Mary Bonner was known as the Texas Girl-Etcher of Cowboys. Her sparkling ingenuity, humorous originality and sure craftsmanship in cowboy friezes have won recognition that remains entirely her own. In the 1920's, some European critics called her the greatest woman etcher America has yet produced. In 1925 she was admitted with the greatest French etchers in the two Salons de la Society des Artistes Francais. In her first exhibition of the two Salons, she won honorable mention. This was outstanding, as it was the first time an American woman had ever been so honored. In 1929 Bonner won the coveted Ordre des Palmes Academiques and in 1931 received the silver metal at the salon of the Societe des Artistes Francais. Her work was included in many important exhibits including the Luxembourg Museum, British Museum and the New York Public Library.

      During her artistic career Mary traveled from Texas to Europe many times. After 1929 she remained in San Antonio. She was active in San Antonio cultural affairs and continued producing prints and watercolors of Cowboy scenes and local attractions.

      Mary died in 1935 from complications from surgery. 

Since 1988 we have had most
of the etchings created
by the artist.