The Younger Gallery closing permanently after 20 years

After being open for 20 years, the Younger Gallery will be closing its doors for good after their final reception, "The Last Picture Show."

The opening reception will be held during First Friday, which is this Friday, September 7. The reception will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Younger Gallery was founded and created by local lawyer Milt Younger who passed away last year.

The final showing will feature twenty-two artists including Betty Younger, wife of the late Milt Younger. Some of those artists involved in "The Last Picture Show" include Gina Herrera, Linda Brown, Linda Hyatt and Brian May.

In a farewell letter by current curator and art teacher at Bakersfield High School, Vicki Smart wrote of the sadness of seeing the gallery close.

I want to thank the Younger Family for continuing to giving me this opportunity as long as they have. I have met or reconnected with so many amazing artists in this community. I hope we can continue that relationship and I have opportunity to support their artistic endeavors in the future.

The Younger Gallery is located inside the lobby area of the Bank of America building on Truxton Avenue in Downtown Bakersfield.