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). Artist - Carlos Laate / Zuni Potter. Song: "Zuni Rain" by Clark Tenakhongva (Hopi) @seoutewa @shumakolowa #ZuniPuebloArtWalk #MadeInZuni #art ZuniPueblo #ShopSmall #native #nativeart #nativeamerican #art #design #culture #history #listen #learn #tradition #Balance #Harmony #Life #Blessings #Deer #Breath #Love #VideoMadeInTheHeartLandOfTheMiddleVillage