About the Artist

(1935-1993) Born Helen Atencio, Helen was the granddaughter of Juan Cruz Montoya (a painter) and the sister of Gilbert Atencio (another well-known painter). Perhaps this contributed to the high quality of her painting on pottery. Her best known designs were the avanyu (feathered serpent) and stylized feathers.

Some of her awards between 1985 and 1993 are listed in the book Pueblo Indian Pottery by Gregory Schaaf. Helen was also the mother of six children.