and you are interested in teaching, please submit your ideas.

If you missed a webinar last semester, some recent webinars are posted to the IAIA Continuing Education web page.

IAIA is looking to hire driven individuals who believe in and support IAIA’s mission, “To empower creativity and leadership in Native Arts and cultures through higher education, lifelong learning, and outreach.”

IAIA offers competitive salaries and an outstanding benefits package for regular full-time positions, which includes, medical, dental, vision, term life, long term disability, short term disability, a 403B investment plan, and Employee Assistance Program.

To see available positions, view the Employment page.

Save the date and attend the annual IAIA Open House on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. In usual fashion, the Open House features exhibitions and demonstrations of all types, with open studios and classrooms, allowing guests to discover more about IAIA’s mission, programs, and community. This year includes a mixture of in-person and live-stream events, all of which will be broadcasted from the IAIA Campus.

If you could not “attend” in 2020, visit the Virtual Open House page to view over 50 presentations.

We mourn the loss of Clara de la Torre, who tragically passed away in an auto accident on June 12, 2021. Over the last four years, she was an integral part of the IAIA MFACW community, and we will miss her warmth and wisdom in the weeks, months, years to come.

Clara graduated this Spring ’21 Semester from IAIA with an MFA in both nonfiction and screenwriting. She would often give small gifts to the MFACW staff and contribute to the wellbeing of the program by providing a meticulously curated assortment of teas during our weeklong residencies. In writing workshops and craft talks, she would offer deft insights on literary craft. Always mindful of the unique cultural makeup of the IAIA MFACW program, Clara established deep rapport with mentors, students, staff, and the greater IAIA family.

Read the full story.

The following contains information about recent happenings and news within the IAIA community.

Here are recent additions to the staff. For a full list of faculty and staff, view the Contact page. To see available positions, view the Employment page.

Upcoming and ongoing Happenings at IAIA and MoCNA.

Current and upcoming Exhibitions at MoCNA.

Additionally, you can view the IAIA Community Calendar, which includes community-only happenings, as well as important dates from the Academic Calendar.

For questions, comments, or feedback, please contact IAIA Interim Director of Marketing and Communications Jason S. Ordaz at jason.ordaz@iaia.edu.

Offering undergraduate degrees in Studio Arts, Creative Writing, Cinematic Arts and Technology, Indigenous Liberal Studies, Museum Studies, and Performing Arts, MFAs in Creative Writing and Studio Arts, along with certificates in Broadcast Journalism, Business and Entrepreneurship, Museum Studies, and Native American Art History. The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is the only college in the nation dedicated to the study of contemporary Native arts. The school serves approximately 500 full time equivalent (FTE) Native and non-Native American college students from across the globe. IAIA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.