Linda Lomahaftewa, a noted painter, has taught at much bigger places than the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). But Lomahaftewa, who is Hopi-Choctaw, and others on the faculty of IAIA are intensely devoted to the mission of this small but unique school. IAIA--the nation's only four-year fine arts institution devoted to American Indian and Alaska Native arts--is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Since its creation in 1962, the tribal college near Santa Fe, N.M., has produced thousands of painters, sculptors, writers and filmmakers. Some have attained national and international reputations in the art world. Lomahaftewa, 64, is proud that the school has survived some tough times and has had a deep influence on American Indian art on many levels.