Born on Jemez Pueblo and married into the Zia Pueblo, is the wife of Marcellus Medina. Elizabeth was inspired by, and taught to make pottery by her mother-in-law, Sophia Medina. Elizabeth strives to design with the same style and enthusiasm as her mother-in-law Sophia. She was granted permission by the Zia Pueblo Elders to make pottery in the Zia style and tradition early in her career. She has made Zia style pottery most of her adult life. She continues today as one of the most accomplished Zia potters, continuing with the traditional styles, shapes and methods. Elizabeth has won numerous awards for her pottery at events such as the Santa Fe Indian Market, the Colorado Indian Market at Denver among many others. Her work can be found in museums nationwide.
Elizabeth also works with her husband, Marcellus Medina. The husband-and-wife team often collaborate to create exquisite handmade pottery. In their pottery collaborations, Elizabeth creates and forms the pots by hand from homemade clay. Marcellus paints the unique, highly detailed designs onto each vessel. They are also known for creating the annual trophy for the New Mexico Gildan Bowl.
Elizabeth is one of five Pueblo potters who were commissioned by Shumakolowa Native Arts to create traditional Pueblo pottery in the form of a contemporary coffee mug. This "Starbucks-style" clay mug was honored at Avanyu Plaza upon its grand opening in 2015. The one-of-a-kind piece is on permanent display in the cafe for visitors to enjoy along with the other remarkable originals at Shumakolowa, located inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
