By Terry Telford

Bakersfield’s downtown arts scene continues to blossom with not one, but two new art galleries joining the First Friday festivities for the first time. At this rate, downtown Bakersfield is on track to become an art mecca in the Central Valley.

You don’t want to miss the opportunity on April 2 to enjoy artwork, listen to live music, shop in the many area boutiques and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. First Friday is always the first Friday of every month, with many shops and galleries open until 9 p.m. or later.

Landscape by Paul Buxman at the Bakersfield Art Association Arts Center.

Bakersfield Art Association Art Center

The Bakersfield Art Association recently opened their new location at 1817 Eye St. This month the Art Center features artist Paul Buxman, whose paintings of rural and agricultural life are realized in vivid hues of yellow, green, orange and purple. Keyboard player and BAA member Ron Mead will entertain outside while Bakersfield High School junior and Bakersfield Youth Symphony violinist Zane Adamo will play inside the gallery. There will also be live art demonstrations by painters working in oil, watercolor and pastel. April marks the first month of participation in First Friday for the new Art Center, and gallery manager and artist Ann Sullivan says she is, “Happy to be part of the Downtown Arts District.” The Art Center will stay open until 9 p.m. on Friday; regular hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The Bellmoore from Gabriel Briano on Vimeo.

John Moore and Deon Bell have opened The Bellmoore art gallery at 2001 Chester Ave. Photo by Jennifer Baldwin

The Bellmoore

Another recent addition to downtown is The Bellmoore, located at 2001 Chester Ave. (entrance on 20^th St), a joint gallery by Deon Bell and John Moore. The new gallery is the latest in a succession of art establishments by the artists, including Bell’s former gallery The Basement, which closed in August 2009. The two have been consistent advocates of the local art scene and their latest effort is a unique haven for art and community which again takes art to a basement — but this time with an old world atmosphere. A grand opening will take place later in April, but The Bellmoore’s current exhibit, “Pruning Season,” will be on display Friday.  Along with artists Bell and Moore, art by Greg Jones, Claire Putney and Hope Henderson grace the brick walls of the underground gallery.

"Old Soldiers" by David Gordon at Metro Galleries.

Metro Galleries

A pair of new exhibits open at Metro Galleries, 1604 19^th St. David Gordon, assistant director at the Bakersfield Museum of Art, has created “Frond Frauds,” a series of paintings which mixes nature into urban landscapes by depicting palm trees in unusual places.

Christine Iriarte Niswonger’s “1^st Impressions” leaves imaginations to wonder at the use of words and visuals juxtaposed to create colorful images with striking text. Jazz singer Kama Ruby will perform live and appetizers will be prepared by Mama Roomba’s.

"Held Still" by Julia Heatherwick at Surface Gallery.

Surface Gallery

Surface Gallery, at 1703 20^th St., continues “Cross Pollination: Connections through the Art of Encaustics,” a show featuring works by Michele Bosak, Julia Heatherwick, Eric Hesse and Sarah Seabolt.

The artists each employ the medium of binding pigment with hot wax. The encaustic technique gives the paintings a dreamy quality and unusual texture.

Also on display and available for purchase will be the door created by artist Liz Sherwyn for last month’s “Opening Doors to the Arts” project.

To add to the creative and artistic atmosphere, the Bakersfield High School choir will sing in front of the gallery from 6 to 7 p.m.

New abstract painting by Johnny Ramos at bossanovastudios.

bossanovastudios

A little further east, two galleries also open their doors for First Friday festivities.

At bossanovastudios, prolific artist Johnny Ramos always has new paintings available. He is known for his retro florals as well as his abstracts. This month he features two mega works, divided into smaller pieces, which can be purchased whole or in part.

bossanovastudios is located at 814 18^th St and will be open Friday from 6 to 10 p.m.

"Way Station" oil painting by Art Knight at Juliana's Art Studio.

Juliana’s Art Studio and Gallery

This gallery at 501 18^th St. hosts a group show featuring many artists, including: Art Knight, Marisela Oropeza, Kay Kay, Jordi Camps and others. Juliana’s is home to works by over 30 artists in mediums ranging from jewelry to sculpture, painting, pottery and stained glass.

Classes are also available during the week and on Saturdays for adults. Youth classes in sculpture and drawing, oil and watercolor are offered as well. For more information, visit www.julianasartstudiogallery.com.