Local artists collaborate for "Creative Crossing" in Central Bakersfield, hopes art will leave lasting impact

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Multiple local artists have been working countless hours creating art in an unexpected place.

It's called Creative Crossing and, for now, it's in the alleyway that intersects with Holtby Rd. between 1st St. and Verde St.

"The pictures before all of this happened, this was nasty," said Kei Deragon, one of the artists who has worked on the mural. "Now, it's something that people stop and give attention to and I think it's brought a lot of neighbors together to care about this space that they didn't care about."

The murals have multiple themes and styles. While one boasts big beautiful flowers, another appears to be set in space.

One of the artists who has lived in the Oleander area for her entire life said this was her way of taking back the space;

"This is how I'm chaning my community and this is, I don't know, it's really satisfying. It's really rewarding, so I'll just keep doing it as long as the neighbors keep signing off on it, I'll keep coming out here and doing this." said Deragon.

If you want more information about Creative Crossing you can reach them by email at thecreativecrossing@gmail.com.