Kern River Valley Art Association Newsletter

Connecting Art, Community, and the Valley

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From the KRVAA Board

The Kern River Valley Art Association (KRVAA) exists to celebrate local creativity, support artists at every stage, and make art accessible to our entire community. As we move into a new season, we are recommitting to transparency, collaboration, and welcoming community voices into our space.

Whether you are an artist, a supporter, a volunteer, or someone who has simply been curious about what happens inside our walls, this newsletter is for you.

A Commitment to Transparency

We know that trust matters. Over the past year, KRVAA has experienced challenges, changes, and growing pains that may not always have been clearly communicated to the community. We want to be open about where we are and where we are headed.

KRVAA is actively working to strengthen internal systems, clarify roles and responsibilities, and ensure that decisions are made with accountability and the long-term health of the organization in mind. We are reviewing policies, improving communication, and creating clearer pathways for members, artists, and volunteers to be involved in meaningful ways.

This newsletter is part of that commitment. Moving forward, we will share updates about programs, finances at a high level, leadership changes when relevant, and opportunities for community input. We welcome questions, feedback, and constructive dialogue.

KRVAA belongs to the community, and we are committed to earning and maintaining your trust.

Your fellow creative, 

President Laura Tran, Vice President Seth Babcock,  Secretary Michele Martin,  Treasurer Kirsten Winter, Board Members Patty Kelly,  Alita Elfstrom, Irene Featherstone, Robin Harmon, Daisy Torres,  Cora Kelly & Catlin Payne 

∴ From Inside the Litter Box ∴

Hello humans, my name is Kevin. Yes, Kevin. I am the official (and unofficial) office cat of the Kern River Valley Art Association. I supervise from windowsills, conduct quality control on cardboard boxes, and ensure that any unattended paperwork is adequately sat on.

You may see me greeting visitors, napping through meetings, or offering intense eye contact during important discussions. Please understand: I am working.

This column—From Inside the Litter Box—is where I will share observations from inside KRVAA. Think of it as a ground-level view (sometimes literally) of what’s happening in the gallery: the moods, the moments, and the magic that happens when people make art together.

From my perspective, KRVAA is a place where:

People come in nervous and leave smiling, Art supplies mysteriously migrate, Creativity improves morale (and lap availability)

I’ve watched artists encourage each other, volunteers show up when things get messy, and community members wander in “just to look” and stay awhile. That’s important. Art spaces should feel lived-in, welcoming, and a little imperfect—like a well-loved couch or a favorite sunbeam.

If you see me around, feel free to say hello. Compliments are acceptable. Treats are negotiable. Please do not move me if I am sleeping.

Until next time, — Kevin the Art Cat, Studio Supervisor, Keeper of the Vibes

Photo: Catlin Payne, AI-generated

Kevin’s Observations

Kevin the Art Cat will occasionally weigh in on gallery life, new faces, exhibition installs, and general vibes. Observations may include naps, judgmental stares, and unexpected wisdom.

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Voices of KRVAA: How We Share Our Stories

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KRVAA believes the heart of this space is the people who show up. Below are the standing features you’ll see in future newsletters, along with how community members can participate.

Growing Through Art: Laura Tran

Growth isn’t always neat; sometimes it comes with a few paint stains along the way. Just ask Laura Tran, KRVAA President and longtime valley creative.

Laura has been making art since 2006, working across photography, acrylic painting, soaps, candles, paper making, and even face painting. These days, she’s painting her brother’s dog as a reminder that art often grows from the people and places closest to us.

“Creating in a rural environment.”

That’s what making art in the Kern River Valley means to her. Growth here looks different. It’s slower. More personal. Rooted in mountains, community, and showing up for one another.

After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Photography, Laura stepped away from her art while raising her children a season many creatives know well. But growth isn’t always linear. KRVAA gave her space to return, to expand her work, and to grow alongside her kids.

Behind every finished piece is the unseen work, the sketching, the prep, the trial and error. The gains come from the process. The stains? Those come from actually doing the work. Her favorite tools are paint palettes, her soundtrack is always SoundCloud, and the word she uses to describe her art right now is illumination.

Laura began her journey with KRVAA by vending at the Memorial Day Arts & Crafts Festival and has been an active member with KRVAA since 2021.

“You meet amazing mentors along the way.”

She’s especially proud of the kids programming and monthly themed shows visible proof of how this small-town organization continues to grow.

In three words, she describes KRVAA as: inspiring, progressive, and community-oriented.

Growing isn’t always clean. But around here, it’s creative, connected and sometimes covered in paint.

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Studio Spotlight 

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The Station is seeing a lot of growth, the addition of merchandise and local goods bring an exciting outlook on connection within the community.

