After two years of preparation, Art 2021 held their opening gala on July 23. Nearly 270 artists and guests mingled and helped themselves to hors d'oeuvres provided by Bord A Petite of Bakersfield and wine provided by Dorner Family Vineyard as they strolled the aisles of paintings. For many it was a chance to talk to the artists and, in some cases, purchase a painting. Most of the art was the result of the paint-out held in May when the artists visited Tehachapi to paint the local landscape. For many of the artists this was their first trip to our town but it certainly will not be their last. Proceeds from the opening evening amounted to $14,300 and will be donated to Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Hospital Foundation to be used for future artwork purchases for the hospital.

The public show was held on Saturday and Sunday with over 200 visitors dropping by Aspen Builders Community Activity Center in Tehachapi to view the paintings. Of the 108 paintings that were exhibited, 43 were sold with over $100,000 in sales. The Tehachapi Arts Commission returned 80 percent of the purchase price to the artists, an amount rarely seen at art shows.

For the local artists who participated in the show, it was a chance to experience a nationally recognized show and share their work with other artists and art patrons. Plans are already underway for Art 2022, so for anyone who missed this event, be sure to attend next year.