Panorama Invitational Highlights Talent, Creativity, and the Future of Art in Kern County
Thursday, February 12, 2026
The Jones Art Gallery at Bakersfield College came alive on February 12 as students, families, faculty, and community members gathered for the opening reception of the 2026 Panorama Invitational, an annual exhibition showcasing some of the most talented high school artists in Kern County.
The exhibition features student artwork selected by art teachers across the Kern High School District, offering young artists the opportunity to present their work in a professional gallery setting. From detailed portraits to expressive mixed-media pieces, the exhibition reflects not only technical skill, but the personal stories, influences, and dedication behind each work.
For many of the student artists, the Panorama Invitational represents an important milestone that validates their effort and encourages them to continue pursuing their creative path.
“I chose Chris Cornell because I like creating portraits of people who have passed away,” said one student artist whose graphite portrait was featured in the exhibition. “He and Chester Bennington were the lead singers of my favorite bands, and they were highly influential to me. I wanted to commemorate that through my art. The hardest part was getting the light and dark values right and making sure the portrait was accurate.”
The exhibition also marks an exciting moment for the Jones Art Gallery under the leadership of new Director Angel Lesnikowski, who emphasized the importance of creating opportunities that connect students to their future.
“The Panorama Invitational is an exhibition that highlights young artists from the Kern High School District. Each art teacher from every school within the district selects three of their best student works to be exhibited,” Lesnikowski said. “This year, Bakersfield College faculty also created judging categories, such as Best of Drawing and Best of Painting, to further celebrate student achievement and we hope these students continue pursuing art, whether here at Bakersfield College or beyond. We want them to continue their art because there are so many talented artists in here, and we believe that every one of them should go off to a wonderful art college and succeed in life.”
As visitors moved through the gallery, pausing to study each piece and connect with the artists behind them, the exhibition served as a reminder of the creativity and potential already present in the community. For many of these students, the Panorama Invitational is not just an exhibition, but the beginning of something larger.
The Panorama Invitational will remain on display until March 3rd at the Jones Art Gallery, located inside the Grace Van Dyke Bird Library on the Bakersfield College main campus. Community members are encouraged to visit and experience the work of Kern County’s next generation of artists.
