UNM graduate student recipient of Steve Wimmer Southwest Historical Research Fund
Jun. 16—Mary Blumenschein's impact in art is impressive.
Not only did she work in illustration and jewelry design, but was part of the Taos Society of Artists.
University of New Mexico graduate student Marcy Botwick will study Blumenschein's life as she is in the inaugural scholar to be supported by the Steve Wimmer Southwest Historical Research Fund.
Botwick will also broaden understanding of the women and artist communities of New Mexico.
The Steve Wimmer Southwest Historical Research Fund was established in 2021 to honor the memory of Steve Wimmer and his abundant enthusiasm for New Mexico history and cultural tourism.
Wimmer was the head concierge at La Fonda on the Plaza, and spent 26 years enthusiastically helping visitors feel at home away from home.
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"Steve was one of a kind," says Jenny Kimball, chairwoman of the board of La Fonda on the Plaza, in a release. "We adored him even when he drove us crazy, because he had such an amazing mind and talent. Creative beyond belief and always penniless — no matter what his budget was, he overspent it — Steve spent all his own money on our guests and his friends."
Botwick is currently a candidate for a Master of Museum Studies degree at UNM and has a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Rutgers University.
Botwick has been interested in Mary Blumenschein for several years, describing her as a "quietly strong person who did her own thing and didn't shout about it."
She will be able to do in-depth research on Blumenschein with original archival materials in the FACHL collection.
The New Mexico History Museum and the Fray Angélico Chávez History Library collaborate with the program.
