One Saturday afternoon at Building 98

David and I have had the good fortune of befriending Rudy and Mona Garcia, gracious proprietors of the Arcon Inn of Marfa. Mona is also the president of the International Woman's Foundation, housed in Building 98. Building 98 was formerly the bachelor officers' quarters and officers' club at Fort D.A. Russell.

So many Marfa buildings appear modest on the exterior, yet house wonderful things. Building 98 has been beautifully restored on the outside, yet the true treasures are housed within its walls.

One late summer afternoon, just after our first meeting, Mrs. Garcia invited us to tour Building 98. It was a fascinating tour, from the officers' quarters to the fantastic now-preserved murals painted by the POWs, followed by a relaxed chat in the former officers' club, which still houses the bar where General Patton spent so much time.

This last Marfa trip included a lovely visit with the Garcias and another trip to Building 98. This time, we had the privilege of meeting Bonita Barlow, the current artist in residence. We were treated to a private viewing of her work, Light Sculptures.

Most who know me well know how I love the road, be it the highway, highway construction, a road trip, or a railroad. So, it is no surprise that I loved Bonita Barlow's paintings, which incorporate the reflective materials of highway markings, but in a most unusual and colorful presentation. Bonita herself was a charming hostess and we thoroughly enjoyed her work and company.

As we finished up our visit with Bonita, Mona arrived and invited us all for a glass of wine in the former officers' quarters. Shortly after, we were joined by Heiko Schulze, a sculptor, and film photographer, whom we had noticed when he was riding his bicycle earlier in the day. He was hard to miss, riding his bike along Lincoln Street in the very cold Marfan winter weather, his camera with a rather tremendous lens slung over his shoulder, sans bag.

Heiko shared photos of his sculptures, interesting human and animal figures. They were quite delightful. I would love to see more of them.

We have discovered that it is quite typical to awake in Marfa expecting the usual, and yet find one's self doing something completely extraordinary, as evidenced in an afternoon visit to Building 98.