SPRING 2011

artsupdate
YO U R L I N K TO T HE ART S I N K E R N C O U N T Y

Bakersfield High School student participants from the 2010 Walk For The Arts event.
REGISTER Today!
Want to earn money for your
favorite non-profit? For more Mark your calendars – Walk for the
Arts 2011 is on Saturday, May 14!
information and to register,
go to kernarts.org. or call
661.324.9000.
We will be starting and ending in Central Park at Mill Creek.
WHAT’S INSIDE Barbara Minor Sponsors as of March 18

Message From The Director..........2 The Walk for the Arts is a stroll through Downtown Bakersfield’s Arts District,
Couples of Accomplishment.........2 begininng at 8 a.m. on May 14, 2011. This event is an opportunity to:
n Support Kern County arts and culture
Arts Council Staff..........................2
n Enjoy live music, dance, and theatre throughout the route
Special Projects ...........................3
n Watch live mural painting or other visual arts projects
Creating Community.....................3 n Participate in contests for best flair and team unification
ACK Calendar................................4 n Raise team pledges directly for your own arts organizations

n Enjoy a finish line celebration with music, awards, and family fun

SEE EXPANDED Last year, the event brought 300 people to 41 culture stops.
Additionally, 30 organizations used the event to raise funds for their own causes.
NEWSLETTER AT Walkers will receive a commemorative t-shirt with registration fee of $10.
KERNARTS.ORG Children under 10 are free. Fundraising organization or team registration is $25.
Community Grants...................... 2a Prizes for best flair will be awarded, as well as drawings for those collecting all
Kaiser Permanente Art Update... 2a ulture stop passport stamps. We had a lot of great feedback on last year’s walk.
Here’s some of what was said: Marriott,
House Concerts.......................... 2a Bakersfield at the
n Wow, I had no idea there was so much downtown. Convention Center
Student Art Exhibit......................2b
n I’m definitely coming back to look around more.
Outside In Workshop...................2b Maya Cinemas
n I’ve always heard about these places but just had not been to them yet.
Young Audiences Update............2b You won’t want to miss this unique event to support Kern County arts and culture! For the entry form,
please print one from our Web site, www.kernarts.org, or call the Arts Council, 661.324.9000.
1
 MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Laura Lollar Wolfe
COUPLES OF
ACCOMPLISHMENT
A Plethora of Arts This Spring

W
hat a whirlwind doctors, or larger patient groups. House Concert
and a pleasure Artist, Lisa Lynne, who created a program called
to serve the Hands on Harps and has done extensive work
Jeanette Richardson Parks, Hon. Robert Tafoya, Arts Council of Kern as at City of Hope and Children’s Hospital in Los
Sandra Serrano and Laura Lollar Wolfe
the Interim Executive Angeles, will be one of the new artists included.
Director! The following Your Arts Council of Kern continues to be the
The 2011 Couples of Accomplishment
are highlights since the last leader in Social Media for the non-profit world
Award was presented to the Hon.
newsletter, as well as a brief and beyond. The Kern Community Foundation
Robert Tafoya and Sandra Serrano
look forward: brought in an “expert” from out-of-state, who
on March 3, 2011 at the Bell Tower
Club. Jeanette Richardson Parks, the Special thanks to board members, dignitaries, was thoroughly impressed with our strategies
former executive director of the Arts staff, and friends for making Jeanette’s farewell and implementation. Carlin Jones (CJ), along
Council of Kern, shared that Robert party such a success. She was touched by the with Jennifer Baldwin, are putting on a whole
and Sandra were chosen for their outpouring of appreciation and kind words. As I new series of classes for Tech Arts Academy that
hard work and dedication to many write this letter she is enjoying Lake Tahoe. began March 2 and runs through June 29. CJ and
facets of the community, especially in Moving the Young Audiences Arts for Jen presented to the Greater Bakersfield Chamber
the fields of law and education. Both Learning program to the next level is a priority of Commerce in March, and CJ will be at the
are active advocates of the arts and Women’s Business Conference on April 28.
for 2011. We have received several gifts and
especially arts that encourage at-risk
grants that will provide core funding to train Advocacy remains an important part of our
youth to stay in school. Hon. Robert
teaching artists and core curriculum teachers in mission. In these tough budget times, we need all
Tafoya is a Superior Court judge and
various modules of the program, plus provide our members and friends to be advocates in order
Sandra Serrano is the Chancellor of
the Kern Community College District. the right staff at the Arts Council to keep the to keep arts funding at the national, state, and
This is the second time the award programs running smoothly (see box). We were county levels. If you have not already done so,
has been presented. The first award pleased to host the National Executive Director, please register your email address at kernarts.org
went to Joe and Mary K. Shell. David Dik, for a full day and now are in strategic so we may keep you informed on important issues.
planning mode. Although I’m chomping at the bit to tell you
Thanks to the following sponsors Garden in the Sun—the Arvin Park Project more here, most is covered by other articles in
of this event: is an exciting opportunity for the ACK to help this issue. Please take time to enjoy the full issue
n Borton Petrini LLP
research, design and implement the art elements and then go to the kernarts.org for even more
n Klein DeNatale Goldner
at Arvin’s newest park. It is currently in the information and important calendar updates.
n Law Offices of Andrew J. Fishkin
planning stages, thanks to a grant from the CA See you at Walk for the Arts on May 14, if
n Law Offices of David Torres
State Parks made possible by Proposition 84 not before!
n Swanson O’Dell Attorneys at Law
funds. This project is definitely on the fast track.
We have already assisted in surveying city residents
ARTS COUNCIL STAFF regarding its theme and a design/logo for the
overall park has been selected. Mike Willis pro-
vided the winning artwork. We are working closely
Key Donors to
Laura Lollar Wolfe
Interim Executive Director with the Arvin City Council and City of Arvin Young Audiences
Holly Bikakis Development Associate, Mike Kunz. Other Arts
Graphic Design Consultant Council of Kern partners include Landscape
Arts for Learning
Sue Deininger Design, Inc., Mary Amelia Reyna, Holly Bikakis, Program since
Public Relations Consultant and Sebastian Muralles. Jeanette Richardson
Jill Egland Parks is serving as the lead consultant on the
11/11/10
Director of Special Projects
project so, she is still connected with us.
Kari Hunter Kern Community Foundation Donor
ARTCARE is another special program that is
Program Coordinator/Executive Assistant Advised Fund Program
made possible only through partnership with a
Carlin A. Jones The Bakersfield Californian Foundation
Social Media Manager local hospital. San Joaquin Community Hospital
Nicole McKenzie is our partner and recently decided to expand National Young Audiences
Receptionist funding to the program, which involves taking Arts for Learning
Barbara Minor artists bedside and to other areas of the hospital
Diane S. Lake Family
Walk For The Arts Coordinator for the benefit of patient and visitor well-being.
Nicole Saint-John The pilot project featured two visual artists and Ben and Gayle Batey
Director, Visual Arts Programs two musicians. We will be expanding hours Lois Chaney
Cathy Butler and the number of artists as well as reserving
President, Board of Directors some funding for special presentations for staff,

