BAKERSFIELD, CA. — Laura Lee Best, a local artist, found inspiration in her hometown during the pandemic and launched a new art series based on Bakersfield's favorite places.
“This is my favorite place and I know it is for other people. Maybe they would love it in art form, not just picture. What can I bring to it?" said Laura Lee Best.
Inspired by her favorite spots growing up including 24th Street, Noriega’s, and Frugattis, she decided to bring them to life through her art.
“When Covid hit I became more drawn to support local businesses that were struggling. These are my favorite places to go growing up and I wanted to capture that in my art," said Best.
After years of finding inspiration from the Central Coast and the people in her life, she realized the very streets she roamed on her whole life were also inspiring.
“My favorite one is probably the Noriega one because it no longer exists so my heart is drawn to that one a little more too since it’s all I have left of a historical Bakersfield spot," said Best.
But more importantly, she says the success of her Bakersfield art series has helped her reconnect with the community she grew up in and regain confidence in her art.
If you're interested in one of her art pieces, you can find them at the Bakersfield Art Center. Laura also sells through her Facebook and Instagram pages.
