
Photo by Mitchell Hanna.
Virgil Ortiz is a pioneer who blends exquisitely made ceramic forms that evoke his Cochiti heritage with inspired decorative surfaces and narrative scenes. The artist employs expressionistic brushwork, gestural line, and bold geometric pattern to create objects of stunning energy and intrigue that combine social commentary with soulful gravity. He maintains a studio and gallery in Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico.
Donor -This award was generously supported by the Target Corporation.
This artist page was last updated on: 01.20.2025

Jar with Pueblo Design by Virgil Ortiz, 2006. Native clay, wild spinach, and native clay slip.
Photo by Bill Faust.