Santa Cruz de las Huertas is a suburb of Tonala in the Mexican state of Jalisco.  It is a major pottery making areas in Mexico, home to the renowned Medrano family as well as the Ortegas, whose artistry spans four generations.  Painted roosters are a very common subject for the Ortegas whose pieces are brightly colored and whimsical.  Other popular themes include trees of life and animals both real and imagined.  Before the ceramics are fired, the clay is black.  The pieces are dried outside in o prevent them from exploding when fired, which is done at very low temperatures.  Before firing, each piece is rubbed with oil which gives it a glossy finish.