Via Arte festival 2009 - October 10-11
Get ready for Bakersfield's biggest art event of the year. Via Arte 2009, Bakersfield Museum of Art's fantastic festival, draws crowds from all over California who come to watch the beautiful handiwork of many talented professional, amateur and student artists.
Via Arte is presented by the Diane S. Lake Family and Donahue Schriber. Sponsors include Klassen Corporation, KERO 23/Azteca America, Brighthouse Networks, Bakersfield Magazine and San Joaquin Community Hospital.Street painting is an Italian tradition originating in the sixteenth century and Via Arte promises to be grander than ever before. The parking areas in front of Starbucks and Tahoe Joe's will be subdivided into pavement squares sponsored by businesses, organizations and individuals. Local and visiting artists are invited to become street painters and to get on their knees and fill these pavement canvases with their own unique or traditional inspiration.
Beginning October 10, featured artist Michael William Kirby will begin his fabulous work. Kirby is a well-known muralist, who studied and worked in Europe. He eventually moved to Mexico where he worked as an apprentice for various mural masters. During these studies he was commissioned to do various murals for private and public buildings. Eventually he started his own studio in Guadalajara. In 2002,Kirby returned to Baltimore to create a new studio using the techniques he has learned abroad. Since his return, he has been selected to be apart of various exhibits and commissions. On October 10 and 11 local professional artists and high school and junior high students will create their artworks on the pavement.
The popular Via Bambino area will be open both days for children to create their small pieces of sidewalk art.
Via Arte photos
If you are coming from outside Kern County, here is some help with Getting to Via Arte
Looking for a place to stay in Bakersfield? Try Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau
Via Arte schedule of entertainment/events