Clarence Cruz, a Tewa from Ohkay Owingeh and associate professor of ceramics at the University of New Mexico (UNM), will retire on January 1, 2026, after a 26-year teaching career. Cruz, who began his journey with the university in 1999, has been a prominent figure in the Art Department within the College of Fine Arts, where he was, for many years, the only Native American faculty member.
Cruz holds both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in Art Studio, as well as a minor in Museum Studies through the Maxwell Museum. He is recognized for his commitment to preserving and teaching traditional Native American pottery techniques. His approach includes guiding students on field trips to collect natural materials such as clay, sand, rocks, and other resources from Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands. These activities are designed to connect students with regional traditions and cultural heritage.
Cruz emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge, stating, “This is the gift I was given; it is this gift that I must share. What you know cannot go with you when you are gone. You must share it so it lives on.” He credits his elders for instilling this philosophy and values their teachings on the significance of passing down knowledge.
In his teaching, Cruz encourages students to respect the materials they use and to recognize them as living entities. He teaches students to seek permission from nature before gathering resources, instructing them to ask, “Will you allow me to gather and work with you to create?” His classes are open to all students and he encourages them to incorporate their own cultural backgrounds into their pottery work.
Cruz’s classroom is known for its supportive environment and interactive learning style. He sits with students, listens to them, and fosters an atmosphere where everyone learns from each other. His classes are highly sought after and fill up quickly each registration period.
Reflecting on his career, Cruz said his own pottery pieces are not about himself but about representing his people and heritage: “the materials already exist. You just need to learn how to work it and understand the makeup of clay, slips and pigments.” He expressed satisfaction with his time at UNM but looks forward to retirement, where he plans to focus on his own creative work, attend local art shows with his wife, and continue sharing his knowledge within the community.
