On Saturday, February 10th, 2007, La Peña will be presenting Toma Mi Corazón XV at La Peña Gallery and Las Manitas Avenue Cafe. This event is La Peña’s signature event and annual fundraiser. Every year 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 and education programming. The festivities begin at 4 pm with a preview party followed by the silent auction at 6 pm. Tickets for the preview party are $10 and include food, drinks, and music. Admission to the silent auction is $5.

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. This year’s list of artists includes Amado Peña Jr., Brian Joseph, and Ana Sisnet along with autographed hearts by Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino.

The event kicks off at Las Manitas Avenue Cafe with a preview party starting at 4 pm. 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 10th, 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.

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