By: Bradley Pearson, Production Manager | Photos By: Bradley Pearson, Production Manager
Local business combats imported goods
A short distance from CNM’s main campus lie the roots of a revolution in American craft. Not Made In China Pottery Studio and Gallery aims to bring quality production back to the United States, said proprietor Patrick Trujillo.
Not Made In China provides locals with American-made goods and teaches people how to make those goods themselves rather than buying products made in China, Trujillo
“We want to end corporate enslavement,” he said.
Trujillo said that he started Not Made In China four years ago as a private studio, offering lessons and apprenticeships.
“We opened up to the public about a year and a half ago,” Trujillo said.
The studio’s public interaction ranges from pottery lessons for beginners, to memberships for artists to have access to the studio. Memberships range from month $100 per month to $350 per month, with different benefits for each price range.
The interior walls of the building are covered from floor to ceiling in original artwork on consignment from local artists. Pottery by members and students fills the shelves. In the back of the studio there is a kitchen where members bring and cook food for patrons and other members.
“Use of the kitchen is also included in the membership,” said Trujillo.
Instructors at Not Made In China are volunteers who exchange public lessons for membership benefits, said Trujillo.
Pottery instructor Eduardo Ladios said he has been working in pottery for more than 10 years and volunteers his time at the studio.
“The owners have been very generous, and I think it’s a great thing that they’re doing,” Ladios said.
Ladios started out making pottery for commercial purposes, but felt the competition from products made in china, he said. The products that Americans buy from China are often cheaper than the raw materials needed to make them in the United States.
“I wish there was more support from big businesses for traditional art forms,” Ladios said. “There’s simply no equal ground for competition.”
Getting the community involved is a major part of what Not Made In China is about, said co-owner Marie Gardner. The studio offers a Clay Date lesson, which is two and a half hours long, includes materials and instruction for two and covers either hand building or wheel throwing, said Gardner.
The Sushi Date lesson is similar, but patrons create a sake bottle, cup, sushi plate and a sauce dish per person, according to Not Made In China’s website.
The studio offers both the lesson packages and lessons at an hourly rate as well for all skills levels, said Gardner.
Not Made In China Pottery Studio and Gallery is located at 1001 Yale Blvd SE, at the corner of Yale and Avenida Cesar Chavez. Students receive a 10 percent discount. For information regarding classes and prices, visit notmadeinchinapottery.com.
