Masquerade Marfa

My college graduation party was masquerade-themed, so you can imagine how excited I was to hear that Ballroom is hosting “Masquerade Marfa” on Halloween Night. While this is a members-only event, they have announced a new membership level that is within reach of a single momma like me!

Right now, for $25, you can become a member and help support Ballroom Marfa’s future projects. I just did it. Super easy and I feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Go to www.ballroommarfa.org right now to become a member and secure a spot at the party of the season.

(On a side note, in the last week I’ve officially become a member of Marfa Public Radio and now Ballroom. I am, like, you know, such a joiner all of a sudden If you’re feeling extra magnanimous this week, too, go to www.MarfaPublicRadio.org and pledge your support to our local NPR affiliate!)

Naturally, the next thing on my mind is “whatever am I to wear?” And that takes me to my favorite source of handmade goods, the ever-awesome Etsy.com. I’ve assembled some of my favorites to serve as inspiration.

Coming soon: Because I NEED to know why I’m doing things, I’m putting together a quick history of the masquerade. God bless those Venetians.

Remember: “Se non stai bravo viene il babau e ti porta via!”

La Bauta

Brown Oak Leaf Men’s Mask – $135

The artist advertises it as a man’s mask. I guess so. It’s very “Treebeard” (which would actually be a pretty cool all-over H’ween costume).

Red Demon – $20

This one is so spectacularly crude, I can’t help but love it. It has a slight “Eyes Wide Shut” feel to it that I’m not totally digging (don’t mess with the Bhagavad Gita, Mr. Kubrick) and the eye holes are too big to allow for any real anonymity. But, this is Marfa and there is no such thing as anonymity under any circumstances.

Grackle Red – $105

Phallic and Phabulous. Enough said.

Unicorn Rabbit – $95

The person who made this mask combined the words “unicorn” and “rabbit” without hesitation. I’m speechless. Of course, I will totally make out with anyone who shows up to the Ballroom masquerade ball in this.

Black Silver and Gold Fairy – $50

Yes. Yes. Yes! Easily the coolest of the bunch and a deal considering it’s handmade AND leather. Alas, it goes against my personal choice to not purchase new leather products, so I will have to pass. Beautiful, though.