Pueblo Pottery Mugs

In January 2015 five Pueblo potters, Erik Fender (San Ildefonso), Elizabeth Medina (Zia), Frederica Antonio (Acoma), Patricia Lowden (Acoma), and Robin Teller (Isleta) were commissioned to commemorate the opening of the Starbucks at Avanyu Plaza, the first Native American-owned Starbucks, by each crafting a Starbucks-style clay mug to be exhibited in the store.

There was such a strong public reaction and desire for ownership that ceramic versions bearing the original designs were put into production by Shumakolowa Native Arts, with the Pueblo Pottery Mugs becoming an immediate hit.

The popularity of the mugs prompted the commission of a second series of Pueblo Pottery Mugs, this time with designs by Martha Romero (Nambé), Carlos Laate (Zuni), Denise Chavarria (Santa Clara), Helen Bird (Santo Domingo), and a collaboration from Lisa Holt (Cochiti) and Harlan Reano (Santo Domingo).

Series two debuted Christmas 2017 through early 2018, and insulated ceramic travel versions arrived soon after.

Series three launched in November 2018, featuring designs by Myron Sarracino (Laguna), Juanita C. Fragua (Jemez), Hubert Candelario (San Felipe), Natalie Sandia (Jemez), and Clarence Cruz (Ohkay Owingeh).

All of the participating artists receive royalties for each mug sold, with proceeds also supporting the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. The goal is to eventually have potters from each of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos produce a mug design representing their Pueblo.