José Rey Toledo (1915-1994) was a renowned documentary artist from Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico. His Towa name, Sho-bah’-won-hon, means Morning Star. Known for his incredible attention to detail and knowledge of traditional attire, José Rey painted from memory to record the events and dances he witnessed.
As a young adolescent, José Rey attended the Albuquerque Indian School and demonstrated his natural ability for drawing and documentation. He earned his BA and MA from the University of New Mexico and was employed as an administrator of the Indian Health program by the Department of Health. He later received a master’s degree in public health from the University of California at Berkeley.
José Rey Toledo married his high school sweetheart, Amelita Toya, and together they raised eight children on tribal lands in New Mexico and the Dakotas. Once retired, José Rey focused on his painting, and Amelita excelled as a traditional potter.
Through the medium of watercolor, José Rey Toledo’s paintings incorporate realism with the traditional and historical aspects of the American Indian culture. He won First Place at Philbrook in 1947, and several museums hold his intricate work in their collections. José Rey’s artistic talents extended into acting, storytelling, and singing.
Native Daughters Native Spirit 