First person: Passion for art

Ramona Beltran is known as the ceramics lady at the Friendship Senior Center. Beltran pours, fires and paints ceramic figurines that the center sells to raise money.

The passion: I’ve done the ceramics here for 22 years. I like everything about it. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here. It’s relaxing and good therapy for me. I have a bad back so I can work while I sit.

In her blood: My favorite things to paint are sculptures of Indians. I just like it. I guess it’s the Indian blood in me.

Clovis time: I’ve lived here for about 30 years. I moved here from California to be closer to my family. But I lost the last one recently, so I’m thinking about going away from here.

Albuquerque or bust: My children live near Albuquerque and they’re pulling me over there. I like to live in a small town better than a big city. The people are more friendly. Like here in Clovis, everyone is so friendly.

Lady of luck: I like to gamble. I go to the casinos in Albuquerque all the time with my husband. I like the slot machines. Gambling is good therapy for everyone. You forget everything around you and focus on what you’re doing.

People person: I like people. People here make my job worth while. I meet a lot of different people from different places at the casinos.

Back in the day: I used to cook, sew and everything else a housewife is suppose to do. But I can’t stand too long because of my back. My husband is the cook now. He’s good at it.

— Compiled by CNJ staff writer Liliana Castillo