Presenting new artwork by Jody Naranjo (Santa Clara Pueblo), Judy Tafoya (Santa Clara Pueblo) and Kathleen Wall (Jemez Pueblo), Mother Clay: The Pottery of Three Pueblo Women offers and intimate look at the work of these Pueblo potters from New Mexico. Each of these artists is a renowned potter, recognized for distinctive work of high quality; beyond their accolades, they are also culture bearers. As contemporary Native women artists, they defy expectations and stereotypes. By being and doing, they place Pueblo art and culture in the here and now, creating a connection from their ancestors to their descendants. Mother Clay: The Pottery of Three Pueblo Women presents Pueblo pottery in a context of place, time and culture. Learn how Mother Clay is revealed through three women.
This exhibit is free and open to the public, with a scheduled reception and artist panel on Wednesday, February 1, from 5- 7 PM. All three artists and the guest curator, Tony Chavarria, will be at the opening reception for an artist talk and to answer questions about their work.
This exhibition was curated by Tony Chavarria and developed with the assistance of former Senior Curator of Ceramics, Ron Fuchs II; Patricia Hobbs, Senior Curator of Art; and W&L's Native American and Indigenous Cohort. It was made possible through the generosity and involvement of Dr. Joel Bernstein ’57, who introduced the Museums’ to the three Native American artists.
Above Images: Kathleen Wall, Peaceful Presence, 2022; Judy Tafoya, a traditional earthenware pot from Santa Clara Pueblo, 2022; Judy Naranjo, Jar with Horses, 2022
February 1, 2023: 5 – 6 p.m.
Leyburn Library, Northen Auditorium
The Museums at W&L invite you to join us in meeting and celebrating Jody Naranjo, Judy Tafoya, and Kathleen Wall, whose work will be featured in Mother Clay. The evening will begin with a panel of the artists led by guest curator Tony Chavarria, followed by a reception. The event is free and open to all members of the W&L community and the public.
February 1, 2023: 6:15 – 7:00 p.m.
Reeves Museum of Ceramics
Join the Museums at W&L for the opening reception for Mother Clay: The Pottery of Three Pueblo Women following the exhibition’s Artist Panel Discussion. The event is free and open to all members of the W&L community and the public. Food and drink provided – IDs required for consumption of alcoholic beverages.
February 2, 2023: Noon – 1 p.m.
Watson Galleries
Join the Museums at W&L for a special lunch and discussion with retired professor of Native American art and W&L alumnus, Dr. Joel Bernstein ’57, as he shares insights from over 50 years of work and friendship with members of Native American communities.
February 2, 2023: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Reeves Museum of Ceramics
The Museums at W&L invite you to join guest curator Tony Chavarria for a guided tour of Mother Clay. There will be three 20-minute tours at 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 2:30 pm. The event is free and open to all members of the W&L community and the public.
March 10-11, 2023: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Reeves Museum of Ceramics
Join the Museums at W&L for special demonstrations of traditional Monacan pottery making by Victoria Ferguson, an enrolled citizen of the Monacan Nation, educator, and curator. There will be 20-minute sessions between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The event is free and open to all. Reservation encouraged.
Victoria Ferguson has spent 25 years seeking first-person documentation and archaeological information to help explain and support theories on the daily living habits of the Eastern Siouan populations up through the early European colonization period.
April 15, 2023: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Museums at W&L is celebrating Slow Art Day, a quiet international art movement. For anyone interested in taking the time to learn new techniques for viewing art, join Elizabeth Spear, Curator of Academic Engagement, for 50-minute guided sessions of close-looking at pieces from Born of Fire: Contemporary Japanese Women Ceramic Artists and Mother Clay: The Pottery of Three Pueblo Women.
Mondays in March and April, 2023: 12:15 - 1:00 pm
Join the Museums at W&L for short, informal talks inspired by our latest exhibitions. Food and refreshments are provided, but be sure to sign up quick. Each lecture requires a reservation and they are filling fast!
April 22 and 29, 2023: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Reeves Museum of Ceramics
Children of all ages are invited to join us for a scavenger hunt inspired by our Pueblo pottery exhibition! Participants will get a free activity book and earn the chance to win a prize! Available while supplies last. A 10% discount will also be available for participating families and can be applied to all pottery-inspired merchandise at the University Store, including the children's books "Dave the Potter" and "Shaped By Her Hands: Potter Maria Martinez."
Exhibit and Artist Photos
Guest curator Tony Chavarria leading a tour of Mother Clay: The Pottery of Three Pueblo Women
Artist Kathleen Wall speaking with guests at the Mother Clay opening reception
Artist Judy Tafoya speaking at a tour of Mother Clay: The Pottery of Three Pueblo Women
President Dudley visiting the Mother Clay opening reception
Artists Kathleen Wall and Judy Tafoya and guest curator Tony Chavarria speaking with one of Professor Andrea Lepage’s Art History classes
