While it may not be center of the art universe, Marfa has become the little town that could make headlines in the cool world of design. The winner of this Art Ball 50 package will get to take five friends to experience magnificent Marfa in true style.
I’m A Daytripper! — Art Trip to Marfa* (Value: $15,000)
Admit it! Have you been to Marfa? It seems like everyone who’s been there comes back with glowing tales of discovery and photos to back them up. And why not? This little West Texas spot’s early claim to fame was as the county seat of Presido County, at the corner of US Highway 90 and 67. But from the start the town had hints of creativity. Legend claims that Marfa’s name was based on the character Marfa Vasilievich in “The Brothers Karamazov.”
In 1955, the town shot to fame when George Steven picked its desert landscape to film “Giant” there with Liz Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean. But then the film crews left, and Marfa returned to normal rural life. That is, until 1971, when artist Donald Judd decided to leave New York City for Marfa “because it is the best-looking and most-practical” for him.
With Judd’s arrival, Marfa began an amazing transition from dusty stopover to a boomtown for artists and designers. From dedicated art foundations to hip hotels like Thunderbird Hotel and restaurants, Marfa created headlines in the New York Times, Martha Stewart Living and Vanity Fair.
Donald Judd concrete work at Chinati Foundation in Marfa***
For the winner of this package, s/he will fly roundtrip via a private plane with six friend for a day seeing the top spots in Marfa. Their guide will be none other than art advisor John Runyon, who will provide the inside scoop on the Chinati Foundation, the Donald Judd Foundation and the Ballroom Marfa. What fun to take a break for lunch at “one of Marfa’s most charming restaurants.”
* Curated by John Runyon and Nancy and Clint Carlson ** Restrictions: Dates to be mutually agreed; trip must be taken before April 11, 2016; plane accommodates 8 people. ***Photo provided by 2015 Art Ball