Artists, art-lovers come together for Art 2024 Tehachapi

In mid May, 50 nationally known plein air artists journeyed to Tehachapi for the fourth paint out sponsored by the Tehachapi Arts Commission.

Many of these artists were returning for the fourth year in a row to gather ideas and begin works of art that would be brought to life and completed in their home studio. The finished works have been submitted and juried into the Art 2024 Tehachapi show to be held July 19-21 at the Aspen Builders Activity Center, located at 410 W. D St. in Tehachapi. This show has received a great deal of national recognition and is fast becoming a major art show in California.

Following a kick-off dinner held at Dorner Family Vineyard in May, the visiting artists were given the opportunity to paint, sketch and photograph the amazing Milano Cattle Ranch in Stallion Springs and visit the wild Morgan horses living in our local mountains. Many participated in Saturday Demo Day, painting in public locations like Central Park, the Depot Museum and at the local vineyards, where they were able to interact with the public and discuss their work.

Art 2024 begins on Friday evening, July 19, with an opening reception and award ceremony. Guests will have the opportunity to meet all the artists while exploring the aisles of paintings, chat with them and perhaps purchase a painting, all while enjoying hors d'oeuvres, open bars and wine supplied by Dorner Family Vineyard. Awards will be presented Friday evening for Best of Show, Best Landscape, Best Urban Painting, Best Still Life and Artists Choice Award.

The featured artist for Art 2024 Tehachapi is Laura Wambsgans who was the Best of Show recipient in 2023 for her painting "Engine 29." Wambsgans began oil painting nearly 20 years ago after working as a managing director of a recording studio and then as a sculptor for nearly 20 years. This will be her fourth appearance at the Tehachapi show.

Tickets for the opening event are $125 and are now available. Ticket proceeds will help to fund the commission's Art in the Parks program. The Tehachapi Arts Commission is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Purchase your tickets for this event by July12, online at http://www.artstehachapi.org/events or in person at the offices of the Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce, TVRPD or The Loop newspaper. Advance purchase only. Join us for a fantastic evening of fun, food and art.

If you can't be there on July 19, the show will be open on Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.