In the high desert of Far West Texas, where the sun paints the landscape with golden hues and the pace of life slows to a meditative stillness, a new chapter in Texas art history is being written. The Marfa Invitational Open is making its highly anticipated debut, and it’s unlike anything the Lone Star State—or the art world—has ever seen.
This groundbreaking event, hosted in the heart of Marfa at the historic Saint George Hall, brings together over 150 Texas artists in a first-of-its-kind salon-style exhibition. The scale and scope of this show are monumental, both in artistic ambition and cultural relevance. It is more than just an art exhibition—it is a transformational moment for the Texas arts community and a defining showcase for the state’s creative identity.
What Makes the Marfa Invitational Open So Unique?
For decades, Marfa has served as a spiritual hub for contemporary art, ever since legendary artist Donald Judd planted roots there in the 1970s. The town, with its minimalist desert backdrop, has since become a pilgrimage site for artists, collectors, and creatives seeking inspiration and clarity. Now, with the Marfa Invitational Open, the town is raising the bar.
What sets this exhibition apart is its deep commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and community. Artists were selected through an open call by a curatorial committee that includes the esteemed Sonia Borrell, Lester Marks, and Michael Phelan—founder and director of Marfa Invitational. This democratic approach has allowed for a truly expansive representation of Texas talent, ranging from emerging young voices to internationally recognized artists. Each participant brings something unique, yet together they weave a unified, dynamic portrait of contemporary Texas art.
A True Texas Tapestry
The artists featured hail from every corner of the state—from El Paso to Houston, Austin to the Panhandle. The works span all genres and media: painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and more. This cross-section not only highlights the breadth of creative expression across Texas but also affirms the belief that “community is context.”
By showcasing art across generations, regions, and cultural backgrounds, the Marfa Invitational Open constructs a living archive of Texas creativity—one that is as vast and varied as the state itself.
Inspired by Collaboration
One of the guiding spirits of this event is Texas-born artist Robert Rauschenberg, a pioneer of artistic collaboration. In 1977, he famously said, “I’ve always been attracted and tempted into nearly any situation where the final work was the result of more than one person’s doing.” That philosophy—rooted in inclusivity, experimentation, and shared vision—is echoed in every corner of the Marfa Invitational Open.
Michael Phelan and the curators have intentionally fostered a space where collaboration isn’t just encouraged—it’s essential. This is not about individual stardom, but rather about collective illumination. It’s about discovering how art can bring us together, help us see through each other’s eyes, and reimagine what’s possible when we create as one.
Championing the Lone Star State’s Art Ecosystem
Texas has long been a cultural powerhouse—rich with stories, heritage, and artistic excellence. Yet, much of its creative depth has remained underrecognized on a national and global stage. The Marfa Invitational Open changes that narrative.
By giving Texas artists a world-class platform, the event elevates the state’s art ecosystem and cements Marfa’s role as a beacon for innovation and discovery. This is about more than just celebrating talent—it’s about building legacy. It’s about ensuring the next generation of Texas artists has the visibility and support to shine.
One Light, One Love
Since its founding, Marfa Invitational has welcomed luminaries like Jerry Saltz, Cynthia Rowley, and Debbie Wisch, along with internationally acclaimed artists such as Cindy Phenix, Josh Sperling, and Emma Stern. With the Open, it now deepens its roots in Texas soil—creating a cultural landmark that honors both the local and the global.
As curator Sonia Borrell notes in her 2024 book Art In Real Time, “Bridging cultural gaps through art is not only shaping my legacy—it’s shaping the future of the art world.” This spirit is deeply felt in Marfa, where art, culture, and community intersect in the most meaningful of ways.
Marfa: The Art World’s Sacred Desert
Marfa isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. A rhythm. A space where the boundaries between life and art blur. Visitors speak of time slowing down, of light bending differently, of perspectives shifting. In this sacred desert town, the Marfa Invitational Open doesn’t just show art—it changes how we see art, and how we see each other.
In the words of Sister Sledge: “We are family.” That’s the message pulsing through every piece, every voice, every corner of this incredible event. One light. One love. One Texas.
Whether you’re a collector, a curious traveler, or someone looking to be inspired by the wonders of Marfa, the Marfa Invitational Open is a must-see experience. It’s a bold declaration of Texas creativity and a shining example of what can happen when we come together—artist and audience, curator and community, state and soul.
Because, all roads lead to Marfa!
