Find Unique Art, Support Historic Sites at Third Annual New Mexico Art Auction

March 2nd, 2020

(Santa Fe, New Mexico) -- Are you searching for that special handcrafted artwork that reflects your unique style and puts the crowning touch on your home? Something that shouts “New Mexico?”  You need look no further ahead than March 21 and no farther away than Bernalillo.

Find unique art and support New Mexico Historic Sites at the Third Annual New Mexico Art Auction Saturday, March 21, at the Prairie Star Restaurant in Bernalillo, north of Santa Ana Star Casino.  The event is hosted by the Friends of Coronado Historic Site.

Up for bid will be 200 to 300 original handmade works of art—traditional, historic and modern—including paintings, pottery, baskets, rugs, textiles, sculptures, carvings, jewelry and more, from the many cultures of New Mexico.  To get an idea, see photos of last year’s offerings at www.kuaua.org/events.

Auction leader Ed Chamberlin points out that prices at last year’s auction started as low as $10.  Although some pieces were priced in the thousands, the average price of art sold was only $175, within the reach of many pocketbooks.  Plus, Chamberlin asserts, “auctions are a blast.”

“Even if you’ve never participated in a live auction,” explains Chamberlin, “you’ll have a great time.  Bidding is easier than you may think, and the auctioneer will give everyone a quick orientation.  You’ll feel inspired just seeing the range and quality of the art and knowing that you’re supporting a great cause.”

Proceeds from this event will support two important New Mexico archaeological sites—the ancient pueblos of Kuaua (Bernalillo) and Giusewa (Jemez Springs), better known as the Coronado and Jemez State Historic Sites.

New Mexico-based artists and owners of New Mexico art are encouraged to consign or donate works to this wholesale consignment auction and benefit for the Friends of Coronado Historic Site.

The Friends of Coronado Historic Site is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that provides volunteers and funding for public education, museum exhibits and site preservation, as well as ongoing research, analysis and archaeological investigation at the Kuaua and Giusewa sites.

IF YOU GO

What: New Mexico Art Auction

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2020

Time: Preview begins at 10 a.m., bidding starts at 1 p.m.

Location: Prairie Star Restaurant on Santa Ana Pueblo, address 288 Prairie Star Road

Directions: From the intersection of NM 528 and US 550 in Bernalillo, go north on Tamaya Boulevard, take the second right onto Prairie Star Road and continue until road ends at the Santa Ana Golf Course and the Prairie Star Restaurant.  Restaurant will be on your right.

Payments accepted: Credit card or cash only, no checks.

Call (505) 867-5351 for more information.

Tips on how to enjoy the auction & bid process:

• The night before the event look at www.kuaua.org/events for photos of auction items.


• Decide the maximum you are willing to spend for each item of interest.


• On auction day, arrive at 10 a.m. sharp.


• Pick up a printed catalog and circle your items


• Inspect the items up close


• If you want to bid, note the estimated sale prices of each item, bidding starts lower than this price.


• Listen to the auctioneer’s orientation.


• During bidding, start your bid with an amount at or above the minimum but lower than your maximum.


• Stop when you win the item, or other bidders exceed your maximum.


• If you’re the winning bidder, check out and pay when you finish bidding on your last item.

 

Coronado Historic Site 485 Kuaua Bernalillo, NM 87004 (505) 867-5351

http://nmhistoricsites.org/coronado

 

About New Mexico Historic Sites: http://nmhistoricsites.org/

New Mexico Historic Sites are a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation, through the generous support of donors.

On March 14, 1931, the New Mexico Historic Site system was established by an Act for the Preservation of the Scientific Resources of New Mexico, to "declare by public proclamation that historic and prehistoric structures and other objects of scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the State of New Mexico, shall be state monuments, and may reserve as a part thereof such parcels of land as may be necessary to the proper care and management of the objects to be protected." Under the direction of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, eight sites are open to the public: Coronado, Fort Selden, Fort Stanton, Fort Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo Memorial, Jemez, Lincoln, and Los Luceros.

In 2004, the J. Paul Taylor Family bequeathed the Barela-Reynolds House and Property on the Mesilla Plaza to the Department of Cultural Affairs.  Still serving as J. Paul Taylor’s private home, the property will become a Historic Site after his passing. Events, news releases and images about activities at New Mexico Historic Sites, and other Department of Cultural Affairs divisions can be accessed at media.newmexicoculture.org.​