Toya, Anita

Anita Toya was born to Mary Toya and Casimiro Toya of Jemez Pueblo in August 1960. Her mother was an accomplished potter who taught Anita and her siblings the basics of the traditional art as they were growing up. After her son was born, Anita found making pottery a good way to be home while her own kids were growing up.

Anita says she prefers to make nativities, Christmas ornaments, storytellers and different figures. She has participated in the Santa Fe Indian Market and in the Dallas (TX) Indian Market and earned awards at both for her miniatures, nativities and storytellers.

When we asked Anita where she gets her inspiration she answered, “Mom and my grandmother (Carrie Loretto of Laguna Pueblo – Carrie married into Jemez and moved there).” Then she told us she’s a grandmother of six herself, although no one believes her until she pulls out her photos and starts handing them around. The proud grandmother tells us about each child and how she loves to spoil them.

Anita told us she is also employed in the health care field, working with people with diabetes. She also loves to run and dance.