Senior Reporter

Artists took to the pavement with their chalk in hand at the Via Arte event put on by The Bakersfield Museum of Art.

This Italian street painting festival allows professional and aspiring artists of all ages to showcase their talents. Over 50 different sponsors make the event possible.

These sponsors include large businesses such as Bright House Network, Chevron, and Bakersfield Magazine along with many others.

Bakersfield Museum of Art board member Sarah Trichaell said that since Via Arte started in the museum parking lot 17 years ago, it has become their top fundraiser. They look for people or businesses year round to sponsor spots for artists to create their works of art.

“The key to success is lots of great color,” teacher and professional artist Kathryn Ramos said.

Ramos has participated in Via Arte for seven years, and she said the hardest part each year is deciding whether to recreate or do an original piece. This year her colorful stained glass inspired piece is a little recreation with some personal modifications.

Some artists chose to collaborate with their fellow local artists to create works of art.

Bakersfield College student Nadya Khazneh has contributed her talents to Via Arte for the last three years. This year Khazneh created art with four other girls, which is part what she now calls a tradition.

“Every year we try to bring something new and different and something that ties in all of our skills,” Khazneh said. “This piece inspired us because it had a portrait in it, black and white, details, and a lot of color and flowers.”

The Bakersfield Museum of Art hired professional artists to fill large spots in the lot, but they also have an area for children.

The Bambino area features many small squares for purchase for children to express themselves through chalk art. Along with street art to view attendees could listen to music or watch dancers perform.

Via Arte turned the Marketplace into an art oasis for locals and visitors in attendance.