Joe Calabaza

Joe R. Calabaza and his wife Valerie F. Calabaza are artists from Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo Pueblo). Joe was born and raised in Kewa Pueblo by his parents, Joseph F. and Mary Ann Calabaza, who taught him the craft of jewelry making. His great-grandfather, Patricio Calabaza, also played a key role in passing down these skills.

The Calabaza family is known for their exquisite heishe work, a bead-making technique using natural stones like turquoise and serpentine. Joe also specializes in inlay mosaic and silver/metal work. He has passed these skills on to his wife and children, fulfilling his great-grandfather’s dream of preserving this craft.

The family participates in art shows across the Southwest and nationwide, including SWAIA’s Santa Fe Indian Market, the Heard Museum Guild Arts and Craft Show, and the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. They also take pride in teaching their grandchildren the value of this tradition.