Poleahla, Bernadette

Bernadette Poleahla-Crook is a Hopi potter from the village of Sichomovi on First Mesa. She is known for her distinct contemporary designs that were inspired by designs found on ancient potsherds. Bernadette is the granddaughter of Frieda Poleahla (1919-1994), another a well-known potter from Sichomovi. Bernadette is also a well-known quilter.

In 2009 Bernadette was one of the nine potters to whom Vernon Kahe gave a turtle figure and told to decorate any way she chose. This was part of a project named “Yongosona” (which means “turtle”), the signature art piece of the 2009 Hopi Education Endowment Fund auction. Other potters who participated in the project were Rainy Naha, Jacob Koopee, Delmar Polacca, Fawn Navasie, Valerie Kahe, Garrett Maho, Larson Goldtooth and Hisi Nampeyo.