Take advantage of this chance to get a great piece below original pricing! LARGE: 24 in x 12.75in

Jean Anaya Moya is a renowned santera (a maker of religious images) and straw appliqué artist based in Galisteo, New Mexico. She is celebrated for modernizing traditional Spanish Colonial art forms by integrating contemporary techniques and materials into her work.  

Artistic Career and Style

• Specialization: Moya is best known for her expertise in straw appliqué, a meticulous process often called "poor man's gold" because it creates shimmering patterns that mimic gold inlay.  

• Technique: She combines the traditional retablo (devotional painting on wood) and bulto (hand-carved sculpture) styles with straw and corn husk applications to create depth, perspective, and movement.

• Materials: While she uses traditional materials like soft pine, homemade gesso, and natural pigments, she also incorporates modern elements such as acrylic paints and commercial glues to enhance the longevity and vibrancy of her pieces.

Awards and Recognition

Moya's work has earned high-level recognition within the New Mexican and international art communities:  

• Governor’s Award: In 2014, she received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.

• Exhibitions: Her work has been featured in prestigious institutions such as the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of International Folk Art, and the International Folk Art Market.

• Spanish Market: She has been a consistent participant and award-winner at the Traditional Spanish Market in Santa Fe for over 25 years.