In Bakersfield, skateboarding is more than a sport. It is an outlet for creativity, a source of community, and a platform for self-expression. The city’s skate spots, like Beach Park and K Street, have witnessed more than tricks and falls. They have become places where art is born, sketched on boards, sprayed onto walls, and imagined by skaters who see the world as their canvas. The Bakersfield Skateboard Foundation is working to blend these worlds even further by turning everyday skate culture into a force of artistic expression and community pride.

When you think of a skater’s first artwork, it probably starts with a board covered in marker doodles or a half-finished spray-painted logo. But what happens when you give that skater access to resources, mentorship, and a platform to showcase their vision? That is what we are doing through programs like the Artist Commissioning Program and live painting events. It is not about creating professional artists overnight. It is about giving young people the chance to explore their creativity and find new ways to express themselves.

The City as a Canvas

Every corner of Bakersfield has a story, and local skaters know them all. The chipped ledges, worn rails, and painted curbs are like bookmarks in their journeys. Our Artist Commissioning Program gives them the opportunity to translate these memories into vibrant works of art. Each year, we commission two skateboarders to create original paintings inspired by the spots that have shaped their lives. These pieces are displayed in exhibitions and turned into prints and merchandise that help support the foundation.

The artwork is not just about memorializing locations. It is about capturing moments. Imagine a painting of a rail session at Beach Park, the golden glow of the afternoon sun reflected off the metal. Or a mural that shows the view from a boarder’s perspective as they hit the top of the K Street rail. These pieces do more than decorate a wall. They reflect the experiences that define Bakersfield’s skate scene.

Skaters Turned Artists

Many skaters do not think of themselves as artists at first. But they are. Whether it is designing a custom graphic on their deck or tagging the side of an abandoned building, creativity runs through everything they do. Our programs help them see that their skills have potential beyond the skatepark.

At exhibitions, it is common to see skaters stand in front of their own paintings, surprised at how their personal experiences have transformed into something bigger. One artist, a high schooler who skated every weekend at Beach Park, created a piece showing the view from under the bridge where they practiced for years. What started as a fun after-school activity became a story they could share with the entire community.

Through mentorship, we encourage them to explore larger projects like murals and live installations. When they see their art appreciated by others, something changes. Their creativity becomes a source of pride and, in some cases, a possible career path.

Where Skate and Art Come Alive

Our First Friday Community Skate Events are where it all comes together. The streets of Bakersfield become a living gallery, with skaters performing tricks in front of live art installations. Local musicians provide the soundtrack, and food vendors line the sidewalks as skaters and artists interact in real time.

One of the most popular features is the live painting of broken decks. As skaters take breaks between sessions, they can walk over and watch as artists transform discarded boards into something new. Some of the younger kids even get to add their own touches, making the art a shared experience.

It is not just about creating beautiful pieces. It is about showing that the same creativity that goes into a kickflip or a manual can be channeled into art. And when the session ends, the paintings and murals are more than just decoration. They are evidence of a community that is thriving through creativity.

Building Something Permanent

The Crystal Palace of Skateboarding will be the home base for this movement. The museum will not only house historical skate memorabilia but also feature rotating art exhibitions showcasing the works of local skaters and artists. It will be a space where the walls tell stories and every piece of art reflects the spirit of Bakersfield.

Imagine a young skater walking through the gallery, seeing the artwork of someone they have skated with at the park, and thinking, “That could be me.” That spark of inspiration is what we are working to create. It is about more than preserving the past. It is about fueling the future.

We are not just building a museum or running events. We are creating a space where skateboarding, art, and community come together. Every donation and every volunteer helps us take another step toward building that vision. Join us, and let’s keep Bakersfield’s skate culture rolling forward with creativity at its core.