COVID-19 has caused us to modify how we do things including how we enjoy music and art. ABC23’s Bayne Froney explains how local musicians and the Bakersfield Museum of Art is adjusting to life in the social distancing era.
Those who bring music and art into our lives have also suffered from the current pandemic. But they are still trying to implement ways to stay creative and learn new things.
Local musician Matt Munoz went from playing four to five shows per month with his band Mento Buru to not even being able to have band practices.
“We were actually in the process of releasing a new album, so all of our studio progress, it just got cut off,” said Munoz. “Everything got cut off - the money flow to finance the projects, the availability.”
Moving to a virtual life has been difficult for the band.
“You really miss that interaction that you have with the audience because you know it’s a live experience,” added Munoz.
Music isn’t the only art form that is being changed. Those selling art pieces are now selling them online versus at an in-person auction. Still, the Bakersfield Museum of Art is trying it’s best to encourage local artists to continue with their work.
“We feel it is very important to support our local and regional artists, so 50% of the sales will go to the museum, and 50% is going back to the artist,” said Amy Smith, executive director of the Bakersfield Museum of Art.
The BMoA wants to emphasize that art still matters.
“I just really want to encourage people to pursue their creativity as much as they can,” said Smith
Munoz also has a message for musicians who too are having a hard time in the industry during this time.
“Clean out your hard drive. Complete those projects. Practice. Do a lot of wellness checks with your band members.”
The museums are closed as of right now, but you can still visit the Bakersfield Museum of Art virtually.
