February 13, 2020

Marfa, West Texas: Introduction to Marfa+AYN Foundation (Das Maximum) and more art galleries+old buildings; things to do

Introduction to Marfa 


Tough to get to.
Tougher to forget.
But once you get here . . .
. . . you get it. 

train tracks into and out of Marfa in West Texas
train tracks into and out of Marfa in West Texas


Founded in the 1880s as a water stop for trains, the high desert town of Marfa nowadays is surrounded by working cattle ranches but is still on the quiet side and has only one traffic signal.  The town is known for its high-caliber art galleries, which famously aren’t open at regular hours.  This lackadaisical attitude makes for hit-and-miss viewing, which can be quite disappointing when the gallery you really want to see can’t be bothered to open.  One local says, “Thousands of people come out here from New York and wander around like lost children.”  This tiny town--it is home to less than 2,000 people--has been a co-star in many movies, including “Andromeda Strain” (1971), “No Country For Old Men” and “There Will Be Blood” (2007), and most famously “Giant” (1956).  And good to know in summer, at an altitude 4,685 feet (or is it 4,711 or 4,843 feet?, there is plenty of confusion), it is often one of the coolest places in the state.
More information.


Old Buildings


courthouse in Marfa in West Texas
courthouse in Marfa in West Texas


Palace theater building in Marfa in West Texas
Palace theater building in Marfa in West Texas


really old building in Marfa in West Texas
really old building in Marfa in West Texas


artistic patchwork fence in Marfa in West Texas
artistic patchwork fence in Marfa in West Texas


Art Galleries


AYN Foundation (Das Maximum)  

107-109 N. Highland, Brite Bldg., (432) 729-3315.  Sat-Sun noon-5pm.  

Andy Warhol’s “The Last Supper” on one side, Maria Zerres “September Eleven” on the other.  The big mystery at the AYN Foundation gallery is how to open the door.  I would have left without entering had someone not exited--opening the door for me.

entrance to AYN Foundation (Das Maximum) Andy Warhol art gallery in Marfa in West Texas
entrance to AYN Foundation (Das Maximum) Andy Warhol art gallery
in Marfa in West Texas


art gallery not open in Marfa in West Texas
art gallery not open in Marfa in West Texas


art gallery not open in Marfa in West Texas
art gallery not open in Marfa in West Texas


art gallery not open in Marfa in West Texas
art gallery not open in Marfa in West Texas


art gallery not open in Marfa in West Texas
art gallery not open in Marfa in West Texas


this art gallery IS OPEN in Marfa in West Texas
this art gallery IS OPEN in Marfa in West Texas




More things to do in Marfa.

Itinerary for road trip through West Texas.

Things to do in El Paso.

Great ideas for travel adventures in the U.S. 

images ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers


10 comments:

  1. We've long heard of this intriguing enclave from our son who lives in Austin - maybe we'll get there someday (hopefully when the galleries are OPEN!)

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    Replies
    1. Check back at the itinerary link. I will be updating it as I continue blogging about this road trip.

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  2. Oh that's too bad. I wish they have a site which we can consult as far as when most galleries will be open so a visit could be at least a bit productive.

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  3. We can imagine the frustration you must have felt finding so many of the galleries closed during your visit. Better luck next time!

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  4. Ugh! This would drive me crazy! I experienced hit-or-miss operations in Geneva-on-the-Lake last summer in Ohio, too. It was especially frustrating because I'd really planned to spend time playing Fascination, but they never took the note card off their front door saying that they'd be back later. Marfa looks like it has so much to offer -- if you can get inside any of the places there!

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    Replies
    1. As I discovered, usually a few galleries are open. And it is a small town, so it doesn't take too long to walk through. My time was occupied nicely by the shops that were open, but, still, it is quite annoying to miss something you'd really like to see. Most of us won't be back any time soon.

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  5. What timing! Did you see the story in NYT this week? https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/20/style/marfa-newspaper-big-bend-sentinel.html

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  6. I've long wanted to visit Marfa. Artists are always at the forefront of a destination in transition. I hope they can figure out a clearing house for openings and closings. Visitors need access!

    ReplyDelete

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