Santa Clara Pueblo

The Pueblos of Santa Clara and San Ildefonso exist side by side at the foot of the Jemez Mountains, where common sources of clay and cultural proximity have bound together the pottery traditions of major artists’ families from both the 20^th and 21^st centuries.  While San Ildefonso’s Maria Martinez is arguably the world’s best-known potter, Santa Clara families including the Tefoyas, the Chavarrias, the Suazo’s, the Gutierrez’s and the Naranjos have left significant multigenerational marks as well.   Polished black pottery, reduction fired above ground under burning wood and manure, results in the common shiny surfaces from both Pueblos.  Deeply carved designs on a pot’s surface suggest work from Santa Clara artists.  And artists from both expand surface design techniques to monochromatic work in colors other than black, and to polychromes as well.  Some Santa Clara artists have studios on the Pueblo and the work of others can be found at galleries throughout the region. Santa Clara Pueblo is also the home to the Puye Cliff Dwellings   

For Directions, information about hours, admission fees and programs go to: https://www.santaclarapueblo.org/about-us/