Marfa
This is widely considered to be the sister city of Alpine (and that's considering all the usual rivalries between sistesr).
Marfa's local population has been enlarged by an influx of artists and others who have discovered the easy-going lifestyle and appreciation of eclectic lifestyles. Marginally trendy, Marfa has more than its share of eateries and activities for visitors.
Like many downtown areas, Marfa has expended to the suburbs.
We call it "the mall."
The mysterious Marfa Lights are legendary, dating back for centuries. It is noteworthy that the highway is a straight line between the viewing area for the Marfa Lights and the town's equally legendary "El Cheapo Liquor Stores. (Yes, tee-shirts are available.)
The Chinati Foundation is serious about art.
It's so serious, in fact, that it's hard for some folks to discuss with a straight face. This is not your typical painting-hanging-on-a-wall kind of art. This is big, intellectual stuff that prompts a lot of discussion -- and a few puzzled smiles. And we want to be on the record that we're not making fun of it.
The Chinati Foundation, among other things, is a refuge for serious artists far from the pressures of big cities.
Of course that puts the burden on the viewer to drive (or fly) all the way to the Big Bend to see it. Perhaps after coming that far, viewers are more inclined to be appreciative.
The foundation offers a unique Texas-sized setting for the installation and presentation of enormous works of art -- in particular sculpture and leftover bits of construction materials.
And -- by the way -- if you've read this far you know that we lied above. We are making fun of it all -- in a purely respectful way, of course.
