A HEART TO HEART ABOUT FRIENDSHIP AND ART
By Amber Hartley
Photos by Geistlight Photography

The paintings capture the creative cultures of New Mexico and beyond, the sculptures reach out and grasp your imagination, and jewelry is etched in silver as if inspired by nature…. Stepping into Weems Art Gallery is like stepping  into a vibrant, new world.


Today, Weems Gallery is an open invitation to see the best art that our state has to offer. According to the Weems’ business philosophy, "You don’t have to be rich to own original art in New Mexico.”

“I remember a customer, a woman, who commented, ‘There is an incredible aura in this gallery,’” says Mary Ann Weems, the woman who owns the gallery. Weems has built an internationally-known gallery and showcase of work. She built it on a prayer and a whim.

It all began 24 years ago when Weems, with two small children and an art degree, found herself threatened by the federal squeeze on public school creativity. Unable to find a teaching job in Albuquerque, Weems frequented fairs and art gatherings with her pen and pencil etchings in hand. There, among  the booths and buyers, Weems began to devise a plan—a year-round “art fair” for gift aficionados —a simple gallery with choices and something to tantalize every artistic taste, from the sophisticated to the somewhat quirky. Instead of a limited number of artists to choose from, there would be more like 100.

The idea was radical enough to secure a loan from her parents, the criticism of other family and friends (many bet the business would fold in three months), and a 400-square-foot piece of commercial property in which to build an art lover’s paradise.


Women form lasting bonds when they walk through that door. Just ask Laurie Fernandez, a former language arts teacher, who transitioned from customer to part owner, and finally to director of the annual Weems Artfest. Fernandez shared her love of language —Spanish, French, and Italian—with Detroit schoolchildren before moving to Carlsbad, New Mexico, for a stint at Alta Vista middle school. Though Fernandez met her husband and built friendships in the small town, she never crossed paths with Weems, who was then a student at the rival school, Eisenhower. Fate eventually brought them together in Albuquerque, with Fernandez searching for the perfect gift at Weems’ original gallery. The two women struck up a conversation that laid the foundation for a lifelong friendship and unique partnership.

“Laurie’s the house. I’m the decoration,” insists Weems, who is sometimes mistaken for Fernandez’s daughter.  “Artfest can’t run without her.”

Weems International Artfest is a premier gathering of creative minds from around the world—mostly local—that awaken the city during four of November’s fest-filled days. What began as an artist’s request for a pre- Christmas show became the matriarch of Artfests and a mainstay on Albuquerque’s cultural calendar. Nearly 1,500 applicants applied for 30 open spots this year, bringing the number of invited and accepted presenters to around 270 artists. In Weems’ words, “It’s a very rich environment for learning about art or for people who know about art. It’s for the savvy shopper because Artfest is phenomenal.”

“This local celebration has grown to include a collection of nationally- and internationally acclaimed artists, along with appearances by Sophia Loren, Anthony Quinn, Lauren Bacall, and other Hollywood legends,” says Laurie. This year, however, will focus on the art of homegrown talent, the paintings of Pablita Velarde and Steve Hanks, the voice of Linda Cotton, and stories from Rudolfo Anaya.

“They are phenomenally huge representations of the four major cultures in our city,” says Weems. “Their talents illustrate the very roots of a state labeled The Land of Enchantment.” By honoring their contributions to creativity, this year’s Artfest will celebrate Albuquerque’s Tricentennial Southwest style.

According to Weems, “The community has supported my gallery and Artfest for all these years. It will in turn support the community, and that’s very important.” Attendance might not be free, but the show doesn’t keep a dime. Local groups benefit from ticket and art sales, with proceeds supporting Barrett House, ACCIóN New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and a number of organizations who invest in New Mexico’s people and their pets.

Artfest coordinators know that you can’t put a price tag—or a preconceived label—on good art. The secret of the success of Artfest is a variety of styles, personalities, and dollar signs to attract the widest range of lookers.

“You can come in with $10 and find something that you really love or you can spend $2,000, but there’s something for everyone at the show,” shares Fernandez.

This includes some of New Mexico’s most enthusiastic and uninhibited fans of the art form—children. In fact, kids are encouraged to exercise their independence at Children’s ArtSMart—a “no adults allowed” gallery for the 12 and under crowd. Artists submit work specifically for this area, and “elf helpers” assist shoppers with purchases.

“We’ve actually had children go into ArtSMart with a credit card or a blank check because they’ve gotten smarter about buying,” Fernandez reveals. The spirit of the pre-holiday season means that no child will leave empty-handed. ArtSMart elves slip a little money to shoppers in need, often to the delight of a girl or boy who didn’t expect Christmas so soon.

