June 6: LECTURE: Our Connection To ‘On The Road.’

What does a world-famous Jack Kerouac novel, a missing woman, and downtown Bakersfield have in common? Read on… The much-heralded film “On The Road,” based on Jack Kerouac’s greatest novel is appearing at Cannes in May 2012.

But there’s even a bigger reason Bakersfield folks should be celebrating Kerouac: “The Mexican Girl.” Even those who think they know the Bakersfield’s connection to one of the greatest books of the Twentieth Century, will be amazed by Nick Belardes’ lecture about the woman behind the scenes in Kerouac’s work. Missing to scholars for over 50 years, Belardes will be providing details about the discovery, near Bakersfield, of 92-year-old Bea Franco A.K.A. “The Mexican Girl,” by author T.Z. Hernandez. Belardes recently read the famous scenes, set mostly in Bakersfield, at the Beat Museum in San Francisco to celebrate Jack Kerouac’s 90th birthday in March 2012. Belardes will discuss his connection to the Beats, his connection to Hernandez’ forthcoming novel, and about why a monument to “The Mexican Girl” should be erected in downtown Bakersfield.

Weds., June 6, 10-11 a.m. at BMOA

Members: FREE
Adults: $5
Seniors: $4

Are there truths in local myths? Nick Belardes, author of the local cult classic thriller, “Lords” (2005) will be presenting a lecture and discussion, focusing on Central Valley mythmaking and magic realism in his literature and poetry.

Nick will be sharing from “Lords,” as well as from his forthcoming novel, “Anhinga,” and other valley selections. He will discuss how valley artists can cross-pollinate myths, and will answer questions about the Lords of Bakersfield, discussing its relation to Bakersfield urban legends.

LOCATION & BAKERSFIELD MUSEUM OF ART CONTACT:
1930 R Street · Bakersfield, CA 93301 · Phone 661.323.7219

Bakersfield’s downtown art scene is tweeting to help promote arts and culture in Bakersfield. Organizations participating in this online Twitter campaign include the Metro Galleries, Bakersfield Museum of Art, the Arts Council of Kern, and Downtown Business Association. These organizations will each be tweeting and “retweeting” four messages per day for four weeks beginning on April 30^.

“Bakersfield is filled with art and culture, and while traditional forms of communication are still important, it is also important to tap into the growing power of social media and the impact it has on how we communicate,” says marketing director for the Bakersfield Museum of Art, Jason Gutierrez. “Twitter is a constant stream of communication – it’s time to fill it with what’s happening in downtown.”

During the four-week campaign, each organization will have a dedicated week to promote a special event. In support, the other organizations will generate unique tweets to help promote that highlighted event, or simply “retweet” the original post.

“Social media has been invaluable to my business,” says Don Martin, owner of Metro Galleries. “I use Facebook, Twitter and my Web site on a daily basis to share news about art and special events. I’d estimate that 90 percent of my business now comes from social networking.”

Make sure you’re in the loop online with the Bakersfield arts scene by being a part of this Twitter campaign. You can follow each organization by searching for them online:

Week 1: @MetroDonMartin

Week 2: @BMOA

Week 3: @ArtsCKern

Week 4: @BakersfieldDBA

Also, be on the look out for the trending topic #BakoArts.

To create your Twitter profile, log on to Twitter.com.

The campaign will help each organization cross-promote activities that are making downtown a destination for art and culture.

Visual Arts Festival 2012
June 14-August 26
Bakersfield Museum of Art

THEME: CALIFORNIA

Images and winner will be announced after June 14.

The Bakersfield Museum of Art’s annual fundraiser, Winescapes, takes on a new dimension this year. The well-attended event typically paired artists with magnum sized bottles for them to re-imagine in any way. The bottles were then placed in a silent or live auction to benefit the Bakersfield Museum of Art’s art education programs. This year, the museum is doing something a little different. We wanted to continue to inspire our guests and so we decided to freshen up the auction by allowing the artists to create ‘wine inspired’ art. The traditional bottles were fun, and now we will see a fantastic set of artwork created in the style and mediums of the artists’ preferences.

This year’s event will once again take place in the museum’s beautiful outdoor garden space. Guests will mix and mingle through tables of captivating silent auction items, gourmet food and a variety of California wines. Winescapes has been in existence for five years and has continued to draw a supportive and entertaining crowd. The creativity of the event was the first of its kind for the community and continues to grow.

Thursday, May 10, 2012
6:00 p.m. Silent Auction
7:30 p.m. Live Auction

Sponsors
Lou & Sheryl Barbich        Tejon Ranch Company       Citizens Business Bank      Penelope Fulton       Cathy & Don Lucas       Wegis & Young Property Management, LLC     Walker-Lewis Rents      House of Flowers       Southern Wine & Spirits of Northern California

Wineries
Valentien Restaurant & Wine Bar     Graveyard Vineyards     Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards      Beringer Winery     Rodney Strong Vineyards       Sagebrush Annie’s

Pre-Sale Tickets:
$75 per couple
$40 per person
$500 premium table for 8

At The Door:
$50 per person

Call 661-323-7219 for tickets or online: bmoa.org/winescapes

Tickets

Single $40.00 USD Couple $75.00 USD Table for 8 $500.00 USD

It’s time for another digital photography workshop at The Bakersfield Museum of Art! Taught by Felix Adamo, this basic photography workshop is for those with digital SLR cameras and who want more control over their camera. Shutter speeds, f-stops, ISO, modes ( Av, Tv, and manual), it will all be explained.
We’ll discuss what to look for when shooting photos, whether it’s sports, portraits, landscapes, or anything that may interest you.
We’ll also be shooting (inside and outside), so bring your cameras and your manuals ( if you still have them!)

Where: Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R Street,  Bakersfield, CA 93301
When: Saturday, March 24, 9am to 1pm
Cost: $35
Contact: The Bakersfield Museum of Art to make your reservations • 661.323.7219
Class limit of 16 students

The planned “Art A Go-Go” event scheduled for March 8 and March 10 has been postponed. A new date has not yet been determined. We will update you as soon as new details are available. We will continue to collect art donations. Thank you for your support!

Donate your used art work to the Bakersfield Museum of Art for a special two day Art Sale fundraiser. We’ll take art of all styles; paintings, prints, sculptures, frames and more. Art A Go-Go is the museum’s premier art swap opportunity, connecting old art with new owners.

All donated art is tax deductible and monies raised will benefit the museum of art’s educational programs. To donate your art call BMOA at 661-323-7219. Donated items can be dropped off during regular business hours or special arrangements can be made to have your art picked up.

Art a Go-Go proceeds benefit
BMOA’s educational programs.

Donations Enthusiastically Accepted!

Cash, checks and credit cards accepted.
All art must be paid for and taken at time of sale.

Comic artist, Todd Nauck came to the Bakersfield Museum of Art for a special Q&A and drawing workshop event on Saturday, February 4. The event was well attended and allowed fans and aspiring artist a chance to ask the artist questions about his career the comic industry and learn more about the art that was displayed at BMOA for two weeks.

Click the icon below for images!

Join the Bakersfield Museum of Art on October 12-14, 2012 as we once again transform the Marketplace into a work of art during our 14th Annual Via Arte Festival.  The Festival will showcase the work of professional, amateur and high school artists.  Using the asphalt as canvas, watch as our artists unlock their imaginations and turn the parking lot into a gallery of amazing chalk masterpieces.

Watch the video to learn how this annual event has inspired young artist, John Olivo and has continued to engage his passion for art.

Welcome to our Gallery of exhibit opening photos. Click on one of the icons below to see what went on during our opening events!