IAIA Brings Faculty/Student Exhibition to OU Lightwell Gallery
The first spring semester Lightwell gallery exhibition at the University of Oklahoma School of Visual Arts comes from the Institute of American Indian Art and features work from six faculty members and three student artists of IAIA. The Institute of American Indian Arts Faculty and Student Exhibition will be on display at the SoVA in the Fred Jones Art Center from Jan. 13 through Feb. 7.
An opening reception is scheduled from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, on the second floor of the Fred Jones Art Center, 520 Parrington Oval, and is complimentary and open to the public.
The Institute of American Indian Arts Faculty and Student Exhibition showcases work that spans all artistic mediums, including jewelry, sculpture, painting, printmaking, digital media, photography and ceramics.
An excerpt from the website states, “At IAIA, the spirit and vision of Native American and Alaska Native people is a first priority. Founded on October 1, 1962, the Institute of American Indian Arts offers academic excellence to both Native and non-Native populations. Our goal is empowerment through education, economic self-sufficiency and expression and enhancement of artistic and cultural traditions. We take great pride in preparing students to pursue a life rich with ideas, expression and moral values. We are ensuring a continual flow of leaders and leadership to carry our heritage and traditions forward. Our faculty, many of whom are Native, leaders, and IAIA graduates, give witness to the positive impact IAIA’s unique environment and influence have had on their lives. IAIA is a place where traditions are rediscovered, explored and deepened. Where your art and cultural identity will be celebrated and revered. It is a place of welcome that you will feel part of and will remain part of you no matter how far you go in life.”
The Institute of American Indian Arts (formally known as the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development) is one of 37 tribal colleges located in the United States. IAIA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. IAIA is a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.
This exhibition, bringing the rich experience of the premier educational institution for arts in the Southwest, is coming to the School of Visual Arts with the assistance of the Andrew M. Mellon Foundation and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at OU. The Institute of American Indian Arts Faculty and Student Exhibition will provide an opportunity for the community to be introduced to IAIA and the rich history that this program provides.
