The Marketplace was partially closed this weekend for the Via Arté event, which took place Oct. 18-19. Shortly after walking in, it was really a sight to see. The event spanned about two parking lots and part of the sidewalk in the middle of the Bakersfield Marketplace, with attendees filling the space. A local band played, and attendees were greeted by an array of colors, artists sketching, and, of course, lots and lots of chalk.
Via Arté is an annual event sponsored by the Bakersfield Museum of Art and has been successful enough to reach its 28th consecutive year, which took place this weekend. The event is integral to the Museum’s funding. According to Victor Gonzalez, the museum’s Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, “It is the museum’s biggest fundraiser for the fall season,” he continued, “and it helps all the funds go back to help making our exhibitions possible… making the arts more accessible…” Victor stated. Accessibility is vital to Gonzalez because it creates a sense of community in town. He states, “When this event started, it kind of consisted of a lot of outside artists coming to Bakersfield to participate. Within the past decade, it’s transitioned from outside artists to local artists.”
Artist Julio César Jiménez, who participated in the event for his 16th time, agreed
Chalk Drawing of an Orangutan driving a 67’ mustang by Julio César Jiménez. (Izzy Flores)
with Gonzalez’s claim. “It’s really beautiful… it brings the community much closer together.” He continued, “I’ve known peers that know other peers that I’ve met in Bakersfield, so it contributes a lot” Jimenez stated. Jimenez also credits the event organizers for being so accommodating to its artists as a reason why he keeps coming back. He stated, “The light you can work as late as you can there’s festivals that I participate in where the sun sets and that’s it, but here… I can put as much passion as I want to.” Jimenez ended by saying, “It’s been a great 28 years, inspiring and connecting people together…”