Mata Ortiz Pottery Demonstrations At Kartchner Caverns State Park

The last of Mata Ortiz Pottery demonstrations will be held at Kartchner Caverns State Park on Jan. 28. Demonstrations will take place at 11am and 1p.m. in the park theater on the event days. Learn more about Mata Ortiz pottery and see examples during the demonstrations.

In a remote river valley on the plains of Northern Mexico, a remarkable ceramic arts revival is taking place. In the village of Mata Ortiz, master potter Juan Quezada, inspired by ancient potsherds, is leading a renaissance of the region's native art tradition. The contemporary work parallels the art of indigenous ceramists to the north — Hopi, Zuni, Acoma Indians and others — and has come to be known as Mata Ortiz Pottery.

The Park Entrance Fee is $6 per vehicle (up to four adults). The Park Entrance Fee is waived with a reservation to one or both of the cave tours. Make your cave tour reservation online at AZStateParks.com or by calling (520) 586-2283 seven days a week from 8am to 5pm MST.

Rotunda/Throne Room Tours are available for $22.95 for ages 14 and up and $12.95 for those aged 7 to 13 (children 6 and younger are free). The Big Room Tours are available for $22.95 for ages 14 and up and $12.95 for those aged 7 to 13 (children younger than 7 are not permitted into the Big Room). Walk-up tickets may not be available. It is recommended to make a tour reservation.

To make same-day cave tour reservations (based on availability) please call (520) 586-2283. Visitors should arrive at least one hour prior to the scheduled tour time. Late arrival may result in the forfeiture of the reserved tour time.

The Park offers a large, modern campground adjacent to the Whetstone Mountains with views of the entire San Pedro Valley. Electric camping sites with water are available at a fee of $25. Kartchner Caverns State Park is located on Highway 90, nine miles South of I-10 near Benson, Arizona.