Halloween is a fun time to pull out that worn and well-loved witch costume, or perhaps the Joker wig that you’ve worn on at least three Halloweens. But, how about trying something a little different? Here are some famous New Mexico figures that might inspire a fun, historical take on this year’s costume.
Maria Martinez
Born in 1884 on the San Idelfonso Pueblo, Martinez was a potter who, along with her husband, Julian, rediscovered the technique of ancient Pueblo black pottery. She continued her work after her husband’s death, eventually receiving two honorary doctorates and invitations to the White House by four different presidents. She even laid the cornerstone of Rockefeller Center.
Billy the Kid
A notorious figure in New Mexico’s history, this outlaw is well-known in American lore, particularly in the west. Billy, born Henry McCarty, killed eight men during his short life, before being killed by a gunshot wound at the age of 21. After being arrested for stealing in New Mexico territory twice, he fled to Arizona territory, a move which made him not only an outlaw, but a fugitive. After killing a blacksmith in an altercation, he returned to New Mexico, where he took part in the Lincoln County War of 1878. After being tried and condemned to death for murdering a sheriff, McCarty escaped, killing deputies in the process, and evaded the law for a few months, before they caught up with him in Fort Sumner, ending his life.
Georgia O’Keeffe
This artist made significant contributions to the modern art era with her bold use of colors and her unique way of capturing the landscapes of the southwest. During her most prolific periods, she was famous for her paintings of New York skyscrapers and of course, flowers. She was married to photographer Alfred Stieglitz and moved to New Mexico permanently after his death, where she remained for the duration of her life.
Doogie Howser, M.D.
Okay, this one is a little bit of a stretch – but just a bit. Actor Neil Patrick Harris was born and raised in New Mexico, so it wouldn’t be out in left field to show up to a Halloween party this year in a doctor’s coat that reads “Howser, M.D.”
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