Programs
New Art Works program for students - see Art Works for more information
Art Smart
Art Smart is the Museum's hands-on enrichment program that takes fine arts to
culturally isolated districts throughout Kern County. Students in these after
school programs learn the fundamentals of drawing, painting, and sculpting,
as well as facts regarding influential artists and art history. Art Smart is
designed to provide students with positive avenues for self-exploration and
expression. The program encourages students to look at themselves, their heritage,
and their environment in a new way. Adopt a Class for the Art Smart Program:
$900 per semester.
Experience Art Camp
Six to twelve year old campers take over the Museum eight weeks each
summer, creating 2-D and 3-D artwork. Campers learn to sketch and paint as well
as create masks, ceramics, and wire sculptures. Students learn the history of
artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and O'Keeffe prior to the beginning of each
project. Children tour the galleries to learn about current exhibits. This experience
should not be missed. Call the Bakersfield Museum of Art for an enrollment form.
Sponsor a Child for Summer Art Camp: $150 (2 weeks)
Side by Side
In keeping with its commitment to the important role visual arts play
in the successful development of children, and realizing there are many underserved
preschool children, the Museum introduced Side by Side in 2008. The intent of
this program is to provide pre-K children and their caregivers with arts education
in a day camp setting similar to Experience Art camp. Side by Side offers experiential
art lessons specifically tailored for this younger age group. The curriculum
offers two morning sessions for one week. Each session offers art projects that
encourage parent and child to work together. Lesson plans are available allowing
the parent or caregiver to easily replicate each project at home.
Mano con Mano
Mano con Mano is a free bilingual community outreach component of Side by Side.
Mano con Mano is a hands-on arts enrichment program geared for pre-K children
and their parents or primary caregivers. The program offers two morning sessions
each week that is designed for parents to become involved in their preschooler's
education prior to enrollment in kindergarten. The summer classes are held at
two different community centers (contact the Museum for the location of the
center closest to you) and are taught by a bilingual arts instructor.
Museum on the Move
Museum on the Move is a traveling art exhibit that brings art history and hands-on
art lessons to students. A Museum art instructor takes students through a mobile
gallery exploring significant art movements. Following the tour, students will
participate in a hands-on art project based on the art previously discussed.
Sponsor a class with a visit from the Museum on the Move: $100 (based on a class
of 25)
Docent Tours
Thousands of Kern County students visit the Museum each year. Docents guide
student groups through the Museum's four galleries of current exhibits, covering
art fundamentals, art history, and encouraging group discussions. Each tour
is followed by a hands-on art lesson in which students create a work of art
based on their tour. Tours can also be reserved for adult groups as well. The
Museum is an excellent educational outing for any professional or social group.
Sponsor a docent tour: $75