Bakersfield Museum of Art’s annual Via Arté Italian Street Painting Festival was on Oct 18 and 19 at southwest Bakersfield’s shopping hotspot, The Marketplace.

This festival has been a tradition since 1998 for Bakersfield and its local community.

Using asphalt as the canvas, artists make their own rendition of famous pieces of art. These artists are however not limited to just classic Italian portraits as they can also do original pieces.

“I would do this again every year for the rest of my life if I could,” 14-year-old Lola Crawford wrote in a direct message.

Crawford is a student at Bakersfield Christian High School and she has participated for the past three years. She decided to take on the challenge of “El Pescador y la Sirena” by Frederic Leighton.

Via Arté was filled with many beautiful works of originality and twists on classic pieces.

Each piece was judged and voted on over the course of the two day festival.

The 2025 Via Arté winners are as follows.

Professional Category:

People’s Choice was won by @jasonhenderson90 on Instagram.

Best in Festival was won by @artviaemily on Instagram.

Best Rendition of a Master was won by @emipou_paints on Instagram.

Best Use of Color was won by @kaylabryantartson Instagram.

Best Technique was won by @abby_kins_on Instagram.

Honorable Mention went to @jjsplant, @jilibean_creates, and Victoria Cierly.

High School Category:

People’s choice and Best Technique was won by Stockdale High School.

Best in Festival was won by Highland High School.

Best Rendition of a Master was won by Mira Monte High School.

Best Use of color was won by Bakersfield Christian High School.

Honorable Mentions went to Centennial High School, Shafter High School, and Golden Valley High School.

Anyone is welcome to participate in the event in the years to come. Apply online for a spot next year at www.viaartebakersfield.com.