Driven by Art

In honor of the Bakersfield Museum of Art’s 60th Year Celebration, we are pleased to announce Driven by Art, a public art project. In one of the largest and friendliest public art displays in Kern County, this project celebrates the bond between the Museum and the greater community of Bakersfield. 

Driven by Art flaunts a uniquely Bakersfield take on successful community art projects like Chicago’s Cows on Parade, New York’s Big Apples, Vacaville’s We Know Jack, Riverside’s Giant Oranges and Cincinnati’s Big Pig Gig. Imagine a fleet of 33 small-scale 1956 era fiberglass pick-up trucks painted, embellished, and festooned by some of Bakersfield's leading artists. These trucks will be parked downtown on street corners, sidewalks, and roadways greeting neighbors and welcoming new friends to our town.

Why a pickup truck? The pickup truck and nostalgic period design of the 1956 era is representative of the BMOA’s year of inception and a metaphor for the Museum’s mission both past and present while “driving” us into the future. From Sponsor to spectator, Driven by Art is a community wide effort celebrating the heart of the Bakersfield spirit - hard work, creativity, and community. 

Following the exhibition, the trucks will be transported to their final destination as determined by each Sponsor. Some sponsors may choose to keep their trucks as permanent display in front of their organization to remind patrons of their generous contribution to the arts and the Bakersfield community. Others may elect to donate their trucks to the city to be installed on the Westside Parkway.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website