Lois Gutierrez

Santa Clara Pueblo

Born into Santa Clara Pueblo in 1948, Lois Gutierrez is the sister of Gloria Garcia (Goldenrod), Thelma Talachy and Minnie Vigil. They all learned the ancient art from their mother, Petra Montoya Gutierrez, as they were growing up. Petra was from Pojoaque Pueblo and had married into Santa Clara.

Lois married Derek de la Cruz many years ago and they've worked on making pots together since. Derek helps with the firing of the pots and with finding the various colors of clay that Lois uses in her designs.

One of their pieces earned the Best of Show ribbon at the Santa Fe Indian Market in 1982 and they were so overwhelmed by the sudden increased demand for their pottery they never exhibited at another show.

Her specialty is polychrome pottery made the way it used to be at Santa Clara, before the carving and sgraffito processes took hold. She often depicts dancers from various of the Santa Clara yearly events.