Maria Martinez (Poveka) was born in 1887 in the San Ildefonso Pueblo of New Mexico. Through dedicated work and generous sharing of her techniques, Maria reintroduced the art of pottery making to her people, preventing the knowledge from becoming extinct.  In the process, she, along with her husband and collaborator Julian, a world famous potter, have produced works that are greatly sought after today. She was asked to demonstrate both her traditional and new techniques at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, the 1914 Panama Exposition in San Diego and the 1934 Chicago World's Fair. She also raised a family and carried out the traditional duties of the pueblo. Today, her family members carry on the craft tradition restored by Maria. (Tile dedicated by a friend, Paula Hawthorn)