Set in the city’s former post office building, the Institute of American Indian Arts Museumof Contemporary Native Arts (108 Cathedral Pl., 505/983-8900, www.iaia.edu/museum [1], 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Sat. and noon–5 p.m. Sun., $5) is the showcase for students, professors, and alumni of the prestigious IAIA.
Come here if you’re burned out on old pots in glass cases—instead you’ll see the contemporary American Indian experience rendered in oil, charcoal, glass, bronze, and conceptual installations. The collection of works by confident colorist and the institute’s most famous professor, Fritz Scholder, is particularly strong.
And while the work on the walls is often very experimental, the gift shop stocks a good blend of modern and traditional styles (as well as the iconic “Frybread Power” T-shirt), and it is quite well priced.
Links:
[1] http://www.iaia.edu/museum