Discover creativity and connection at SFCC and IAIA open house events on September 18

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) and the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) are gearing up for the fourth annual joint open house extravaganza on September 18. The SFCC Open House kicks off the day with events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The IAIA Open House ramps up the festivities with more activities from 1 to 5 p.m. IAIA’s Opening Ceremony at 1 p.m. will begin with a welcome by IAIA’s new president Dr. Shelley C. Lowe in the Dance Circle on the IAIA campus, 83 Avan Nu Po Road.

SFCC Director of Art on Campus Linda Cassel and IAIA Chief Communication Officer Jason S. Ordaz have collaboratively worked behind the scenes along with dedicated administrators, faculty and staff to keep enhancing the joint Open House experience.

During a recent interview with Inside SFCC, Cassel and Ordaz had a spirited exchange about how both campuses buzz with energy as participants – from inquisitive high school teens to adventurous retirees – explore the campuses.

They are excited about the latest collaboration, the “IAIA and SFCC Joint Faculty Exhibition.” Open house visitors can view artwork from faculty and staff at both institutions in the SFCC Visual Arts Gallery in the Fine Arts Center. The public is also invited to meet the artists at the opening reception for “IAIA and SFCC Joint Faculty Exhibition” at the SFCC Visual Arts Gallery from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, September 11. The exhibition runs through Wednesday, October 22.

This year during the open houses, representatives from the B & H Foto and Electronics Corporation will have a booth on both campuses. Everyone is invited to stop by to get some hands-on experience with the latest tech in photography, video, lighting and audio. Whether visitors are content creators, filmmakers, photographers, or just curious about gear, this is an opportunity to test equipment and ask questions. They will offer exclusive student and faculty discounts.

“Art making demonstrations are the biggest draw at IAIA,” Ordaz said. “In past years, the most excitement was generated at demonstrations in our Sculpture and Foundry Building where we do live pours of bronze and metal.” As sparks fly and the furnace roars, observers gasp in astonishment. Glass blowing demonstrations mesmerize crowds as they watch the twisting ballet between breath and fire to shape molten glass into a swirling rainbow that becomes a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

“SFCC art demonstrations are always fun,” Cassel added. Some that draw big crowds are steamroller printing, tin-type photography, jewelry making and raku firing. Visitors can also pop into the many campus art studios. Attendees also love to see the cameras and production equipment in the Film and TV studio.

It’s not just about seeing equipment and buildings though. Ordaz emphasized that visitors really enjoy having the opportunity to interact with students and faculty.

Cassel also cited the SFCC “Garage Sale” offered by the Friends of the Arts as generating a lot of excitement particularly with the visiting high school students who love finding inexpensive clothing and other treasures. “These are all donated items that we offer for very low prices to raise money via the SFCC Foundation to pay for prizes for our student art shows. This year I’ve had people donate beautiful lamps, woven pillows, monoprints and charcoal drawings.”

Activities at IAIA’s Open House. Photos by Jason S. Ordaz.

Both IAIA and SFCC welcome campus exploration that’s not just limited to the arts. “There’s just so much more going on,” Cassel said. Ordaz also wants people to fully explore what’s available that day and encourages people to check the college’s open house web pages, which will be continually updated as special demonstrations and tours are added.  Either visit https://www.sfcc.edu/iaia-sfcc-open-house-25/ or https://iaia.edu/about/2025-iaia-open-house/.

SFCC Open House Highlights (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Activities start at 10 a.m. in the SFCC Campus Courtyard where people can stroll through the many program information tables. Visitors can enjoy music by DJ Manny Godsey while eating a free Frito pie. At the Controlled Environment Agriculture program table people can pick up free fresh produce and sign up for greenhouse tours. You can learn about the Health and Science programs and visit the Science on Sphere Theater in the Trades and Technology Building.

SFCC’s visitors are encouraged to stop by the Automotive Technologies Center to see the electrical vehicle trainer. The William C. Witter Fitness Education Center will offer free day passes and will have class demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 5 to 7 p.m. SFCC’s Open House is sponsored in part by Santa Fe Community College Foundation.

IAIA Open House Highlights (1 to 5 p.m.)

Everyone is encouraged to stop by the big canopy area next to the Dance Circle after the opening ceremony at 1 p.m. for tour information while enjoying musical performances and sample food from the campus café, Café Bon Appétit. In the Ells Science and Technology Building, visitors can immerse themselves in spectacular visuals and sound as they experience the one-of-a-kind, fully articulating Digital Dome. One of the first in the world, the Digital Dome provides a cutting-edge space to explore the intersection of art, science and technology for creative projects.

At the IAIA Open House attendees can also visit performance spaces, the gymnasium, fitness center, and art studios. Everyone can learn about the IAIA Land Grant program “Thunder Bee” hive and immerse themselves in nature.

Plan on visiting both the SFCC and IAIA campuses, which are only a six-minute drive or 11- minute bike ride apart. Map by Jason S. Ordaz, Institute of American Indian Art.