SFCC Foundation: New Art on Campus, Scholarships for Vets

Two sculptures on long-term loan

Bob Haozous (artist), Emily Haozous (Bob’s daughter) Melissa BlackDeath Dominguez (friend of Sam Haozous), Sam Haozous (Bob’s son), David Rettig (Executive Director of the Allan Houser Foundation) surround Allan Houser’s sculpture, “Raindrops.”

Two stunning sculptures by internationally recognized artists – the late Allan Houser and his son Bob Haozous – began gracing the campus this fall through the efforts of the Santa Fe Community College Foundation’s Art on Campus program. The two sculptures are on long-term loan through arrangements with the Allan Houser Foundation. Houser’s sculpture, Raindrops, gives an elegant touch to the campus courtyard, while inviting inspiration and reflection. Houser (Chiricahua Apache) is one of the most renowned modernist sculptors of the 20th century.

Contemporary sculptor Haozous, who uses “negative imagery for positive responses” shared some thoughts about his piece Portable Warrior Memorial, which catches visitors’ eyes as they approach the campus. Haozous said, “Art should reflect culture: The main piece, itself, is of a soldier and in the soldier’s right hand is a German machine gun, which is not a symbol of war, but of technology. The soldier also has one bare foot standing on earth as a reminder of where the soldier is from. The language around the piece is of gibberish because it’s the language of the new Earth.”

Bob Haozous’ sculpture, “Portable Warrior Memorial”

The artist added, “It will be challenging to understand this piece because it’s all from a past Earth, however, if you stand close to this piece, you definitely can feel an understanding of the past.” Haozous first visited the campus when he took swimming classes and has used the fitness center through the years to stay healthy. He loves the potential of what the college offers. “Education brings us back to the laws of nature – get a better education to understand your purpose.”

The artist sees the great value in public art as opposed to work shown only in a collector’s home. “Competition destroys creativity. Art is more than a vocation. It has to come from responsibility to the Earth and community we come from,” he said.

VETERANS ARMED WITH NEW SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

A new $36,000 scholarship fund for veterans and their dependents has been established through a partnership between the Santa Fe Community College Foundation and
the City of Santa Fe Veterans Advisory Board. It is hoped that the fund, created with matching contributions from the city’s Veterans Advisory Board and the college’s Foundation, will help New Mexico’s veterans and their dependents complete a certificate or degree at SFCC.

“Many times, money is the barrier to educational achievement and ultimate success,” says SFCC President Randy Grissom. “We feel this scholarship is an important step to take in order to break down obstacles for those who have served our country. Our campus already provides a welcoming environment, services and sense of community for vets, and with this funding we can offer another type of support to those who need it.”

Santa Fe Community College was voted “Best for Vets: Career & Technical Colleges in 2016” for the second consecutive year. The college’s Veterans Resource Center provides comprehensive support services for students and is also open to the public. To apply for one of the scholarships, veterans should work with the SFCC Financial Aid Office. Students will need to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as enrolling in a minimum of six credit hours and maintaining at least a 2.5 grade-point-average. Interested students may follow up with either the Financial Aid Office or on-campus Veterans Resource Center.