Local artists share NMDA’s Rounders Award

New Mexico artists Edna Harper and Stewart Williamson received the 2023 Rounders Award Oct. 25 for their vivid artistic creations that tell the story of the Western way of life.

New Mexico Agriculture Sec. Jeff Witte presented the awards to Harper and Williamson at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces.

The award was named after “The Rounders,” a classic Western novel by Max Evans (1924-2020), who was the award’s first ever recipient. Former state Ag Sec. Frank DuBois created the award in 1990 to honor those who live, promote and articulate the western way of life, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) said in a news release. The Rounders tradition continues as this year’s recipients join 34 previous honorees.

“I am proud of the legacy Max has left in Western culture, and this year’s Rounders Award recipients definitely live and articulate the Western way of life. Max would be proud,” said Witte. “Harper and Williamson have built vibrant careers with unique creations that reflect the Western way of life. I am honored to welcome them to the group of Rounders recipients.”

Harper was born into a large ranch family from Catron County, New Mexico. Her life on a ranch is illustrated through her meticulous paintings and drawings of the Western way of life. Harper has spent most of her life working on ranches in western New Mexico. She honed her artist skills by tooling leather in her family’s saddle shop.

Harper’s 30-year-long career of making timeless pieces her customers cherish can be attributed to her extraordinary skills in silversmithing. She has shown her art in a multitude of shows including the Mountain Oyster Show in Tucson and the Cowboy Christmas Show during the National Finals Rodeo. Harper and her husband currently live in Elephant Butte but return to Coyote, New Mexico every hunting season.

Williamson is a New Mexico native who has created timeless cowboy gear for years. Having developed this passion through his ranching background, Williamson has earned his place as an award-winning fabricator. Williamson started engraving in 2003 with the help of Johny Weverts,

Wilson Capron and several other noted makers and by 2005, he was building bits and spurs full time. In 2010, the Academy of Western Arts named him “Engraver of the Year.” Later in 2013, he was named “Spur Maker of the Year” by the National Bit, Spur, and Saddle Collectors Association. During his career, Williamson has also partnered with Danny Woodward of Wild Wood Jewelry to create custom, hand-engraved rings and other unique pieces of wearable art. He currently resides in Taos, New Mexico, with his family.

For a list of past Rounders Award recipients, visit NMDeptAg.nmsu.edu. Follow NMDA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @NMDeptAg and YouTube at NMDeptAg.