Downtown Bakersfield is offering a weekend of art and family activities as the Bakersfield Museum of Art opens its doors to the community with events happening today and tomorrow.
Among the exhibitions on view is “Ann Diener: The Invented Land,” described as a reiteration of an exhibit that first premiered at the Museum of Art in Lancaster. The show includes drawings, tapestries and an installation piece at the entrance to the gallery.
A few embellished pieces by artist Ann Diener. PHOTO: KBAK
Lauren Marty, the museum’s communications manager, said the exhibition explores a central question behind Diener’s work: “What would happen if man didn’t leave its imprint on the land? What would that look like?” Marty said Diner expresses that idea through multiple mediums, including embellished tapestries and drawings.
KBAK
The Ann Diener exhibition will remain on view through the summer, with the museum planning to “de install in August,” Marty said.
KBAK
The museum is also bringing back First Friday, when admission is free and the museum stays open late. Marty said First Friday is offered “courtesy of the county of Kern.”
For families, the museum is hosting Saturday Studio, a program Marty described as “a wonderful time for our creative kiddos.” The themed projects are connected to objects in the museum’s permanent collection or current exhibitions. This week’s project focuses on sculpture and wood.
Glass house designed by artist Ann Diener PHOTO: KBAK
Marty also highlighted upcoming spring break workshops for kids ages 2 to 17. She said the museum’s education opportunities are tied to works on view or objects in the permanent collection, with projects inspired by pieces currently in the galleries.
KBAK
In addition to this weekend’s events, the museum is planning artist-led programming next weekend. Marty said artists Ali Vaughan and Ann Diener will be at the museum in person to give guided tours of their solo exhibitions. The following day, they will take part in a program called Artists on Artists, where they will interview each other about their creative processes, technique, inspiration and common themes, followed by a Q-and-A with the audience.
Marty said the museum’s role goes beyond displaying artwork, adding, “In this day and age, when so much happens on screens, museums are the new town square.”