The Hal Marcus Art Foundation Launches under the Paso del Norte Community Foundation
The family of the late El Paso icon Hal Marcus has established The Hal Marcus Art Foundation, a new fund under the Paso del Norte Community Foundation dedicated to preserving his legacy and inspiring future generations of Borderland artists.
The Hal Marcus Art Foundation officially launched on June 6, 2026 on what would have been the late artist’s 75th birthday. We are inviting friends, family, and fans to celebrate Marcus’ life by supporting public art, arts education, cultural preservation, and artist mentorship throughout the region, causes and programs he cared about deeply and carried out throughout his life.
For more than five decades, Hal Marcus helped shape El Paso’s artistic identity through his vibrant paintings, community leadership, and commitment to nurturing local talent. Through the Hal Marcus Gallery and numerous community initiatives, he championed artists across the Borderland and helped elevate the region’s creative culture.
His influence continues to be felt by artists throughout the community.
“Hal taught me art when I was 5 years old,” said artist Diego “Robot” Martinez. “He’s always been there for me. He never judged me; he just showed me how to view life with positivity.”
Following his passing, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar honored Hal Marcus’ legacy in the U.S. Congressional Record, recognizing his lasting contributions to the artistic and cultural life of the Borderland.
Three Major Initiatives Announced
As part of its launch, The Hal Marcus Art Foundation has announced three signature initiatives planned for 2026 and 2027:
• The Hal Marcus Memorial Mural Project — A large-scale public mural on the El Paso Street wall of the El Paso Electric Substation, created by the Cuatro Amigos to celebrate Marcus’ colorful artistic legacy.
• The Hal Marcus Art Museum — The transformation of Marcus’ personal residence, painting studio, and mosaic garden into a museum offering educational and inspirational tours.
• Dunn Park Beautification Project — A community mosaic installation that will transform the existing rock wall at Dunn Park into an interactive public space for residents and visitors.
“The vision is to keep my father’s legacy of inspiration alive,” said Leilainia Marcus, Hal’s daughter, and an educator, life coach, and entrepreneur. “It is not just about him. It is about inspiring people to live the life they love. He would always say, ‘Do what you love, and do it every day.’. Leilainia adds: “Create a world that is worth living in, one filled with community, nature, joy, and art.”
Marcus believed art was an essential service to humanity and a powerful force for connection, healing, and joy. Through the Foundation, his family hopes to continue that mission while creating opportunities for future generations of artists and community members.
Community members, art lovers, and philanthropists are encouraged to celebrate his life and help his legacy of inspiration and optimism expand by making a gift to The Hal Marcus Art Foundation Fund through the Paso del Norte Community Foundation.
For more information about the Foundation, upcoming projects, or ways to support its mission, visit https://www.pdnfoundation.org/hal-marcus-art-foundation.
Media Opportunities:
To coordinate interviews or event coverage, contact:
Kellie Burns-Franco
(915) 276-9570
kburnsfranco@pdnfoundation.org
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The Paso del Norte Community Foundation is a public charity established in 2013 to support the philanthropic goals of individuals, families, corporations, foundations, and nonprofit organizations to improve health, education, social services, economic development, and quality of life in our binational, tri-state region. For more information, visit their website at www.pdnfoundation.org
