By Louis Medina, BHC Grant Writer

Hobos to Street People Exhibit Benefits BHC It rained hard in Bakersfield on Dec. 10, the night that the Bakersfield Museum of Art opened...

its “Hobos to Street People” art exhibition and several companion exhibits highlighting artists and photographers’ depictions of homelessness, loneliness and loss.

Although I could not help thinking about the homeless that were out in the rain and cold that night, it felt good to be part of an effort between the museum and the Bakersfield Homeless Center (BHC). The intent was to help the city’s sheltered homeless by collecting blankets for them and by raising money for BHC’s afterschool educational enrichment program, Champ Camp, which gives extracurricular and tutoring help to homeless children.

More than 100 blankets and a few jackets were donated to the homeless that night. Over half of them came from the generous students of Liberty High School, under the leadership of instructor and Spanish Honor Society and MECHA Club Advisor Felisa Patiño, who said the students hand-made, many of them. The rest came from museum members and patrons who kindly brought new and gently used blankets and coats.

By the end of the evening, we had also received several sponsorships for Champ Camp children, and we noticed that lots of the pieces our kids had created for the exhibit had been sold, as well as some of the photos by Bakersfield Californian photographer Felix Adamo. Much of the money from these sales will benefit Champ Camp and BHC.

“Hobos to Street People” and its companion exhibits, which continue through February 21, provide an insightful and historical look at the plight of the homeless and downtrodden. I urge BHC friends and partners to visit the museum, which is at 1930 R St., downtown. While there, be sure to pick up flyers about BHC and Champ Camp that describe our programs and offer ideas on how to help BHC’s homeless adults and children. For museum hours, visit www.bmoa.org. ■