Upon leaving ArtSMart, children exit a realm of fantasy and enter the animal center, a world where eagles and hawks spread their wings and wolves lose a bit of their story-book mystery. The animal center is a true “call of the wild” for the young-at-heart.

Fernandez witnessed an introduction of kindred spirits at the animal center and, to this day, it remains one of her favorite memories. Several years ago, Bo Derek, actress, photographer, and featured guest at Artfest, needed an escape from the stares of passersby, so Fernandez slipped the actress into a room set aside for the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary. As Derek approached Raven, a British Columbian wolf, “That black wolf turned around and looked at her, walked over, and licked the makeup off her face.” Fernandez still laughs about it, “She was thrilled!”

But the stories go beyond Artfest, as Weems and Fernandez recount some of their many memories. They once celebrated another Artfest success by sneaking off to the movies, only to find that Fernandez’s complaint about the dark theater could be solved by removing her sunglasses. Or, the story slips out about Weems’ tendency to forget names and faces.

“These people came in one day,” recounts Fernandez, “and she hugs and kisses them, and she’s got a blank look on her face…I knew that she didn’t know who they were.” At the first opportunity, Weems grabbed her friend’s jacket and led her to the office, where the first question was, “Who are they?” “They’re your cousins from Carlsbad,”answered Fernandez.

Over the years, the gallery has grown into a second home for more than just Weems and Fernandez. Nearly 40 employees and volunteers at both gallery locations and Artfest consider creativity and friendship part of the business. One military widow, supported every step of the way by Weems and fellow employees, gave birth, raised her son, and returned to school. She now teaches at North American University.

Marriages, divorces, births, deaths, illnesses, graduations, and other life events remind workers and customers that people are priceless. Mary Ann says, “You nurture art like you do a relationship, one brushstroke at a time.”

And what about the celebrated aura so many customers notice? In reality, it feels less like a supernatural tingling and more like a warm welcome enhanced by years of careful nurturing. Twenty-three years ago, Weems set out on a solo adventure and naturally drew others to her side. Now, she enjoys her success and the company and assistance of Fernandez, her dearest friend. In the parting words of Weems, “It’s been a wonderful relationship and I hope it goes on forever and ever.”

Weems Art Gallery locations:

Eastdale Shopping Center
2801-M Eubank NE
Albuquerque, NM 87112
(505) 293-6133

Plaza Don Luis - Old Town
303 Romero NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 764-0302

www.weemsgallery.com

Weems International Artfest
November 4-6, 2005
(505) 293-6133
Manuel Lujan Complex
Expo New Mexico State Fairgrounds
www.weemsinternationalartfest.org

Amber Hartley graduated with a degree in culinary arts, worked as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, interned in Hollywood, and volunteered at a number of international orphanages. She is currently pursuing a degree in creative writing at the University of New Mexico.

Young Women of Priase
by Her Name
Photos by Geistlight Photography  

The 2005 Young Women of Promise are a remarkable group of young women. This year’s honorees were chosen for the award due to their dedicated, innovative, passionate, and enthusiastic spirit and hard work in their communities. Their interests and causes are varied and far-reaching. The commitments they have made and the goals they have set for themselves are impressive.

Their combined volunteer/community service hours number in the thousands. All are excellent, high-achieving students, and the demands on their time are tremendous. They must all be experts on organization and multi-tasking. They recognize and appreciate the opportunities they have been given by devoted and proud families. Nearly every girl nominated (and there were more than 50) mentioned the positive influence of their mother, dad, sister, brother,
aunt, grandmother or teachers, counselors, and mentors, and thanked them for their support.

Their success is a source of pride to us, and certainly to all those around them who have witnessed their maturing into such gracious and conscientious young women.

We know that their dreams, plans, and ambitions will make our communities stronger, healthier, and more tolerant.

D.J. JONES, Keynote Speaker
D.J. Jones, who lost both her parents to heart disease, is honoring them and their love for children by working to give back to the community and the country her parents loved. D.J. has recently started a nonprofit organization called The Posey
Foundation to raise money and awareness by promoting
heart disease prevention, help for pediatric
cancer victims, and a scholarship fund for underprivileged
kids.

D.J. and her 800 lb. motorcycle (Big Bertha) are
doing a Posey Foundation 50 State “Dream Power
Ride.” She will be performing motivational “Dream
Power” lectures to schools and hospitals along the
way! Something for kids of all ages! Contact D.J.
and The Posey Foundation at www.poseyfoundation.
com.

