Discovering Native American Pottery and Art in Santa Fe
Thomas Tenorio: A Legacy of Traditional Pottery
Thomas Tenorio creates pottery using traditional methods, emphasizing a deep connection with nature. His dedication to craftsmanship and the local environment exemplifies the essence of native craftsmanship in Santa Fe.
In Santa Fe, Tenorio’s pottery embodies the spirit of the city, and appreciating his work alongside other local artists is one of the finest ways to engage with the area’s culture.
“Back in the ’50s, ’40s, almost every other household was making pottery at that time. There’s not too many left,” Tenorio noted in an interview with GoTravelDaily. “I promised my tribe before I shall leave this Earth that I’m going to teach it back. It’s going to be my legacy, I guess.”
He passionately added, “Pottery has been around here for thousands of years. I want people to know that we’re still here, we’re not gone. We’re not extinct.”
Now, visitors to Santa Fe can immerse themselves in its art scene, viewing traditional pieces in various locations, from museums to galleries. One must-visit spot is the Andrea Fisher Fine Pottery gallery, located in the Plaza district. Here, travelers can find Tenorio’s works along with pieces dating all the way back to the 1880s.
Gallery owner Andrea Fisher expressed her vision, stating, “My main feeling when I started this business was to be proactive about the fact that there are so many people who know so little about the Native American communities and what they create.”
Her son, Derek Fisher, reflected on the artistic spirit of Santa Fe: “Santa Fe is vibrant. It’s always been kind of a ragtag community of artists, but they all seem to find beauty in the area around them, which translates into a very vibrant art culture.”
For Tenorio, creating art goes beyond mere craftsmanship; it embodies a “way of life,” extending to the natural resources he uses, including water sourced from a nearby village.
“Nature has to do with everything I do,” he explained. “The clay, the paint, even the weather — it binds everything together, nature itself.”
More Ways to See Indigenous Art in Santa Fe
Tour a Museum
Santa Fe features three primary museums where visitors can explore indigenous art: the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, and the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. Each venue offers a unique perspective, presenting a spectrum from prehistory to contemporary art, along with crafts such as jewelry and textiles of the Navajo and other Native peoples of New Mexico.
Additionally, exploring the gift shops at these museums presents a great opportunity to find locally made Native American art, particularly unique, handcrafted jewelry.
Head to a Gallery
Visitors are encouraged to explore numerous galleries spread throughout Santa Fe, showcasing local art, both traditional and contemporary. At the True West Gallery, travelers can discover Native American and Southwestern jewelry, pottery, weavings, and much more. The Sorrel Sky Gallery, owned by the daughter of a notable Native American jeweler, features a diverse collection of jewelry and fine art. Furthermore, Shiprock Santa Fe offers a contemporary display of historic and modern Navajo rugs, blankets, jewelry, pottery, and other forms of art.
Shop Directly From Local Artists
The Native American Artisans Portal Program invites local artisans to sell their handmade crafts daily under the Palace of the Governors from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most of these vendors are active members of the 23 federally recognized Native American tribes, pueblos, or nations in New Mexico. With over 1,500 artists authorized to participate, the offerings are diverse and continuously changing.
