By Maribel Villalva
reprinted from El Paso Times
Once he met someone, a lifetime friendship was born and his home became their home, as well.
"He had such a big heart," said his niece, Nina Marie Escobedo.
Acosta now rests at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, but his sense of humor lingers through the memories of those who knew him.
There is an abundance of anecdotes about the artist circulating the streets of El Paso. These are just a few from El Pasoans who knew and loved him.
Hal Marcus, gallery owner and friend
When Hal Marcus first met Acosta, he didn’t even know it.
It was during the annual Kermezaar exhibit where Marcus needed some help putting up his artwork to be displayed.
"I saw this guy who looked like a janitor and asked him if he could help me. He ended up helping me for half-an-hour. Later, somebody told me, ‘Look, there goes Manuel Acosta.’ I couldn’t believe it. I felt so bad," he said.
Teri Gallardo, Acosta art supporter and friend
Long-time friend Teresa "Teri" Gallardo smiles when she remembers how Acosta used to answer the phone.
"Buenas tortillas," he would say.
Gallardo, who owns more than 20 pieces by Acosta, was nicknamed Burbujas (bubbles) by the artist.
"This man would give you the shirt off his back. He’d never have any money, but whenever he sold a painting, he’d throw a big party," she said.
He became known for those parties. During Christmas, he’d have his annual posadas.
Bill Rakocy, artist and friend
El Paso artist Bill Rakocy attended several of the famous parties and became a regular at the Acosta home.
"I spent many hours over there chatting and drinking cerveza and vino," said Rakocy, who met Acosta while teaching college in Artesia, N.M. The two became good friends.
"One day, he dug out a lot of old paintings and then started tearing them up because he thought they were corny. I said, ‘Are you crazy? Give them to me if you don’t want them.’ But he just laughed.
After that, Rakocy and Acosta often had "Turkey Burnings," where the two set fire to paintings they did not like.
Ysela O’Malley, artist and friend
Another El Paso artist, Ysela O’Malley, was one of Acosta’s closest friends. She remembers how sad Acosta was when he found out he had, to move from his home on Hammett Street because the soon-to-be built freeway would cut through his street.
"Me and Mago Orona went for him to try to cheer him up. We bought some brisket and went to the river. We had an incredible picnic where we talked about everything. That was a magical afternoon."
Nina Marie Escobedo, niece and friend
Escobedo, who lives in the house next to Acosta’s, said his presence is still felt. Sometimes, it’s subtle. Other times, it’s subtle. Other times, it’s more overt.
"I remember walking in one day and seeing him at the top of the stairwell."
Escobedo said many people used to break into the house and leave screaming. One child reported seeing a man with a candle floating inside.
What convinces Escobedo most of her uncle’s presence is the constant smell of paint that floats from his house to hers, just like it did when he was alive.
It’s not the usual house paint, but the very specific oil paints he used to create his work, she said.