Things to See and Do in MarfaCHINATI FOUNDATION Donald Judd acquired this military base, Fort D.A. Russell, in the early 70’s. His vision was to create a pure environment to house his large sculptural installations and the works of other artists as kindred spirits in modernism. Huge artillery sheds display his spare, yet powerful works. The barracks once used for living spaces for cavalry and prisoners of war are now permanent galleries for the works of artists as John Wesley, Illya Kabakov, and more. Recently a major installation of the light works of Dan Flavin was created in six, 6,000 square foot barracks. The Chinati Foundation has an ongoing tour schedule. Call the foundation for information about the tours or visit their website at www.chinati.org MARFA BOOK COMPANY This exquisite, light-filled bookstore also houses a fabulous art gallery located in the back of the store. The changing exhibition of Texas artists highlights the close association with bookstore owner Lynn Goode Crowley with many of the best artists of the area and state. Ms.Crowley is the former owner and director of Lynn Goode Gallery in Houston, a leading contemporary art gallery of the city until its closure in 1997. The bookstore and gallery are open everyday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call the bookstore for information about the current exhibition or go to www.marfabkco.com. MARFA STUDIO OF ARTS A non-profit, community arts institution, this 5,000 sq. foot old gas station building houses a gallery/ store selling the works of regional artists and artisans. The studio space allows adult and children art classes on a year round basis. Original and historic tiles made by area youth are available for sale. All sales of works fund community art programs. The gallery/store is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday from 1-5 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The entire facility can be toured on a daily basis, please call 432.729.4616 for more information, or visit them on the web at: marfastudio.org MARFA PRESIDIO COUNTY MUSEUM This gracious old house (the Humphries House) is located on San Antonio Street or Highway 90. The museum contains a fascinating and rich collection of artifacts that chronicle the history of the area. It is a source of local pride and the collection is beautifully displayed. Particulary interesting to the tourist will be the historical photos of Marfa and environs. Admittance is free and the museum is open year round from Monday to Saturday from 2-5 p.m. THE JUDD FOUNDATION The Judd Foundation houses the estate and collection of the late artist Donald Judd. Much of this property is not open regularly to the public for touring, however access to some of the faciltiy can be made by appointment. Call 729.4406 for more information. EL PAISANO HOTEL The El Paisano Hotel was built in 1930. Initiated by the Gateway Hotel chain of El Paso, Texas, architect Henry Trost was asked to design the 60 room hotel in the Spanish Colonial style. Ornate ceramic tile and wrought ironwork adorn the interior and exterior of the building. The El Paisano Hotel became part of legend when the 1950’s film Giant came to the town of Marfa. It was used as a backdrop for scenes of the film that starred Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean. The hotel restaurant, bar and swimming pool also became a meeting place for the cast and crew during their stay. In 2001, the hotel was bought by the owners of the Limpia Hotel in Fort Davis and has been beautifully restored. Visitors are encouraged to view the lobby and dine at Jett's Grill. PRESIDIO COUNTY COURTHOUSE The courthouse has been described as having a rectangular plan with four corner towers and Mansard roofs all surrounding an imposing Brunelleschi-like dome that is clad in tin. A large white statue of Lady Justice tops the tower and can be seen from much of the town. The interior is grand in proportion and detailed with rich woodworking. The courthouse still houses most of the county government. An extensive renovation was undertaken in 2000, and completed in early 2002. Open to the public for viewing. Inquire at the courthouse. |
