Thanks for checking out this post on all things art in Bakersfield. Galleries, museums, supplies, schools, shows, events and more will all be covered thoroughly as this post goes on.
The goal is to get you the info you need as quickly as we can. We will begin by diving into the best Bakersfield Art Galleries and Museums where you can see some of the finest exhibitions and collections the city has to offer.
Following that we will tell you about the best art stores in your area where you can find all the supplies and materials you need. Then we will discuss the best shows and events that are held in the region.
You may want to take an art walking tour or check out some of the most creative statues and sculptures around town on a sunny day. Bakersfield art classes and lessons will need to get their own section and there are plenty of classes for both kids and adults that are available.
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Some of our more experienced readers may not need any lessons so we will tell you where you can find art studios for rent near you as well. Framing shops, dealers, and appraisers will also be how we wrap everything up.
As you can see there are tons of things to discuss about local art so we need to get this post started. We have also written plenty of other posts on cities around the Southwest which you can look through there.
Best Art Galleries & Museums In Bakersfield
When you are ready to visit the best art galleries and museums in Bakersfield you can go to:
- Bakersfield Museum of Art at 1930 R St
- Bakersfield Art Association Gallery at 1607 19th St
- Jones Art Gallery at 1801 Panorama Dr
- The Todd Madigan Art Gallery at 9001 Stockdale Hwy
- Modern Gigi Gallery at 900 18th St
- The Empty Space at 706 Oak St
- Surface Gallery at 1703 20th St
- Portrait of a Warrior Gallery at 1925 Eye St
Bakersfield Museum of Art provides workshops, classes and various programs such as their Saturday art studio classes for kids and teens from age 6 to 16. Their Art After Dark event features local community art projects, live music and is one of the biggest events on the annual calendar here.
You will probably also be interested in their annual Via Arté Italian street painting festival. You can find classes, demonstrations, juried shows and workshops at the Bakersfield Art Association Gallery.
For more art workshops head to the Surface Gallery.
Materials & Supplies Near You
There are quite a few stores to buy art supplies and materials in your area like:
- Hobby Lobby at 4450 California Ave
- Michaels at 2720 Ming Ave
- Dollar Tree at 2505 S H St
- Joann at 3010 Ming Ave
Hobby Lobby, Michaels and Joann are also places to get framing done if you need it.
Shows & Events
Some of the best local shows and events held here are:
First Friday Artwalk is a family-friendly arts event that showcases Kern County’s best artists, held downtown on the first Friday of each month from 5-9pm. The Annual Kern County Plein Air Painting Festival is a one week outside painting event featuring several of the best artists from the western United States.
There will be a picnic with artists working on-site, a gallery show and artist meet and greet, and a gala in the Betty Younger Sculpture Garden. Bakersfield Museum of Art holds their annual event Via Arté Italian street painting festival in October located at The Marketplace.
Plus they also host their Art After Dark Events.
Art Dealers & Appraisers
The Foundry located at 1608 19th St is where you can find one of the best art dealers and appraisers near you. The Bakersfield Art Association Gallery and Modern Gigi Gallery from our main list also sell art.
Walking Tours
Some of the best art walking tours in your area would be:
- Downtown Arts District at 2000 K St #120
- First Friday Artwalk
You can take a self-guided tour of the city’s local art attractions through the Downtown Arts District, and they have maps at the visitors center. The First Friday Artwalk is held on the first Friday of each month downtown from 5-9pm.
Sculptures & Statues
You can also find some really cool sculptures and statues around town like:
- Father Francisco Garces Statue at Garces Cir
- Music Legends in Bronze at 2800 Buck Owens Blvd
- Muffler Man Indian Warrior at 4310 Alfred Harrell Hwy
- Cancer Survivors Gauntlet at 24th & Oak St
The Father Francisco Garces Statue was created in 1939 by John Palo-Kangas. Music Legends in Bronze can be found at Buck Owens Crystal Palace.
Muffler Man Indian Warrior is adjacent to Ethel’s Old Corral Bar and Restaurant and has been up since the mid 60’s. The Cancer Survivors Gauntlet is located on the beach park loop.
Bakersfield Art Classes
Whether you want quick lessons for kids or full classes for adults there are plenty of options. Some of the best Bakersfield art schools and classes can be found at:
- Schilling Art Studio at 12426 Jomani Dr
- Brush & Blush Easel Events at 4915 Stockdale Hwy
- Colorful Strokes CA at 1811 Oak St #160
- Nina’s Art Studio at 6805 Leaf Valley Dr
- The Art Cellar at 1911 F St
Schilling Art Studio provides art classes for kids, plus they can handle restoration work. Colorful Strokes California has art classes for all ages. They offer night classes and private parties as well.
They also host a spring art exhibit program for their students to give them an opportunity to showcase their latest work. Nina’s Art Studio offers art classes for all ages and skill levels.
Bakersfield Museum of Art, Bakersfield Art Association and Surface Gallery from our main list also offer art classes and lessons.
Studios For Rent Near You
At the moment we are not aware of any art studios for rent near you.
Framing
A frame can take a normal looking picture a long way, and some of the best places for art framing in Bakersfield are:
- Icehouse Framing & Gallery at 1610 19th St
- Frameworks at 1020 18th St
- Aaron Brothers at 9350 Rosedale Hwy
Frameworks also have a growing selection of home decor items such as furniture and lighting as well as selling framed art in your area. Hobby Lobby, Michaels and Joann from our art supplies list also do framing.
We have also discussed:
Have Fun Enjoying The Bakersfield Art Scene
Well guys, we tried to cover the full art scene near you to the best of our abilities. You learned about the best galleries, museums, events, shows, supply stores, dealers, appraisers, walking tours, sculptures, classes, studios, and framers in your area.
If you made it all the way to the end then you probably love art as much as we do. Feel free to share any of your own local tips and tricks in the comments at the end of the post, or please also let us know if we got anything wrong or if anything we posted has become dated.
Have fun going to the galleries, museums, buying supplies or doing anything that has to do with art in Bakersfield!