Julio Mora Sandoval was born in December, 1971. His wife, Alma Soto Villa, was born in July, 1974. They've raised 3 children together and now have at least 4 grandchildren. Julio and Alma have been able to do this only because Julio started learning to make pottery from his brother-in-law, Armando Rodriguez, back when he was a teenager. After so many years of practice he has mastered his technique.

Julio has shown his pottery at the annual Mata Ortiz Concurso and at juried exhibitions in both Phoenix and Tucson, earning awards at all three. His favorite shape to make is the miniature seed pot, although he does make a few jars and Mimbres-style figures every year, too. He told us he gets his inspiration from walking through the ruins of Paquimé, from the potsherds he's found there with so many Mimbres-style designs on them and the multitude of shapes represented.

One thing both Julio and Alma emphasized when we were all talking: Visitors are always welcome in Mata Ortiz and both Julio and Alma would love to demonstrate how they make their own pottery and then show visitors around town.