2
 COMMUNITY COLLABORATION Kari Hunter
COMMUNITY GRANTS
AWARDED TO KERN
COUNTY ARTS
ORGANIZATIONS
Kaiser Permanente Puchases
Local Art For Their New Office
The Arts Council of Kern
awarded almost $10,000 in grants
to support Kern County’s creative
economy. Congratulations to arts
organizations throughout the county:

n Alzheimer’s Disease Association

of Kern County

n Arts for Earth Foundation

n Bakersfield Art Association

n Bakersfield Association for

Retarded Citizens Foundation

n CSU Bakersfield Theatre

Department

n Desert Area Resources

and Training

n Desert Community Orchestra

Association

n Imagine Ballet Company

One of Kaiser Permanente’s purchased pieces - Bill Ryan’s “Spring & Fall on the Upper Kern”
n Mountain Shakespeare Festival

L
n The City of Taft ast March, Kaiser Permanente contacted the Arts Council of Kern (ACK) to help them find and
n Tehachapi High School Art purchase local artwork for their new medical office building. Through an open call to artists with
Department Kaiser’s theme of Thrive, Kaiser purchased 54 pieces of art by 18 local artists! The grand opening
of Kaiser Permanente’s new medical office building was held on February 2, 2011. Throughout the facility’s
n Tehachapi Valley Recreation and
three floors, the purchased local artwork is proudly displayed. With this collaboration, Kaiser and the ACK
Parks District
were able to give local artists a unique opportunity to sell their art and turn an ordinary medical office
n The Fox Theatre Foundation building into an extraordinary display of local talent.
n The Spotlight Theatre Arts
Kaiser Permanente Artists
Productions
Mark Archer Alberto Herrera Barbara Reed Jeanie Truitt
James Bates Michelle Leggett Susan Reep Wes Wheeler
Jennifer Bowles Christine McKee Bill Ryan Sylvia Zapata-Casali
Judith Campanaro Marisela Oropeza Nicole Saint-John “Outside In” artists
Judy Wolford Deems Linda Osburn Michael Sallee

HOUSE CONCERT SERIES Jill Egland

Wright House is the Right House

T
he 2011 House Concert Series was K-3 students at Parkview Elementary.
launched in style, with the magic of Next up: The musical genius of found-
multi-instrumentalists, Lisa Lynne sound man, Joe Craven, Sunday, April 3, at
and Aryeh Frankfurter, performing in the 4pm. Cost is $22 ($20 ACK members). Call the
Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Ablin House. Arts Council to book seats and receive venue
(Thank you, ACK Board member, David details.
Coffey!) The following day, the duo took off Our thanks to ACK members Marc Sandall
to Taft, performing a benefit concert for the and Michael Bennett for making this series
Taft Arts Council that evening, and conducting possible. A Parkview kindergartener shows off his musical talent while multi-
an interactive assembly for 150 enthusiastic instrumentalist, Aryeh Frankfurter, looks on.

