MARCH 12, 1992

ACOMA PUEBLO POTTER LUCY M. LEWIS DIED

Born circa 1890 in Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico (NM) Territory, Lucy, who celebrated her birthday on November 2, is deemed the matriarch of Acoma Pueblo potters. Lewis learned to make pottery at age 7 by watching her great aunt and drew design inspiration from the ancient Black-on-White potsherds of the Anasazi & the Mogollon, but she also worked in polychrome. Specializing in small pots, Lucy mostly used line designs, but also included animals, flowers, rainbows, stars, and lightning patterns. Beginning her career in the 1920s, Lewis was known by the 1940s and, by 1950, was signing her pots, entering in competitions, and winning blue ribbons & certificates. Awards/honors: NM Governor’s & Northwood Institute’s Woman of Achievement Awards (both in 1983); and American Craft Council & College Art Association Gold Medals (both in 1992). In 1977, Lucy was invited to the White House. Her work is part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution. Lewis died in Acoma Pueblo.

Sources:

Myrna Oliver, “Lucy Lewis; Acclaimed American Indian Potter,” Los Angeles Times, 3/28/1992.  Retrieved 10/30/2022, Lucy Lewis; Acclaimed American Indian Potter - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)

Julie Ann Schrader, “The Morgan Collection Of Southwest Pottery Website Research And Photography,” Spring 2005 Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas (Master of Arts Degree Project).  Retrieved 10/30/2022, Microsoft Word - Julie A Schrader 4-22-05.doc (wichita.edu) Microsoft Word - Julie A Schrader 4-22-05.doc (wichita.edu)

Wikipedia

Photo:  Larry Armstrong, 12/8/1984 [Cropped].  Permissive Use pursuant to Creative Commons license.  Source: Writer and potter Susan Peterson with American Indian potter Lucy Lewis displaying Lewis' work in Los Angeles, Calif., 1984 - UCLA Library Digital Collections.