Sanchez, Angelita Atencio

Angelita Atencio Sanchez (1927-1993) of San Ildefonso Pueblo was the daughter of Benjamin and Isabel Atencio. The painter Gilbert Atencio and the potter Helen Gutierrez were among her siblings. Maria Martinez was her aunt. Angelita grew up surrounded by some of the finest potters and painters in the history of San Ildefonso Pueblo. You know she had her hands in clay early in life. She also became an excellent painter, primarily making black-on-black jars and bowls and decorating them with the avanyu, bear paws, bat wings, feathers and traditional geometric designs.