Lois Gutierrez Biography

Lois Gutierrez learned the art of pottery making from her mother, Petra Montoya Gutierrez, as did her sisters, Minnie Vigil, Thelma Talachy, and Gloria Garcia. Lois is one of the few Santa Clara potters who not only works with Santa Clara Clay but also uses different clay pigments to decorate her polychrome pottery. She is married to Derek de la Cruz, who works with Lois. He is instrumental in helping her find the clays she uses.

Lois makes beautifully shaped pottery and decorates them with pueblo scenes, animals, birds, Koshare clowns, butterflies, and deer hunters. Her collaborations with Derek are highly recognizable and in much demand because of the quality of the work and unique designs. They have won awards in juried shows, and her pottery resides in private collections and multiple museum collections.