Evelyn Cheromiah

Evelyn Cheromiah (1932–2021) is remembered as a true visionary and the vital matriarch of the modern Laguna Pueblo pottery revival. By the mid-20th century, the demanding, traditional art of pottery-making at Laguna had almost entirely faded, with only a few elders remembering the “old ways.” In the 1970s, fueled by a deep dedication to her heritage and supported by a federal grant, Cheromiah took it upon herself to resurrect the craft. She spent years meticulously studying ancient Laguna potsherds, identifying traditional clay sources, and relearning the ancestral techniques of coiling, natural pigment painting, and outdoor firing.

Through her relentless dedication, Cheromiah not only mastered the classic Laguna style—distinguished by its stark white slips and bold, geometric polychrome designs—but also began teaching classes to her community. She passed her immense knowledge down to a new generation, including her talented daughters (such as Lee Ann Cheromiah) and grandchildren. Today, Evelyn Cheromiah’s authentic, hand-coiled works are highly prized by museums and serious collectors, standing as enduring testaments to her skill, resilience, and profound cultural legacy.