Our Bright Lights Keep Shining!
Dear Friends & Family,
¡Bienvenidos!
On this Winter Solstice, December 21st, as the longest night yields to the promise of longer days, we light candles, share stories, and draw closer—whether around a glowing hearth or across miles through heartfelt messages. In this season of renewal, we think of you, our extended family, with deep gratitude.
2025 unfolded like a vibrant canvas: bold strokes of innovation lighting up the world, resilient spirits rising amid storms and challenges, and countless moments of pure creative magic. Through it all, your belief in us painted the brightest colors.
Imagine a young painter from a small New Mexico town, hands trembling with possibility, opening an acceptance letter to college—made real because of you. Picture a budding artist purchasing her first set of brushes, or a graphic artist clicking away as they design a magazine cover for an internship for the first time. These are the stories you help write every day through the Art Has Heart Foundation.
Since 1994, we’ve turned more than 550 such dreams into living, breathing realities, weaving a tapestry of artists across the Southwest. Our cherished friends and donors keep the thread strong—higher education, the core mission that inspired Amado Peña in classrooms filled with eager young minds, now continues to nurture the next generation.
With your generosity, these transformational journeys continue, turning raw passion into lifelong callings.
As we step into 2026 with hearts full of hope and fresh dreams on the horizon, we invite you to keep adding your brushstrokes to this ever-growing non-profit masterpiece.
May your Solstice sparkle with wonder and your holidays overflow with joy, laughter, and the warm embrace of loved ones!
The New Year is upon us, and the Board of Directors is committed to expanding the reach within the existing markets served, to allow for more students to say YES to college acceptance letters, and celebrate the next generation of artists.
Wishing you all the best in the upcoming year.
Sincerely,
Amado & J.B. Pena | Board of Directors
The Board of Directors celebrates the accomplishments of 3 student scholarship awardees
Rem Liebert
4th year recipient
Rem is currently attending the University of New Mexico, pursuing studies in music & acting. He has recently embarked on an additional interest in nursing studies.
Rebecca Cunningham
1st year recipient
Rebecca is currently attending Northern Arizona University Honors College and is studying Music with an emphasis on her violinist studies, with additional studies in medicine.
Alexis Pachecho
2nd year recipient
Alexis is currently attending New Mexico State University, he is studying the performing arts & biology, and he is adding Spanish to his major.
Now accepting new student applications
🖌 🎨❤️
Now accepting new student applications 🖌 🎨❤️
Art Has Heart Scholarship Referrals are The Magic!
The Art Has Heart Foundation sets only the minimum criteria for student scholarships for higher education College Studies. The minimum criteria is an established financial need and residency in one of the following states: Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma.