Bakersfield thanks you, and I thank you for the tune! I was stoked to say the least when I stumbled upon this page. (I am the artist pictured above, painting Merle.) I am not a native of Bakersfield, but I do now live nearby, in Tehachapi. (I grew up in that other big town south of Bakersfield.) I am learning so much from this mural project. Not only how to produce art larger than what my computer screen (or my real estate) will allow, but I am learning more about local roots music. I may be a garden variety starving artist, but I am feeling a lot more richer having participated in this project.

I am also an acoustic musician (okay, I'll say it... "folky"), and I certainly appreciate a good story, especially thru song! A mural (or murals) that can marry art and music could certainly help to raise the bar of art appreciation, educate others about your local historical treasures, and maybe help to fertilize the new crops of artists that will grow up to produce even more great works.  I am on a personal campaign, trying to help raise the value of the artist in Kern County. You have so many extremely talented, gifted, and hard working creative artists living in your town's backyard. (I'll save this talk for another time...) I just wanted again to send you a big grin and a thumbs up! Thanx!  -- Asher