Juanita Wo-peen Gonzales, San Ildefonso Pueblo Artist

Juanita Gonzales, a renowned artist from Taos Pueblo, was an active figure in the pottery scene from 1930 to 1982. She married into the San Ildefonso Pueblo and crafted an array of exquisite pieces, including carved, black-on-black and redware jars, bowls, plates, polished blackware wedding vases, carved canteens, and figures of turtles and frogs. Her work, often signed as Juanita "Wo-Peen" or "Louis & Juanita", is a testament to her artistic prowess.

Born to Mercedes Archuleta, Juanita was the wife of Louis "Wo-Peen" Gonzales, and the sister-in-law of Romancita Gonzales and Rayita Gonzales. She was also the proud mother of Adelphia Gonzales Martinez and the doting grandmother of Peter Boomer Martinez, Ileen Martinez, Perry Martinez, and Jody Blue Flower Martinez.

Juanita Wo-peen Gonzales (1909-1988) honed her pottery-making skills under the tutelage of Rose Gonzales, the wife of Robert Gonzales, who was the brother of Juanita's husband, Louis. Rose imparted her knowledge of crafting carved blackware and redware to Juanita, and later to Juanita's daughter, Adelphia Martinez. Both Juanita and Rose showcased their work at three prominent shows: the Indian Market, the New Mexico State Fair, and the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts and Crafts Show.

In the early 1970s, Juanita furthered her education by attending the College of Santa Fe. She was an active participant in the Head Start and Home Enrichment programs and contributed significantly to initiatives for the elderly. Until the early 1980s, Juanita shared an Indian Market booth with her daughter, Adelphia Martinez, who holds her parents in high esteem.

Reference: Pueblo Indian Pottery: 750 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

TAGS: Taos Pueblo, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Louis "Wo-Peen" Gonzales, Rose Gonzales, Pueblo Pottery