About the Artist

(Born 1965) This Santa Clara potter was influenced to make pottery by her mother, Mary Agnes Tafoya.

Traditional clay digging, clay coiling and finishing concluded by firing outdoors using horse manure--all represent the process Gwen utilizes to fashion her clay art.  Her tendency is to etch designs on their polished surfaces.

A number of family members have chosen to make pottery:  Angela Baca (aunt), Madeline Naranjo (aunt), Belen Tapia (aunt) and Tina Garcia, Greg Garcia, Virgie Garcia and Paul Speckled Rock (all are cousins).

In 1994 Tafoya won Best of Show at Gallup, New Mexico.  The following year she was awarded Best of Show in Pasadena, California.  She has also achieved first and second place awards at the New Mexico State Fair and the Eighth Northern Arts and Crafts Show, respectively.