Now in its fourth year, the event known as Art 2024 Tehachapi continues to grow in popularity. The Tehachapi Arts Commission has prepared for another successful showcase of 150 pieces celebrating the region and history of Tehachapi, California, seen through the eyes of 50 nationally recognized artists.
The event kicks off in May with the annual paint-out, lasting four days, and the TAC providing artists with access to varying locations that are not always accessible to the general public. Artists gather inspiration, begin skethcing their ideas and finish their masterpieces back at their studios.
Laura Wambsgans, Engine 29, oil, 30 x 40 in.
For the 2024 paint-out, coinciding with the writing of this article, this year’s featured artist, Laura Wambsgans, plans on capturing the essence of three distinct locales. “On Friday, I will be painting at the 900-acre Milano Cattle Ranch,” she says. “Saturday’s painting will feature the picturesque surroundings of the Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Company. Finally, on Sunday, I look forward to depicting the majesty of the wild horses in Oak Creek Canyon.”
Wambsgans, known for her landscape beauties, won Best of Show last year for her piece Engine 29,paying homage to Tehachapi’s rail history. “Steam Engine 29 was built in 1866 and her claim to fame was she moved impressive loads at unimpressive speeds,” says Wambsgans. “For me just being around these old iron horses is thrilling.”
Junn Roca, Poppies and Lupines, oil on canvas, 20 x 30 in.
Returning artist Derek Harrison, driven by the romance of the West in landscape and figurative work, notes that “there is a stellar roster of artists in this show. The way that [the TAC] have organized all of the events leading up to, during and after the show is top notch. It is not only an exciting experience to attend the opening and see all of the amazing works of art, but to experience a beautiful, small Western town in California that has retained its genuine charm.”
Harrison presents works like Moonlight,featured in last year’s show, depicting a male figure on horseback and a woman standing close by. Both are taking in a bright, full moon. “I have spent my fair share of evenings looking out into the moonlight above the wide-open Western landscape,” says the artist. “It has always filled me with a sense of awe and comfort. There is nothing like it. When it becomes a shared experience, it can be even more spectacular.”
Derek Harrison, Moonlight, oil, 10 x 10 in. Images are courtesy of the Tehachapi Arts Commission.
While he didn’t attend last year’s paint-out, Harrison notes that he has spent the past decade traveling throughout the Southwest. “I grew up in Colorado and now live in California, and those trips spent camping and painting throughout these regions have provided me with enough inspiration to last a lifetime,” he says. “I want to share this in each painting, share why it is so special and why places such as Tehachapi inspire deep and meaningful paintings.”
The show begins Friday, July 19, with a ticketed opening night event that includes hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and mingling with show artists. During the evening, awards will be presented for Best of Show, Best Landscape, Best Still Life and Best Urban painting. The show is free to the public on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 to 21. Tickets for the opening event are available on the TAC website, and proceeds will go to the organization’s Art in the Parks program. —
Art 2024 Tehachapi
July 19-21, 2024
Aspen Builders Activity Center
410 W. D Street, Tehachapi, CA 93561
(626) 945-3753, www.artstehachapi.org
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