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REVIEW: Mother Nature’s Canvas Opening
Topics: The Underground Art Gallery and Studio, Bakersfield, Sept. 5, 2008, Bakotopia, Mike Niemann, art
Posted by theundergroundgalleryandstudio Mon Sep 15, 2008 18:01:55 PDT
Viewed 366 times
0 responses 2 comments Location: 1525 19th St., Bakersfield, CA 93301

Mother Nature’s Canvas Opening
September group art show at The Underground Gallery & Studio a success on 9/5/08!

By Mike Niemann, Bakotopia.com contributor

Let me tell you, if you popped in, stayed awhile or even had art in the show for “Mother Nature’s Canvas” at The Underground Gallery & Studio, pat yourself on the back.

It was packed and the place to be for First Friday in The Downtown Arts District, which hasn’t seen this many people since its grand opening back in June with great artists lining the street and great art in the gallery.

Nicholas Allen was our first musician to play, and let me tell you, his MySpace recordings don’t do him justice. Don’t get me wrong - they’re good, but his voice live is much stronger and better. People were flocking to the gallery just to see The Silence Club. Aaron Novak and his band were the crowd pleaser as always.



We even had CDs for sale at just $5 for both musicians and while Nicholas sold a couple and The Silence Club nearly sold out. Hooray!

Now, to the most important part - the art.

Wayne Powell (from Visalia) took honors with “The Dahlia,” a photo on canvas, winning the Gallery Manager’s Choice; Stacey Payne (Bakersfield) took honors with her photos “Changing of the Colors” for Curator’s Choice and “Hummer Peek A Boo” for Viewers Choice; and Ivonne Goodman (Ridgecrest) took honors with her art for Most Popular Artist with a showing of four pieces depicting very detailed animals in different media styles.


The Silence Club

Art was sold this great night, a reprint of my own work “Persian Summer Sun” was sold, a ceramic oddity of Susan Roussell called “A Frog in my Throat,” and in the show, Stacey Payne’s photo of “Turquoise Curl” was sold. As far as I’m concerned if you sell art during and art opening, the opening is a success. The best part was that people came in and really enjoyed great music, great food, and most of all great art.

Despite several other huge events happening in Bakersfield, especially in the art community, The Underground saw at least 200 people walk through the door and enjoyed artists of all mediums whether in the show or members of the gallery.

So thanks to all the support from the Bakersfield community and most of all to the artists - you made The Underground Gallery’s latest show a rising success.

**If you missed the artist reception on the Sept. 5, you have all month to still see great art on display at the Underground Gallery until Sept. 27, 2008!

The Underground Gallery & Studio
1525 19th St.
661-304-9741

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 37, 9-18-08

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Comment From: matt

Congrats on a great show!! Comment From: twinkie

aww man! I love Aaron Novak's music but it seems like he always plays on nights when I just CAN'T be there. Curse him! LOL Well, at least the art is still there to visit when I get a chance to get my booty downtown.