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2009 HEEF Silent Auction Recap

Dozens of volunteers and more than 50 Hopi artists helped raise over $40,000 for the Hopi Education Endowment Fund at this year's Silent Auction. The 6th Annual Silent Auction was held in Phoenix the first weekend of March. All proceeds will be placed in the endowed fund and the interest generated will go towards scholarships for Hopi students and other educational programs.

The 58 pieces of art came from Hopi artists from every mesa and included katsina dolls, pottery, jewelry, sculptures, baskets, quilts, and even hand-blown glass items. In addition to the auction several items were donated by other folks and raffled off throughout the evening. T-shirts and posters were also sold at the event. All of the costs associated with holding the auction were off-set by sponsorships bringing the net total raised to $42,260.00

This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the HEEF and it follows a traditional form of philanthropy the Hopi call Sumi'nangwa, where people come together for the benefit of everyone and to contribute something of value to society. It also follows the tradition of Nami'nangwa, where you help someone in need without being asked and expect nothing in return.

In this tradition the HEEF staff selects two people to co-chair the event and this year the co-chairs were Eileen Egan and Gloria Lomahaftewa. "I enjoyed the opportunity to serve as co-chair which provided me additional insight as to the value of the HEEF in increasing financial support for Hopi youth striving to achieve a higher education," said Lomahaftewa. She and Egan noted comments made by folks attending the event. "The people I spoke to were impressed with the quality and amount of art work donated," she said. Egan added, "It's because community members have been so generous that the silent auction has grown into such a successful endeavor and helped so many Hopi students." Since the HEEF started less than ten years ago it has funded more than 2,500 grant awards. Egan has served on the board for three years and Lomahaftewa has been a board member for two years. There are nearly 30 board members, Hopi and non-Hopi, who are all volunteers and help raise money for the endowment fund.

One of the highlights of the auction has become the signature art piece. This year it was a collaborative effort by ten Hopi artists. Vernon Kahe, HEEF Resource Development Manager, came up with the idea. He's also an artist and shaped nine turtles out of clay. They were given to Hopi and Tewa potters to paint in their own unique style. The collection was entitled; Yongosona which means turtle. It generated a lot of interest as collectors recognized the uniqueness of the effort. "I sat by the table with the turtle collection for part of the evening and received many comments of how special it was that the artists came together to create such a stunning collection to benefit HEEF," said Egan.

"Dr. Robert Breunig (the director of the Museum of Northern Arizona) was pleased with the fact that the collection was purchased by someone residing in northern Arizona," said Lomahaftewa who also works at the museum, "and that the collection will remain in the area."

"The purchasers for this year's signature piece were Becky Sawyer and David Connell, both who were attending their second HEEF Silent Auction," said Sam Tenakhongva, HEEF Marketing and Special Events Manager. Both of them have also donated to the HEEF in the past he added.

The potters who joined Kahe on the signature piece are Rainy Nahe, Jacob Koopee, Delmar Polacca, Fawn Navasie, Val Kahe, Garrett Maho, Larson Goldtooth, Bernadette Poleahla-Crook and Hisi Nampeyo.

14 pieces of art did not sell so Tenakhongva says they plan to either sell them on their website or partner with a gallery to sell them and raise more funds for the HEEF.

The HEEF staff is pleased with the growth of this major fundraiser in the last six years. As Tenakhongva explains, "It started as a small event with a little over 40 pieces available and no sponsors and has grown to offering one of a kind signature pieces by renowned artists, having different levels of sponsorship including a title sponsor and an ever growing number of new donating artists, raffle prizes and merchandise such as commemorative t-shirts."

Egan adds, "If people want to get involved with the auction they can donate art and other items for the raffle, sell raffle tickets, promote the event to friends and others in the Phoenix area and refer potential sponsors to HEEF staff."

In fact people can donate year-round through a variety of ways such as the "Seeds for HEEF" program where you can make a monthly donation through automatic payments from your bank account.

You can learn more about the HEEF and buy t-shirts and posters of the signature art piece, Yongosona, by contacting the HEEF.

The HEEF would like to thank the follwing Artists and Sponsors whom generously supported the 2009 HEEF Silent Auction:

Collaborative Turtle Potters:
Rainy Naha, Jacob Koopee, Delmar Polacca, Hisi Nampeyo, Fawn Navasie, Val Kahe, Garrett Maho, Bernadette Poleahla-Crook, Larson Goldtooth, & Vernon Kahe

Donating Artists:
Duane Maktima · Jeanette Katoney · Aaron J. Fredericks · Gloria Kahe · Kim Obrzut · Clark Tenakhongva · Sonwai · Elmer Satala, Jr. · Buddy Tubinaghtewa · Grace Tahbo Douma · Ed Seechoma · Nuvadi · Sheryl Susunkewa · Alex Youvella · Roy Talahaftewa · John Fredericks · Monica Nuvamsa · Kerry David · Timothy & Trini Mowa · Iva Honyestewa · Eugene Fredericks · Iva Honyestewa · Elene Atokuku · Sam Tenakhongva · Cordelia Casuse · Edward Honyestewa · Leland Dennis · Ernest Northrup · Eileen Egan · Kevin Quannie · Olin Tsingine · Rueben Saufkie · Sidney Sahneyah · Keith Torres · Darlene Nuvamsa · Manuel Chavarria · Fred Ross · Milland Lomakema · Nick Nuvamsa · Mary Morez ·Rick Honyouti · Akema Honyumptwewa · Donna Humetewa · Frank Honanie · Ed Kabotie · Kiva Southwest Arts · Hopi Arts & Crafts Silvercraft · Hopi Putavi Project · Iskasokpu Gallery · Glenn Green Galleries · Monongya Gallery · Tsakurshovi · Corn Maiden Arts and more...

The HEEF is also still accepting artwork and for more information on the raffle and auction contact HEEF staff at (928) 734-2275. The HEEF is a 7871 (a) charitable non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible.

All proceeds benefit deserving Hopi college students across the U.S. in addition to funding other educational programs for the Hopi people. The HEEF is a 7871 (a) charitable non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.