Clarence Cruz pottery making demonstration 8.15.2020

Join us for an interview and live Native American pottery making demonstration with Clarence Cruz of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. Clarence was part of the ceramics faculty at the University of New Mexico for more than 20 years. His effort to resurrect the making of utilitarian pottery using the natural micaceous clay of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo has produced some incredible pieces. Unlike virtually all other Native American pottery being made today, Clarence says "Cook your beans and stews in these pots." And he's right, there's nothing quite like the flavor imparted by the pot itself. So join us and learn how he makes his utilitarian pottery. Clarence also makes traditional San Juan (Poshu'wi) pottery but it's usually purchased and spirited away directly from his fire pit. Clarence shows his clay and coils a pot. He shows his tools and talks about the micaceous clay he works with. He and Andrea discuss why he's working to resurrect the ancient form. Questions were pouring in during the live interview and he and Andrea answer them all.