Padilla, Andy and Maria

Andy Padilla grew up at Santa Clara Pueblo learning how to make pottery by watching and helping his mother, Reycita Padilla, make pottery. After high school he married Gladys Paquin and they shortly moved to California for work. Two boys and a few years later they divorced and he returned to Santa Clara Pueblo.

Shortly after his return Andy met and married Maria. They soon became full time potters. His sons, Andrew Padilla and Danny Padilla, often spent their summer school breaks at Santa Clara. That’s when they both learned how to make pottery.

Andy and Maria were exhibitors at Santa Fe Indian Market for years, beginning around 1985. In the mid-1990s they started showing at the Eight Northern Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show.

Andy and Maria mostly made sgraffito and carved blackware and redware, jars, bowls and wedding vases.