Joe Herrera, born 1923 into a rich art inheritance through his father’s pueblo of Cochiti and his mother’s pueblo of San Ildefonso, was painting before he entered the Indian School in Santa Fe. His mother, Tonita Pena (Quah Ah) gave him thorough training in art techniques.

According to Tanner, “Herrera developed three outstanding traits which are reflected in his work—one in which there is a perfectly delineated single dance figure, the second a dance group, and third an abstract style utilizing native designs. In his execution of the group and single dance figures, there is no competitor for perfection. Often he has used a colored paper to complement the tones in which his subjects are painted. He further enhances the excellent color contrasts by doing very fine work.”