With the 2026 Annual Meeting less than two weeks away, here's a big reason to attend - vote for and welcome Jessica Archibeque and Rachel Palley. Already advocates in the clay community, members now can thank them for stepping up for our statewide organization.
Looking forward to seeing you Saturday, February 21 at 11:30 at South Valley Multipurpose Senior Center. Please register here so we can make you a name tag. Directions a map will also be found at registration page.
Without further ado, let's hear from our two new candidates!
NMPCA Board Candidate Jessica Archibeque
What do you think you would like to contribute as a member of the board of NMPCA? I would love to help with events, workshops, philanthropy, and building the community.
What in your background makes you interested in NMPCA? My interest is in being part of the clay community and the devotion to add and enrich by sharing this interest.
What would you hope to gain personally by being a part of NMPCA board? I hope to gain the experience of working on a board and collaborating with other artists.
Jessica Archibeque is a sculptural ceramic artist and potter from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She studied ceramics and sculpture at the University of New Mexico, where she built a strong foundation in both handbuilding and wheel thrown work. Her practice is rooted in storytelling, craftsmanship, and curiosity about the natural world, often drawing inspiration from botanicals, insects, and organic forms. Jessica is also the owner of Cerámica, a community-centered pottery studio in Albuquerque, created as a welcoming space for creativity, connection, and continued learning.
NMPCA Board Candidate Rachel Palley
What do you think you would like to contribute as a member of the board of NMPCA? I would like to contribute my recruiting abilities to find more members. I have 10 years of recruiting experience across multiple industries.
What in your background makes you interested in NMPCA? I recently became the owner of New Mexico Clay and I think by joining the Board I can be an asset by connecting with other potters on a daily basis.
What would you hope to gain personally by being a part of NMPCA board? I would like to meet more members and build lasting relationships with potters in New Mexico. I would also like New Mexico Clay to become a place where members can meet or host workshops.
I grew up quite literally surrounded by clay. New Mexico Clay has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and is where I learned how to listen, how to problem-solve, and how creativity and hard work live side by side. It shaped not only my understanding of pottery, but my values as a person. Now that my dad is retired and I stepped into his role, it is not lost on me how important it is that New Mexico Clay not only continues on, but thrives, so that it can serve the community of artists that have supported the store all these years.
Prior to working at New Mexico Clay, I obtained my associates degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with a concentration in Cartography. It allowed my love for maps to blend with art, as mapmaking is a creative outlet not known to many. I also spent over a decade recruiting for multiple industries which allowed me to create meaningful relationships with people. I intend on using the skills I’ve perfected throughout my life to encourage more creatives to join the NMPCA.
I am where I’m meant to be, at New Mexico Clay, to continue making clay for everyone who is inspired to create.
