Artist Rangel Draws Kern Canyon for Trail Project
A new drawing of the Kern Canyon is now on display in Bakersfield to support local trail development.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Painting
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Artist Matthew Rangel has unveiled a new drawing of the Kern Canyon that is currently being exhibited at the Bakersfield Art Association. Proceeds from the sale of prints of the work are dedicated to funding the proposed Kern Gateway Trail project.
Why it matters
This initiative connects local art with environmental development, aiming to generate essential financial support for improved hiking access in the Kern Canyon. By leveraging public interest in the region's scenery, the project seeks to advance regional trail infrastructure.
The artwork depicts the Kern Canyon from a bird's perspective high above the Kern River. Prints are currently available for purchase at the Bakersfield Art Association to benefit the Kern Gateway Trail project.
The players
Matthew Rangel
Matthew Rangel is an artist who created a bird's-eye view drawing of the Kern Canyon to benefit local trail infrastructure.
Bakersfield Art Association
The Bakersfield Art Association is a downtown gallery currently exhibiting the artwork and managing sales for the trail project.
The details
Matthew Rangel produced a detailed drawing capturing the Kern Canyon, which is now hosted at the Bakersfield Art Association in downtown Bakersfield. The gallery is managing the sale of prints to directly support the development of the Kern Gateway Trail.
Timeline
The artwork was confirmed to be on display and the story was published on October 16, 2026.
Culture Shift
This project reflects a growing trend of utilizing local creative talent to drive community-based infrastructure improvements. It shifts the burden of funding for public spaces from traditional grants to direct community-led art initiatives.
Residents can support the Kern Gateway Trail project by visiting the downtown gallery to purchase prints. These contributions directly impact the pace of local trail development and the quality of hiking access in the canyon.
The takeaway
Supporting local artists can serve as an effective mechanism for raising funds for essential community outdoor projects. Residents interested in trail expansion can participate by engaging with public art displays in their area.
Further reading
For more information on the local art scene, visit the Bakersfield Painting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Bakersfield Californian.
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