TOW #12 - Recreational Map of New Mexico

     The above image, titled "Recreational Map of New Mexico: The Land of Enchantment," was distributed in the 1940s by the New Mexico State Tourist Bureau to encourage people to vacation in New Mexico. It followed a time in which the tourism sector was flourishing due to dramatic advancements in transportation. The distributor was likely motivated by schemes of money and growing business, but it is recorded that the artist, Wilfred Stedman, was truly fascinated by Southwestern culture and nature and showed that in his projects. The map displays major points of interest, including various recreational areas, sightseeing locations, and historical landmarks. Dotted with colorful illustrations of cowboys, farmers, animals, and vacationers, it projects a feeling of liveliness, directly appealing to its audience of vacation- and adventure-seekers.

     In addition to the main title at the top, the map features a text bubble in the lower right corner. I found several different versions of the subtitle, the most common two reading "Make YOUR VACATION a Real Adventure" and "We’re Calling You to FUN Again!" The description below it promotes the area's cultural history, from the "prehistoric peoples" to the Spanish conquistadores to the Native Americans to the cowboys of the "Old West." The short text bubble provides a certain credibility to the entire map, acting as a finishing touch that connects all of the crazy illustrations and landmarks.

     Also fitting with the overall feeling of livelihood and adventure is the map's border of miniature plants, animals, and geometric patterns. Yet despite the boldness in color and line, the map remains professional-looking and not garish. This is partially due to attention to detail in topography, portraying major mountain ranges, forests, desert areas, and rivers.

     Overall, it is those details and the energy breathed into the entire illustration that makes me want to examine each point individually, out of both admiration for the artist's skills and curiosity about what really is in New Mexico. So I would say both the artist and distributor accomplished their goals.