News from the Arts Council of Kern

From time to time, the Arts Council of Kern puts out calls to artists, for either their juried exhibits or on behalf of other organizations seeking submissions. Recently, this has included artwork for the new Kaiser Permanente buildings on Chester Avenue downtown, and a logo contest for the Amgen Tour of California Stage 5 finish in Bakersfield.

On Tuesday, June 22, the Arts Council of Kern is holding an informational meeting for not one, not two, but three opportunities for artists to submit their work this summer for community projects.

The meeting will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Younger Gallery, 1430 Truxtun Ave. Space is limited. RSVP by calling Kari Hunter at (661) 324-9000 or emailing her at kmhunter23@gmail.com. All calls to artists can be downloaded from the Arts Council of Kern’s website at www.kernarts.org.

The three calls to artists are for:

“Please Touch the Art” Tactile Art Exhibit: The Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Bakersfield Lions Club, and the Arts Council of Kern are collaborating on this tactile exhibit which will be held at CBVI and will feature artwork that visitors can touch. The opening reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16 and the exhibit will be on display through Nov. 14.

All original art (no digital prints) must be delivered to CBVI by Sept. 14. Learn more at www.cbvi.org.

“40^th Anniversary Art Contest” by Kern Council of Governments: KernCOG and the Arts Council of Kern announce this call to artists using the bicycle for the theme. Artists must be residents of Kern County be 18 or older.

The deadline for artwork is Aug. 27. All winners’ artwork will be displayed at KernCOG’s anniversary and art reception at the Petroleum Club on Oct. 28. Learn more at www.kerncog.org/cms

“Oildorado Days” Taft Centennial Celebration: Every five years, the people of Taft celebrate the oil industry with Oildorado Days. More than 30,000 people visit during the 10-day event. This year, it also happens to be the 100^th birthday of Taft, making the event bigger than ever.

A juried art show will be on display indoors at the beginning of the celebration, which lasts from Oct. 15 to 24. The Oildorado Days committee is also seeking art to be displayed outdoors. Art should be inspired by the oil industry, the natural beauty of the Carrizo Plains and surrounding area, and the history of the west side of Kern County. Learn more at www.oildoradodays.com.