History and My Experiences
Jill recently had the opportunity to travel to Mata Ortiz Mexico on a pottery adventure.
Mata Ortiz is a little village in Chihuahua that has created a unique style of pottery since
1950. On kitchen tables and in their tiny backyards, entire families work together to create
beautiful pieces of pottery. She and her group were able to work right along side the
Gallegos family making, decorating, and firing their own Mata Ortiz style pots.
Great pottery is for sale everywhere you turn. Jill and her group were led by Max Loya, a
Chihuahua native now residing with his family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They stayed at a
wonderful little hotel called the Adobe Inn which was run by Jorge Qintana, a top notch
potter himself. The modest accommodations were very clean and included home cooked
Mexican meals in a nicely appointed dining room. They sat together and talked each
evening about the events that had taken place that day around the fireplace recreation area.
The trip included visits to local historical sites including Paquemé, where the pottery
tradition began, and Hasienda San Diego. The larger town of Casas Grandes sells the
snakeskin boots that Chihuahua is famous for.
They plan to continue these trips led by Max Loya and have several planned for the near
future. (check below the pictures on this page to view upcoming trip dates and other trip
information.)

Pictures from Jill’s Latest Visit

Trip Details/Costs
The trip lasts from Friday through Wednesday. The group will fly to El Paso Texas, then are picked up by a transit company and driven 3 and a half hours to Mata Ortiz. The trip costs
$1,200 per person and includes everything except a few meals on travel days and the
beautiful pottery that you will want to take home with you. Jorge Qintana will arrange
shipment of larger pieces for a nominal cost. If you or your group would like to join Jill and
Max for a trip, or simply have some questions or comments about the trip just contact Jill
through this website and she will get back to you shortly. If you have a group of your own
you may contact Jill, by email at jill@antiochpottery.com.

Our Next Trip is May 25 – May 30, 2007! (While Mata Ortiz hosts the 2007 National Ceramic Competition)

Mata Ortiz Website Links
www.mataortiz.com