On Saturday, February 5th, 2005, La Peña will be presenting Toma Mi Corazón XIII at La Peña Gallery and Las Manitas Avenue Cafe. This event is La Peña’s signature event and annual fundraiser. Every year 10-inch wooden hearts are given out to artists, school children, dignitaries, and anyone else who would like to participate. They are free to decorate them however they wish. Once they’re returned, they are sold in a silent auction. The proceeds from the event go to support La Peña’s visual arts programming and their work with children in elementary schools. The festivities begin at 4 pm with a preview party followed by silent auction at 6 pm. Admission for the entire evening is $5 (children under 12 are free).

It’s that time of year where love is in the air and no one is immune to it. It’s also the time of year where La Peña invites you “Take My Heart”. Hundreds come from far and wide to not only bid on the hearts but to create their own. Last year’s event was La Peña’s largest yet with 360 hearts. Former heart artists include Los Lobos, former Texas Governor Ann Richards, Bob Schneider, and even President George Bush. This year’s list of artists already includes familiar names such as Nivia Gonzalez, Blas E. Lopez, and Alejandro Diaz, Jr.

The event kicks off at Las Manitas Avenue Cafe with a preview party starting at 4 pm. Guests can sample foods from a few of Austin’s finest restaurants, enjoy drinks, listen to music from Trio Romantico and Albert “Tiger” Diaz, view a performance piece from Ian Scott Ray, and get first bids on the hearts. Then the auction begins at 6 pm and will be taking place at La Peña Gallery and Las Manitas.

While the event doesn’t take place until Saturday, February 5th, many hearts are already on display and up for bid. Once the event is over, hearts which were not sold during the auction will remain on display and for sale until the end of February. Tickets are also already available at La Peña and Las Manitas.

Toma Mi Corazón XIII is sponsored by 107.1 KGSR Radio Austin and the Austin-American Statesman.