(Cruzita Calabaza) 1923 - 1999

Blue Corn was born in San Ildefonso Pueblo in 1923. She was named “Blue Corn” by Maria Martinez’s sister. She became famous for reviving San Illdefonso polychrome. This style of pottery had become a lost product after blackware of Maria Martinez came into demand in the 1920’s.

Although Blue Corn’s grandmother wanted her to quit school to become a potter, Blue Corn did not start making pottery until the 1950’s. At the age of 20, Blue Corn married Santiago “Sandy” Calabaza, and they settled in San Illdefonso, where they raised ten children.

In the late 1960’s, Blue Corn established herself as the leading potter in fine whiteware polychrome in San Illdefonso. Her husband, Sandy Calabaza, quit his job to help Blue Corn in carving, painting and designing her pots. They became well known for the cloud and feather patterns.

Her pottery can be found in the Smithsonian Institute, as well as other major museums in America and Europe. In 1981, she was given the New Mexico Governors Award, the greatest recognition of artistic achievement in New Mexico. In 2008, she was honored posthumously with the “2008 Lifetime Achievement Award” by SWIA.