Stars and Art Shine in The Land of Enchantment
Legacy Art Albuquerque
by Dave Shultz
 Lou Diamond Phillips
runs, jumps, shouts and dances around the room as Robert David Hall
describes a magnificent collaborative piece of art by eighteen world famous
artists put up for auction. Lou and fellow actor
 Mike Moroff work the crowd
and taunt each other as bids fly around the room. The bidding is
for eighteen original works of art combined into one colossal and unique
piece of wall art. The composite called "Thundering Buffalo" is one of
the highlights of this charily auction to raise money for scholarships for
deserving students. This is the tenth year for this gala event and
every year the amount raised exceeds the last. This year was no
exception and Thundering Buffalo brought a record $45,000.
  The
Amado and J.B. Pena Art has Heart Foundation is one of the driving forces
behind this event and every year Amado outdoes himself with an original work
of art for this event. This year it was a hand painted leather couch
that was simply too beautiful to ever sit on. The Art has
Heart Foundation and the
Saint Pius X High School Foundation make the Legacy Art Auction
 the social charity
event of the year for Albuquerque. The funds raised are split between
the two foundations with the Art Has Heart proceeds going to college
scholarships to students in the states of New Mexico, Texas, Colorado,
Arizona, and Oklahoma. St. Pius uses theirs in two categories, which are
tuition assistance and programs in the visual and performing arts. Art patrons come from all over the
country to attend this auction and take home original works of art that not
only beautify their homes but allows them to contribute to the education of
deserving students in New Mexico.
The artists and patrons gathered on Friday evening at the home of Los
Ranchos Mayor Larry and Mrs. Beverly
 Abraham to mix and mingle
while enjoying the fabulous  New
Mexico weather. The artists were honored with bronze medals for their
participation and everyone had a chance to peruse the fabulous art
collection in the Abraham home. Wandering through the almost
endless rooms was a visual treat and surprises were around every corner
where each piece of art was surpassed by the next. The Abrahams are
not only patrons but significant collectors of Amado Pena's art and it is
featured prominently throughout the house.
 
  While
some of the celebrities are regulars and attend every year, there are always
one or two additions that spice up the repartee. This year it was
American Idol veteran Sanjaya and Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart
Simpson on The Simpsons. It was slightly unnerving to hear the voice
of Bart Simpson coming from the lovely and delightful Nancy as she extolled
the crowd to join in the bidding and she added some personal items to the
auction like Bart Simpson's voice on one lucky patrons answering machine.
  There
are hundreds of original works of art by the best western artists in the
county and there is a silent auction as well as live auction. Many
pieces in the silent auction were snapped up at the Buy It Now price before
the main auction even started. It's a good idea to come early to the
preview and grab some bargains while you can. <
 This year's featured
artist, Anthony Martinez, provided an incredible carved chest, hand made and
based on authentic Spanish designs. The chest was highly sought after
and was a prized addition to one lucky bidder's collection.
 The event is held at the
Sandia Resort and Casino and is always a sell out well in advance. The
resort caters a dinner before the auction starts and the fact that many
diners return for seconds and thirds is a testament to the quality meal
provided.
 Artists and patrons from
out of town stay at the Nativo Lodge in Albuquerque and on both Friday and
Saturday night there is a jam session by the Legacy All Star Band. The
 All Star Band is made up of
artists that also have a penchant for music and even though the group only
performs together once a year at the Nativo, they seem to have a symbiotic
relationship when it comes to music.
 Sanjaya and Lou Diamond
Phillips both joined the band and performed together to the delight of
everyone present. They entertained the group with Stormy Monday and
other blues songs while having the time of their lives. The band
members took turns performing songs both personal and by request until the
wee hours of the morning. Robert David Hall was impressive with his
 guitar expertise and artist
Virgil C. Stephens on keyboard brought the blues to life.
 The action is fast paces
and the interaction between the celebrity auctioneers and patrons kept
everyone entertained. Lou Diamond Phillips and Mike Moroff really work
the crowd and Lou has been known to shamelessly entice bids by offering lap
dances and other favors. Winning can be particularly rewarding as some
patrons found out. Also, seeing the
 camaraderie between
 Lou and Mike as they vied
for higher bids brought constant laughter to the crowd.
There are few museums that can offer the variety and quality of art
present at the Legacy Art Auction. Being able to view the art alone
makes this a rewarding evening but knowing that all the money raised goes
directly to scholarships makes this event even more satisfying. <
If you go:
Legacy Art Albuquerque
http://legacyartabq.org <
Amado and J.B. Pena Art has Heart Foundation
http://www.arthasheart.org <
Saint Pius X High School
http://www.saintpiusx.com <
Nativo Lodge
http://www.hhandr.com
Sandia Resort and Casino
http://www.sandiacasino.com <
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