IAIA raises $760K to support student scholarships

The Institute of American Indian Arts has raised more than $760,000 in funds to support student scholarships.

The fundraising took place during last month’s Santa Fe Indian Market. More than 90% of IAIA’s students rely on scholarships to realize their college dreams.

The event took place in La Fonda’s La Terraza, where the artwork in the online silent auction was showcased.

IAIA president Robert Martin expressed gratitude for the many sponsors, contributing artists, volunteers and friends who came together as a community to make the event a success. More than 80% of IAIA’s students are eligible for federal financial aid — but the Pell Grant award covers less than half of the annual costs of attending IAIA. Scholarships help to cover the gap and help students remain debt-free.

The IAIA benefit and auction reached beyond La Fonda, with donors and art buyers participating from across the country to raise over $760,000 gross in gifts and pledges to support IAIA student success. The total funds contributed by organizational and individual event sponsors exceeded $200,000. The paddle call for additional donations raised almost $225,000, including a $100,000 pledge from longtime supporters and collectors Marshall Hunt (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma) and Lee Ann Hunt. The event’s impact and outreach continue as donors are still contributing to support IAIA’s students.

Participating artists included Connie Tsosie-Gaussoin (Picuris Pueblo and Navajo), Col. Jerry E. Gaussoin

Jr. (Picuris Pueblo and Navajo), David Gaussoin (Picuris Pueblo and Navajo), Wayne Nez Gaussoin (Picuris Pueblo and Navajo), Tazbah Gaussoin (Picuris Pueblo and Navajo), Eddy Shorty (Diné), Brenda Kingery (Chickasaw Nation), Dale Chihuly, Jontay Kahm (Plains Cree), Frank Buffalo Hyde (Onondaga and Niimíipuu-Nez Perce), Cliff Fragua (Jemez Pueblo), Denise Wallace (Chugach Sugpiaq), David Wallace (Chugach Sugpiaq), Dawn Wallace (Chugach Sugpiaq), Black Pinto Horse (Monte Yellow Bird Sr.) (Arikara and Hidatsa), Beau Tsatoke (Kiowa), and Russell Sanchez (San Ildefonso Pueblo). The live auction raised over $160,000.

The IAIA Foundation was founded in 2010 to expand IAIA’s capacity to raise critically needed funds to strengthen student success, enrich academic programs, support museum exhibitions, and keep IAIA at the forefront of educational offerings.