Henrietta Toya Gachupin is a traditional potter from Jemez Pueblo specializing in storyteller figures. She is a member of the Water Clan and grew up being educated in techniques and clay sources from numerous renowned family members who have practiced the art of pottery-making. Among the well-known artists Henrietta is related to are Fannie Loretto, Mary Ellen Toya, Anita Toya, Verernida Toya, Yolanda Toya Toledo and Melinda Toya Fragua, many of whom have been featured in Native Peoples’ Magazine and Albuquerque Arts Magazine. Mary Ellen Toya’s handmade pottery nativities are in the Smithsonian and museums across Europe. Henrietta Toya Gachupin also says that she gains her inspiration from the clay; when she puts her hands into the clay, it speaks to her of shapes to make and designs to paint.

Gachupin’s work is to be found at the Heard Museum in Phoenix,  the Southwest Indian Art Fair in Tucson and at SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market.

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