Vangie Tafoya

Artist Profile

Vangie Tafoya was born in the small but active village of Jemez (Walatowa) located about 55 miles from Albuquerque, N.M. She is half San Ildefonso and half Jemez. Vangie comes from a long line of potters originating with her grandmother, Maria Sanchez Colaque, and relative Maria Martinez, the extremely famous potter known for her black on black pottery. Vangie credits her grandmother for her inspiration and moving spirit behind her desire to continue the family tradition of pottery making.

Vangie has developed her own unique style of flawless freehand designs of exquisite hummingbirds, water serpents, flowers and feathers. Her pottery grabs the attention of viewers allowing them to experience her living art and unique designs. Vangie uses all natural materials and paints. Vangie signs her pottery: Vangie Tafoya, Jemez, followed by an eagle feather as her own singular trademark to denote her clan origin. Vangie is related to Maria Sanchez Colaque (grandmother), Helen Henderson and Brenda Tafoya (daughters).