Mona Garcia, one of FAUSA's founding members, conceived the idea for and has brought to fruition the establishment of a premier training center for artistic development and healthful aging in Marfa, Texas, her home. According to the website, "Believing that women, specifically mature women, are underrepresented in the artistic community, Mona envisioned a haven for those women-one that provided a nurturing, protective environment, conducive to the fulfillment of their true promise and potential." The center is the headquarters for The International Woman's Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public foundation for women artists, headquartered in the center, established to fund the center.
In introducing FAWCO to the center, Mona said, "This is what FAUSA members in Texas have created for American and international women artists. It could never have happened without international living experience enhanced by FAWCO."
Hacienda del Arcon is the beautiful name that has been given to the artists-in-residence program. Exhibiting artists and writers enjoying being artists-in-residence in the historic property for the serenity that it affords the creative spirit. Planning is ongoing for a health center, a refuge for artists of all disciplines to create, refine and share their treasured gifts. It will be an all-inclusive facility with work areas for a variety of visual, literary, and performing art mediums.
The center is housed in the former officers' club and bachelor officers' quarters in Building 98 of Fort D.A. Russell, which closed in 1946. Building 98 was registered as a National Historic Site by the USDI in 2004 and is currently undergoing restoration and rehabilitation by professional preservationists under the guidance of the Texas Historical Commission. Part of the restoration will include conservation of murals created by German prisoners of war who were interned there from 1943 to 1945, which can be viewed on the Hacienda del Arcon website (http://www.haciendadelarcon.org).
Mona and her board of directors have ambitious plans for the foundation and the Hacienda. They include living facilities for artists, studios, as well as common areas with a meditative labyrinth and gardens. An on-premises spa, summer pool and private club with dining facilities will also be available.
Memberships are currently available, depending on one's "personal blessings and desires," and range from $150 ($75 for Seniors) to $10,000 for a lifetime membership with lots of perks, including a place on the Board of Trustees. As the brochure states, the Hacienda's Board is convinced its "future is very bright and exciting. Our concept is a first of its kind, with a blending of art, the business of art, and healthful, anti-aging, medical education.
The Transitions: Growing Older Committee extends its warmest wishes for the success of the Hacienda del Arcon.
