May 29, 2025 – September 6, 2025  

The Beauty Inherent by Pamela Carroll celebrates the quiet elegance found in everyday objects, drawing from the rich tradition of seventeenth-century still-life painting. Carroll’s work focuses on beauty as an intrinsic quality—something natural and essential to the objects we often overlook. Her meticulous brushwork captures the true essence of fruits, flowers, and vegetables, presenting them without adornment to highlight their inherent beauty. Through direct observation and a keen attention to light, shadow, and color, Carroll reveals the profound beauty in simple forms. Carroll invites viewers to pause, look closely, and recognize the natural splendor in everyday life. 

May 29, 2025 – August 16, 2025 

New Acquisitions: Expanding the Vision of BMoA showcases 19 newly acquired works from 2023 to the present, highlighting the diversity and vitality of contemporary art. Featuring artists such as celebrated Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis, Chicano queer visual artist Joey Terrill, environmental artist Rotem Reshef, musician turned abstract painter Bryan Ida, and multimedia Chicana artist Jacqueline Valenzuela, this exhibition reflects the wide-ranging cultural perspectives that shape California’s artistic identity. The museum continues its commitment to inclusivity by celebrating voices from various backgrounds and its role as a steward of 20th and 21st century California art. Through these acquisitions, BMoA fosters community engagement and promotes a deeper understanding of the diverse narratives within the state’s rich art history. This exhibition underscores the importance of supporting contemporary artists and ensuring a future where art remains a vital cultural dialogue. 

May 29, 2025 – September 6, 2025  

This exhibition celebrates the work of fifteen Kern County high school juniors and seniors who participated in BMoA’s 2025 ArtWorks program. Throughout this semester-long experience, students worked with Museum staff, guest speakers, and artists to empower their passion for the visual arts. 

May 30, 2024 – January 3, 2026 

From the Vault celebrates California's bright, earthy palette and textures through various mediums—from glass and wood vessels to oil paint and serigraph printing—and demonstrates the diverse range of Bakersfield Museum of Art’s Permanent Collection.  Comprised of over 400 pieces, the Permanent Collection highlights California artists from the 20th century to the present and seeks to provide a comprehensive survey of art produced in and about California. 

Modern Moments: Abstract Works from BMoA’s Collection presents 11 significant pieces created between 1961 and 2023 from Bakersfield Museum of Art’s permanent collection. Taken together, these works capture the evolution of abstraction across six decades, showcasing works that engage with bold color, dynamic textures, and innovative forms. Each piece reflects a distinct moment in artistic exploration, highlighting themes of identity, emotion, and modernity. By bridging mid-century modern influences with contemporary interpretations, the collection offers a rich perspective on abstraction’s versatility and enduring impact. Visitors are invited to explore the transformative potential of abstract art in expressing the complexities of life.