Name of Person: Donna Lea

Donna Lea is not known as the "Potholder Queen" for nothing. Visitors and locals alike look for her distinctive fabric stylings in many Jemez Valley businesses who always stock her wares.

Donna Lea has lived in Jemez Springs for over 20 years. She has many fans who keep coming back for her potholders, tortilla warmers, relaxing eye pillows, vests and pillows. She mostly sells them through the Jemez Artisans Gallery in Jemez Springs, where she is a member artist. They are also available through many local businesses: Walatowa Visitor Center, Jemez Springs Bath House, Laughing Lizard Cafe, Ridgeback Cafe, Amanda's Country Store, and the Fuller Lodge Art Center in Los Alamos.

Donna Lea makes many fabric products, from her famous potholders to full-blown quilts. She also makes tortillas warmers, pillows, soothing eye pillows, potato bakers, and even catnip pillows for her feline customers.

She has always been involved in many aspects of Jemez life, with many friends and business colleagues throughout the area. She has worked many jobs while carrying on her craft business; in education, village government, the library, the Laughing Lizard cafe, and in the collective Jemez Artisans Gallery, among others.