BMOA Offers Summer Fun

Want to do something different this summer? Maybe something you have entertained, in thought, but never pursued? Could it be a part of you would like to learn more about art? Say photography, oil, watercolor, drawing, pottery or animation, just to name a few. Now, here’s the phrase so often heard by those who think they cannot successfully pursue the arts. “I can’t even draw a straight line, much less paint, etc. etc. etc.”

First and foremost, being able to draw a straight line is not necessary to pursue an interest in the arts. Granted if one wishes to pursue architecture, learning perspective and drawing a straight line is required. Yet letting go and realizing there may be hidden talents, once pursued, can be fun and build confidence.

Kern County is fortunate to have the Bakersfield Museum of Arts in its midst. The programs, workshops and classes, offered for adults and children, are limitless and reasonable in cost.

Browse the options and sign up for something you have always wanted to try.

An accomplished stained-glass artist, here in Tehachapi, began by deciding to take a class at BMOA, several years ago. Today she sells her beautiful work, including stained-glass door inserts, wall art, jewelry boxes and much more.

A drawing workshop, clay workshop and beginning photography workshop are currently in process but several more are upcoming.

Creative Clay workshop for adults is July 21 to 25 from 1-4 p.m. Participants will learn decorative techniques, how to add texture to projects, using stamps, organic material, carving and piercing.

Art For the Non-Artist (does that ring any bells?) begins Tuesdays, June 24 to July 15 from 2-4 p.m. The focus will be on the basics and fundamental skill of art. Different mediums will be offered and participants are encouraged to have fun experiment.

Printmaking Workshop for Teens. July 7 to 11 from 2-4 p.m. Ages 13-17 will learn the in and outs of printmaking and introduce students to block-printing, lino-cut, screen-painting, sun-print and more.

Stop-Motion Animation Workshop for Teens. July 14 to 18. Ages 13-17 will learn how to create stop motion animation using hand-made and found objects and iMovie software. The workshop teaches basics of storytelling, character development, background and the history of animation.

Teen Art Camp for ages 13-17, July 2 to Aug. 15. Teens learn to paint, sculpt, design and print.

Summer Art Camp, for ages 3-17, begin June 2 to Aug. 15.

Art Scholarships are available for teens unable to afford opportunities in the arts. Contact Liz Sherwyn at [email protected] and download the Scholarship Nomination Form or call 323-7219.

Take a step out of your comfort zone and you may be surprised at what transpires, just as was the aforementioned stained-glass artist.

Sign up early, as space is limited. For further information call 661-323-7219 or visit http://www.bmoa.org.

BMOA hours are Tues. - Fri. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m .; Sat. and Sun., Noon - 4 p.m. Closed Mon. and holidays.

BMOA is located at 1930 R St.