Anita Louise Suazo facts for kids

Anita Louise Suazo was born on May 13, 1937. She is a famous Native American potter. She comes from Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico, United States.

About Anita Louise Suazo

Anita grew up in a family of talented potters. Her mother was Belen Tafoya Tapia, who was also a well-known potter. Belen was famous for making beautiful red pottery with many colors.

Anita learned how to make pottery from her mother when she was a child. She learned the special techniques of Santa Clara Pueblo pottery.

How She Creates Her Art

Anita works with her husband, Joseph. He helps her find and dig clay from the ground near Santa Clara. They use this natural clay for their pottery.

She makes her pots using old traditions. She shapes the clay by hand, using a method called free hand coiling. This means she builds the pot up coil by coil. After shaping, she uses polishing stones to make the surface smooth and shiny.

Anita creates different kinds of pottery. She makes pots that are carved red or black. Some are red with many colors, and some are black melon-shaped pots. She also makes special two-tone black-on-black pottery.

She decorates her pots with designs inspired by nature and ancient traditions. You might see water serpents, rain clouds, kiva steps, or feathers. These designs are often very old and have special meanings.

Awards and Recognition

Anita Louise Suazo is known as a master potter. This means she is very skilled and respected in her craft.

Since 1979, she has won many awards. She has received honors at the Santa Fe Indian Market. She also won awards at the Eight Northern Pueblos Indian Arts and Crafts Shows.

In 1985, her work was shown in a special art show. This show was at the Sid Deusch Gallery in New York. She was featured alongside other famous Santa Clara potters.

In 1986, she won the Jack Hoover Memorial Award. This award recognized her excellent Santa Clara pottery.

Anita has also taught workshops and given demonstrations. She has shared her knowledge of traditional Native American pottery techniques. She has taught at places like the University of New Mexico and the University of California at Davis.

Her beautiful pottery can be found in many important collections. These include the Heard Museum in Phoenix, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos. Her work is also in the Museum of New Mexico in Santa Fe, and in collections all over the world.