Kevin is a carnivorous beast of a meeting manager. Our honorary Sargent at Arms helps bring our meeting back to business in a soft kitten with teeth type of way.

Keep a look out for all of our upcoming event

(Photo submitted by Catlin Payne)

Want to Be Featured?

Artists, volunteers, members, and community supporters are welcome to participate. You do not need to be a professional artist or a long-time volunteer; if you show up, you matter. Email info.krvaa@gmail.com for more information.

To be featured in a future newsletter: 

Share your story

Submit photos or works-in-progress

Answer one interview or mini-story prompt

Participation is always optional and consent-based.

Because KRVAA isn’t just about art—it’s about the people who make space for it.

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This Quarters 

TOP STORIES

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A Toast to Contributions 

by RunAwayTaty Photo: unknown, KRVAA Facebook 

In memory of Chris “Buffalo,” Grocery Outlet proudly continues its support of the Kern River Valley Art Association (KRVAA).

Please join us in raising a glass with Buffalo’s favorite wine, kept on hand today in celebration of his life, his art, and the community he loved. As I snuck into the Grocery Outlet just before the last Second Saturday Reception to gather yummy treats for a rustic charcuterie board, I had the pleasure of running into the owners, Janet and Stacy. In our conversation, I inquired about the Kern River Valley Art Association having had its monthly wine selection sponsored by our local Grocery Outlet. Well, to my surprise, Stacy and our very own Buffalo were close friends. Stacy and Janet are true supporters of the Arts and culture here in the valley. I broached the subject of Grocery Outlet once again, supporting the Association’s sponsored wine. Without hesitation, they agreed, with one stipulation: they asked that the Association keep a bottle of Buffalo’s favorite wine on hand. I personally think that’s a manageable request. I thanked them and proceeded to collect the last three available bottles of Buffalo’s wine, a red Merlot by the name of ObcsuRED, this batch being aged as of 2022, and a local California wine to boot. So, with warmest regards, we honor our Past President, fearless leader and mentor with continued friendship, support, and a sip of red.

Sober-Friendly New Year 

by RunAwayTaty Photo: Catherine

Have you ever wanted to celebrate a New Year sober? Kind Kern, a harm-reduction volunteer-driven initiative, thought some might enjoy the opportunity. January 3rd, Kind Kern hosted a “Wear The Thing” Sober New Year held at The Station. The Station is the Kern River Valley Art Association’s very own little hip coffee shop right on the corner of Wofford Heights Blvd and Woodland Dr.  This event was sponsored by ConnAdvo, non alcoholic beverages were provided along with some delicious appetizers. There was a surprise guest who rolled in from the tumbleweed down the way. Our very own Varnish Vixen, Laura, snuck her way into tossing drinks and hustling for bribes. More on that whole showdown in another article to come. Laura Tran, being the newly appointed President of the Kern River Valley Art Association, is putting in some time and effort with a fantastic jump this season.

Coal, Varnish, and Culture 

by RunAwayTaty Photo: unknown,  KRVAA Facebook,  AI Generated

Whiskey Flat Days bring a buzzing energy to the Kern River Valley with all the hustle and bustle around preparation, the event(s), and cleanup. This year, the Kern River Valley Art Association was up to the challenge, or we should say our President, Laura Tran, or as you all have known her for the last couple of months as Varnish Vixen Laura. She managed to wrangle her good friend Coal Fire Kim into running for Whiskey Flat Mayor of 2026. It’s a lot of work and a lot of fun, some inside scoop. It was comical to see the KRVAAs’ very own President running around the campus with her heels and hair done up in leggings and a tee shirt between events. We honestly don’t know how those two amazing women managed, but we are honored that they showed up and showed out for the Art Association. Whiskey Flat Days is a celebration held in February. It’s a great weekend filled with Mayoral bribery, raising money for charities, with rodeos, music, and so much more. 

Paintbrushes flying and a touch of Mania 

by RunAwayTaty 

The Kern River Valley Art Association hosted one of its most electric traditions: Dollar Mania, the annual high-energy art auction that transforms creativity into community support. With a packed room, lively bidding, and more than a few dramatic showdowns, this year’s event raised over $4,000 to fuel local arts programs through the Kern River Valley. From the moment the first piece went up for auction, the crowd was fully in it. One‑dollar bids flew fast, laughter rolled across the room, and friendly rivalries sparked as attendees tried to out-maneuver each other for their favorite works. A few bidding wars became instant legends, those moments when two determined bidders locked eyes, raised their hands again and again, and the whole room leaned in to see who would triumph. It was the kind of joyful chaos Dollar Mania is known for, the kind that reminds us why this event has become a beloved community tradition.