BEV RAINEY, Emcee
Bev Rainey is regional director of production for Clear Channel Communications, responsible for commercial production for seven stations in Albuquerque and Clear Channel production departments in Santa Fe, Gallup, and Farmington.

Bev hosts a popular mid-day program on KBQI
Big I 107, leading Arbitron ratings in most demographics
in metro Albuquerque. Bev takes part in
many local community service projects and fundraisers,
including a recent event held by Albuquerque Clear Channel radio stations to collect
donations for victims of Hurricane Katrina. On
September 1, more than 124,000 pounds of food
were collected for the Roadrunner Food Bank, and
over $174,000 for the American Red Cross.

BRITTA ANDERSON, 18
Graduate of Albuquerque Academy
Carleton College, Northfield, MN, Freshman
Parents: Steve and Lindi Anderson
Nominated by Claretta Griego
Clubs/organizations/sports:
Equestrian competitions and events
Singer/harpist in Christian band
Classics Club
Volunteer work/community service:
ESL tutoring for local Spanish speakers
Monthly outings for Special Olympics
Harry Mease Award
Project Share
Harps for Hospice
Grant writing for hospice patients
Vista Care Hospice
Muscular Dystrophy Phone-a-Thon
Save the Bosque
Senior Citizen Thanksgiving dinners
Tidman Therapy Farms, equestrian facility for
disabled children
Sweatstop, student organization against
sweatshops

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect social change?

Kindness and positive attitude go a long way. If I make an effort to be as aware of my neighbors’ needs as of my own and to live in a responsible and loving way, I can be my own social change, even on the minutest scale. Through nonprofit organizations and a commitment to community service, we can work on the world’s problems.

AMY KRISTEN BAACK, 17
Albuquerque Academy, Senior
Albuquerque, NM
Parents: Dr. Bret Baack and
Elena Sandoval-Baack
Nominated by Judith Jenkins
Clubs/organizations/sports:
International Thespian Society Troupe
Director of a play, titled This is a Test
School dance troup recitals, ballet, jazz, hip
hop, and modern
School events and assemblies
Community Service Club
Author/editor, The Community Chronicle
Senior Class Officer

Volunteer work/community service:

I was involved in many of my school’s community service club projects, including Senior Citizen Yard Clean-up, the Diversity Day booth, Meals on Wheels, Weems Artfest, Ronald McDonald House, Project Share, Special Olympics, and Candygrams (a Valentine’s Day fundraiser for the tsunami relief efforts). I was a volunteer at my church (Faith Lutheran Church) and a Cherry Hills Branch Library Summer Youth Assistant. Teacher’s Assistant for Albuquerque Academy’s drama department, stage manager for the summer stock class production of The Wizard of Oz.
I helped with classes on acting, stage
makeup, and technical production.

ANGELA BAKER, 16
Albuquerque Academy, Junior
Corrales, NM
Parents: John and Elaine Baker
Nominated by Mike Coltrin
Clubs/organizations/sports:
Sandia Presbyterian Church youth group
Albuquerque Academy Varsity Volleyball team
Albuquerque Academy Varsity Tennis
Albuquerque Academy Student Senate
Piano, nine years
Photography
Volunteer work/community service:
Village at Alameda
Worked at an assisted living facility
Helped with various social events
Sandia Presbyterian Church mission trips
Student youth groups
Helped build houses for families in need in
Tijuana, Mexico

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect social change?

In response to the world problems that we
face today, it is important that I become a
leader. I have been fortunate to see many leaders
in my life and have seen how a good leader
can change someone’s life.

ADRIENNE COE, 18
New Mexico State University, Freshman
Roger, NM
Parents: Wayne and Donna Travis;
Gaylord and Gail Coe
Nominated by Alta Elder
Clubs/organizations/sports:
Varsity basketball, volleyball, track
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Business Professionals of America
FFA officer of the year, Dairy Proficiency
award, Horse Proficiency award
President of the Parliamentary Law team
President senior year of the National
Honor Society
4-H, showing sheep, dairy heifers, and horses,
Officer of 4-H for six years and president
three times
Volunteer work/community service:

FFA and 4-H have provided many opportunities to participate in events such as roadside clean-up, fairground clean-up, concession stand, rodeo, Meals on Wheels, singing Christmas carols at the nursing home, and participating in the adopt-a-grandparent program. Also, I have over 500 hours of community service at a local vet clinic. As a student member of a community block grant committee, I took pictures and built a PowerPoint presentation for the community block grant, and the committee received the grant.

