Peter Ortega St. Francis

Peter Ortega's internationally collected works have earned top awards at Santa Fe’s Spanish Market. Peter Ortega was born in Tesuque, New Mexico. His parents are the esteemed Santero Ben Ortega Sr. and Isabelle Ortega. He is of Spanish decent which is an important aspect of keeping the folk art tradition. Peter learned the ways of being a Santero from his late father over 45 years ago. Each piece of artwork starts with a piece of wood which he then becomes inspired to turn it into a masterpiece. Peter is proudly carrying on the Ortega family legacy of creating magnificent works of art that will last for generations to come. Santos are sacred art, and traditionally it was passed down in families. Carvers of saints know they are doing important work, and the historical context of religious art in New Mexico was that most towns were isolated, and without priests, so personal altars at home with specific patron saints would become the focus of each house. Carvers of Saints earn the the tit