Amanda Davidson
Special to the Sun

Members of the “Outside In” art program held their second art show at the Nuui Cunni Indian Cultural center on Saturday. Very well attended, the event boasted more than 150 guests perusing the work of 11 artists. That’s good news for the organizers, as the program’s success depends on a good response from the community to facilitate future funding opportunities.

Outside In, sponsored by the Arts Council of Kern (ACK) provides art classes for the developmentally disabled twice a week. Participants are given instruction in different artistic techniques by four mentors, Melody Lindley, Tina Faith, Michael Faith, and Jaye Lyn Martin. The artists then name each of their pieces and have them professionally matted by Rich Pelletreau. At the end of the program, a show is held to share the work with the public for viewing and purchase.

The art work on display at the 2nd annual Outside In Art Show at the Nuui Cunni Cultural Center at French Gulf on Saturday was selling like hotcakes. All the participants’ work is professionally matted by Rich Pelletreau, adding a special touch to showcase the art and encourage visitors to purchase them.

With new projects on the horizon, and more artists participating in more shows, Outside In has continually expanded and progressed since the first showing in March 2008. Originally held in a private residence, the classes are now hosted by the Kern Valley ARC on Lake Isabella Blvd. This session offered the students new techniques such as ceramics, three dimensional painting and color blending. Mentor Tina Faith said, “The future looks bright.” The program coordinators aim to expand into the arena of regular education in order to offer classes area schools. They also seeking financial backing to obtain their own building.

Outside In has an alliance with the Kern River Valley Art Association (KRVAA,) whose new status as a non-profit organization will be helpful in obtaining grants for the program in the future. Jim Davis, president of the Art Association, sees the show as, “a wonderful opportunity to recognize artists who aren’t normally recognized.”

The artists themselves have grown by leaps and bounds. All of the mentors agree that the participants have become more outgoing and self confident. Nearly all of the artists were available to discuss their work, and did so eagerly. Mentor Jaye Lyn Martin beamed while reflecting on this accomplishment. “They would have been too shy before,” she said. Mentor Michael Faith appreciates that the classes, “put a smile on all of their faces. It makes them more confident about life and creating.”

Artist Jamie Johnson said the program has been, “a big help in being creative.” Tehani Tarver enjoys her work as an artist so much she claimed, “I could just paint for the rest of my life.”

The mentors have learned just as much, if not more, than the students. Michael Faith said his experience, “has made me less judgmental and more open.” Melody Lindley said that teaching, “helps with my own creativity. I feel it’s a privilege to work with the guys.”

This program is a satellite of a larger program which began in Bakersfield and was brought into the Kern River Valley through the cooperation of Jill Egland, Director of Special Projects for the ACK, and Jim Davis, KRVAA president. There are other satellites in areas such as Ridgecrest and Los Angeles, but according to Tina Faith, “We seem to be the most successful..” Program coordinators have expressed interest in our own Kern Valley program mentors traveling to some of the other programs to assist and advise the mentors there.

Look for these artists at more local shows in the future. Martin said they hope to show at the Memorial Day art show in Circle Park and others. For information about previous shows and classes, see the archives at www.kvsun.com. For more information about Outside In, contact The Arts Council of Kern (661)324-9000 or Kern Valley ARC (760) 379-8502.