2a
VISUAL ARTS PROGRAMS Nicole Saint-John
THE NATIONAL DIRECTOR

“California Perspectives” Student

FROM YOUNG AUDIENCES
ARTS FOR LEARNING
PAYS A VISIT TO KERN
Art Exhibition sponsored by the COUNTY
Laura Lollar Wolfe
Bakersfield Chapter of the Sierra Club

O
n February 11, California Perspectives, approach to the broad subject of the exhibit.
a juried high school art exhibition for After careful deliberation, we gave awards to
Kern County students, opened at the Kristyn Towery (Liberty High), Thalia Martinez
Younger Gallery. The exhibition was sponsored (Highland High), Catherine Ogas (South High),
Mr. David Dik, the newly appointed
by the Bakersfield Chapter of the Sierra Club. and Karina Hernandez (Independence High).
national executive director of Young
Thanks to the help and the support of many A Chairman’s Award went to Seane Steele
Audiences Arts for Learning, who
Sierra Club volunteers—including Marjorie (North High).
works at their headquarters in New
Bell, Marie Polite, and the Chapter’s president,
York City, came to visit the Arts Council
Georgette Theotig—the reception was a big
in February. The former managing
success. The exhibition will be on director of the Metropolitan Opera
Dinah Campbell, Pat Bonäs, and I had the
privilege of judging the exhibition. I was pleased display until April 2 at Guild started out as a music teacher
25 years ago, a trade which is helping
by the overall quality of the submissions. As a
juror, I looked for detail in the works, a strong
the Younger Gallery him now to understand the issues of
arts- and arts-supported education.
understanding of the medium, and a creative
He is currently traveling around the
country to visit with the staff and
community leaders of the Young

“Outside In” Visual Artists Audiences affiliates, like the Arts

Council of Kern.

Workshop at BARC
His visit started out at a breakfast
meeting to connect with educators
from Kern County, including represen-

M
entor artist, Nancy tatives from Arvin, Fairfax, Lost Hills,
Merrick, and I had the Maricopa, and Richland (Shafter)
pleasure of working School Districts. Teaching artist, Nat
with seven artists over a period of Dove, provided entertainment and
six weeks. The goal of the workshop shared his classroom experiences.
was to identify artistic talent, to Arts Council Board members who
reinforce creative thinking, and to serve on the Arts Education Committee
support independent work. During the were also in attendance.
short period of our workshop, the He met also with funders and
artists created their own stories, potential funders of the program,
illustrated these stories, and on the enjoyed a demonstration by two
last workshop day, presented the teaching artists in training, visited
stories via PowerPoint in front of a with the Kern County Superintendent
large audience of family members, of Schools, and finished with a meet-
BARC employees, and clients. and-greet with board members and
Paula Johnson, Assistant Executive staff.
Director at BARC, explained the In a conversation, David pointed
high attendance at the reception, out how important it is to expand our
“We are a big family here and Kern County core of teaching artists
everyone is so excited and sees and to develop high quality curricula,
changes in the artists. The staff and a task we are working on right now.
clients want to see what has had
them so focused and happy!”

Left: Illustration from “The Polar Bear”

by Erin Nickel

2b
SPECIAL PROJECTS REPORT Jill Egland

Film Premiere June 9th and Summer Film Workshop

Prequel. adult and interested in exploring filmmaking?
Participants this time around built the Then the Kern Film Workshop’s Two-Week
back-story for Lassie and Saturday, the detective Intensive (TWI) may be just the summer stint
thriller produced in the Spring 2009 cycle. The for you!
process allowed them to delve more deeply into The 10-day project takes participants through
the concepts of character motivation and plot all the steps of creating a film—from the initial
development. pitch, to the final edit. In the process, other skill-
The film will premiere on Thursday evening, building happens: working in teams, taking risks,
June 9th, in Jastro Park—there’s an unforgettable and following through on tasks.
Bollywood-style grand finale you won’t want to High school seniors and college students
miss! interested in participating in the program as
The next cycle begins in October 2011. peer mentors should contact Holley Arbeit at
Chris Champion “slates” a scene with actor Brittanie Lingo
(seen in the monitor) during the Kern Film Workshop.
Interested individuals should contact Jill Egland arbeitslp@live.com.
at the Arts Council to register. Cost for the TWI is $1300. Some scholarships
That’s a Wrap… for the Moment are available. KRC clients may attend for free.
What’s the film term that will be linked TWO-WEEK INTENSIVE Gears Up For more information and to register, contact Jill
forever to the Winter 2011 cycle of the Kern for June Egland at the Arts Council.
Film Workshop? Are you between the ages of 10 and young

