Tony Atencio Explained

Tony Atencio
Native Name:Su Ta
Birth Name:Antonio Atencio
Birth Date:28 January 1928
Nationality:American, San Ildefonso Pueblo
Alma Mater:Santa Fe Indian School
Occupation:painter
Mother:Isabel M. Montoya
Relatives:Gilbert Benjamin Atencio (brother),
Pat Atencio (brother)

Tony Atencio, also called Su Ta (English: "Painted Arrow"; January 24, 1928 – October 23, 1995), was a San Ildefonso Pueblo painter. He studied at the Santa Fe Indian School and exhibited his work across the country.[1] He is known for his paintings of animals.[2]

Atencio was the son of Benjamin Atencio and painter Isabel M. Montoya, who was a cousin of Maria Martinez.[3] His brothers Gilbert Benjamin Atencio and Pat Atencio were also artists, as were his sisters Helen Gutierrez and Angelita Sanchez.

Atencio spent fifteen years in the United States Navy. He died on October 23, 1995. Some of his works have been in the permanent collection of institutions including the Museum of New Mexico and the National Museum of the American Indian.[4]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: King, Jeanne Snodgrass. American Indian painters; a biographical directory. 1968. New York : Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation. Smithsonian Libraries.
  2. Web site: TONY ATENCIO San Ildefonso New Mexico original painting Deer and Birds #336419491. 2021-08-03. Worthpoint. en.
  3. Book: Spivey, Richard L.. The legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez. 2003. Santa Fe, N.M. : Museum of New Mexico Press. Internet Archive. 978-0-89013-419-1.
  4. Web site: Deer National Museum of the American Indian. 2021-08-03. americanindian.si.edu.