[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 171 (Tuesday, October 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CONGRATULATING DENISE CHAVARRIA

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2018

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to congratulate Denise Chavarria of Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico 
for her role in the Pueblo Pottery Mug project and her success as a 
Native artist.
  The Pueblo Pottery Mug project started as a collaboration between 
five Pueblo artists and the first Pueblo-owned Starbucks in New Mexico. 
The mugs were first sold in 2016 at the Starbucks store in Albuquerque. 
Each mug was hand-crafted by a different Pueblo artist to celebrate the 
opening of the new store and to symbolize the collaboration between New 
Mexico Pueblos and Starbucks. After quickly selling out of the unique 
mugs--selling over 6,000 mugs--the Shumakolowa gift shop collaborated 
with the artists to sell mugs at their location in the Indian Pueblo 
Cultural Center.
  Ms. Chavarria comes from a long line of artists and potters. Inspired 
by her family's technique, she strives to continue making pottery 
according to ancient methods. Using clay from the hills where she 
lives, she delicately carves and paints her pieces.
  Ms. Chavarria utilizes traditional hand-coiling methods to craft her 
pottery. She uses an open fire for red pots and other Pueblo methods of 
production to make black-on-black designs, depending on the finish she 
desires.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud Denise Chavarria for being a part of the 
Pueblo Pottery Mug project. This project has given the community, as 
well as visitors to New Mexico, an opportunity to appreciate usable 
pieces of art that are inspired by Native culture and traditions. I 
look forward to seeing this project continue to flourish and support 
talented Native artists from Pueblos throughout New Mexico.

                          ____________________