1997-1998 Interns

Ron Martinez Looking Elk

1997-1998 Harvey W. Branigar, Jr. Native Intern

Ronald Martinez Looking Elk of Isleta/Taos Pueblo comes from a traditional family and he is an active Pueblo potter participating frequently in markets, shows, and exhibitions.

He received his Associate of Fine Arts Degree in 1993 from the Institute of American Indian Arts and is currently pursuing his Bachelors Degree in Native American Art History at the University of New Mexico (UNM). In 1994-95 he was awarded a scholarship from the East West Center, Office of Public Programs in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he completed an internship in their art galleries working with Native artists from throughout the Pacific. Ron has been on the National Dean’s Honor list throughout his academic career, and is listed in the Who’s Who among Minority Students. He also spent a year in 1993 as a cultural exchange student in Ingelheim, Germany.

While at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), Ron was the Student Body President, and served as an Ex Officio on the IAIA Board of Trustees. While serving in this capacity he testified before the United States Congress on behalf of IAIA. He has also served in a variety of positions while at UNM, including President of the Southwest Indian Students Coalition and the UNM American Indian Council, and has received numerous awards and scholarships.

His goal is to work with his Pueblo, Isleta, to construct and manage a Cultural Center within their community, and he has their support. While at the School he was able to work on this project, he also worked closely with the Native American arts programs, assisted in making the Dubin artist studio completely functional within the IARC program, and completed the practical collections management experience of his internship.