Toya, Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen Toya was born into Jemez Pueblo in March 1955. Her parents were Mary E. and Casimiro Toya Sr. Among her siblings were Judy Toya, Melinda Toya Fragua, Casimiro Toya Jr., Yolanda Toya, Anita Toya and Henrietta Toya Gachupin. They all learned how to make pottery the traditional way: by watching and working with their mother as they grew up.

Mary Ellen primarily makes traditional polychrome jars and bowls, and contemporary Jemez storytellers and nativities. She’s earned numerous awards for her storytellers and nativities at the Santa Fe Indian Market.