These are just a few of the many donated pieces of art for sale at Art-A-Go-Go. Photo courtesy of Bakersfield Museum of Art

By Terry Telford

The Bakersfield Museum of Art is going retro, and the public is invited to the party. Actually, there are two parties: One tonight and one on Saturday, March 20.

The museum’s Art-A-Go-Go fundraiser is a way to recycle old art and make it new again. People have donated used art in droves, and now the museum is selling it back to the people. New owners will have fresh art to enjoy and old owners can feel good about dusting off their pieces from the garage and giving it new life. The events raise money for the museum’s future education programs.

Tonight is a retro-style cocktail party at the museum, located at 1930 R Street. It’s an opportunity to view and purchase the artwork before the general public sale on Saturday, and a chance to enjoy a swinging party as well. The ‘60s-vibe party will also feature a live art auction. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the auction begins at 7:30 p.m.

For $60 at the door, curator Emily Falke says guests this evening will be treated to, “good drink and good food and art ranging from all styles and time periods.”

A malt and milkshake bar adds to the charm of the nostalgic-themed event along with “tasty cocktails,” adds the museum’s director of marketing, Beth Pandol.

On Saturday, admission is free as the museum offers the remaining artwork to the public. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or until all artwork is purchased) everyone is invited to peruse the museum exhibits while hunting for a “new” art treasure. Prices range from $10 to $300 and there will be pieces for all tastes in mediums including paintings, prints, posters, sculptures and fabric art.

Pandol says she was pleasantly surprised with the amount of artwork donated and is grateful to the community for their support of the museum.

“We are constantly trying to keep our programs and exhibitions going at a first-class level and with the economy as it is, times are a bit tough,” she said.

She credits the museum’s board for the event idea and chairperson Cynthia Icardo for putting it all together.

For more information on Art-a-Go-Go, contact the museum at 323-7219 or visit www.bmoa.org.