The New Mexico Museum of Art and the New Mexico History Museum are collaborating to present "Baumannia," a series of programs and events inspired by the retrospective exhibition "Gustave Baumann: The Artist’s Environment." This initiative highlights the work and legacy of Gustave Baumann, an artist known for his woodblock prints depicting New Mexico's landscapes, cultures, and people.
Laura J. Mueller, PhD, Interim Executive Director at New Mexico Museum of Art, said, "Gustave Baumann’s art is a love letter to New Mexico—its landscapes, cultures, and people. On this special occasion, we invite the community to see our home through his eyes, share in the whimsy of his craft, and celebrate the beauty and diversity that continue to inspire us."
The "Baumannia" program will begin with Baumann Community Day on Saturday, August 16 at the Museum of Art’s Plaza location. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering hands-on projects at a Create Station, an open house featuring archival materials, and guided tours.
On Wednesday, August 27 from 11:00 a.m. to noon, Thomas Leech—exhibition curator and former director of the Palace Press at the New Mexico History Museum—will give a talk about Baumann’s life and artistic contributions.
A joint event on Saturday, September 28 will take place across both museums’ Santa Fe Plaza campuses. Activities include hands-on art sessions, a marionette puppet show, a book discussion with Thomas Leech and Carmella Padilla for their new title "Printing the Spirit: Gustave Baumann’s Santos," documentary screenings, as well as tours and printing demonstrations at Palace Press. The Palace Press houses Baumann’s recreated studio with original tools used in his printmaking process.
Billy G. Garrett, Executive Director at New Mexico History Museum stated: "This is a great opportunity for people of all ages to expand their views of New Mexico history, have some serious fun, and indulge their curiosity."
Baumann first arrived in New Mexico in 1918. He became recognized as one of Santa Fe's key cultural figures through his work in painting, sculpture, drawing, marionettes, furniture design—and especially woodblock printing.
Additional information about the exhibition can be found on the museum website (www.nmartmuseum.org/exhitions/gustave-baumman-the-artists-environment/). Details about Baumann’s studio are available online (nmhistorymuseum.org/programs/the-palace-press/baumann-studio.html), along with digitized collections maintained by the Ann Baumann Trust (archives.newmexicoculture.org/gustave-baumann-collection).
The New Mexico Museum of Art is part of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Its collection contains over 20,000 works that connect audiences within and beyond state borders (www.nmartmuseum.org). The New Mexico History Museum also operates under this department; it provides opportunities for historical exploration aimed at fostering dialogue around social issues while supporting resilience within communities (nmhistory.org).