By Kern Magazine Editors, Published on June 29, 2026 | Photo Credit: Bakersfield Art Association
Summer is the perfect time for kids to unplug, get creative, and discover the joy of making something with their own hands. This July, longtime educator and artist Gail Caffrey is inviting young artists to do just that with a series of four hands-on classes at the Bakersfield Art Association in downtown Bakersfield. Each session combines storytelling, creativity and a different animal-inspired art project, giving children the chance to paint, build, and explore while celebrating their own imagination.
After spending 15 years as an elementary school teacher, Caffrey says she missed one part of the classroom more than anything else: teaching art. Inspired by the success of a recent birthday paint party, she decided it was time to bring that same creative energy to families across Kern County.
We caught up with Caffrey to learn more about this summer’s classes, what inspired the program and why she believes every child deserves the opportunity to create.
Q&A: Inspiring creativity one brushstroke at a time
Tell us about some of the fun kids classes you’ll be providing this summer.
I’ll be hosting four summer art classes, each centered around an animal theme. Kids will paint colorful fish on rocks, create an underwater ocean scene on canvas, paint a patchwork elephant with acrylics, make a pop-up red-eyed tree frog, and design a Matisse-inspired shark collage. Every project is designed to be fun, creative, and hands-on.
What sparked the idea for these new classes?
I was an elementary school teacher for 15 years, and the thing I miss most is teaching art. Last month, a couple asked me to host a paint party for their granddaughter’s birthday, and seeing the kids’ excitement reminded me how much I love creating with children. It was full of smiles, creativity, and imagination, and I knew I wanted to offer that experience to more families in our community.
What do you hope kids get out of the experience?
I hope they discover the joy of creating without worrying about being perfect. Art doesn’t have to look realistic to be beautiful. It’s okay to paint a colorful patchwork elephant. I want every child to leave feeling proud of what they created and inspired to keep exploring their creativity.
Why are art activities so important for our community?
Life can feel stressful for both kids and adults. Art gives us an opportunity to slow down, focus on the present and express ourselves in a positive way. Creating something with your hands can be incredibly calming, and I hope these classes provide a place where children can relax, have fun, and experience that sense of peace through art.
