Lloyd Kiva New

TURNING TRADITIONAL CRAFTS INTO NEW ART FORMS

Honored June, 1989

Lloyd Kiva New

The Institute of American Indian Arts should do one simple thing," says Lloyd Kiva New. "It should add to its vision--its goals, its objectives--an obligation to help every student who goes there make a good living." He insists, "One word 'design' needs to be added to the name. Indian artists have been designers forever. At present, the institute is to train fine artists. Just think what we could contribute if we launched a series of programs in the area of design. Ultimately, we would have a whole new set of Indian furniture designers, fabric designers, fashion designers."

Lloyd arrived in Santa Fe in 1961 to serve as "the institute's art director and set up the arts program," he said. He served as the institute's president from 1965 to 1978, and returned in 1988 to guide the school through its separation from Bureau of Indian Affairs administration.