Tena, Melissa

Melissa Tena is the daughter of Gerardo Tena and Norma Hernandez de Tena of the village of Mata Ortiz in northern Mexico. She’s been exposed to every aspect of the pottery making process since she was an infant.

Today she makes polychrome jars and vases, decorating them with sgraffito and painted nature and wildlife designs, often with bands of geometric designs above and/or below the main design. She also often collaborates with Nolberto Quintana.

Mariela Tena is her sister.