[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 171 (Tuesday, October 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CONGRATULATING ERIK FENDER

                                 ______
                                 

                      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 Erik Fender of San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico for 
his role in the Pueblo Pottery Mug project and his 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.
  Mr. Fender learned how to make pottery from his mother and 
grandmother, who are renowned potters in their own right. His work is 
profoundly influenced by the skills that they taught him. Hailing from 
a long lineage of potters and artists, Mr. Fender teaches his son the 
pottery traditions of his family.
  Mr. Fender's work is known for experimenting with and using different 
designs and techniques, including traditional and contemporary styles 
on polychrome, black-on-black, and black-on-red carving. He adds his 
own personal touch when he makes his clay, texturing it and adding 
stones for a unique finish.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud Erik Fender 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.

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