Amanda Davidson
Special to the Sun

The Arts Council of Kern is again putting its clout behind local artists at the Kern River Valley Adult Resource Center. Another session of art classes has begun for the developmentally disabled, held on Thursday and Friday, and is sponsored by The Art Council of Kern. During the six-week course, students receive instruction in techniques such as drawing, painting with watercolors and acrylics, ceramics and chalk pastels. The student artists are busy compiling pieces in their portfolios that will be professionally matted and displayed at their second annual “Outside In”art show.

The show is slated for late January or early February at the Nuii Cunni Indian Cultural Center, in Wofford Heights. Mentor Jaye Lyn Martin said the title reflects that the developmentally disabled artists are being brought into the world of art from the outside. The artists will receive the money raised from their artwork, minus a percentage for the catering and space rental, just as in any traditional art show. “We want them to be recognized as artists like anyone else,” said Tina Faith, another of the program’s mentors.

Seated left to right Tehani and Santos, standing left to right, Maria, Jamie, William, Pam, and Craig display recents works of art at the KRV Adult Resource Center art class Dec. 12.

The afternoon of Dec. 12 found the A.R.C. full of laughter and smiling faces. Nine ambitious students were in attendance. The class began with a special showing of the paintings of student Jamie Johnson. Johnson is also a student of art at Cerro Coso Community College. A lifelong artist, she specializes in art featuring black cats.

Martin then demonstrated a new technique, “toothbrush splattering,” to the class. Everyone was eager to get to work on his or her own project. The mentors, all teachers or students of art at Cerro Coso, provide guidance to the students by assisting with techniques and suggesting ideas.

Students and mentors alike have a wonderful time in this positive, encouraging atmosphere. As each piece is completed, one of the mentors will show it to the class and briefly discuss the merits of the piece. All of the artists are proud to show their work off to their peers. Martin finds this work to be very fulfilling because of the students’ enthusiasm. “They all want to be here,” she said, beaming.

In March, the first 'Outside In' program was offered in the Kern Valley, and its maiden voyage was a rousing success. The Nuui Cunni Piute Cultural Center was packed to maximum capacity as approximately 150 people came to peruse the art and show their support for the program.

The program was such a success in Bakersfield that last year when Jim Davis was elected President of the Kern River Valley Art Association (KRVAA), Jill Egland, Director of Special Projects for the ACK, asked him if he would be willing to bring the program to this area. Davis was excited and brought the idea to the KRVAA members, who voted unanimously to engage in “Outside In.” The Kern Valley Adult Resource Center is located at 6125 Lake Isabella Blvd. It is a community integration program for developmentally disabled adults that started in the Kern Valley in 1990. A satellite program of Bakersfield A.R.C., Kern River Valley A.R.C. assists clients with daily living skills, social communication and community awareness.

Through participation in activities such as cooking classes, recreational events and extensive volunteer work in the community, clients of K.V.A.R.C. learn life skills and gain confidence. “We help them to be as independent as they want to be,” said Program Manager Flo Burkhammer.

For more information regarding the services of Kern Valley A.R.C., call (760) 379-8502 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m.

The Arts Council of Kern, in partnership with the California Arts Council and the County of Kern, promotes and supports the diverse arts needs in the region through advocacy, arts in education and technical assistance to local arts organization.