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BURN THE WITCH III - Brooke Peace
Topics: Bakotopia, Bakersfield, Burn the Witch III, Brooke Peace, october, 2008, Bakotopia.com
Posted by tashkajones Wed Oct 1, 2008 15:21:19 PDT
Viewed 103 times
0 responses 1 comment Location: 706 Oak St., Bakersfield, CA 93307

BURN THE WITCH III: BROOKE PEACE, ARTIST

Show Me the Art!
By Brooke Peace, Bakotopia.com contributor

When I was younger, I spent my summers in Santa Barbara with my aunt and uncle.

My aunt Cara is a beach native and was always in the know on local events, of which there were plenty. My most memorable events were the Sunday sidewalk sale on Cabrillo Boulevard, the Summer Solstice Parade down State Street, and the Mission parking lot chalk drawing fund raiser. All of them filled to the brim with creativity.

I would come back to Bakersfield and think to myself, “Where is the art? Is there no creativity here? Is the Kern County Fair the only time we see talent in this town? Where is the community I see in other towns?”

Then I got involved with local Web site: www.Bakotopia.com where I met Bako blogger Mrs. Twinkie (who all of you should know if you don’t already). Last year, she put together a Bakotopia field trip with several users to have drinks and attend Burn the Witch II. We were both fans of the darling Julie Jordan-Scott, so we made sure to catch her performance.

I was amazed and intrigued by all of the talent the show had on display. It was then that I met Jen Raven (curator) and Julie. By way of a very brief chat with the each of them, I learned two astonishing facts about the show: all artists are local, and they are all women!


Above: Burn The Witch Board Members 2008, back row from left Susan Roussel, Julie Jordan-Scott; Brooke Peace. Front Row: Nyoka, Stacey Payne, Jen Raven, Theresa Tate. Photo by Todd Powers

Now, I know what you are thinking: “Is this some sort of femi-nazi event?” Not at all. One of the key elements of the show is to combine seasoned professional women artists with fresh upcoming female artists. Additionally, the show helps women have confidence in their art, builds a solid art community, and fully celebrates the creativity a woman possesses.

Another purpose of the show is to provide a learning experience for the creative women within the community. Many women artists have a hard time getting their name out and gaining the recognition they deserve. Burn the Witch has been a catalyst for many artists to do just that.

Since I met and befriended a great deal of these women, I have been exposed to the massive talent this town holds. Through the last year, all of Bakersfield - including myself - has watched the local art community and scene become established and grow. Burn the Witch is one of the founding shows to have incorporated a sense of community and artist collaboration now seen downtown every first Friday of the month.

So, now it’s your turn. Burn the Witch III is coming up soon - Oct. 11 and 18 at The Empty Space Theater, 706 Oak St.

Help the art community continue to grow and be strong. There will be art of all mediums (paintings, ceramics, dancing, live music, photography, costumes etc.) in attendance for your admiration. Don’t forget that art makes a great unique Christmas gift - and that's just around the corner to!

See you all there!

NEXT: MEET BTW III'S JULIE JORDAN-SCOTT!


Also printed in Bakotopia magazine issue 38, 10-2-08

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Comment From: twinkie

Great article, Brooke aka tashkajones! I'm so proud of you! I can't wait for this years Burn the Witch!