FAQ
Q. ARE you open?
A. Yup. Our regular business hours are from 11AM to 7PM every day. We sometimes have limited or extended hours for certain events too. So it’s possible we’re here after 7PM or even much later. You don’t need to make any appointments or buy any tickets and we’re always free and open to the public. If you stop by during regular business hours and can’t find us feel free to call and/or text us at (432) 201-2495. We could be doing some gardening or working outside and either way you should absolutely feel free to give us a call or send us a text to let us know you’re around.
Q. Did Marfa Art Supply move there?
A. Yup. We had a chance to buy the business and have moved it into our main gallery space. We’re all moved from the old location and have everything moved over. We’re maintaining the same inventory and plan on adding additional items since we have a bit more space. We’re actively working on creating a discounted rate for locals and our goal is to implement a system where a percentage of sales will be donated to local charities and organizations that benefit the community and the folks who live here. We’d love for you to stop by and say hello. We’ll be adjusting the old Marfa Art Supply hours to follow our existing hours so it’ll be open every day from 11AM until 7PM.
Q. What is Marfa Open ARTS?
A. Marfa Open Arts is a certified 501 (c)(3) non-profit arts organization with a goal of contributing to our community through our annual festival, events, performances, residency opportunities and exhibitions. Our gallery features works from local and international artists across all mediums and we strive to serve as an alternative support structure for young, emerging artists, separate from the museum and commercial gallery system.
Q. What is Marfa Open ART Festival?
A. Marfa Open Art Festival is an annual art festival held in fall in Far West Texas. Each year, a number of artists are invited to Marfa to participate in a 3-4 week long art residency where each artist will both create and exhibit works in events open to the public. Events are hosted at the Open House, as well as site-specific locations in and around Marfa. Local residents are encouraged to participate in the festival and collaborate with visiting artists. In years past, this participation has included group exhibitions, musical performance, installation art, and more.
Q. What is Marfa Open AIR?
A. Marfa Open Artist in Residence program allows for artists to come to Marfa where they’ll be given private accommodations inside of our main gallery space. They’ll have a furnished bedroom and a private bathroom and the rest of the space is shared. Artists stay for 2-4 weeks and make art. At the end of the residency we’ll have a show of some sort if it works out that way. There are no real hard and fast rules about what sort of art you make or even if there is some finished works produced. We really care more about the artists experience here. In many cases we try to cover the supplies and materials needed for your project and we don’t charge for the residency or to apply.
Q. Who started Marfa open?
A. Marfa Open was founded by Seph Itz, a world-traveled patron of the arts, military veteran, and native Texan. In 2013, he purchased and transformed a hundred year old train depot into an art gallery. He held his first annual art festival there in 2016 with the goal of elevating emerging artists, and supporting creators who have yet to be given a chance in the art world. Since then he’s built a core team that works with him to manage and curate the various aspects of the organization.
Q. wHEN is mARFA oPEN art festival?
A. Marfa Open Art Festival is held annually in the early Fall. The first day of Autumn is usually the beginning with the opening happening that weekend.
Check our calendar for more dates and times.
Q. Who can participate in marfa open art festival/marfa open air?
A. The Open is for everyone, and all submissions are welcome and encouraged. There are no fees to submit a proposal/application and there are no limitations in regards to professional experience or geographical location. Our name is something of a nod to the US Open tennis in that we don’t limit who can participate. We aren’t gatekeepers and our goal is to provide a space where all artists might have access to create and show their work. If you are an artist or musician or writer or a creator we want to support you and your work in whatever way we are able to. Submit a proposal, we would love to hear about your idea.
Q. What other events are held at the Marfa Open House?
A. Marfa Open House is home to gallery shows, musical performances, workshops and residencies. The Open House has been a venue for the Marfa Film Festival and numerous other public and private events. A primary goal is that the space act in support of our community and if you live in Marfa and would like to use the space for some event we’re happy to help you make that happen.
The property is well suited to hosting dinners, quinceañera celebrations, and community events such as clothing swaps, wedding receptions, family reunions and more. We have most everything you’d need for your group including tables, chairs, commercial kitchen and more. If you would like to host an event or collaborate artistically, please submit a proposal.
Q. How can I help?
A. We are always working to find ways to support our community and one of the best ways you can help is to let us know how we can help you. Do you have an idea for an art show or event? Please contact us. Aside from that you’re encouraged to stop by and spend some time here and see what comes to mind.
We are also more than happy to accept donations of materials, art supplies, services, etc.
If you are a representative of a business or organization and would like to become a partner or sponsor, please contact us.
Still have questions? Contact us.
