MICHAEL PHELAN (Born, Beaumont, TX) has had a front-row seat to the Art World for the past twenty-plus years. Beginning his career as a Contemporary Artist, based in New York City; following- as Founder and Director of Marfa Invitational, in Marfa, TX.Having studied at RISD and Brown University, in Providence, RI- Phelan exhibited his work extensively throughout the US and Europe. Including Andrew Kreps Gallery, Mary Boone, and D'Amelio Terras, New York, NY; Shane Campbell, Chicago, IL; Lora Reynolds, Austin, TX; and Ballroom, Marfa. Among numerous others abroad. Including Galerie Mitterrand, Paris. Phelan's work is included in prominent Public and Private Collections throughout the US and Europe. His work has been featured in global publications, including Artforum, Frieze, Modern Painters, Art in America, Vogue Italia, T Magazine, The New York Times, and The Boston Globe, among others.Phelan planted his flag in Marfa, TX, the former Army town transformed by Minimalist pioneer Donald Judd, shortly after he was invited by Ballroom, Marfa to present a large-scale sculpture installation in the gallery's courtyard. Purchasing Marfa’s original ‘Texaco’ Station, Phelan turned his focus and energies to the role of Curator. With the Vision and mission of presenting today's foremost considered and consequential Artists within the historied context of Marfa. Bringing together Collectors, Curators, Museum and Institutional patrons, along with cultural luminaries and contemporary arbiters, to celebrate a truly singular aesthetic and conceptual immersion amongst the high plains of far west Texas.In Fall 2018 Phelan expanded upon his Vision and mission- founding 'Marfa Invitational'. In Spring 2019 Phelan presented Marfa Invitational's First Edition. Including Gallerists Marianne Boesky, Half Gallery, New York; Nino Mier Gallery, LA + Brussels; and Lora Reynolds Gallery, Austin. Among others from around the globe.As Marfa Invitational continues to evolve exponentially in both scale and complexity- transcending what we have come to understand as the traditional institutional model and norm- Phelan's sights are set on Marfa Invitational's new home and Foundation. Establishing a new vision for the 21st century as a leading global platform for Contemporary Art and Culture- from Contemporary Art, Architecture and Design to Film, Fashion, and Performance. Giving 'context' to the Art exhibited, in all its forms; while heightening the 'human experience'. Expanding our relationship to and with Art, the landscape which surrounds us, and each other.