Artist profile: Alyssa Kamerer

Alyssa Kamerer is a local artist who grew up in the Los Angeles area and is now a resident of Tehachapi. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Coast University and works locally in addition to producing her art, which is her real love.

Alyssa has always been influenced by the beauty and the sparkle of diamonds. She says that any the part of the world can be beautified by diamonds. As a diamond artist, she loves to find new ways to represent the textures and colors of a specific things, to help the viewer feel like they are experiencing it in a new way.

"The Tehachapi Art Center does a great job of connecting people together, communities, families, people to themselves ... it's a very safe space to come and experience art. The arts inevitably open up people to expression and communication and Tehachapi Art Center is a place where you can do that, it's where people find their people," she said.

Alyssa shares, "My art is very much about being in the moment and connecting to something bigger. Art is an expression of self. When we are children, we often communicate in pictures before we can communicate in words. Arts help us share more, long before we speak in full sentences or communicate our complete feelings. When I create art, I feel like I connect with others and share their experiences."

Alyssa is now selling her art at the Tehachapi Art Center. In addition to her diamond painting, she also creates wallets, bags and other handmade items.

The greatest thing about creating something is that when you are busy making something you are not so concerned with editing everything we say and how it will be received; Art is that expression.

The Tehachapi Art Center is excited to have several of Alyssa's pieces on exhibit. Alyssa is creative and enthusiastic, and lends a youthful spark to our arts community. We are lucky to share Alyssa's beautiful vision of the world through her art.

This month, Alyssa will teach an introductory Diamond Painting class at the Tehachapi Arts Center. Participates will engage in a meditative and creative experience as the place the colorful "diamonds" on to a canvas to reveal a sparkling mosaic like creation. The class will be held on July 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $25.

The Tehachapi Arts Center (TAC) is a cooperative continuing in the tradition of Mel White's Treasure Trove. TAC provides a venue for local artisans to gather, learn, teach, display, and sell their art. We are located at 116 E. Tehachapi Blvd. (across the street from the water tower). TAC is open Sunday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Note: we stay open later for special events such as Thursday's Farmer's Market. If the flags are out we are open. You can reach us at: (661) 822-6794.