STUDENTS & ALUMNI


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ALUMNI

Snapshot of the IAIA Alumni Reunion, May 7, 2006

IAIA has graduated more than 3,800+ students representing most of the 562 federally-recognized tribes who are today renowned artists, teachers, published writers, Museum professionals, lawyers, community and tribal leaders. Forty-one percent continue to practice their art contributing to the economic stability of Santa Fe and other markets who are dependent upon the arts and tourism. IAIA has served 90% of the 562 federally recognized Tribes in the nation. In any given year, there can be up to 112 tribes represented in the student body:

• Twenty percent of our graduates have earned Master’s and Doctorate degrees.
• In Malinowski’s Notable Native Americans (1995), 11 of the 30 individuals recognized were IAIA alumni.
• Surviving Columbus, a two-hour PBS documentary produced by IAIA faculty and alumni, was awarded an Emmy as well as a 1993 Peabody Award, the broadcast equivalent of a Pulitzer Prize.

“It became my dream to pursue my degree in Museum Studies as a means to preserve, record and share the culture of my people. Growing up on the Shoshone-Bannock reservation in Ft. Hall, Idaho, I saw first-hand how important it was to preserve our culture for future generations. Through IAIA’s unique learning environment, I received much more than an education -- I learned the value of diversity. For many students at IAIA, pursuing the creative arts is a means for deepening the understanding of who we are and how we can contribute to this world of diverse cultures and environments. Being selected as the model for the Sacagawea Coin in 2000 gave me an opportunity through a world stage to educate the world community about Indian people -- who we are today. It also became, and continues to be, a venue to speak to and instill within our Native youth the values of our respective cultures, addressing the importance of preserving our life-ways. In 2000, I received my BFA from the University of New Mexico, and today I work with my Tribe, the Shoshone-Bannock, where I am learning about tribal economic development as it impacts not only the quality of life for my people, but the state of Idaho and the larger world community.”

Randy’L He-dow Teton
Shoshone-Bannock-Cree
Class of 1996

“IAIA was an excellent experiment that worked. I worked with many fine, talented young art students. We lived and breathed the world of Indian art. The IAIA really made an impact on my life, it gave me experiences which provided the impetus for my career in art...I’ve traveled the world.” Kevin Red Star, Crow IAIA Alumnus, Class of 1965
	Kevin Red Star Sits Down Far Away, Acrylic on canvas, 1984

“As a young student at IAIA, my studies with painting and ceramics instructor, Otellie Loloma, had a profound affect on my development as an artist. Her method cut to the core of our creative source. Her belief was not to mold the students into what she wanted, but to allow the students to mold themselves, thus finding their own unique artistic direction. This concept remains with me today as a professional artist. Surviving and prospering in two worlds is one of the greatest challenges facing Indian people today. IAIA helped me to meet these challenges successfully.”

Dan Namingha, Hopi/Tewa
IAIA Alumnus, Class of 1969

“The idea of having Native people together is one of the strongest features of the Institute. By being together, we were able to learn from each other and to draw from our individual traditions. This sharing helped to form the basis of who we are as individual artists.” Denise Wallace, Sugpiag IAIA Alumnae, Class of 1981
	Denise Wallace, Yakama Navajo and Hopi figures from the Women Belt II Sterling silver, 14 kt. gold, fossilized walrus tusk and semi-precious stones, 1995

Alumni Notes & Photo Gallery

Spring 2008 Alumni Notes (PDF Download)

IAIA Alumni Photo Gallery (requires Flash | Download it Here!)

Download the Full Resolution image here (Right Click and "Save As")

1979 Alumni Archive Photo with Names:

Back row standing:

1. Loren Gaseoma 2. Anya Dozier Enos 3. Stanley Sanchez

4. Jeffery Spotted Bird 5. Tom Huff 6. Melvin Brown 7. Jerry Robins

Front row sitting:

1. Marth Conallis 2. Verna Solomon 3. Rose Kersetter

4. Vincent Wannassay 5. Bennett Brien 6. David Bradley 7. Leva De Dios

8. Diane ChaatSmith 9. Hansley Hadley 10. Joy Spotted Eagle

11. Darlene James

Two people standing in front of mural:

1. Henrietta Thomas 2. Lisa Lee

Info for Alumni
The Institute greatly appreciates the support received from IAIA alumni. No matter the event or the need, our alumni are always there to offer a helping hand. The success of our alumni, whether its in the arts arena, the education arena, or leadership arena, is a testimonial of the quality of our academic and cultural programs. For general information regarding alumni activities, or to submit suggestions regarding alumni activities, please call Marita Hinds at 800.804.6423 or 505.424.5704.

Current Alumni Project

We Want to Hear From You!
We enjoy hearing about the accomplishments of our alumni and would love to hear from you. Please fill out the information below and click to submit to the IAIA Alumni Coordinator, Marita Hinds. Ms. Hinds can be reached at 800.804.6423 or 505.424.5704, and her e-mail address is: mhinds@iaia.edu.

Please send a personal bio for our files to: Office of Institutional Advancement, IAIA Foundation, PO Box 22370, Santa Fe, NM 87502-9965.