Mariana Veláquez, Ceramist. Born in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico in 1955. For 35 years she founded her ceramic workshop Mariana Veláquez located in Zoncuantla, Coatepec, Veracruz, where she creates her personal work, teaches young people and adults; organizes seminars for young people with disabilities and advises other plastic artists. Her works have been exhibited in different museums and cultural centers in Mexico, Croatia, Yugoslavia, Denmark, and Canada. She has presented her work in more than 25 collective exhibitions and 23 individual exhibitions.In 2014 she received the Premio Nacional de la Ceramica “Galardon Pantaleón Panduro » for her career, work and outstanding national contribution to enrich the ceramic cultural heritage of the country, in San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. In 2016 she was recognized with the Premio Nacional de la Ceramica, Sculpture category, in San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Jalisco.It is currently part of the National National System of Creators, a project of the National Fund for Culture and the Arts (FONCA) in Mexico.