Biographies

Introduction text....Meet some of the people at Tierra Wools

Olivia Valdez

My name is Olivia Valdez. I have been married to George Valdez for 42 years, and have lived in Ensenada, New Mexico all this time where we raised three wonderful children.

In mid-August of 2002, I began working for Tierra Wools as a part time shopkeeper. Shortly after, in November, I took a beginners weaving class. I had wanted to do this for a long time. I’ve enjoyed working and weaving for Tierra Wools, very much. I hope that one day I’ll be as good as all the weavers here at Tierra Wools.

Dona del Castillo

My name is Dona del Castillo. I am a native New Mexican, raised in Santa Fe. I am a graduate of NMSU and completed my graduate studies in Ancient Greek Philosophy at UNM. I was married for 35 years and raised four wonderful children.

Now that I have four grandchildren, I have become a traveler, but my heart remains at home in New Mexico. Weaving is a traditional art form of New Mexico and I feel honored and blessed to be a part of that tradition.

Rita Barton

My husband, Ian, and I moved to this beautiful valley in 2002. We have found a very rewarding life here.

Since entering Tierra Wools' apprenticeship program, I have received training in weaving, tapestry, spinning and natural dyes from patient teachers. I am grateful for the opportunity to work amongst these talented artists continuing the Rio Grande cultural tradition, and to have found such richly satisfying work. My experiences here have given me the confidence to explore other traditional handwork.

Mary Velasquez

My name is Mary Velasquez.

I live in Canoñes with my husband Elmer and two children. My sister-in-law first showed me how to weave. I wove for a Chimayo shop, but I didn't really learn about weaving until I took the beginning weaving class at Tierra Wools. I was excited to be a part of this organization. In 1990, I started weaving for Tierra Wools. I am a home weaver and I really enjoy it. It allows me to care for my kids, although it would be fun to weave with all the great people at the shop.

Angie Serrano

I am a life long resident of Los Ojos. I consider myself fortunate that I am able to live here while making a living doing work I enjoy. As a founding member of Tierra Wools, I remember where we started and can be proud of what team effort can accomplish. Rosendo, my husband and I, have 4 children: Rosendo Jr., Yolanda, Monica, and Anna, all grown now. I became interested in weaving when our children started school, as a hobby. When Tierra Wools opened its doors, it came to mean much more to me. The learning experience has been invaluable

Pauline Moya

I live in Los Ojos. I have worked for Tierra Wools since 1995. I started as a finisher and as I saw all the beautiful rugs and blankets coming in, I realized I would like to learn to weave.

I have finished my apprenticeship and have also taken the tapestry weaving class. In the future I hope to continue improving my weaving skills.

Lupe Valdez

I was born and raised here in Los Ojos. I moved away when I got married, and stayed home to raise 5 children. I have one beautiful grand baby, Ryan. My husband and I moved back to Los Ojos in 1996. I enjoy gardening, appliqué and quilting.

After I was hired to be the finisher at Tierra Wools, I decided to apply for the beginning weaving class. Finishing the beautiful rugs and blankets wasn't enough. I felt a need to learn to weave. Now I am a weaver as well as the finisher. I enjoy it very much.

Kaye Raymond

Four years ago, I retired from a Public Health position in the State of Washington. My dream at that time was to move to a small village in Northern New Mexico and to become a weaver of wools. That dream has come true for me here at Tierra Wools.

Nancy Sullivan

Born and raised in South Louisiana, I remember being very interested in the palmettos and thinking that they would be useful for-braiding, baskets, etc. I remember my school bus passing by a small farm with sheep and thinking of the wool and how it could be used; seeing the cotton in the fields and wanting to get my hands on the cotton bowls to see what I could do with them. Following my Mother's tradition of knitting, I was very excited to receive my first pair of knitting needles and a whole skein of yarn of my very own at Christmas at about age 7.

Erika Velasquez

My name is Erika Velasquez.
! am 19 years old and a sophomore in college at UNM-LA. Thanks to Tierra Wools weaving instructors who taught me so much about weaving. I have woven under their instruction since I was 10 years old. I will always treasure it wherever I end up. Hopefully I will be back here when I am retired. I hope you enjoy my weavings because I hardly get the time to weave anymore.