Cliff Fragua

I am Cliff Fragua, a sculptor and stone carver from Jemez Pueblo, born in 1955. After studying at the Institute of American Indian Arts and the San Francisco Art Institute, I established my studio in Jemez Pueblo. Over more than forty years, I have created stone sculptures and fetishes that reflect Pueblo traditions and spirituality. I freely teach my carving techniques to pass on cultural knowledge. In 1990, I helped found the Jemez Arts and Crafts Association to support local artists. Through my art, mentorship, and community service, I work to preserve our cultural practices and traditions. I received the First Peoples Fund Community Spirit Award in 2017 for my commitment to Indigenous arts.