Denise Chavarria

Born in 1959, Denise Chavarria began learning the traditional art of pottery-making at the age of 16, studying under her mother, Stella Chavarria, and her grandmother, Teresita Naranjo. Denise is part of a distinguished family of potters, with her great-grandmother Christina Naranjo and great-great-grandmother Serafina Tafoya also renowned for their pottery skills.

Since the early 1990s, Denise has showcased her work at prestigious events such as the Santa Fe Indian Market, the Eight Northern Pueblos Arts and Crafts Show, and the New Mexico State Fair, where she has earned numerous awards. Along with her sister, Loretta “Sunday” Chavarria, Denise continues to create pottery using the traditional designs passed down through generations from their mother and grandmother.