Aspiring artists ranging from students from local public schools to Bakersfield residents gathered for the annual “Via Arte” festival at the Marketplace on Ming Avenue. Sponsored by the Bakersfield Art Museum, this event invites locals and travelers to show off their skills and keep the Italian spirit tradition strong of creating a masterpiece on the “via,” Italian for road, for all to see.  

Chelsea Geronimo, the art coordinator for the museum, oversees the artists as they get settled into their squares, occupying the chunks of parking areas in front of Regal Edward’s theatre.  

“We have three different types of squares that artists can buy. Usually, the larger squares are reserved for sponsors, or featured artists. After everyone is done with their masterpiece, there is a judging competition where we choose the best in three classes; Best color, rendition and renaissance style,” said Geronimo.   

Victor Gonzales, the curator of collections and exhibitions for the museum, watches over the area for the 18 and over and the feature artists. 

“This Italian themed renaissance festival is inspired from historical events that took place in Italy many years ago. We invite featured artists to draw their inspired work or a replica of an artist on a large square for all to see,” said Gonzales.  

The dedicated and talented featured artist Katrina Rocha was working on her 1881 piece from Renoir, a French impressionist with a sophisticated art style.  

“I have been participating for seven years now, and it is a dedication I have to share what I love with the public,” said Rocha. 

Among the squares was a marvelous piece paying tribute to the late great Georgia O’Keefe. Artist aficionados, Natali Pinon, Dely Avila, and Breseis Dominguez, a student from Independence High School, worked with intense focus and detail.  

“This piece is called From the Far Away Nearby and it focuses on familiarity of the New Mexico landscape and the spirits of motivation,” said Pinon.  

“This is our third year here at Via Arte. This event unifies artists from all over and all ages with art and creativity. It is a great feeling,” said Avila, one of the three artists working on the O’Keefe piece. 

Via Arte is embedded well into the Bakersfield community and brings out the art culture, and colors of creativity that the community must share. There is something new to learn from the artists as they share their sophisticated art and passion with the community.