STACY DANIELS, 16
Valley High School, Junior
Albuquerque, NM
Parents: Donny and Leticia Daniels
Nominated by Lucille Roybal
Clubs/organizations/sports:
Valley High School Senate
Freshman vice president
Sophomore treasurer
Sophomore cabinet
Valley Academy senate
Valley Academy secretary
Volunteer work/community service:
Barrett House
Friends of Rancho de Ninos
Rio Grande Streetscape
Thanksgiving food drive
Walk for the Cure
Christmas giving tree, clothing, and food donations

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect social change?

Everyone needs a positive role model. I love to help others and I hope that some day I inspire someone or help change someone’s life for the better. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself? I would like to thank my family, especially my parents, for encouraging me. Also, I want to thank New Mexico WOMAN. This award encourages me to keep doing my best.

SARA ESQUIBEL, 16
Santa Fe High School, Junior
Santa Fe, NM
Parents: Linda Esquibel and Seferino
Esquibel (deceased)
Nominated by Donna Mifflin
Clubs/organizations/sports:
Mariachi
Cheerleading
Rodeo Club
Honor Society
Student Government
Rotary Club
Volunteer work/community service:
Teach violin to elementary and junior high
school students
Cheer clinic coach, Wood Gormley
Elementary School Cheer Squad
Performed in a passion play
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference
Habitat for Humanity
Rancho de las Golondrinas
Santa Fe Fiesta Council
Youth Mariachi Workshops/Concert
Sociedad Folklorica

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect social change?

One of the biggest problems in society is the high crime rate. Many individuals who turn to crime have low selfesteem. I hope to help young girls achieve some success. I hope that small successes will lead to a better society.

CASSANDRA ESTE VON TOLEDO, 18
University of Arizona, Freshman
Jemez Pueblo, NM
Parents: Stephanie Yepa-Toldeo and
James “Ernie” Toledo
Nominated by Diane Samson
Clubs/organizations/sports:
National Honor Society
MESA
Mentorship Program
Basketball
Softball
Volleyball
Grammy Nominee in 2002 and 2005
Grammy Award winner 2004 and attended the
Grammy Award Ceremony
Traditional Native American Pow-Wow drum
group, Black Eagle.
Volunteer work/community service:
Volunteer middle school basketball coach
Tribal activities within the pueblo
Student mentor, advanced math
Student Technician, Los Alamos National
Laboratory

In view of all the world problems we face today, what could you do to affect social change?

With my cultural heritage, I can help all Native people to get a better knowledge of what college is and what it has to offer. I want to be a role model and help my Native people reach their full potential.

LAUREN LANKFORD, 16
Alamogordo High School, Junior
Holloman AFB, NM
Parents: Mark and Doris Lankford
Nominated by MSgt. Mark and Doris
Lankford
Clubs/organizations/sports:
Holloman AFB youth and teen center
Keystone Club
Holloman AFB Family Services
Volunteer work/community service:
Keep Alamogordo Beautiful
Airman Atic
National and regional leadership conferences
In view of all the world problems we face
today, what could you do to affect social
change?
Help others become aware of cultural diversity
to promote healthy communities and mentor
youth to plant the seeds of change and
acceptance of diversity.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?

I am an Air Force “brat” and have been able to travel across the United States, to Hawaii, and Guam. We have been stationed at Holloman for eight years. As a military family, we have been given the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. My entire family volunteers to better our world.

NICOLA MARTINEZ, 18
New Mexico Military Institute, Freshman
Prewitt, NM
Parents: Theresa and Melton Martinez
Nominated by Rebecca Knowles
Clubs/Organizations/Sports:
Volleyball
Peer Assistance and Leadership
Protecting You/ Protecting Me
Health advocate
Student Council
Horseback riding
Volunteer work/community service:
Eastern Navajo Uranium Workers
Youth Peer Tutor
Fundraising for community service activity
Adopt-a-highway litter control
Little League volunteer manager
American Red Cross Volunteer
Teach third grade students

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

My teacher, mentor, counselor, and friend Rebecca Knowles is the most up-beat and positive as well as supportive person in my life and I really appreciate her. Shi ma, my teacher: I will remember what you taught me and I will teach others, I will show others the kindness and goodness that you showed me. I will be the change that you and I discussed. I will always remember. I will listen with all my heart and love with all my soul, because you are the change I hope to see soon in the world, in life, and in love. I will always remember you.

