Released: August 21, 2025
SFCC Open House: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
IAIA Open House: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) and the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) announce that the institutions will partner for the fourth year to host open house events on the same day, September 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at SFCC, 6401 Richards Avenue, 87508, and from 1 to 5 p.m. at IAIA, 83 Avan Nu Po Road, 87508. The two academic institutions invite everyone to visit both campuses—only a six-minute drive or an 11-minute bike ride apart.
The two-campus event showcases creativity and innovation through art demonstrations, exhibitions, and campus tours. Adding to the excitement, IAIA’s new president, Dr. Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo), will deliver the welcome address at the 1 p.m. IAIA Opening Ceremony in the IAIA Dance Circle.
The annual free event gives everyone an opportunity to learn more about IAIA and SFCC. Visitors hear about their missions, programs, and all they offer directly from students, staff, and faculty. Both campuses offer plenty of free parking. The synergistic partnership drew about 600 people to both campuses last year.
New this year, B & H Foto and Electronics Corporation will have booths at both campuses. The public 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.
SFCC steamroller printmaking demonstration
SFCC Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., September 18, 6401 Richards Ave., 87508. 505-428-1000.
SFCC’s Open House runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tour art studios and watch demonstrations of jewelry making and raku firing in the Fine Arts Center. See a steamroller printmaking demonstration in the Courtyard. Shop at the “Garage Sale” offered by Friends of the Arts. Check out demonstrations at the Science on Sphere® Theater and visit with representatives from the Health and Science programs. Sign up for tours of the Greenhouse and get free produce grown at SFCC. Visit the film studio. Enjoy the music by DJ Manny Godsey while eating a free Frito pie. Visit information tables for the various college programs. Stop by the Automotive Technology Center and check out the new electrical vehicle trainer. The William C. Witter Fitness Education Center will have free day-passes and class demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 5 to 7 p.m.
SFCC invites the public to stop by during the Open Houses for a special joint faculty art exhibition, in the Santa Fe 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.
IAIA Open House, 1 to 5 p.m., September 18, 83 Avan Nu Po Road, 87508. 505-424-2300.
IAIA Bronze pouring demonstration in the Sculpture and Foundry Building, photograph by Jason S. Ordaz
IAIA’s open house takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. First, stop by the Dance Circle to hear opening remarks by IAIA President Dr. Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo) at 1 p.m. Attendees can also visit the welcome table to sign up for guided tours of the IAIA campus and check out numerous demonstrations in the Academic Building’s studios and open studios by artists in our Artist-in-Residence Program. See IAIA’s one-of-a-kind, fully articulating Digital Dome in the Ells Science and Technology Building. Head over to the Performing Arts and Fitness Center to tour IAIA’s gym, fitness center, classrooms, and performance spaces. Connect with nature through IAIA’s Land-Grant Garden and around campus. Enjoy free appetizers and refreshments in the Dance Circle—vegetarian options are available.
Look out for more information in the coming weeks as SFCC and IAIA continue to plan these side-by-side, all-ages events. For links to IAIA’s event schedules and updates, and to watch highlights of IAIA’s 2024 Open House, visit https://iaia.edu/about/2025-iaia-open-house/. For details on SFCC’s Open House visit: https://www.sfcc.edu/iaia-sfcc-open-house-25/. Check back for complete schedules the week of the events.
For more than 40 years Santa Fe Community College has been the pathway to success for individuals and the community. SFCC provides affordable, high-quality programs that serve the academic, cultural, and economic needs of the community. The college welcomes over 10,000 students per year in credit, noncredit, workforce training, personal enrichment, and adult programs.
A “Best for Vets” and a “Military Friendly” school.
Visit sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1000.
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