When people visit Far West Texas, they usually come for the views, the state and national parks, or the quiet. But if you take the time to look a little closer, you’ll find something else worth exploring. Alpine has a rich art scene that’s rooted in history and still growing today. It’s local, it’s personal, and it’s easy to experience without fighting crowds or standing in lines.
Alpine is the kind of place where you can meet the artists, ask questions, and see the work up close. It’s not about buzz or branding. It’s about people who live here, create here, and open their doors to share it.
A Town with Artistic Roots
Sul Ross Teacher’s College (courtesy of Marfa Public Library)
Alpine’s connection to the arts goes back nearly a hundred years. In the 1930s, Julius Woeltz, who led the art department at Sul Ross State Teachers College, started a summer art colony. He invited artists like Xavier Gonzalez to come teach, paint, and be part of the community. That effort continued through the 1940s and into the 1950s. Even back then, Alpine was a place where people could create without distraction, surrounded by mountain views and clear skies.
Woeltz was also widely known for his large-scale public murals, and his focus on community-centered, accessible art helped lay the groundwork for Alpine’s strong public art tradition. That influence is still visible today, as Alpine is now home to more than 60 murals across the area.
That creative spirit is still alive at Sul Ross State University. The school offers programs in studio art, art education, and art history. Some of the artists working in Alpine today studied or taught there.
Big Brewster Mural
One of the most well-known murals in town is Big Brewster, one of several painted by Texas artist Stylle Read. You’ll find it on the west wall of Vise Coffee (formerly Kiowa Gallery) at Holland Avenue near 5th Street. It’s full of local color, with scenes of ranch life, Big Bend National Park, and a steam engine that nods to Alpine’s railroad history. It also includes local favorites like Dan Blocker from Bonanza and Herbert Kokernot, who founded the Alpine Cowboys baseball team. The “Greetings from Alpine” postcard design makes it one of the most photographed spots in town.
Art Around Every Corner
Art in Alpine isn’t just tucked away in galleries. It’s out in the open, right on the streets. All around town, you’ll find murals painted on everything possible – business walls, utility posts, dumpsters, and anything else you can think of. Some are done with tile, glass, and other media. Many of them were created by local artists, and each one tells a story. Some reflect Alpine’s cowboy heritage, while others celebrate the landscape or music legends. A few are just playful and bold.
If you’re staying at Alpine Bed and Breakfast, we keep Mural Walk Maps on hand and are happy to help you plan your route. The murals are spread across downtown and beyond, but most are easy to explore on foot. Along the way, you’ll pass by restaurants, bookstores, galleries, and plenty of photo-worthy spots. Maps are also available at the Alpine Visitor Center.
One of the most unique stops is Art Alley. It’s located in the heart of downtown between Holland Avenue and Avenue E and has been transformed from a quiet back lane into a colorful outdoor gallery. More murals are added all the time, both in Art Alley and around town, and it’s always worth a stroll to see what’s new.
From Paradise to Calamity Creek by Pauline Hernandez
Local Artists You’ll Want to Know
Art by Sharon Haney, Tom Curry, Harry Weekly, and Liz Bartlett Culp.
The art scene in Alpine thrives thanks to the talented individuals who call this region home. Many artists live and work here full-time, drawing inspiration from the land, the people, and the peaceful rhythm of the desert.
A few artists you might come across include:
- Tom Curry – an illustrator, sculptor, and painter whose large-scale public art and canvas paintings can be seen throughout Alpine. His work often blends bold design with storytelling and has been published in books and magazines.
- Carol Fairlie – a respected artist and longtime Sul Ross professor, whose work often explores human stories and natural elements.
- Sharon Haney – a pastel artist whose pieces capture the color and light of West Texas. Her work reflects both her local surroundings and her travels and can be found in several area galleries.
- Emory Holman – a collage artist and retired chef who brings personal storytelling and layered design to her work. This blog’s header photo is of an original work by Emory that can be seen at Alpine Bed and Breakfast.
- Nick Haus – an Alpine native and abstract expressionist painter whose bold, emotive works explore personal narratives and a deep connection to place.
- Liz Bartlett Culp – a geologist-turned-painter who focuses on landscapes and florals, particularly those inspired by the Big Bend region and the Davis Mountains.
- Monty Welt – a spray paint muralist whose vibrant, community-centered pieces can be found throughout Alpine. His work often reflects local wildlife and culture, and he plays an active role in public art initiatives across town.
All of these artists are represented in local galleries, and their work gives a clear sense of what makes Alpine such a uniquely creative place. This is just a short list, as there are so many more artists in the area to discover and enjoy. Whether you’re browsing downtown or visiting a show, you’re bound to find something that surprises or inspires you.
Add Your Voice to the Alpine Art Scene
Ocotillo in the Rain by Sharon Kelner, Alpine Photo Contest 2024
If you enjoy photography or just like capturing special moments during your travels, consider submitting to the annual Alpine Texas Photo Contest hosted by Alpine’s amazing Visitor Center. The contest is free to enter and open to everyone, local or visitor, serious photographer or someone who just loves documenting their journey.
