Maxine Toya

Artist Profile

Maxine R. Toya “New Snow” was born in 1948 into the Jemez Pueblo. She is a member of the Corn Clan. Maxine began drawing and painting at the age of 5, but she did not start working with clay until she was 23. Her mother, Marie Romero, along with other family members, encouraged and inspired her to learn the art of working with clay using the ancient methods. This inspiration led Maxine to want to inspire others through teaching. As a professional teacher, Maxine enjoys teaching the traditions passed down to her from her ancestors to the younger generations so the legacy of her people will be continued for centuries to come.

Maxine specializes in hand coiled clay sculptures of various contemporary pueblo people images. Every piece of art she creates is symbolic and unique in her eyes. She strives to achieve simplicity and elegance in her sculptures. She signs her sculptures: Maxine Toya, Jemez, followed by the corn symbol to denote her clan origin. She is related to Damian Toya (son), Camilla Toya (daughter), Laura Gachupin (sister), Gordon Foley (nephew), Bertha Gachupin (cousin), Virginia Fragua (niece), Persingula Gachupin (grandmother) and Juan B. Gachupin (great grandfather).