Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide

Articles written by Gale Caldwell


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  • TVAA Youth Art Contest winners

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Apr 13, 2024

    The celebration of young artists at Gallery N' Gifts on April 6 was a grand event. People from several nearby cities came to see what our local youth were up to creatively, and they were not disappointed. Watercolors, sculptures, acrylic, oils, pen, pencil and mixed media artwork were on colorful display in this annual event sponsored by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association. "It is so fun to see what these talented kids come up with each April, and even more fun to watch the artistic growth of the...

  • All Tehachapi Youth Art Contest on First Friday, April 5

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Mar 30, 2024

    Tehachapi Valley Arts Association is excited to announce their 2024 All Tehachapi Youth Art Contest. For more than 30 years, the contest has been an exciting opportunity for young artists to annually show off their beautiful works of art. Please help TVAA celebrate the creative efforts of our local youth by joining the First Friday celebration at Gallery 'N' Gifts on April 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be a special Saturday cookies and punch reception on April 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m....

  • 2024 All Tehachapi Youth Art Contest

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Mar 16, 2024

    Tehachapi Valley Arts Association is excited to announce their 2024 All Tehachapi Youth Art Contest. For more than 30 years, the contest has been an exciting opportunity for young artists to show off their beautiful works of art. Please help TVAA celebrate the creative efforts of our local youth by joining the First Friday celebration at Gallery 'N' Gifts on April 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be a special Saturday cookies and punch reception on April 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a...

  • TVAA Winter Photo Contest winners

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Feb 17, 2024

    The 2024 Winter Photo Contest held by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association and Gallery 'N' Gifts had its opening with a well-attended First Friday event on Feb. 2. Fewer entries came in this year due to the bad timing of winter storms, but those who braved the elements to enter came prepared to make things tough on the judges. "Gallery 'N' Gifts has hosted Photo Contests every February and August since 2005," said President, Gale Caldwell. "I have never been as moved by a photo as this year's Best...

  • TVAA Winter Photo Contest

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Jan 20, 2024

    The 2024 Winter Photo Contest is back, and Tehachapi Valley Arts Association is challenging amateur photographers of all ages to submit their favorite photos from Jan. 19-28 at Gallery ‘N’ Gifts for a chance to win the $100 Best of Show prize, or one of six $25 first place prizes in the following categories: Landscape & Nature, Travel & Architecture, Animals, Black & White/Sepia, People/Portrait, Transportation and Youth Photography. Each category will also have ribbons for 2nd, 3rd and honorable mention placings. For rules and information you...

  • What is Tehachapi Valley Arts Association?

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Dec 9, 2023

    TVAA was formed soon after World War II. In 1945, Tehachapi's soldiers were returning home. Many had developed new skills and talents while serving their country. The women who had waited at home had also developed skills and artistic talents – after all, this was a time of new beginnings, creativity and make do with what you have. It was a time of hope and wanting to bring color and beauty to their surroundings. A casual group of artists and crafters was formed – the Tehachapi Valley Arts Ass...

  • Community photo contest winners

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Aug 19, 2023

    Tehachapi Valley Arts Association and Gallery 'N' Gifts held their annual summer photo contest this month. An awards reception to honor the participants was held on First Friday, Aug. 4. The contest, in its 19th year, featured 86 photos by local amateur photographers in six different categories. Photos will be on display through Aug. 29 at Gallery 'N' Gifts, located at 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd. They are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Best of Show winner was Wes Burcham with a whimsical photo of a...

  • 2023 Chalk on the Walk winners

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Aug 19, 2023

    Chalk on the Walk 2023 was a huge success! With over 80 drawings completed, the sidewalks of Downtown Tehachapi became a magical gallery showing off the creative talent of our community. The atmosphere downtown was filled with an upbeat joyfulness. Artists helping artists, oohs and ahhs as passerbys who stopped to take in the bountiful colors and chat with the artists about the inspiration for their artwork and a peaceful togetherness that made for a truly beautiful event. Tehachapi Valley Arts...

  • Chalk on the Walk returns Aug. 12

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Aug 5, 2023

    Chalk on the Walk started about 22 years ago when Tehachapi Valley Arts Association became concerned about teachers having to fund art supplies out of their own pockets for special projects. TVAA decided they needed to focus on something to help keep art in the classrooms. A fun community event to bring families out on a summer morning; a late summer event that would give kids a break from the boring summer routine; a creative outlet for anyone of any age. Chalk on the Walk became the solution....