Photos can highlight anything that represents the spirit of Alpine – art, architecture, mountain views, local life, or even a quiet detail that made you pause. Entries are accepted until September 30th each year, and winners receive cash prizes. Selected images are featured at the Alpine Visitor Center for others to enjoy long after you’ve gone home.
Morning light bathes fruit on the table at Alpine Bed and Breakfast
We’d love to see what you capture while you’re staying with us at Alpine Bed and Breakfast! Whether it’s morning light on the porch or an evening with friends by the fire pit, a favorite gallery visit, wonderful food and craft cocktails at Alcove Social, or a fabulous view from Hancock Hill, your perspective is part of the story here. We’ve entered a few of our own photos, too, and we love seeing how guests experience the area.
Where to See and Buy Local Art
Big Bend Gallery
If you want to see what Alpine artists are working on, there are several places to visit. Each one has its own style and vibe, and most are within walking distance from each other.
- Big Bend Gallery is a co-op gallery that focuses on regional art inspired by the area’s landscape and culture.
- 5th Street Gallery is a collaborative space that often features group shows, pop-ups, and special events.
- Cheshire Cat Antiques is a mix of vintage finds and artwork. You might walk in looking for an old sign and leave with a one-of-a-kind painting.
- One Man’s Junk is a creation by Harry Weekly. It’s part sculpture garden and part art installation, and it’s completely original. Maps to the property are available at Alpine Bed and Breakfast and Alpine Visitor Center.
- Museum of the Big Bend is located on the Sul Ross campus. It combines art with regional history and often hosts rotating exhibits, including the popular “Trappings of Texas” show.
It’s a good idea to check each spot’s hours before visiting. Many of them are locally owned or artist-run, so schedules can vary.
Emmett and Miriam McCoy Building, Museum of the Big Bend
If you’re visiting the Museum of the Big Bend, be sure to explore the stunning Emmett and Miriam McCoy Building. This recent expansion doubles the museum’s size and features Texas art, rotating exhibitions, and an observation deck with views of Hancock Hill. The museum was named the Best Small-Town Museum in the U.S. by USA Today in 2024 and has received national recognition for its outstanding collection and programs.
Why Alpine Stands Out in the Big Bend Art Scene
5th Street Gallery
What makes Alpine’s art scene special is that it feels real. It’s not built around big names or hype. It’s built around people who live here, who care about the community, and who want to share their work in meaningful ways. The creativity isn’t locked away behind gallery doors. It’s in museums, galleries, and antique shops. And it’s on restaurant walls, city buildings, fences, and alleyways.
If you’re a road tripper, a photographer, or someone who simply enjoys discovering places with character, Alpine is a town worth exploring. The art here isn’t just about looking. It’s about discovering and connecting.
Where to Stay: Sleep Among the Art
A “Honduran Primitive” painting by Benito M. in the Castle Rock Ensuite at Alpine Bed and Breakfast
When you stay at Alpine Bed and Breakfast, it’s not only about getting a comfortable night’s sleep. You’re surrounded by artwork. Our walls feature pieces from local artists as well as art collected by Sharon, Tom, and their families during their travels throughout the United States, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The art also includes their favorite Alpine artists.
Each guestroom has its own character and collection, and the private and shared spaces are designed with comfort and creativity in mind. Guests often tell us it feels like staying in a private gallery, where there’s always something interesting to look at or talk about.
We also keep mural walk maps on hand and can help you plan a custom art-filled day. Whether you’re heading out to find a specific mural or looking for a gallery with local art, jewelry, pottery, and gifts, we’ve got suggestions to match your style.
Wine in the hot tub, under the stars
After a day of exploring, come back and relax with a glass of wine by the fire pit or soak under the stars in one of our two hot tubs. And in the morning, enjoy a house-made breakfast complete with fresh bread, yogurt, a Specialty of the Day, preserves, and other freshly made treats.
In the living room, you’ll also find our guest doodle book with a growing collection of sketches, poetry, and reflections left by travelers who’ve stayed with us. It’s a favorite feature for our guests and a meaningful way to see how others have connected with Alpine and the art that surrounds it. You’re welcome to add your own thoughts!
A watercolor of a mule deer on the front lawn, by our guest E.J.
Ready to Explore?
You can download the mural walk map here, or just ask us for one when you check in. Plan your route, take your time, and don’t be surprised if you discover something unexpected along the way.
If a certain mural or gallery sticks with you, or if you leave town with a piece of art in your suitcase, we’d love to hear about it. Share your favorite finds, tag us on social media, or leave a comment on the blog. Every visitor adds a new layer to Alpine’s creative story.
Come stay with us!
Contact Us
For more information or to inquire about availability, please contact us at:
Phone: (432) 538-7032
Email: innkeeper@alpinetxbnb.com
We look forward to welcoming you to Alpine Bed and Breakfast, where unforgettable memories are made.
Sharon & Tom
Alpine Bed and Breakfast
www.alpinetxbnb.com
Don Quijote in Ojinaga by Tom Curry
