A Look Back at 2020
We invite you to join us in a look back at some of the good work, paradoxical moments, and beauty that carried Chinati through the challenging past year and into 2021.
January
Artist Nick Terry led a paint-making workshop for adults hosted by Chinati’s Education department.
February
This was the sole sunset tour on a calendar usually marked with several opportunities to experience the seasonal morning and evening light with special viewing experiences at Chinati.
March
Chinati proudly lent this untitled work from 1980 to the Donald Judd retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, which opened in March and closes this week on January 9, 2021.
April
These emboldened javelinas made a tragicomic appearance shortly after Chinati was among the first museums to close at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
May
Work at Chinati continued apace, as these “before and after” photos show how far the museum has come in the process of organizing its archives, with generous support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
June
Bags of free art supplies were distributed to Marfa children who participated in Chinati’s annual Summer Shake Up from home. While we greatly missed the creative energy our young friends bring to the museum, the online platform has proved an opportunity to develop prompts and curriculum for young makers and educators everywhere.
July
Chinati presented its first public program held entirely online with a performance by summer artist-in-residence Tamar Ettun, who introduced her demon Lilit.
August
Chinati reopened to the public in a limited capacity with outdoor Self-guided Walking Tours. These tours cover close to two miles and will be available again as soon as Chinati reopens.
September
In the run up to Chinati Weekend, there was plenty of new material to produce, including these very special Made in Marfa Gift Boxes, the purchase of which supports the local economy and Chinati.
October
The first Chinati Weekend to be held entirely online came to a close with Mahrla Manning, Pipe Major of Empyre Pipes and Drums of El Paso, marching the untitled works in concrete and playing the bagpipe music beloved by Donald Judd.
November
This Northern Saw-whet Owl was another notable guest. Its presence marked the absence of human visitors, when Chinati once again closed in response to the pandemic situation in West Texas. We continue to monitor the situation and, consistent with our goal to protect the public and our staff, we look forward to welcoming you back to Chinati as soon as it is safe to do so.
December
December 2020. We enjoyed a rare snow day at Chinati—as viewed from the sotol garden outside the John Chamberlain Building in downtown Marfa.
The new year 2021 stretches ahead.
We hope you will continue to follow our work and to explore the history and collection of this unique museum, founded by artist Donald Judd in far West Texas, through our online programs, communications, and website.