Mary Lee Fulkerson Papers

 Collection
Identifier: NC1317

Scope and Contents

The Mary Lee Fulkerson Papers includes background materials leading up to the publication and formal opening of two of Fulkerson's books, Weavers of Tradition and Beauty: Basketmakers of the Great Basin (co-authored with Kathleen Curtis) and Women Artists of the Great Basin, as well as materials on her exhibit "Great Basin Points of View". Series 1, which is further divided into two subseries, includes extensive notes, clippings, pamphlets, photocopies of research, correspondence with those included in the book and publisher, financial records and photographs used in the book. Series 2 includes material related to Fulkerson's exhibit "Great Basin Points of View" and Series 3 contains materials from her 2017 book Women Artists of the Great Basin. Both series 2 and 3 contain some information from the grantor and publisher, notes, and publicity.

Dates

  • 1985-2017

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research. Materials must be used on-site; advance notice suggested. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Biographical Note

Mary Lee Fulkerson is a fourth-generation Nevadan who is passionate about the history, heritage, and landscape of the Great Basin. Fulkerson received her Bachelor of Arts in sculpture from the University of Nevada Reno and also completed some undergraduate work in the Fiberworks Center for the Textile Arts at the University of California, Berkeley.

Fulkerson has published many articles and books on the art, artists, and basketry traditions of the Great Basin. Her most recent book, Women Artists of the Great Basin, was published by the University of Nevada Press in 2017 and is one of the first overviews of women's art in the region. Other books include A Basket of Blessings (2005), Weavers of Tradition and Beauty: Basketmakers of the Great Basin (1995), and Weaving Naturally in the Great Basin (2004).

In 1987, Fulkerson founded the Great Basin Basketmakers as a non-profit all-volunteer group. Their mission is to learn everything possible about the traditions and techniques of basketry and to pass this knowledge along to others. Their goal is not only to foster an appreciation for the culture, tradition, and beauty of the art form but also to encourage and support serious basket/fiber art programs in Nevada.

Extent

2.25 Linear Feet (4 boxes)

.41 Gigabytes

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Mary Lee Fulkerson is an artist and author who is passionate about the culture, heritage, and landscape of the Great Basin. The collection contains background and publication materials on two of Fulkerson's books, Weavers of Tradition and Beauty: Basketmakers of the Great Basin (1995) and Women Artists of the Great Basin (2017) as well as her exhibit, Great Basin Points of View (2001).

Arrangement

Arranged into the following series: 1) Weavers of Tradition and Beauty: Basketmakers of the Great Basin; 2) Great Basin Points of View Exhibit Series; 3) Women Artists of the Great Basin; 3) Photographs

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Mary Lee Fulkerson and Kathleen Curtis in April 2018. Additional material received in November 2018.

Related Materials

Related materials held by the UNR Special Collections Department:

  1. Weavers of Tradition and Beauty: Basketmakers of the Great Basin [stacks: E78.G67 F85 1995]
  2. Women Artists of the Great Basin [stacks: NB236 .F85 2017]
  3. Great Basin Basketmakers Records, 2009-10
Title
Guide to the Mary Lee Fulkerson Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Jessica Maddox
Date
April 2018
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • December 2019: Title updated to reflect scope of accrual and original donation.

Repository Details

Part of the University of Nevada, Reno. Special Collections Department Repository

Contact:
Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center
1664 N. Virginia St.
Reno Nevada 89557-0322 USA
775-682-5665
775-682-5724 (Fax)