Gender Bender
Colt Keo-Meier is Texas’s preeminent researcher on transgender issues. But for him, it’s not just about the science. It’s personal.
Francesca Mari is an associate editor at Texas Monthly. Her essays, reporting, and criticism have appeared in the New Republic, the New York Times, the Paris Review, Dissent, and elsewhere.
Articles by Francesca Mari
Convicted Conman Youssef Khater is Up and Running Again
An update on Youssef Khater since we published ”The Talented Mr. Khater.”
Southern Comfort
Alba Huerta, arguably the best bartender in Texas, chats about serving cocktails in Houston.
Brave Heart
Brené Brown explains why being vulnerable is the toughest and worthiest thing you can do.
The Talented Mr. Khater
In 2011 Callie Quinn moved from Austin to Chile to experience a new way of life. Then she met a charming fellow foreigner—and almost lost everything.
Texas Man Treasures Finds in Updike’s Trash
Ian McEwan signed books this fall at the Harry Ransom Center in Austin, where he was presented the glasses and envelope containing a 1953 issue of The Harvard Lampoon, at his right. (Photo credit Daulton Venglar)…
The Click Clique
Amber Venz was just a pretty Dallas girl with good taste and a blog, until she figured out something revolutionary: how to make money with every post. Meet the 27-year-old queen of a whole new fashion empire.
Trip Guide: Oaxaca
Plan a summertime weekend exploring Mexican markets and moles using this guide with tips on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay.
A Summer Weekend in Oaxaca
Unwinding in Mexico’s fertile crescent of arts and crafts (and moles).
Fixing the Fruits of the Earth
The sweet onion! The mild pepper! The maroon carrot! These and countless other tasty fruits and vegetables wouldn't exist but for the scientists of the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center at Texas A&M, which celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year.
12 Photos of the Vandalization that Briefly Turned Prada Marfa into “TOMS Marfa”
The famous installation in Far West Texas continues to incite debate over art and commerce.
Finally, a Valid Excuse For Doodling During a Meeting
A new book explains how drawing stick figures and other little illustrations during meetings and group sessions can help clarify thoughts and ideas.
Texas’s Love Affair with James Turrell
Turrell, now one of the most famous artists alive, has long captivated the attention of Texas's art patrons, bringing world-class art to the state's museums and universities.
Business
Texas Business Report: Making a Killing In the Funeral Industry
America's leading death-care provider, based in Houston, charges 42% more for its traditional funeral services; Torchy's taco is suing the Texas Taco Company; bags might not fly free at Southwest; and more.
Elmgreen thinks TxDOT needs to change their definition of an advertising sign.
Whose idea was it to install a Playboy sculpture in Marfa?
So, Is It Art? Talking to Playboy Marfa Artist Richard Phillips
On August 28, 2013, we talked to Richard Phillips, the artist behind the controversial Playboy Marfa installation. Read more about the art-versus-advertising debate here. FRANCESCA MARI: When were you tapped to do this piece for Playboy? RICHARD PHILLIPS: I was contacted before the New Year by Neville Wakefield, who…
What Is Art?
When Playboy Enterprises—yes, that Playboy Enterprises—erected a forty-foot-tall sculpture near Marfa, it was convinced the town would appreciate its take on the local art scene. Instead it started a revealing debate.
Did Playboy Screw Prada?
The dustup around Playboy's controversial art installation outside of Marfa revealed regulations that might require the removal of the famous Prada Marfa sculpture.
(Un)Happy Endings
Playboy Marfa Must Go. For Real This Time.
Updated: TxDOT says The Bunny is still illegal, but will allow it to stay until around December 20.
How Medieval Times Became the Largest Breeder of Pure Spanish Horses in America
The "dinner theater" chain supplies all of its castles with purebred Andalusian horses, which are all born at an unassuming ranch in Sanger, Texas.
Hog Hunting With Texas’s Next Literary Giant
Philipp Meyer is impressing the literary world with his second novel, The Son, a multigenerational epic about an oil and ranching dynasty in Texas that is being called the most ambitious Texas novel in years. But how did this East Coast-reared man manage to capture the spirit of the state?
Business
Texas Business Report: Houston Wins the 2017 Super Bowl
Plus Apple will open a Texas factory, and NASA has selected an Austin company to develop a 3-D printer that can produce food for astronauts.
Austin Becomes Dillon Once Again
Friday Night Lights cast members and producers come home for the ATX Television Festival, with a panel and an Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow screening.
Larry Clark’s Perverted Marfa
But all the casual sex and violence in director Larry Clark’s new film, Marfa Girl, is less surprising than its means of distribution.
We mediate stress with fattening food. Texans more than others.
The Kids Are All Right
Meet eight of this year’s valedictorians, the products of schools across Texas, from El Paso’s Silva Health Magnet to Houston’s Westbury High.
Christopher Erck, owner of the Worm Tequila and Mezcal bar in San Antonio, applied to trademark the phrase, "I can't remember the Alamo," a joke the custodians of the historic structure found none too funny.