One of the great summer traditions in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the annual IAIA Benefit & Auction. The popular event returns on August 13 with a roster of artists that should thrill collectors of Native American art.
Jared Tso (Navajo (Diné)), Midnight Moonlight, native clay, 9½ x 16½ in. In partnership with King Galleries. Photograph by Kitty Leaken
The event, which benefits the Institute of American Indian Arts, raises essential scholarship support for IAIA students, 90 percent of whom depend on scholarships to study at the Santa Fe school. The benefit and gala features a reception, silent auction, dinner and entertainment, all of it at La Fonda on the Plaza, the iconic hotel just steps away from the Santa Fe Plaza.
Tony Abeyta (Navajo (Diné)), untitled bracelet, silver and turquoise, 5¾ x 11/8 x 17/8 in. Photograph by Kitty Leaken
Artists whose works will be offered at this year’s benefit include painter and jeweler Tony Abeyta, painter George Alexander, jewelry artist Shane Hendren, potter and multimedia artist Virgil Ortiz, photographer Cara Romero, potter Jared Tso, sculptor Eddy Shorty and others.
“This year’s live auction presents two one-of-a-kind artistic collaborations, bringing the talents of established artists and current IAIA students together,” organizers note. “These collaborative works offer art collectors an opportunity to own a piece of contemporary Indigenous art like no other while supporting the next generation of Indigenous artists and leaders.”
George Alexander “Ofuskie” (Muscogee (Creek) Nation), In the Thick of It, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 30 in. Photograph by Kitty Leaken.
One of the two works is Shorty’s Bear Dancer #3IAIA, a bronze piece made in collaboration with IAIA students during the spring 2025 semester. The piece features a Native American subject whose arms, back and head are covered in feathers. Each feather was created by an individual student to represent their tribal community. The other highlighted work is Hendren’s collaborative silver vessel titled A Container for Hopes and Dreams. IAIA students filled the container with their own creations, each one representative of their artistic dreams.
Eddy Shorty (Navajo (Diné)) in collaboration with IAIA students, Bear Dancer #3IAIA, bronze, 57 x 47 x 33 in. Photograph by Kitty Leaken
The virtual component of the silent auction begins on July 17, with a preview of the auction items presented starting on July 18 at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Art in Santa Fe. The main event will take place August 13, from 5 to 9 p.m. at La Fonda. A live auction will be held that evening, from 8 to 9 p.m. For more information, bidders are encouraged to register on IAIA’s website.
Shane Hendren (Navajo (Diné)) in collaboration with IAIA students, A Container for Hopes and Dreams, 18k gold, 14k gold, .925 sterling, New Landers (Chalcosiderite) garnets, 4 x 13/8 in. Photograph by Kitty Leaken
This year’s benefit will come at a difficult time for the institution after it was announced in June that the Trump administration was proposing to cut IAIA’s annual funding from $13.4 million to zero for the 2026 fiscal budget. The elimination of funding would be the first time in nearly 40 years that IAIA has not received federal funds. The proposed funding cut will put immense strain on the organization, which vows to carry on and push forward with partnerships with other organizations and private donors. —
August 13, 2025, 5 p.m.
2025 IAIA Benefit & Auction
La Fonda on the Plaza
100 E. San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
www.iaia.edu/bid
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