Hey! Where ya been?

Bottleneck Brain. A condition referring to the conflict between having waited too long between writing and a plethora of events, ideas, moods, weather patterns….etcetera, floating around which could readily be adapted into material. Common to bloggers, journalists, writers et al.

First off, my apologies for taking the last week “off.” Although I was on hiatus attending to personal business, Bako certainly didn’t take a vacation! There were openings, presentations, concerts, film screenings, festivals, readings, art classes—you know, the norm for our bustling cultural hive. Some things are over, but lucky for me (and you) some things continue:

Larry Jason’s exhibit, “Body Language,” at JP Jennings (corner of 17th and Chester), runs through November 15th. Passing by the storefront windows, colorful, larger-than-life faces and figures visibly invite one inside to take a closer look. Jason’s canvases of bright, painted suits are a temptation to stick one’s own head above the silk-screened torsos in order to create a new artwork. (Although, as much as I really want to, I don’t think I’ll try this in person.) Stop in to see these bold graphics, as well as paintings of classic cars—their muscles flexing at sexy angles—and other artwork from local artists adorning the walls of the framing shop/gallery. JP Jennings is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30(ish) p.m. (Tip: Call first if it’s getting close to closing time: (661) 323-1622.)

On October 17th, Burn the Witch IV, sponsored by BECA (Bakersfield Emerging Contemporary Artists), broke out on the scene amidst some controversy, mystery and just a touch of chaos. But, as should be expected from an all-female group art collaborative in Bako, the real story is amazing, beautiful artistry from many wonderfully creative women. So far I’ve only seen photographs, but even in pictures the pieces are inspiring, fun, eclectic and have whetted my appetite for more. Thankfully, the opening is not to be outdone by the closing—Halloween, from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.—at Metro Special Events, 2801 F Street. Admission is only $5.00 and benefits Alliance against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. Wear a costume! Support art in Bakersfield! And psst…. I’m proud to say, there’s even a few photos from yours truly in the exhibit. See you there!

Okay, I’ll be posting more soon along with a new Go.See.Do. and photos from some of the coolest happenings in Bakersfield, California. Check back sooooon….