I visited Ballroom Marfa specifically to view their latest and greatest exhibition, "Mariposa Relampago" by Guadalupe Maravilla. It is a stunning sight to behold! I also really enjoyed the current exhibit in the gallery, "Perhaps the Truth." Both are definitely worth a visit!
January 2023
There was a certain peacefulness to the Ballroom, and the exhibits- there was a short film that made you think - about a lifestyle that may only reside in the Deep West. The whole area makes you bring your whole demeaner down a few notches. I liked it.
January 2023
Excellent curatorship. We liked the exhibits but the level of artists really varies. The front desk person was quite helpful. A must visit if you like art. Entrance is free but donations are encouraged.
Ballroom Marfa is an internationally recognized non-collecting contemporary art museum located in Marfa, a rural town of less than 2,000 people in Far West Texas. Established in 2003 by Virginia Lebermann and Fairfax Dorn, our contemporary art and performance space is housed in a 1920s-era ballroom and is free and open to the public. With generous support from individuals and foundations, Ballroom commissions new site-specific and site-inspired projects and gives artists and musicians the opportunity to engage with the magnificent landscape of the Big Bend.
Other Information
Ballroom Marfa plays a major role in the contemporary art and culture of this little town in West Texas. It's an old converted dancehall that showcases dynamic art through visual arts, film, music and performance. They really focus on serving the arts communities ranging from local work to international artists. Currently, they are focusing on a project called Drive-In Marfa. The goal is to re-kindle the spirit of community that existed around the old drive-in theaters. They are modernizing the outdated old school drive-in design into a combination screen and bandshell located in their beautiful desert landscape. The idea is to host summer movies, film screenings, acoustical sets, and music festivals. Located in Marfa's Vizcaino Park, the site will host a variety of community programming: gospel choir practice, little league baseball games, midnight film screenings, and kid-friendly county fairs with the Marfa Lights creating a shining setting in the background. The plans include building a local community center, a new soccer field and three sport courts. Stop by Ballroom Marfa and you can see all of the future plans for their community. The art of Rashid Johnsons, who combined personally loaded material with LP covers and books in complex paintings, sculptures and installations is also being showcased in their main gallery. Ballroom Marfa makes up a huge part of the heart and soul of the town so make sure to stop by the gallery for a quick visit.
