Creativity Runs Deep In Kern County | Home

welcome to the

Arts Council
of Kern

Come explore the arts
with us!

We work hard to make art accessible to all our residents and pride ourselves on highlighting traditional and contemporary artists in and around the county. We are your starting point for discovering new experiences and programs that will unlock your creativity and introduce you to new ideas.

Lots of Fun Happening at Saunders Park!

The City of Bakersfield Recreation & Parks Department, in partnership with the Arts Council of Kern and California Arts in Parks, is bringing a vibrant new mural to Saunders Park! This exciting public art project, created by local artist Wendy Johnson, will celebrate the beauty of nature, community, and the outdoor spaces that inspire us.

To ensure the mural reflects the voices of Bakersfield residents, the community was invited to vote on their favorite designs from Wendy’s concepts. With the survey now complete and a clear selection made, the project is moving into the next phase—bringing the mural to life!

Stay tuned for updates, including opportunities to participate in the Community Paint Day, where locals will have a hands-on role in creating this inspiring artwork. Together, we’re making Saunders Park a destination for both nature and creativity!

See what we’re up to!

The Arts Council of Kern is Celebrating Home!

Celebrate the Best of Kern Art is a curated exhibition honoring the exceptional artistic talent found throughout Kern County. Featuring the winners selected from each district as part of The Best of Kern awards, the gallery offers an inspiring glimpse into the creative achievements of our local arts community!

The exhibition includes a diverse array of works across multiple disciplines, including painting, photography, videography, and sculpture. Each piece reflects the unique perspectives and artistic excellence of Kern County’s most celebrated creators.

We invite you to visit the Arts Council of Kern, located at 1020 18th Street in downtown Bakersfield, to view this compelling showcase. The gallery is open to the public, and all are welcome to experience the outstanding contributions of Kern’s artists. Join us in celebrating the cultural richness and creative spirit that make our region truly exceptional.

Support Local Artists at First Friday’s ArtWalk

Hosted by the Arts Council of Kern, the ArtWalk will showcase a diverse array of talents, featuring artists, artisans, and vendors, creating a dynamic atmosphere for attendees. Engage in hands-on experiences such as jewelry making and storytelling, making this event a unique and enriching way to celebrate the month of creativity!

ArtWalk takes place in downtown Bakersfield on the first Friday of every month, from October through June.

The cost to participate as an artist-vendor is $35 per month.

Become a Member With Us!

Become a Member of the Arts Council of Kern

When you become a member of the Arts Council of Kern, you’re not just joining a creative community—you’re helping build it. Your membership directly supports local artists, youth programs, public art projects, and arts education throughout Kern County.

As a member, you’ll enjoy invitations to exclusive events, gallery openings, and community celebrations, along with opportunities to connect with fellow art lovers and cultural leaders. Most importantly, you’ll be playing a vital role in ensuring the arts continue to thrive across our region.

Support the arts. Celebrate creativity. Make a lasting impact.

Shop local at Makers Market inside the Arts Council of Kern! Discover handcrafted goods by Bakersfield artists and take home a piece of our creative community.
Open Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM at 1020 18th Street.