Chalk it up to experience: Via Arte celebrating 25 years

Oct. 18—Most years, the Via Arte Italian Street Painting Festival is a sunny affair, with more than 100 artists out on the pavement at The Marketplace creating temporary chalk masterpieces.

"It's like a sport: You have to put in some sweat," said Katrina Rocha, the featured artist for the annual event put on by the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

Even if the temperatures are mild, the sun may not be, so that requires preparation.

For Rocha, and many others, that means lots of sunscreen, umbrellas and hats.

The artist, who was awarded best rendition of a master in 2021 and best technique for her work last year, said she is honored and excited to return this year in the featured spot.

Rocha, who has participated while a student at Sequoia Middle and West High schools and later solo as a professional artist, will this year recreate Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party (1880-1881)."

Although she usually comes into an event with up to five possible master artworks to recreate, Rocha said she settled on something special for this silver anniversary.

"I was working with (museum curator) Victor (Gonzales) and we wanted something that was going to be more celebratory for the 25th anniversary, that reflects the vibe of the event," she said.

"In 'Luncheon,' everyone is there eating and drinking and celebrating, having a good time. I wanted something that would be fun and vibrant that people could relate to."

Taking a break during her work, Rocha will meet with students of the Saturday Studio at Via Arte sold-out sessions, which will be held both days. Young artists will work with educators on techniques, engage in a Q-and-A with Rocha then work on their own Via Bambino square.

Attendees can watch the art making all weekend or try their hand at it themselves by purchasing a Via Bambino 2-foot-by-2-foot square ($25). There will be more than 700 of the squares but Marty warned they will likely sell out by Sunday afternoon before the judging.

Along with Rocha, more than 90 professional artists and 28 groups (middle school, junior high and high school teams as well as an Interact club made up of students from Centennial, Garces and East High) will work over the weekend on chalk designs based on works by master and contemporary artists.

Jason Henderson will reproduce a pop image of Margot Robbie as Barbie by artist James Hillier.

Anita Meza, who won for best use of color last year, will recreate another piece by contemporary artist SEKTA titled "Amor Eterno."

Longtime participant Art Sherwyn will render an original piece combining separate works by Leonardo DaVinci, in honor of his grandson, Leonardo, who was born during Via Arté weekend last year, said Lauren Marty, the museum's marketing and communications manager.

Sherwyn's daughter (and Leonardo's mother), Liz, will work with her Foothill High art students on a piece by Georgia O'Keefe.

The Bakersfield High School student group will recreate "Dancers" by Fernando Botero, a Colombian artist who died earlier last month.

Reema Hammad took inspiration from one of the current BMoA exhibitions, "Chiura Obata: Select Works." She will reproduce both "El Capitan" and "Eagle Peak Trail" by the Japanese-American artist.

Winners are announced at 4 p.m. with awards (and monetary prizes) given for best in festival; people's choice; honorable mention; best technique, best use of color and best rendition of a master, both for professionals and schools/groups); and best overall school or group.

The festival will also include live entertainment both days (see accompanying schedule for complete listings) and an opportunity draw. Attendees can purchase tickets ($20 each) for a chance to win $3,000 worth of travel courtesy of Uniglobe Travel. The winner will be drawn Sunday afternoon but does not need to be present to win.

With just days to go before the festival, organizers and artists are all busy preparing.

Rocha joked that she's doing a lot of stretching and yoga.

"There's really no way to prepare. Making sure I have enough chalk, everything I need. You never really know until you get there. I'm trying to be as prepared as I can be.

"We'll see how it goes."

Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter at @realstefanidias.