ABOUT

Here, at the Poeh, old rhythms of life and ways of making beauty are still vital. People bring beauty to the world on a pathway of being, doing, and sharing called the Poeh. In the Tewa Pueblo language, Poeh translates to “path,” and the Poeh Cultural Center embodies that pathway, the essence of what it means to be a Tewa person – to be Pueblo.
Like all Tewa Pueblos of northern New Mexico, the Pueblo of Pojoaque or its traditional Po’su wae geh name, which translates to “water gathering place,” was systematically stripped of its culture and traditions by European contact in the 16th century. The Pueblo of Pojoaque is revitalizing and sustaining its cultural traditions in part through the efforts of the Poeh. In 1988, the Pueblo of Pojoaque established the Poeh Cultural Center as the first permanent tribally owned and operated mechanism for cultural preservation and revitalization within the Pueblo communities of the northern Rio Grande Valley. The Poeh has since become a resource for Pueblo people to learn the arts and culture of their ancestors. The facility resembles a traditional Pueblo village with its adjacent art studio buildings and outdoor gathering areas. The Center emphasizes the arts and cultures of all Pueblo People, focusing on the Tewa-speaking Pueblos of Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, San Juan, Santa Clara, Tesuque, and Nambe.

Here, at the Poeh, old rhythms of life and ways of making beauty are still vital. People bring beauty to the world on a pathway of being, doing, and sharing called the Poeh. In the Tewa Pueblo language, Poeh translates to “path,” and the Poeh Cultural Center embodies that pathway, the essence of what it means to be a Tewa person – to be Pueblo.
Like all Tewa Pueblos of northern New Mexico, the Pueblo of Pojoaque or its traditional Po’su wae geh name, which translates to “water gathering place,” was systematically stripped of its culture and traditions by European contact in the 16th century. The Pueblo of Pojoaque is revitalizing and sustaining its cultural traditions in part through the efforts of the Poeh. In 1988, the Pueblo of Pojoaque established the Poeh Cultural Center as the first permanent tribally owned and operated mechanism for cultural preservation and revitalization within the Pueblo communities of the northern Rio Grande Valley. The Poeh has since become a resource for Pueblo people to learn the arts and culture of their ancestors. The facility resembles a traditional Pueblo village with its adjacent art studio buildings and outdoor gathering areas. The Center emphasizes the arts and cultures of all Pueblo People, focusing on the Tewa-speaking Pueblos of Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, San Juan, Santa Clara, Tesuque, and Nambe.

The Poeh is guided by planning sessions with the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Council, elected Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Officials, Poeh Advisory Committee, Poeh staff, students, faculty, and local community members. After twenty-five years, the Poeh conducted strategic planning, and the outcome has initiated an even greater emphasis on Tewa cultural values. A new vision statement, mission statement, mission objectives, and strategic themes guide the center in becoming a more significant asset to the community by uniquely promoting Tewa values in its organizational principles.

Our Path

OUR VISION STATEMENT

Making life beautiful by bringing harmony into our lives.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

A gathering place for the respectful sustaining of Tewa traditions through being, doing and sharing.

OUR MISSION OBJECTIVES

Being – Acknowledging the respectful awareness of the place, people and circumstances is necessary to being in harmony. Being is the process, the manner in which anything is done.

Tribal Historic Preservation Office
Tribal Archives & Library
Staff Development

Doing – Teaching that life and creativity are inseparable. Doing is part of the life path, the creating and expressing of one’s soul is essential to harmony within one’s social context.

Arts Program
Community Outreach

Sharing – Living people find meaning in relationships between themselves and others. Reciprocal love and caring are important, as each person becomes a part of the whole.

Exhibitions
Collections
Visitors Center

Our Advisory Committee

Elizabeth Duran – Pueblo of Pojoaque

Erik Fender – San Ildefonso Pueblo

John Garcia – Santa Clara Pueblo

Bea Duran – Tesuque Pueblo

Clarence Cruz – Ohkay Owingeh

Lonnie Vigil – Nambe Pueblo

  • 1987

    Northern Pueblos Arts Council

    The Arts Council, an existing council established in 1987 with a Governor-approved representative from each Pueblo, provides community representation and wisdom on the cultural projects needed. Priorities for the Poeh Center are set with guidance from the Council.

  • 1988

    Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Council Resolution

    By Tribal Council resolution, the Poeh Cultural Center was established along with land use allocation designated in an 1988 plan, allows commercial development suitable for the cultural center expansion.

    1988

  • 1991

    Original Poeh Museum Opens

    The Poeh Center museum opened in October of 1991 within the old Tourist Information Center.

  • 1996

    PHASE I: Tower & Poeh Arts Studios Completed

    In the spring of 1996, Poeh Arts moved into Phase I of its three-acre Poeh Center complex, a new 7,560 square foot classroom/studio space build with traditional adobe methods and a four story sun tower. Houses the Poeh Art’s pottery, jewelry and sculpture studios.

    1996

  • 1999

    Phase II: Center’s Administrative Building Completed

    In late 1999, Pueblo of Pojoaque Construction Services Corporation completed construction of Phase II, an 18,966 square foot structure. First floor will house the Museum with second floor complete for offices.

  • 2002

    Poeh Museum Opens

    A 10,000 square foot Poeh Museum opened in fall 2002.

    2002

  • 2005

    Museum Collection Unveiled

    The Permanent Collection was unveiled on August 14, 2005.