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The Return of the Witches
Topics: Burn the Witch III, Bakersfield, art, Bakotopia, Bakotopia.com, october, 2008, the empty space, Citizen Journalism, Citizen Journalist
Posted by jenraven Tue Sep 16, 2008 16:29:40 PDT
Viewed 623 times
0 responses 5 comments Location: 706 Oak St., Bakersfield, CA 93304

The Return of the Witches
Burn The Witch III is almost here, check out what’s coming in October!

By Stacey Payne, Bakotopia.com contributor

Autumn in Bakersfield means Bakotopians can look forward to a number of things: football returns, the kids are back in school, and the weather finally drops out of the triple digits.

For the past few years, fall in Bako has brought excitement over another happening - the all-women art show titled “Burn the Witch.”

Now in its third year, Burn the Witch is bigger and better than ever - with all the fiery passion you’ve come to know and adore from some of the most talented women in town. Over 40 artists have committed to this multi-genre art show, held at The Empty Space Theatre and Gallery.

Curator Jen Raven is proud to announce that in addition to returning favorites such as Julie Jordan Scott, Nyoka, Susan Roussel, Jen Raven, Holly Gomez and many more, there are also a number of new artists making their Burn The Witch debut.

The traditional art you will find at Burn the Witch III explodes with color bolder and brighter than the hues of the fall leaves donned by the trees of Bakersfield.

Since it is a multi-genre event, in addition to sculpture, painting and photography you won’t want to miss the spoken word performances, musical guests, and spectacular costumers. And don’t forget to sample some of the scrumptious treats at the buffet provided entirely by the “witches.”



Why the name Burn the Witch? It references the days of colonial America where a women could be regarded as witches for any behavior or thinking that put them outside the “norm” for that time period. Today, female artists are often shunned solely because of gender, and this show not only embraces these women, it creates a “safe haven” for artistic expression.

Burn the Witch is not a man-haters club by any means, but it is most definitely about celebrating women and their talents. It also doubles as a cry to all of Bakersfield, demanding that its citizens recognize the wonderful art community that too often goes unnoticed - male and female alike.

READ ABOUT LAST YEAR'S BURN THE WITCH!
(CLICK ON PIC BELOW)


Many Bakersfield residents are blind to the vast amount of art that is right here in our hometown! So instead of complaining that the art community in Bakersfield sucks, get out there and support it! Help to cultivate it, and start by supporting the lovely ladies of Burn the Witch III.

Burn The Witch III flies into action this year with two opening shows - Oct. 11 and Oct. 18, both from 3 to7pm. A press-only preview show occurs on Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

*Suggested donations for the openings are only $5 at the door with a discounted rate for students. Proceeds from this event benefit The Empty Space, which is a 100 percent non-profit organization that serves the community all year long. Thirty percent of all art sales go directly to the theatre, and the other 70 percent of sales benefit the artists.

The Empty Space, 706 Oak St., Bakersfield, CA 93304
661-327-PLAY

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

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Comment From: matt

Awesome! I love BTW!!!!! Comment From: jenraven

this year's show is going to be even better than last year's show! Comment From: JulieJordanScott

We love Bakotopia and Matt, too. Thanks for the unending support. Comment From: twinkie

I can't wait till this years Burn the Witch.. woot! great article, BTW... Comment From: woofwoof

I am flying back from Virginia the tenth. THANK god I will be back for the opening:)!!! I LOVE THIS SHOW:)