Featured artists at Babbitt's Cottonwood Trading Post include local resident Glenn Fred, Hopi. He is a master Kachina doll carver. Winner of the 1996 Santa Fe Indian Market Kachina Doll Division, Glenn is avail- able to personalize your Kachina purchase with an inscription on the base. His dolls are carved from a single piece of cottonwood root, even his Eagle Kachina with its outstretched wings. Glenn's carvings exude a quiet, solid elegance, steeped in tradition. "For me," he says, "carving keeps me focused. it is a constant reminder of the presence of supernatural beings in our lives. Kachina dolls bring awareness to a different level." Glenn grew up admiring the Kachina doll carvings of his older brother Jim Fred and the works of Bryan Honyouti. With these fine craftsmen for inspiration, he has quickly made a name for himself, winning many awards at the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Gallup Ceremonial.

Maria Martinez, who with her husband developed the highly polished black pottery that is so familiar to collectors today, is one of the featured artist at Babbitt's Cottonwood Trading Post. This gracious lady shared her innovations with other pueblo potters and was a great leader in reviving a fading craft. Maria potted for over 80 years and set the standard for beautiful pottery. Her works are prized for their exquisite shapes, extraordinary luster and unusual metallic sheen. Maria's pots sell quickly, but Babbitt's has a selection on hand at all times.

Erik Fender, Than Tsidih (Sun Bird) is from San Ildefonso Pueblo  (b. 1970). At the age of 10, Eric began potting with his mother Martha Appleteaf and grandmother Carmelita Dunlap. An accomplished painter as well, he won an award in 1987 in a Congressional Art competition. His interest in color led Erik to experiment with different clays and techniques to achieve new colors on pottery. In 1992 Erik began working closely with his mother, Martha Appieleaf, in the traditional San ildefonso style of pottery. Erik Sun Bird displays a wealth of talent in traditional and innovative techniques and received numerous awards at the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Eight Northern Pueblo shows.

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