  • 'Take Your Best Shot' photo contest

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Jul 8, 2023

    Capturing moments in a photograph is easier now than ever. Technology has made it easy to snap, send and share in an instant. So go ahead, “Take Your Best Shot” and submit it in this year’s TVAA Photo Contest, being held at Gallery ‘N’ Gifts. Submissions are due between July 22-30, with a free awards reception held on First Friday, Aug. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Come join other photo enthusiasts in seeing the incredible photos submitted, sharing stories, inspirations and creative tips. Who knows, you could take home that...

  • TVAA Youth Art Contest winners

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Apr 15, 2023

    The Tehachapi Youth Art Contest is on display this month at Gallery 'N' Gifts. This annual event has been showcasing art by local students for over 30 years. First Friday was quite the event with students, family, friends and community visitors coming to see what this year's artists had to offer. This event is so popular it requires a second special showing on Saturday morning with a cookie and punch reception from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which is always a hit with the young artists. "This is the...

  • Art supply donation

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Mar 18, 2023

    Tehachapi Valley Arts Association and Gallery 'N' Gifts is at it again. When the Stallion Springs Community Center sent out a request for help with supplies for their upcoming youth craft days and summer camp art projects, TVAA rallied once again to be sure Tehachapi youth could get their creativity flowing. TVAA holds several artistic fundraising events each year. A photo contest in February and August, Makers Markets in June and August, the Tehachapi All Youth Art Contest in April, and Chalk...

  • 2023 All Tehachapi Youth Art Contest

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Mar 18, 2023

    Tehachapi Valley Arts Association is excited to announce their 2023 All Tehachapi Youth Art Contest. Submission forms and rules can be found on the upcoming events page of their website at www.galleryngifts.com. Submissions will be accepted at Gallery 'N' Gifts from March 24-April 2. Attend First Friday April 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. for a sneak peek at the delightful artwork of our Tehachapi Youth. Refreshments will be served. We also have a special cookies and punch reception where the award...

  • TVAA Photo Contest winners

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Feb 18, 2023

    February First Friday at Gallery 'N' Gifts debuted the 18th annual Photo Contest. The entries this year showcased incredible talent of dozens of local photographers. The bi-annual event offers local photographers a chance to display their work and perhaps capture one of the winning ribbons or a first place cash prize. The next contest will be held in August with submissions being accepted July 21-31. Submission fees are $5 each and proceeds go toward art scholarships through Tehachapi Valley...

  • Submissions now accepted for TVAA Photo Contest

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Jan 21, 2023

    Each year TVAA challenges local photographers to show off their best photos. The contests, held every February and August, provide local photographers with a chance to display their favorite photos, earn a ribbon or two and even the possibility of going home with a cash prize for their efforts. The first contest in 2005 featured photos by over two dozen photographers. Over the years the contest has gone through some amazing transformations, growth, and in the aftermath of COVID, some struggles...

  • Gallery 'N' Gifts First Friday features Photography Contest, Feb. 3

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Jan 11, 2023

    February First Friday at Gallery 'N' Gifts will feature photographs by local photographers in the 18th annual Photography Contest, sponsored by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association. Categories will include Landscape and Nature; Travel and Architecture; Animals; Black and White or Sepia; Transportation; People; and Youth Photography. With a $100 Best of Show prize, there are sure to be some gorgeous photos competing. Full rules and info can be downloaded from our website at www.galleryngifts.com or...

  • 'First Frightday Spooktacular' at Gallery 'N' Gifts, Oct. 7

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Oct 1, 2022

    Tehachapi Valley Arts Association and Gallery ‘N’ Gifts is excited to announce a “First Frightday Spooktacular” on Oct. 7 from 4 to 7 p.m., featuring Halloween-themed artwork by its local artist members. Refreshments will be served and, as always, the event is free. Oct. 7 also marks the “dead-line “ (excuse the pun) for community members to turn in their submissions for the annual Decorated Witches Hat Contest. A costume contest and awards for the hats will be held Oct. 28 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with prizes and refreshments. Entry for these e...

