Tehachapi Arts Center

May the force be with you

This month’s guest artist is Amanda Abernathy. Most of us in town know her as Mo, proprietor of Mo’s Barbershop. She’s bringing Sci-Fi to the Center including some “Star Wars”-themed art. Although having an interest in art since she was young, Mo found being a mom and running a business left her little time to devote to her artistic talents. All that changed after she was injured in an automobile accident. While recovering, Mo found the time to renew her passion for art. Which she will share with us for the month of May.

New artist venders

The Center would like to welcome four new artists. Zackery Sarkisian, who creates jewelry with crystals and gemstones; Matthew McTaggart, who crafts interesting figurine’s in polymer clay; Diana Crews, maker of custom handmade bead jewelry, including hand crafting the beads; and oil painter Gail MacDonald, who enjoys creating beautiful landscapes.

Classes and events

First Friday is May 6. Enjoy an evening of art, hours d’oeuvres, wine and enjoy the company of fellow art aficionados and the music of Art Larson. There is no charge for this event.

Cathy Clark will be conducting a Beginning Polymer Clay Class on Saturday, May 14. She will teach the basics of working with this material and you will create a decorated piece. This class will fill up early so do not wait to sign up! Cathy’s classes are always fun and productive. You will have something nice to take home.

On Saturday, May 21 Lauraine Snelling is offering her Writing Great Fiction Class. Lauraine, a published author, will show you how to produce compelling works of literature.

Paint Night is on Saturday, May 21 with June’s guest artist Wendy Johnson. Snacks, drinks and all supplies will be provided. There will be wine as well as other beverages.

Our Children’s Art Class is now at 3:30 p.m. every Wednesday so that students can more easily attend.

You can have an artistic birthday party for your own group of artists. Just call the center to plan your event and reserve a date.

Lucinda’s popular Sculpting Class will be held every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon.

The medium will be clay. The instructor will provide a clay sculpting kit for a reasonable fee if you do not have your own tools.

Open Studio

We would like to remind everyone that the Center has Open Studio time Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you or a group need a roomy place to create your art away from your daily distractions or if you just want to be in a creative environment, we have a place for you. Sew your quilt, paint a picture, sculpt or just socialize.

Alari Design

We have the best jewelry store in town. We offer a full range of fast, friendly service and all work is done here on the premises. Our hours of operation are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by appointment. Call or text (661) 805-0849 for more information.

The Tehachapi Arts Center is a cooperative, continuing the heritage of Mel White’s Treasure Trove providing a venue for local artisans to gather, learn, teach and, of course, display and sell their art. We are located at 116 E. Tehachapi Blvd. (across the street from the water tower). Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., call (661) 822-6794.