Dusty Naranjo

Santa Clara Pueblo

Born into Santa Clara Pueblo in 1968, Dusty Naranjo is the daughter of Bernice Naranjo, granddaughter of Rose Naranjo, and sister of Forrest Naranjo. She learned the traditional art of making pottery mostly from her mother, who also taught her to make the family trademark brownware. Dusty's designs were later influenced by her aunt, Jody Folwell and by Jody Naranjo and Tammy Garcia.

Dusty earned her BA in psychology from New Mexico Highlands University and then earned an MA in Art Therapy. At the same time, she spent most of the last 20 years sharpening her pottery skills and earned multiple First, Second and Third Place ribbons at the Santa Fe Indian Market. She has also earned a First Place ribbon at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art (in Indianapolis) plus other ribbons at the Heard Museum Guild Indian Art Fair & Market (in Phoenix) and the Eight Northern Pueblos Indian Arts & Crafts Show.

Most of Dusty's work consists of sgraffito designs on brownware jars, seedpots and vases. She signs most of her pieces: Dusty. Lately she's been adding her Tewa name: Najii.