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OF THE ART

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January’s featured artist, Daisy Torres, stunned the crowd this month with her brilliant combination of colors, textures and style. Her pieces are vibrant and calm all at the same time. Fantasies transcend her detailed pieces into an almost whimsical portrait of her muses. This month’s theme was Renaissance; there were stained glass swords, dragons, and knights sharing space with wolves, sirens, and gold. 

February featured artist  Joyce Campbell, with this month’s theme being “What you Love”. Alongside her vibrant and powerful collection, Joyce’s work reflects a deep appreciation for culture, history, and the natural beauty of the American West. Her paintings capture striking landscapes, wildlife, and moving portraits that tell stories of heritage and connection to the land. Joyce’s attention to detail, rich color palettes, and heartfelt storytelling invite viewers to pause and reflect. We are honored to showcase her talent and dedication to the arts here in the Kern River Valley community.

Mary Marcus displayed a fantastic range of pieces for the month of March, with the theme being “March Hare”. This eclectic collection celebrates the creativity and heart of our local artists. From vibrant mixed media collages and textured fiber landscapes to stained glass, framed paintings, and playful contemporary pieces, each work tells a unique story. Together, they reflect the diverse voices, perspectives, and landscapes that shape our community. This show invites viewers to slow down, look closely, and experience the color, texture, and imagination that thrive right here at home.

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From Around the Grounds

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Sizzle and Shavings from Alchemy  by RunAwayTaty 

Alchemy is the Kern River Valley Art Association’s very own Industrial Arts Center. Located at 30 Woodland Dr. Just off of Wofford Heights Blvd, behind The Station. Here you’ll find classes in Blacksmithing, Welding, Woodworking, and more. We have recently launched Repair & Restore, an educational program geared to educating the community on how to repair items they own and how to restore both their sense of wonderment and self-esteem. We have introduced a few smaller pieces of equipment, such as a cricket and a heat press. If you have a project in mind or an item you own that you want to learn how to fix and maintain, come visit us. We can lead the way.

Buzz from The Station by RunAwayTaty 

March features our first “Adopt a Dog, Adopt a Story” book fair and adoption event. The Station Espresso & Books. Our very own Barista Michele B. Put together this amazing event with the help and support of Yvonne Pickerell. Yvonne is the founder and operator of our local Kern River Valley Animal Shelter. Located at 14891 CA-178, Lake Isabella, CA. A Day filled with adventure, connection, and a lot of ear scratches. Specialty drinks, books priced as low as .50, and even a few adoptions. The event an overall success. 

What to look out for in the next quarter… by RunAwayTaty

April, May, and June bring a lot of punch this season. Starting in April, we have “Artist’s Choice” as our reception theme. April’s Second Saturday Reception will be held on April 11th, 2026. May brings a “Wild Beast” theme, the Second Saturday Reception being held on May 9th, 2026. “Abstract” is the theme for June. The Second Saturday Reception will be held on June 13th, 2026. Look out for May, the Kern River Valley Art Association is launching our newest project, First Friday! It’s a vendor event only available on May 1st, June 5th, July 3rd, and August 7th. You read that right, only four First Fridays exclusively during the summer months. From 5 pm to 9 pm, you can hit the town in the cooler hours, take up some shopping, grab something cold to drink, and have an evening of fun while supporting your local art scene. 

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Spotlight on KRVAA’s Artsy Fartsy Thrift Shop & Gift Shop

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Where creativity, community, and support for the arts come together

Did you know that two of the Kern River Valley Art Association’s most impactful programs aren’t just about art, they’re also about community connection, sustainability, and supporting local creativity?

The Artsy Fartsy Thrift Shop is more than a place to find great deals; it’s a place where donations turn into opportunities for the arts. Every gently used item donated and purchased helps support KRVAA programs, events, and scholarships that keep art alive in our community. Shoppers can discover everything from unique home décor and craft supplies to clothing and hidden treasures. For artists, it’s also a fantastic place to find affordable materials to spark new creative projects. Donations from the community keep the shop thriving, and volunteers make it all possible. Every item given a second life here helps fund creativity in the Kern River Valley.

The KRVAA Gift Shop

Our Gift Shop is a celebration of local talent. Featuring handmade and original works by local artists and artisans, the shop offers one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find anywhere else. From paintings and jewelry to pottery and cards, each piece tells a story and directly supports a local creator. When you shop here, you’re not just buying a gift, you’re investing in the local arts community and helping artists continue to share their talents.

How You Can Support

There are many ways to support these spaces:

• Shop local and shop often
• Donate gently used items to the thrift shop
• Volunteer your time
• Spread the word to friends and visitors
• Consider becoming a KRVAA member

Every purchase, donation, and volunteer hour helps KRVAA continue its mission to promote art, creativity, and cultural enrichment in the Kern River Valley.

Kern River Valley Art Association Newsletter