VISUAL ARTS PROGRAMS Nicole Saint-John

cereal boxes is a way of helping children learn how to read.
Creating Community artist, Barbara Reid, created a series of
Creating Community four paintings which were abstract illustrations that include literary
elements within the composition. The artist described her works

T
he artists of the Creating Community as a tension between the complexity of language and the simplicity
program opened their second exhibition, of nature, and her collages include vintage book pages and
conTEXTual, in the Farmacy at the photographs.
Padre Hotel in downtown Bakersfield. This Guest artist, Yvonne Cavanagh, submitted two vase-like
time, the group tackled the issue of illiteracy, sculptures with a motif of growing roots. She stated that as roots
partnering with First Book, Bakersfield, a chapter strengthen a tree, it is with literacy that society thrives.
of the national non-profit organization which Please go to our Web site to see more details and images of this
provides new books for children in need. The wonderful exhibit, www.kernarts.org.
great success of this exhibition was not only
reflected in the number of works sold, but more-
over in the appreciative response to the works
by people who encounter the issue of illiteracy
on a daily basis—educators. Creating Community
Creating Community artist, Claire Putney,
created a series of four paintings in which she Call To Artists
used fairytales to connect with different
communication techniques of our society. The Arts Council of Kern is currently inviting artists to apply
For example, her painting Speak with Me connects for one of the five open positions in the 2011/12 Creating
the story of the Velveteen Rabbit with Braille, the Community program. This one-year mentored program for
reading and writing method of blind people. visual artists is designed to develop a diversity of artists’
Creating Community artist, Christine McKee, skills while bringing greater awareness to our communities
created a series of four paintings which illustrate through art. We are looking for five artists who would enjoy
two of the obstacles to literacy—English as a collaborating with other artists (from recent college graduates
second language, and dyslexia—and two examples to experienced career artists), who are interested in working
focused on solutions, including opportunities for on projects relevant to our county, and receiving mentoring
parental involvement. in art business and community relations.
In her painting Makeshift Library, (right) For more information, please email Nicole Saint-John at
she shows that even reading the backsides of nicoletta2020@gmail.com.

Right: “Makeshift Library” by Christine McKee

3
 2000 K Street, Suite 110 NON-PROFIT ORG.
Bakersfield, CA 93301 US POSTAGE
PAID
BAKERSFIELD CA
PERMIT #39

Address Service Requested

artscalendar ack events spring 2011

House Concerts Tech Arts Academy June 6-17, 8:30 am-1:30 pm — The Kern Film
Workshop’s Two-Week Intensive

Spring Class Schedule Call the ACK to register.

June 9, 5:30 pm—Premiere of new works by

April 6, 6-8 pm—Facebook the Kern Film Workshop
for Page Administrators Jastro Park, Bakersfield, CA, free
(Advanced) / $35 BBQ dinner available for $8 General/$5 KRC
A C A DE M Y caregivers/free for clients
Joe Craven April 20, 6-8 pm—
Business Networking June 11, 5:30 pm—Pasta Primavera Al Fresco
April 3, 4 pm – Joe Craven Online / $35 Pasta dinner and fundraiser. Call ACK for more info.
Cost is $22 ($20 ACK members).

Contact Info
Call the Arts Council, 661-324-9000 to book seats May 4, 6-8 pm—Online Video
and receive venue details. (Jeff Nachtigal) / $35

May 1-5 – Moira Smiley June 1, 6-8 pm—Legal and Ethical Arts Council of Kern
May 1, 4 pm: House Issues in Social Media / $35 2000 K St., Ste. 110,
Concert in Bakersfield Bakersfield, CA 93301
May 2, 7 pm: Community June 15, 6-8 pm—Social Media ph: 661.324.9000 THERE’S MORE...
Concert in Taft Photography / $35 fax: 661.324.1136 To read additional
May 3, 7 pm: House e-mail: news, please go
Concert in Kernville June 29, 6-8 pm—E-mail Marketing / $35 kernarts@gmail.com to kernarts.org for

Events
May 4, 7 pm: in Concert the complete
with the Bakersfield Younger Gallery scoop!
College Choir 1430 Truxtun Avenue
Call the ACK for venue Suite 105,
May 14 – Walk For The Arts
details and ticket information Moira Smiley Bakersfield, CA 93301
Begins in Central Park (19th & R Streets)
8 am to noon. See Cover story for details. www.kernarts.org