Art 2023 brings artists and art-lovers together in Tehachapi

The second weekend in May brought 49 nationally recognized plein air painters to Tehachapi for a paint-out, and a chance to begin works of art that will be completed back in their studios where they can bring the works to life.

The finished paintings will be juried into the Art 2023 Tehachapi show that will take place on the weekend of July 21-23 at Aspen Builders Community Center, located at 410 W. D St. in Tehachapi. The show will be the third nationally recognized art show sponsored by the Tehachapi Arts Commission and is fast becoming one of the major art shows in California.

Art 2023 begins Friday, July 21, with an opening reception and award ceremony. Tickets for the opening reception are $125 and are now available on Eventbrite.com. Guests will have the opportunity to meet all the artists while exploring the aisles of paintings and perhaps purchase a painting while enjoying hors d'oeuvres, open bars and wine supplied by Dorner Family Vineyard. Awards will be presented Friday evening for Best of Show, Best Landscape, Best Urban Painting and Best Still Life.

Following an event kick-off dinner at Dorner Family Vineyard, the artists visiting Tehachapi this year were given the opportunity to paint, sketch and photograph the amazing Milano Ranch located in Stallion Springs with cattle, cowboys and an historic adobe home. They also had the opportunity to visit with the wild horses of Oak Creek Canyon. Many used extra days to paint other areas of Tehachapi.

The featured artist for 2023 is Junn Roca who will be returning for his third show. Roca has experience as a background animation artist and has twice won an Emmy for his work with Steven Spielberg. He has won numerous awards for his paintings and has been listed by Southwest Art Magazine as a "Best of the West, California."

Also returning in 2023 will be Charles Muench, winner of last year's Best of Show Award for his painting "Bear Mountain Overlook."

Purchase your ticket for this event by July 15, advance purchase only, and join us for a fantastic evening of fun, food and art. If you can't be there on July 21, the show will be open on Saturday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, July 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.