What is Artfest?
Artfest, a masterpiece in the making,brings together community leaders, philanthropists,
art lovers, and children advocates for an amazing celebration of artistic accomplishment.
Artfest 2026 takes its theme from the 1970s. From the retro color palette, to the mid-century
modern décor style, to the music scene’s trends toward minimalism, surrealism and gritty
punk album cover aesthetics, the 1970s were bold and funky and the era’s art was considered
transformative. Artfest 2026 will be a step back in time to the decade of individualism, social
advancements, bell-bottoms and disco.
Guests will enjoy an evening celebrating glamour, innovation, and vibrant spirit of the seventies
with beautiful artwork, fun activities, and delicious food for an incredible and memorable evening.
Event Features include:
- "Stroll & Savor” with Drinks and Appetizers
- Young Artist’s Masterpiece Gallery
- Live Performance by Music Fusion, the Club’s performing art group
- Art, Silent and Live Auctions, plus a Grand Prize Raffle
- Catered, Sit-down Dinner
- Multiple Points-of-Interest and Photo Opportunities
Attending guests are individuals and couples ages 21+. They are community leaders and
influencers. They are philanthropic and supporters of the local community. They are art
lovers and children advocates. On average, they tend to contribute $200-$600 per event.
Event Promotional Activities
Save-the-Date Announcements: Email and social media posts formally announcing the
event date and theme, as well as confirmed high-level sponsors. Audience = 12,000+
Solicitations/Invitations: Full-color, promotional materials will be sent to past/current sponsors,
prospective sponsors, former guests, targeted donors, and supporters. Audience = 1,200+
Magazine/eNewsletter: Print and electronic versions of BGC Brief magazine
will be sent to the entire network of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County
supporters in March, June, August, and December. Audience = 3,400+
Webpage: The Artfest website will be regularly updated with event and sponsor
information and can include links to sponsor webpages. Audience = 19,000+
Social Media: Spread across multiple social media platforms, the Boys & Girls Clubs
of Kern County will link guests/followers to our mission, as well as our sponsors
and their messages through dynamic, engaging, and fabulous content.
Direct Audience/Followers = 11,000+ / Indirect Audience = Unlimited
Program: Distributed to all attendees at the event, the program will include event
details, sponsor, donor, partner recognition, artists’ background, Club program
and service information, and live auction item descriptions. Audience = 700+
+ MUCH MORE!
Art of the 1970s
The 1970s was a decade defined by fearless creativity and cultural transformation. Art
broke free from convention, embracing bold color, experimental forms, and new ideas
that challenged traditional boundaries. Movements such as conceptual art, performance
art, and early street expression shifted creativity beyond museum walls and into everyday life.
Music became more than sound—it became identity. Album covers evolved into visual
statements, blending graphic design, photography, and illustration into iconic works of
art that shaped culture as powerfully as the music itself. Record sleeves became
canvases, stages became immersive visual experiences, and artists used imagery to
amplify their voice and message.
Style followed suit. Fashion embraced individuality, glamour, rebellion, and self-expression—
from flowing silhouettes and rich textures to sequins, suede, and statement prints. Nightlife
shimmered with disco lights, while design trends favored saturated color palettes, geometric
patterns, and daring contrasts.
Above all, the 1970s celebrated authenticity. It was a time when creativity belonged to
everyone—when expression was personal, powerful, and unapologetic.
Our event captures that spirit of innovation and possibility, transforming a remarkable
evening into an immersive celebration of art, music, and style. Just as the 1970s expanded
what creativity could be, this event supports the next generation of young people as they
discover their own voices, talents, and artistic potential—ensuring that bold expression
continues to shape the future.