STABAT MATER

The foundation operates on the grounds of historic Stafford’s Meadow Farm in Montalba, Texas.

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Stafford’s Meadow Farm engages in agricultural and cultural stewardship, seeking to be a beautiful property for people, livestock, and wildlife. Founded in 1889, the farm engages in the following:

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• Agriculture: Manages livestock, hay, timber, wildlife, crops, and native plants with regenerative methods.
   

• Recreation: Provides a rural venue for Catholic family gatherings.
   

• Culture: The "Art Farm" serves as the venue for the Stabat Mater Foundation.
   

 

Features of the Farm
 

• 900+ acre family heritage farm. Pasture, hardwood timbered areas, hilly East Texas landscape, 1hr30m from Dallas, located about 40 miles off I-45 between Dallas and Houston.
   

• The Cross. A prayer garden at the entrance of the farm features a 20-foot tubular steel cross fashioned by Palestine (Texas) metal artist Terry Vogeler and the “Mystical Rose Chapel” in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Cause of Life. An original statue by Tyler (Texas) sculptor Felix Avalos stands inside, and nature trails and gardens surround.
   

• The Caboose. A camping area complete with a 1940 vintage wooden caboose finished and furnished, The Little Red Bunkhouse, The “Depot” (cabin), handicapped-accessible outdoor rest rooms, and utility hookups. Nature trails surround.
   

• The Big Barn. This original 1950s-era rustic pole barn sits atop a hill near the vintage 1900 farmhouse and is used for classes, meals, and presentations.
   

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Goals of the Farm
 

• Manage the farm holistically as a place of thoughtful land stewardship benefiting people, livestock, and wildlife.
   

• Offer a variety of activities, such as farm tours, plein air painting, photography, and artists’ talks, thus making it possible for visitors to appreciate great art in a natural setting.
   

• Connect artists and arts supporters in their common pursuit of the fine arts, especially Catholic religious art, resulting in higher quality works for their homes, parishes, schools, offices, pregnancy help centers, etc.

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What's Happening Now
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• Right now: we are in the process of building “Our Lady’s Artists' Chapel," designed by Dallas architect Stephen Zepeda, to be completed in 2024. Featuring art from our artists, it will be the crown jewel of the Stafford's Meadow Farm property and will be available as part of events and retreats. It will be nestled atop a ridge overlooking the original 200+ acre farm.
   

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What's Planned

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• Coming soon: the East Texas Mission Trail (“Tejas Trail”), with a shrine inspired by the first Spanish mission in East Texas and dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi.
   

• Nearby: we envision a future “Stafford House,” and the “Art Barn," both resting atop the same overlook as the chapel. These buildings, also designed by Stephen Zepeda Architecture, LLC, will be for receptions, small dinners, meetings, book signings, art talks, recitals, and artists’ work spaces, classes, and exhibitions.
   

• Future: guest cottages/studios are planned, reflecting the various cultures of East Texas (Caddo, French, Spanish, Mexican, American).

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Interested in visiting the farm? Contact info@StabatMater.org