The Bakersfield Museum of Art's annual Via Arte Italian street painting exhibition will make a return next week. The exhibit will be held next Saturday and Sunday at the Marketplace from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
According to the BMA's website: "Bakersfield Museum of Art’s annual Via Arté Italian Street Painting public art exhibition has become a Bakersfield tradition, bringing together the community and the visual arts since 1998. Using the asphalt as canvas, spectators watch each year as artists unlock their imaginations and turn the parking lot of the Marketplace into a gallery of amazing chalk masterpieces."
Due to the pandemic, there are some safety measures put in place. Face masks and social distancing will be required. The event will also adhere to capacity limits meaning they won't be able to host high school groups for their usual activities.
- All spectators, artists, and staff must:
- maintain a distance of six (6) feet or more apart when conversing, or engaging, with one another;
- respect the ten (10) foot spacing between artist squares to adhere to safe social distancing standards;
- always wear a mask or appropriate facial covering during the exhibition;
- Individuals without facial coverings will be refused entry to the exhibition or subject to removal from exhibition grounds.
- Avoid physical contact such as shaking hands or hugging;
- Report any changes in health to Museum/Via Arté staff immediately. Symptoms include, but not limited to:
- Cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat;
- Fever, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- Loss of taste or smell
All artists must be in good physical health during the exhibition
All staff will be required to perform thorough cleaning in shared spaces and frequently disinfect commonly touched areas, including electronic equipment, tables, booth areas, umbrellas, etc.
Disposable gloves, masks, alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer, and hand-washing stations will always be available during the exhibition.
