SFCC And IAIA To jointly Host Their Open Houses Sept. 17

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on August 6, 2026
- 11:28 am

SANTA FE — Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) and the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) will partner for the fifth consecutive year to jointly host their open houses on the same day, Thursday, Sept. 17 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, located only a six-minute drive or an 11-minute bike ride apart.

The two-campus event will showcase creativity and innovation through art demonstrations, exhibitions, campus tours, and other opportunities to explore each institution.

The annual free open house gives the public an opportunity to learn more about SFCC and IAIA. Visitors learn about their missions, programs, and offerings directly from students, staff, and faculty. Last year, the joint open house events welcomed approximately 750 visitors to each campus.

SFCC Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 6401 Richards Ave, 87508

SFCC’s Open House runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tour art studios and watch demonstrations of jewelry making, ceramics, photo tintypes, and printmaking in the Courtyard. Shop at the “Garage Sale” offered by Friends of the Arts. Check out demonstrations at the Science on a 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 barbecue-style lunch. Visit information tables for the various college programs. Stop by the Automotive Technology Center and check out the new electric vehicle trainer.

SFCC’s William C. Witter Fitness Education Center will have free day passes and class demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tours of SFCC’s Kid’s Campus are planned in recognition of the Early Childhood Center’s 30th anniversary. Check back at https://www.sfcc.edu/iaia-sfcc-open-house-26/ for more detailed tour times and updates.

IAIA Open House, 1- 5 p.m., 83 Avan Nu Po Road, 87508

IAIA’s Open House takes place from 1–5 p.m. Attendees can begin at the welcome table, where they can sign up for guided campus tours and learn more about the day’s activities. Throughout the Academic Building, visitors can experience demonstrations in IAIA’s studios and explore open studios hosted by artists in the IAIA Artist-in-Residence Program. In the Ells Science and Technology Building, guests can also see IAIA’s one-of-a-kind, fully-articulating Digital Dome.

Across IAIA campus, visitors will have opportunities to connect with students, faculty, staff, and academic programs while learning more about IAIA’s creative spaces and student experience. Free appetizers and refreshments, including vegetarian options, will be available in the Dance Circle. Check for updates as the event evolves at https://iaia.edu/about/2026-iaia-open-house/.

IAIA and SFCC Joint Faculty and Staff Exhibition, IAIA Campus

IAIA invites the public to experience the second annual joint IAIA/SFCC Faculty and Staff exhibition in the Balzer Contemporary Edge Gallery at IAIA during the Open House. The exhibition will be open to the public beginning at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, on the IAIA campus, offering visitors another opportunity to experience the creative work from SFCC and IAIA.

Open House updates

Updates will be available in the coming weeks as SFCC and IAIA finalize plans for these side-by-side, all- ages events. To explore IAIA’s schedule, updates, and highlights from the previous Open House, visit the IAIA Open House web page: https://iaia.edu/about/2026-iaia-open-house/.