"Kokopelli The Flute Player" Pot by Marlene Tenorio Santa Ana Pueblo

Marlene Tenorio-Vallo in Santa Ana Pueblo in 1963. She was inspired to craft pottery by her husband, Nathan Vallo. He taught her how to paint and etch her pottery. She has been etching intricate designs on pottery since 1988. The lucrative aspect of the business was also a great inspiration for Marlene to continue a long lived family tradition.

Marlene specializes in the Acoma styled etched ceramic pottery, featuring Kokopelli (god of fertility), geometric designs, animals, dancers, and mimbres designs. She thoroughly enjoys using her imagination on her pottery. Marlene has said she is inspired by Mother Nature and the circle of life. Marlene was quoted as saying: “The beauty of nature fills her heart and mind, then the thoughts becomes reality on my pottery.” Marlene signs her pottery as: M. Tenorio- Kokopelli The “Flute” Player, Santa Ana, NM.

Marlene is related to the late Ruth M. Tenorio (mother) and Lena Garcia.