Call to Artists

Accepting Proposals for Shafter Learning Center Mural

Listen to Shafter, a community benefit grassroots organization, through the Arts Council of
Kern, is accepting submissions from Kern County artists for the design and execution of one
mural across from the Shafter Learning Center, to be painted on the wall located on the
backside of the property located at 315 James Street in Shafter.

Participating groups include Listen to Shafter, Student Group, Shafter Learning Center, City of Shafter

Proposals are due 3 p.m. October 31, 2020

For details and an application, email david.gordon@kernarts.org

Stories on the Sidewalk Returns in 2021

Coming February 13 & 14, 2021

Stories on the Sidewalk is an event created by the Arts Council of Kern that pairs local writers and actors together to tell stories from Kern County histories. Entering its third year in 2021, Stories on the Sidewalk presents a diverse series of several stories, with people from varied backgrounds, genders, ethnicities and accomplishments.

Stories on the Sidewalk is an educational walking tour through downtown Bakersfield and takes guests on a trip through time as historical figures come to life.

All tours will observe COVID-19 health guidelines including wearing masks and social distancing.

Details on Tickets Coming Soon

Plein Air 2021 is Around the Corner

April 18-24, 2021

Plein Air: Painting on-site, or the “en plein air,” a French term meaning “in the open air.”
Also, a painting done outside rather than in a studio.

The 2020 Plein Air Festival was cancelled due to COVID-19 but we’re planning our 2021 event with a great lineup on the finest Plein Air artists in the western United States.

The 7th annual Plein AIr Festival is happening April 18-24, 2021. It’s a fun and adventure-filled five days for artists and the public.

Fifteen of the best artists from the western U.S. are invited to observe and paint our beloved Kern County outside in the elements. Each year, artists produce an amazing collection of works that depict the diverse landscapes and beautiful scenes from a county unlike any other place on earth.

You’ll have the opportunity to meet these talented artists and to watch them paint local scenes. As the artists paint all week, the Arts Council will host three special events for you to celebrate their work including a picnic featuring artists working on site, a gallery show complete with an opportunity to meet and greet the artists, and a sales and reception gala in the Betty Younger Sculpture Garden in downtown Bakersfield.