HAYLEY OTTO, 17
La Cueva High School, Junior
Albuquerque, NM
Parents: William and Elizabeth Otto
Nominated by Elizabeth Otto
Clubs/organizations/sports:
La Cueva High School speech and debate,
Anime Club
Creative Writing Club
Purple belt in combat hapkido, a Korean
martial art
Senior Girl Scout
Volunteer work/community service:
Cherry Hills Branch Library summer reading
program
Leader’s aide for Brownie and Junior Girl
Scouts
Helped organize a day camp for Girl Scouts
Collected nearly 500 pounds of
supplies for the tsunami victims in
Indonesia

In view of all the world’s problems we face today, what could you do to affect social change?

If everyone in this world acted with some degree of honesty and fairness, we would have far fewer problems. I believe that it is my duty to help support those less fortunate, both humans and animals. Along with this, I believe that if I avoid judging those who do no real harm, I am doing a great service.

What They’re Doing Now

COURTNEY A. LANKFORD, 04
I am a freshman at Alamogordo High
School. I have attended leadership conferences
for the Keystone Club. I received the
Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award. I
hope to be a J-ROTC cadet, attend college,
major in marine biology, and get a military
commission. I enjoyed meeting D.J. (and Big
Bertha).

MICHELLE LORIO
(FORMERLYMICHELLE WEIMAN), 00
I graduated from New Mexico State
University with University Honors with a
Bachelor’s Degree in Government/Law and
Society. I spent two years in Washington, D.C.
as a paralegal for an all women’s family law
firm. I married shortly after graduation. My
husband was transferred, and we now live in
Augusta, Georgia. I am working on my
Master’s Degree in Public Administration at
Augusta State University.

LACEY PATTERSON, 02
I attended Colorado Christian University
for two years and transferred to John Brown
University. I am a senior History major with an
emphasis in Pre-Law Criminal Justice and a
minor in Family and Human Services. I will
graduate in May 2006.

ELISABETH MARIE RONEY, 03
This will be my third year at the University
of Denver. I have been accepted by the
University of Denver’s Cherrington Global
Scholars Program and will travel to London to
study at Queen Mary College.

TEMPEST CHANEL THORNTON, 04
I am attending UNM. I became a certified
Socially Conscious Leader of G.U.T.S. (Guys
and Gals Utilizing Their Strengths) after participating
in a 26-week curriculum and training
program. I enjoyed meeting the other women
who are making a contribution to their communities,
the speakers, and the women of New
Mexico WOMAN magazine.

CARLA WINSOR, 04
I attend La Cueva High School and am trying
to figure out a major. I was selected the
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference
representative. I was elected to the local Girl
Scout council’s Board of Directors. I now
aspire to earn the Gold Award in Girl Scouting.

RAYMA LYNNE ADAKAI, 04
I attend New Mexico Highlands University,
in Rio Rancho. I am working on my bachelor’s
degree and hope to finish by August of 2006.
The YWOP award helped me show younger
Native American girls what they can achieve.
It was an experience that I will carry proudly
for the rest of my life.

NICOLE ELIZABETH BARELA, 04
I graduated with my Associate’s Degree in
Liberal Arts from El Paso Community College.
I am now a student-athlete at Adams State
College where I play softball. The award
helped me meet other strong, beautiful,
empowering young women who have the
same common goal…to make a difference.

NICOLE DELLER, 01
I am a senior at Rio Rancho High School. I
hope to attend a professional dog-training college
in Ohio and work with dogs. I also want
to be a soccer coach. I really thought it was
awesome to have my name and picture in the
magazine. I liked the fact that my hard work
was acknowledged.

NICOLETTA DI VASTO
(FORMERLY NICOLETTA ANDLER), 03
I am a senior at Rio Rancho High School
and recently won the West Point Leadership
Award. I hope to graduate as a New Mexico
Scholar. The best part of the award was being
recognized as a woman leader of the future.
The magazine and award have inspired me,
and my new motto is “go big or go home.”
Thanks New Mexico WOMAN!

JESSICA GALLEGOS, 04
I attend UNM and am working on my
degree in biology. I really enjoy helping people
through healthcare. I hope to earn my degree
and enter the field of medicine. Because of
YWOP, I have met wonderful people who have
inspired me to work towards my goals.

STEFANIE AMBER GALLEGOS, 02
I graduated from Rio Grande High School in
2004 with many merit-based scholarships. I
want to be a physicist with a Bachelor of
Science degree, a master’s degree, and a Ph.D.
I have been on the dean’s list every semester.
My best experience as a YWOP was the recognition,
and the award helped me obtain several
college scholarships.