Gerónima Cruz Montoya facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gerónima Cruz Montoya
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Gerónima Cruz Montoya (Photo by Clyde Mueller)
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Gerónima Cruz
September 22, 1915 |
| Died | January 2, 2015 (aged 99) |
| Nationality | Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, American |
| Education | The Studio |
| Known for | Self-portraits |
| Movement | Studio flatstyle painting |
| Awards | Santa Fe Living Treasure (2004), Santa Fe Indian Market poster artist (2010) |
Gerónima Cruz Montoya (Potsunu) was a talented artist and teacher from the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in New Mexico. She was born on September 22, 1915, and lived until January 2, 2015. Gerónima taught many young Native American artists at a special art program called The Studio, located at the Santa Fe Indian School.
Early Life and Learning
Gerónima Cruz Montoya was born in Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico. Her parents were Pablo Cruz and Crucita Trujillo. Her Pueblo name was "Potsunu," which means "shell." She often signed her artwork with this special name.
Gerónima's mother was a respected potter. From her, Gerónima learned the basics of art. She then studied at the Santa Fe Indian School with a famous teacher named Dorothy Dunn. Gerónima was a top student and graduated as the best in her class in 1935. She also studied at Claremont College.
A Career in Art and Teaching
Montoya began teaching painting at the Santa Fe Indian School in 1937. She taught there for many years, until 1961. Dorothy Dunn is known for starting the art program at the Indian School. However, Gerónima Cruz Montoya was the first Native American teacher to lead the painting classes for over 24 years. One of her students was Joe Herrera, the son of another famous artist, Tonita Peña.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
Gerónima Montoya was honored for her amazing work as both a teacher and a painter. In 1994, she received the Art and Cultural Achievement Award from the National Museum of the American Indian.
Montoya continued to share her love for art. In 1963, she started an art education program in her home community of Ohkay Owingeh. Later, in 1968, she founded the Oke'Oweege Artistic Cooperative there. This cooperative helped artists work together and share their talents. Gerónima Montoya passed away on January 2, 2015, at the age of 99. Her work helped many Native American artists learn and grow.
