Esperanza Vintage and Art

Sometimes you have to dig to find your gems, other times you have to drive into the desert to gather your treasures. Esperanza always has incredible finds at fair prices, including some artful designs by local designers, vintage denim, lots of belts, some homewares, and of course, ART! Jenny and Em are lovely hosts, helping with local recommendations and providing that warm Marfan hospitality I love returning for time and again. Thank you, always!

Had so much fun here! We visited during the pandemic in August 2020 so there were many places in Marfa that weren't open. As we drove out to Prada Marfa I saw that this shop had their door literally open. We stopped by when we got back to town but the door was now closed. I texted the phone number posted on the door and at the same moment artist Richard Kurtz arrived. His wife, fellow artist Jennifer Esperanza owns the shop and Richard's work is on display inside. Mostly women's vintage and some jewelry, cowboy boots, purses, leather belts, and home goods are for sale. I bought a gorgeous beaded cardigan and one of a kind Marfa denim jacket. Jennifer wasn't available but Richard is a very kind man and my husband and I enjoyed chatting with him.

Condescending owner, outdated clothing, and a pretentious "gallery." You can skip this one. This past weekend, my friends came to visit me in my home state of Texas. I took them to Big Bend National Park and Marfa. I am so proud to call Texas home and I'm continually amazed at the knowledge and kindness so many fellow Texans have shown me. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the store owner. While appreciating a framed piece by artist, Clayton Porter, she scolded us from across the store to not get close. Understandably, we took a step back and waited for her to approach in order to apologize for any wrongdoing. My issue and the reason I decided to leave this review was that Jennifer berated us publicly inside the store. Before she even reached halfway, she was "teaching us" gallery protocol. I'm not saying I don't make mistakes but having visited countless exhibitions and showings, I am familiar with the art world and the double standards for BIPOC. This "let me teach you the right way, my way" attitude is based on the assumption that we're uneducated, unfamiliar, and perhaps even undeserving. Jennifer kept repeating she had commissioned signs listing this correct gallery etiquette such as no pictures, no touching, and no beverages. Not saying we did any of the above but if these are such important store values, can't they spend a little on pen and paper to make a temporary sign? Or even simple as having the store associate remind us as we enter the store. This is not about ruining a local business, this is about sharing a personal experience so no one else is forced to go through the same unpleasant moment. Remember, this is just one review. Honest reviews and holding stores accountable was the whole reason we use sites like Google maps and Yelp.

Love Jennifer Esperanza and family! Bringing her genius curated aesthetic and open- hearted personality to the floor in Marfa makes for a winning venue!

Came by the store and the owner was SO RUDE! Doubt she is actually from Texas. Extremely condescending and unwelcoming. I would never give this place my business there are so many much more welcoming and impressive stores.