A native of New York State, Mary Jo Madrid is a
santera who now lives in Cañon Plaza, Rio Arriba County, with her husband Jimmy and son Nicolás. All the Madrids are accomplished santeros, showing at Spanish Market in Santa Fe in recent years.
As part of her art training Mary Jo studied Russian icon painting in addition to other forms and is known for her distinctive retablos style. She makes her own gesso and piñon sap varnishes, as has been the tradition in New Mexico …
A native of New York State, Mary Jo Madrid is a
santera who now lives in Cañon Plaza, Rio Arriba County, with her husband Jimmy and son Nicolás. All the Madrids are accomplished santeros, showing at Spanish Market in Santa Fe in recent years.
As part of her art training Mary Jo studied Russian icon painting in addition to other forms and is known for her distinctive retablos style. She makes her own gesso and piñon sap varnishes, as has been the tradition in New Mexico for centuries; the art of making santos is a way of life for her entire family.
