Create!

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

For 12-year-old Saajidah Mohammed, painting is a way to relax, express her emotions, and have fun.

“Some people talk to other people if they’ve had a bad day, or they write in a diary. But painting is what I like to do,” she said with a smile on her face.

It’s only the second year Mohammed has painted for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County’s annual Artfest, a night of art, food, and wine; and she’s already a pro.

“When I first came here [to the Boys and Girls Club], I didn’t know anyone and painting was my way of getting to know people and I also wanted to try something new,” Mohammed explained. She didn’t have to wait long for people to get to know her.

“Everyone is so nice—the [staff] treats us like we’re their kids. I’m not just a face in a crowd...I’m an individual.”

And it’s that attention that has allowed Mohammed to come into her own as an artist. She’s only 12, but she has the attention to detail and creativity of seasoned artists triple her age.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Artfest in Bakersfield (not to mention the 45th anniversary of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County), and Events Director Ricki Foster couldn’t be more pleased with the growth this event has experienced.

“In the beginning, when Artfest was still small, it was hosted at a local home,” she explained. But as the attention grew, so did the need for a larger venue.

Hundreds have packed Moorea Banquet Centre (and will do so again this year on September 24) to celebrate the success of child artists by bidding on their work, imbibe on fantastic wine, and sample delectable hors d’oeuvres. It’s a night not to be missed.

“Any child that wants to can participate. They start on these works of art at the beginning of our summer programs,” Foster said. “They’re creating all summer long. They’ll go through books of images and find an ‘inspiration piece’ that they’d like to work off of. Then they create tester pieces with pastels and develop them with our art instructor, Chris Borbon, until they’re ready to put them on canvas. This isn’t typical kids’ art; our executive director [Zane Smith] likes to say ‘this isn’t refrigerator art.’ And he’s right. It’s not.”

In fact, some pieces have been so favored by Boys and Girls Clubs staff that they don’t want to see them auctioned off. Most of the art work is up for grabs in the silent auction that takes place during Artfest, but there are other pieces, including a signature piece, selected for live auction. And they go fast.

“These youngsters leave an impression. Their artwork reflects their personalities—it shows their struggles and their successes.” Foster added. People want the chance to own the proof of a success story. And there are stories.

“There was a young man who was with us years ago. He painted for Artfest and was inspired to go to art school. In fact, some of the pieces he did were included in his portfolio. He got accepted,” Foster recounted.

“For some of these kids, this is a chance for them to really express themselves. Maybe they’ve never had art supplies at home. Maybe they don’t get enough art at school. But painting for Artfest gives them that outlet...it’s encouraging for them,” she added.

There are still opportunities to help sponsor this year’s Artfest. In addition, silent and live auction items are always welcome. All the proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships help the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County continue to provide an outlet for the young artists in Kern. Call Ricki Foster at (661) 325-3730 or visit bgclubsofkerncounty.org for more information. You never know, you could wind up having a painting done by a future Picasso hanging in your living room. You’ll also have a beautiful reminder of how great it feels to support such a good cause in our community.

Article appeared in our 28-3 Issue - August 2011