BGCKC Presents Artfest 2025: A Matisse-inspired Masterpiece

Where young artists shape the future – one bold color at a time.

---

Last year, when the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County (BGCKC) rebranded their Farm to Table(aux) fundraising event back to their signature Artfest, they had the most successful one to date. According to Zane Smith, BGCKC’s Executive Director, he plans for 2025’s Artfest: A Masterpiece in the Making to be even bigger. Held this year on Friday, October 10, from 6-10 pm at the exquisite Vista Del Lago Estate, 15329 South H Street, Bakersfield. Featuring French visual artist Henri Matisse, attendees can expect the unexpected and be transported back to France at the turn of the 20th century.

“Artfest has been held for over 20 years in some form,” says Smith. “Every year it’s new and exciting with amazing children ‘s art and different elements of surprise. Being inspired by an artist leads to creativity and a whole new way of looking at the event. We want to see how we can surprise and share new things with Kern County that they’ve never seen.”

With a nod to Mattise in every aspect of the night’s festivities, participants can enjoy a sit-down dinner served in a park-like setting bathed in saturated color and organic shapes. The décor will include many grand-scale art pieces, iconic French imagery, and adult-sized mobiles seemingly suspended in the air. Matisse, who pioneered the Fauvist movement, known for its vibrant, non-naturalistic use of color, found the extraordinary everywhere he looked. He said, “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.”

“Each year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County reimagines Artfest with a fresh new theme, transforming everything from the food and drinks to the featured artists, interactive exhibits, and live entertainment,” says MacKenzie Boone, BGCKC Board President. “It’s always inspiring to collaborate with the subcommittee and witness creativity and dedication that the staff and community volunteers bring to life. Somehow, even with the same foundational layout, the event feels completely new and unexpected each time. Watching it all come together is truly special.”

The evening’s menu by Mossman’s Catering features French cuisine that’s hearty and rustic, but also artistically crafted. “If we’re having cheesecake for dessert, it will be Fauvist-decorated cheesecake,” Smith says. BGCKC’s Music Fusion will keep the party hopping with three performances inspired by Matisse. One of the songs, Carrie by Europe, is being parodied to sing “Henri” instead, and is sure to be a showstopper. Guests will also enjoy the night’s “Stroll & Savor” with refreshments, silent and live auction bidding, a grand prize raffle, and many bold and joyful photo opportunities.

Matisse’s work varied so much throughout his expressive art career. He created sculptures, graphic design, printmaking, and, after an illness left him unable to continue painting, he used his unique perspective to create cut-out paper collages. His range and diversity made him a perfect choice for the BGCKC’s Club Members. Using BGCKC’s three working art studios and mobile studios, the Club Members, with their instructors’ guidance, created several pieces to donate for auction for the night’s Young Artists’ Masterpiece Gallery.

“The kids unanimously voted on Matisse. Many felt that the diversity of his artwork over the years gave something that every child could emulate. From paper cutting to sculpture to acrylic or watercolors, or modernism or classical, there is a lot the kids can work on,” says Smith. “Matisse had a unique lens, and the way he interpreted everyday life is accessible to all. With children, the ease of his work and his style do not intimidate them and give them things to play with. It challenges them to be their authentic self.”

“Artfest isn’t just a night of fun for the people of Bakersfield; it’s also a powerful platform for the young artists within the Boys & Girls Clubs to shine,” Boone says. “There’s something deeply moving about seeing the full circle in action: raising money through this celebration of art and community, knowing those funds directly support the 70-plus clubs in our area. From art and dance to tutoring and music lessons, the impact is real. Our kids gain a safe space to develop their talents, share their creativity, and even contribute to next year’s event, making Artfest a living, growing, celebration of everything we’re building together.”

---

EVENT INFORMATION:

Artfest 2025:

Held this year on Friday, October 10, from 6-10 pm at the exquisite Vista Del Lago Estate, 15329 South H Street, Bakersfield. Parking is adjacent, with shuttle service.

For tickets and sponsorship information, please visit www.bgckc.org/artfest.