A vibrant month of art, community, and hands‑on creativity is unfolding across the Kern River Valley, and KRVAA is at the heart of it.
Spring is in full bloom, and May brings a fresh wave of creativity, connection, and community energy to the Kern River Valley Art Association. From live events and gallery receptions to hands‑on classes for every age and skill level, this month is packed with opportunities to learn, explore, and make art together. Whether you’re looking to try something new, support local artists, or simply spend time in a welcoming creative space, there’s something here waiting for you.
This month’s lineup is one of our most exciting yet, bringing together live music, gallery receptions, youth showcase, and a wide range of hands‑on classes for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Whether you’re drawn to ceramics, painting, writing, blacksmithing, or simply connecting with fellow creatives, May offers something special for every member of our community. Here’s a look at what’s happening across the valley.
🎨 Featured May Events
Slam & Jam
Friday, May 1 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
At The Station
First Friday Market
Beginning Friday, May 1 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Local vendors, handmade crafts, food, and community fun.
Second Saturday Gallery Reception
WILD BEAST
Saturday, May 9 | 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Featuring the Buffalo Youth Gallery
Refreshments provided.
Open Mic at The Station
Saturday, May 9 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Live music following the gallery reception.
$2 minimum at the door.
Artist & Art Lecture Series
Saturday, May 16 | 6:00 PM
Featuring Peter Buchen
Donations at the door benefit KRVAA.
Memorial Weekend Art in the Park
Kick off Memorial Weekend with art, music, and community! Shop handmade goods from local artists, enjoy live music, enter fun drawings, and bid on unique pieces in our silent art auction.
May 22, 2026 – May 25, 2026, Circle Park in Kernville, CA.
🛠️ New & Returning Classes
This month offers a wide range of creative opportunities, including:
Creative Writing
Junk Journal Workshop
Beginning Jewelry Making & Repair
Knife Making
Block Carving & Printing
UV Resin for Beginners
Ceramics with Holly
Stained Glass
Blacksmithing
Watercolor
Oil Painting
Life Drawing
Crochet
Craft Time for Kids
And much more!
👨👩👧 Youth & Family Programming
Craft Time for Kids
Saturdays, May 9 & 30 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Youth Gallery Reception
Included in our Second Saturday celebration on May 9.
📌 Important Registration Notes
Many classes have limited space and require pre‑registration.
Please register early to reserve your spot.
You can register online or in person at the Art Center.
Thank you for being part of the vibrant creative community that makes the Kern River Valley such a special place to live and make art. Every class you join, every event you attend, and every moment you spend supporting local artists helps KRVAA continue offering accessible, meaningful arts experiences for all ages. We can’t wait to welcome you into the Art Center this month and share in the creativity, connection, and inspiration that May has in store.
We can’t wait to create with you this month!
See you at the Art Center,
Kern River Valley Art Association
ART for all and all for ART
We’re bringing even more creativity to your feed! Follow KRVAA on TikTok and YouTube for behind‑the‑scenes moments, class highlights, artist features, and all the inspiration May has to offer. Let’s make art together.
KRVAA is now on TikTok and YouTube, and we’re excited to share even more creativity with you! Join us online for behind‑the‑scenes moments, artist spotlights, class previews, youth art features, and all the vibrant community energy that makes the Kern River Valley so special.
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@krvart
Explore our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@krvaa
We can’t wait to bring you closer to the art, the people, and the stories that shape our creative community. Come along for upcoming events, studio moments, and plenty of inspiration.
Let’s make art together and spread the joy.
