By Terry Telford

Local artists: What comes to mind when you ponder the words Total Health, Thrive, Caring, Perseverance, Vitality, Joy, Optimism, Well-Being and Empowering?

Kaiser Permanente of Kern County wants to know and is willing to pay to find out.

Working with the Arts Council of Kern, the medical group has put out a “Call to Artists” for works which will be used in a new medical building in the downtown area.

Kaiser Permanente Bakersfield’s Public Affairs Representative Jason Gutierrez says it is a way to express appreciation.

According to Gutierrez, Kaiser Permanente Executive Director David Ameen is very much involved with reaching out to the community and recently made a point of exploring what artists are creating locally. He would like to see what transpires when some of that talent creates work inspired by the words listed above.

Although a few pieces of local art have been used in some of Bakersfield’s Kaiser Permanente offices, this is a rare opportunity for several artists to have work purchased by the organization.

Artwork will also be shown in the upcoming, “Kaiser Permanente’s Kern County Juried Art Exhibit,” which will be displayed at the Younger Gallery in June. The exhibit will include the winning pieces to be used in the new Chester Avenue building as well as other selected work.

All Kern County artists interested in participating in the project are invited to attend a meeting with Kaiser Permanente’s committee from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22 at the Younger Gallery, 1430 Truxtun Ave., Suite 105. Further information helpful to the process will be given, including the color scheme to be used in the new building as well as a discussion of Kaiser Permanente’s brand.

RSVP for the meeting to Kari Hunter with the Arts Council of Kern at 324-9000 or e-mail kmhunter23@gmail.com.