  • 'First Frightday Spooktacular' at Gallery 'N' Gifts, Oct. 7

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Sep 17, 2022

    Tehachapi Valley Arts Association and Gallery ‘N’ Gifts is excited to announce a “First Frightday Spooktacular” on Oct. 7 from 4 to 7 p.m., featuring Halloween-themed artwork by its local artist members. Refreshments will be served, and as always the event is free. Oct. 7 also marks the “dead-line “ (excuse the pun) for community members to turn in their submissions for the annual Decorated Witches Hat Contest. A costume contest and awards for the hats will be held Oct. 28 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with prizes and refreshments. Entry for these event...

  • Record turnout for Chalk on the Walk

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Aug 20, 2022

    The 2022 Chalk on the Walk Festival was one for the record books. With over 80 entries and 30 sponsors, Tehachapi Arts Foundation and Tehachapi Valley Arts Association raised record funds for a favorite community cause: Art supply donations for local area schools. "TVAA's mission with Chalk on the Walk is to keep art in the classrooms. That we get to do this with such a fun community activity is an all-around win! Now that the event has happened, we'll collect art supply wish lists from...

  • Community photo contest winners

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Aug 20, 2022

    Gallery 'N' Gifts hosted its community photo contest and First Friday awards reception on Aug. 5. With 70 photos submitted, the judges had their work cut out for them. One photo stood out from the rest and was deemed "Best of Show." The photo of a steely eyed mountain lion, taken by Wes Burcham was titled, "Go Ahead Make My Day." Congratulations Wes, and all the other participants, your photos made for a stunning show. Photos will be on display until Aug. 29 at Gallery 'N' Gifts. Interested in...

  • Take Your Best Shot photo contest

    Gale Caldwell, TVAA President, contributing writer|Jul 23, 2022

    The 2022 Take Your Best Shot photo contest is back and Tehachapi Valley Arts Association is challenging amateur photographers of all ages to submit their favorite photos from July 23-Aug. 1 at Gallery ‘N’ Gifts. You have a chance to win the $100 Best of Show prize, or one of the first place prizes in the following categories: Landscape & Nature, Travel & Architecture, Animals, Black & White/Sepia, Altered Images, People/Portrait and Youth Photography. Each category will also have ribbons for 2nd, 3rd and honorable mention placings. For rul...

  • Take Your Best Shot photo contest

    Gale Caldwell, TVAA President, contributing writer|Jul 9, 2022

    The 2022 Take Your Best Shot photo contest is back and Tehachapi Valley Arts Association is challenging amateur photographers of all ages to submit their favorite photos from July 23-Aug. 1 at Gallery ‘N’ Gifts for a chance to win the $100 Best of Show prize, or one of the first place prizes in the following categories: Landscape & Nature, Travel & Architecture, Animals, Black & White/Sepia, Altered Images, People/Portrait and Youth Photography. Each category will also have ribbons for 2nd, 3rd and honorable mention placing. For rules and inf...

  • TVAA Youth Art Contest winners

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Apr 16, 2022

    On April 2, a reception was held for the Tehachapi Youth Art Contest. This annual contest, sponsored by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association and Gallery 'N' Gifts, invites student artists of all grade levels to submit their artwork to appear in their gallery. This year, over 60 artists submitted pieces to be judged. The student artwork will be on display through the month of April. Gallery 'N' Gifts, located at 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd., is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. "This year's submissions s...

  • TVAA photo contest winners

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Feb 19, 2022

    February's First Friday celebrated our local area photographers' creativity with a photo contest at Gallery 'N' Gifts. This year's contest is the 18th annual event sponsored by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association. 20 awards were given out in seven different categories. The next contest will be in August with submissions due the last week of July. Winners for February 2022 are: Best of Show: Nelson Amado Animals: 1st place: Cassie Sarkisian 2nd place: Nelson Amado 3rd place: Christine Odom HM:...

  • TVAA 17th annual photo contest

    Gale Caldwell, contributing writer|Jan 22, 2022

    February's First Friday at Gallery 'N' Gifts will feature photography from our local community in its 17th annual photo contest. There's still time to participate as submissions will be accepted at Gallery 'N' Gifts, 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd., Jan. 24-31. The First Friday Awards reception will be held on Feb. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. This year's seven categories include Landscape/Nature, Travel/Architecture, Animals, Black and White/Sepia, Details and Macros, People and, of course, our separate category...

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