22-1017 San Ildefonso Pueblo Pottery: Juanita Wo-peen Gonzales (1909-1988)
ca 1960
Size: 7 1/8" x 8"
From a Private Colorado Collection
Juanita Wo-peen Gonzales, San Ildefonso Pueblo Artist
Taos Pueblo artist Juanita Gonzales married into San Ildefonso Pueblo. Active 1930-1982 making carved, black-on-black and redware jars, bowls, plates, polished blackware wedding vases, carved canteens, figures: turtles and frogs. signed her work Juanita "Wo-Peen" some signed "Louis & Juanita". Juanita Gonzales is daughter of Mercedes Archuleta; wife of Louis "Wo-Peen" Gonzales; sister-in-law of Romancita Gonzales and Rayita Gonzales; mother of Adelphia Gonzales Martinez; grandmother of Peter Boomer Martinez, Ileen Martinez, Perry Martinez, Jody blue Flower Martinez.
Juanita Wo-peen Gonzales (1909-1988) learned pottery making from Rose Gonzales, the wife of Robert Gonzales, brother of Juanita's husband Louis. Rose taught Juanita how to make carved blackware and redware. Rose later helped teach Juanita's daughter, Adelphia Martinez. Juanita and Rose both attended three shows, Indian Market, the New Mexico State Fair and Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts and Crafts Show.
Early in the 1970s, Juanita went be to school, attending the College of Santa Fe. Juanita was active in Head Start, Home Enrichment and programs for the elderly. Until the early 1980s Juanita shared an Indian Market booth with her daughter, Adelphia Martinez, who speaks so highly of her mother and father.