Ever heard of Marfa?
Don’t feel bad if you haven’t. It's quite literally in the middle of absolute nowhere in the remote deserts of West Texas. It’s a whole three hours away from El Paso and has been a ranching town for almost 200 years…
… and it’s also home to one of the most famous art installations in the country!
This wild western town is filled with big-name artists and world-famous art installations, as well as festivals, live music and mysterious floating orbs (because, why not, right?).
There really is something for everyone here in Marfa, and while it’s certainly a bit of a drive from artsy Austin and our Austin apartments (or from everywhere, really), it’s well worth the trip out there.
Here’s all you need to know about this amazing art town!
What makes Marfa an art hub?
Ranches, ranges and art installations
Marfa's story starts out pretty standard for a West Texas town. Founded in the late 1880s, it thrived on ranching and served as a stop along several cross-state railroads. Life went on at a slow and steady pace for nearly a century. Then, in 1971, a New York artist named Donald Judd rolled into town.
Judd, a leading figure in the minimalist art movement, was looking for a place far removed from the bustling art scene of New York City. Marfa, with its wide-open spaces and abandoned military base (the old Fort D.A. Russell), fit the bill perfectly. He bought up several buildings and began creating large-scale, permanent installations.
With a blank canvas and more than enough inspiration, Judd envisioned a whole new way of experiencing art — one integrated with, not hidden from, the vast desert landscape and the history surrounding the town. His most famous creation, the Chinati Foundation, comprises a series of concrete structures housing his own creations, as well as works by other minimalist artists.
Judd's arrival wasn't exactly met with enthusiasm. The locals, understandably, weren't sure what to make of this avant-garde artist and his unconventional ideas. But Judd's exuberant presence — and the unique art he brought with him — started attracting other artists, collectors and curious visitors. Marfa, a sleepy ranching town on the edge of nowhere, was slowly transforming into an art destination.
How Marfa became an art hub
Judd wasn't alone in his appreciation for Marfa's artistic potential. Artists, drawn by the stark beauty of the desert and the Chinati Foundation's innovative approach, started migrating to the area. Galleries started popping up and Marfa slowly transformed into a haven for contemporary art experimentation. The Ballroom Marfa, a non-profit arts organization, further solidified the town's reputation by hosting site-specific installations, performances and educational programs.
Marfa's artistic transformation wasn't without its challenges. The town's remote location and small population meant limited resources and infrastructure for the growing art scene. However, these very limitations became part of Marfa's charm. Artists thrived on the unpretentious atmosphere and the opportunity to create outside the confines of the traditional art world; being so far away from anyone who would care, there was nothing to rein in their creativity!
As with many small towns that experience great change, some longtime residents worried about the town losing its traditional, quiet charm. However, Marfa’s artists and residents seem to have managed to strike a balance. The ranching heritage is still proudly celebrated, with rodeos, festivals and working ranches showcasing and celebrating the town's cowboy roots.
It truly is a magical, mysterious oasis nestled in the remote Texas desert.
Marfa's artistic influence
Marfa's influence extends beyond the walls of its galleries. The town's unique character and one-of-a-kind location has inspired artists from all disciplines of creative art; musicians have flocked to Marfa to record albums in its pristine studios, while filmmakers have been drawn to its stark beauty as a backdrop for their movies. The town even hosts its own film festival, the Marfa Film Festival, which showcases independent and international cinema. One of the more famous movies filmed in and around Marfa was James Dean’s “Giant” in 1956, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson and was filmed at the Hotel Paisano decades before Judd ever stepped foot in Marfa.
Marfa's reputation has garnered recognition beyond the art world. Celebrities and tastemakers have been drawn to the town's unconventional charm, further boosting its profile and garnering more and more popularity.
Must-sees in Marfa
A visit to Marfa is all about immersing yourself in its unique art scene. Here are some key attractions you can’t leave without checking out!
The Chinati Foundation
This sprawling complex showcases Donald Judd's permanent installations alongside works by John Chamberlain, Carl Andre and others. Be prepared for a unique outdoor museum experience that requires advanced reservations.
Ballroom Marfa
This non-profit organization is a hub for innovative contemporary art exhibitions, performances and educational programs. Check their calendar for upcoming events that might pique your interest.
The Judd Foundation Marfa
Located in Judd's former residence and studio, this site offers a more intimate look into the founding artist's life and creative process.
Hotel Paisano
This historic hotel, built in 1927, is a landmark in itself and boasts an extensive collection of contemporary art throughout its public spaces.
The Marfa Lights Festival
This food, art and fun-filled festival is named for the mysterious phenomenon that has occurred in the dark skies above Marfa for well over a century: the Marfa Lights. These strange, unexplainable orbs of light float whimsically above the southeastern section of town with no rhyme or reason, and as of yet no one has been able to explain what they are. Spooooky!
Marfa is truly a remote desert location, a whole 3 hours’ drive from El Paso which is its closest city!
It’s well worth the trip, though, especially if you enjoy minimalist art and art installations. There’s always something going on in the galleries, performance centers, restaurants and cafes, and the remote beauty of the surrounding land is just as astounding and mesmerizing as it was when Judd first arrived in this small town. Keep an eye out for the mysterious Marfa Lights, too!
Enjoy!
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Featured photo by Shelby Cohron on Unsplash
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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