Mary K. Borkowski letters
Scope and Contents
This collection primarily comprises letters that Borkowski sent to Fowler in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In her letters, Borkowski describes the development and creation of quilts and thread paintings, shares career achievements, reacts to current events (such as the inauguration of President Reagan), and laments health and financial struggles. Some letters are accompanied with slides, prints, and polaroid photos taken by the artist to document her work.
There is relatively little representation of Fowler’s response or follow-up to Borkowski’s letters in this collection. Notably, however, there are a few letters between Fowler, Robert Bishop, and other personnel at AFAM about the collection, exhibition, and publication of Borkowski’s work.
Dates
- 1973 - 1999
Creator
- Borkowski, Mary K., (1916-2008) (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research. Access to sensitive materials may be restricted at the discretion of AFAM.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research. Access to sensitive materials may be restricted at the discretion of AFAM.
Conditions Governing Use
The Letters to Jacqueline Loewe Fowler from Mary K. Borkowski is owned by the American Folk Art Museum. The collection is subject to all copyright laws, and is dedicated to public use for research, study and scholarship.
Biographical / Historical
Jacqueline “Jackie” Loewe Fowler was a devoted trustee, patron, and friend of AFAM for many decades before her passing in 2020. She was an avid collector of American historical folk art, 20th and 21st century self-taught art, and modern design. She contributed many gifts of artwork to AFAM’s Collection, including many pieces by Mary K. Borkowski.
Also known as Mary Catherine Porter, Mary K. Borkowski (1916-2008) was a self-taught artist nationally recognized for her quilting and thread painting. Born in Sulphur Lick Springs, Ohio, she lived most of her life as a resident of Dayton, Ohio until her passing in 2008. It is estimated that Borkowski created more than 200 quilts and 113 thread paintings, and 73 acrylic paintings in her lifetime. Her work, particularly her thread paintings, often depicts her personal reflections, as well as social commentary on current events. Although some of Borkowski’s oeuvre contains dark subject matter, such as themes of economic hardship or self-criticism, humor also pervades her work.
Extent
0.5 linear feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection primarily comprises letters written by self-taught artist Mary K. Borkowski to Jacqueline Loewe Fowler, former trustee of the American Folk Art Museum (AFAM), in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In her letters, Borkowski updates Fowler on events in her work and life, from the status of the pieces she is working on, to career achievements, to personal challenges. The letters are beautifully candid. Borkowski clearly held Fowler in high esteem, not only as a customer and supporter of her work, but, most significantly, as a friend. The collection has wonderful potential as a resource for the exhibition, appreciation, and study of Borkowski’s work.
Arrangement
This collection contains letters from Mary K. Borkowski to Jacqueline Fowler arranged in chronological order by date as best as possible. Undated materials that were deposited 'loose' have been arranged by format.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by Stephanie and Clayton Fowler in honor of their mother, Jacqueline Fowler.
Processing Information
This collection was originally processed by Maylyn Iglesias in 2022. It is unclear how Fowler originally organized the records in this collection. The materials arrived at the Museum in small batches, out of chronological order, with some loose photos and undated letters. After surveying the collection, it was decided that the materials in this collection should be arranged in chronological order as much as possible. Efforts were made during the processing of this collection to approximate dates for loose and undated materials based on the content of materials with dates.
Some materials were unable to be dated, and thus are placed in the folders marked "undated."
Collection was rearranged and reprocessed by Kailee Faber in 2025. This reprocessing added additional information as well as reduced the collection down to one box.
Creator
- Borkowski, Mary K., (1916-2008) (Person)
- Title
- Mary K. Borkowski letters
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Processed by Maylyn Iglesias in 2022; Updated and rearranged for preservation by Kailee Faber in 2025
- Date
- May 2022
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the American Folk Art Museum Archives Repository
47-29 32nd Place
Long Island City New York 11101 United States
(212) 595-9533
archives@folkartmuseum.org