Elizabeth Medina
Zia Pottery
Elizabeth Medina is widely considered the most skilled potter working in Zia Pueblo today. Originally from Jemez, Medina has lived in Zia Pueblo since 1978 and learned the art of traditional pottery-making from her mother-in-law, Sofia Medina. Elizabeth Medina is known for making pottery in the traditional Zia style, and her pots feature incredible craftsmanship, elegance of form and exquisitely painted designs. She has won awards from Santa Fe Indian Market, Eight Northern Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show, the New Mexico State Fair and the Colorado Indian Market.
She also works with her husband, Marcellus Medina. The husband-and-wife team often collaborate to create exquisite handmade pottery. In their pottery collaborations, Elizabeth creates and forms the pots by hand from homemade clay, and Marcellus paints the unique, highly detailed designs onto each vessel. They are also known for creating the annual trophy for the New Mexico Gildan Bowl.
Medina is one of five Pueblo potters who were commissioned by Shumakolowa Native Arts to create traditional Pueblo pottery in the form of a contemporary coffee mug. The one-of-a-kind piece is on permanent display with the other remarkable originals at Shumakolowa, located inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
