New artwork on display at Shafter Library

There is a new artist with work on display at the Shafter Library. Iva Cross Fendrick has been creating art for decades and has also lent her expertise to students at various studios.

Fendrick has worked in a variety of mediums and subject matter. Her mediums include portraits in pencil and pastels, nude figure studies, sculpted figures and abstracts in mixed media. Her latest art adventure is plein air – the art of painting in the outdoors, with the subject in plain view, such as landscapes or subjects with movement in the work.

Fendrick is the daughter of Vina Cross, who was one of the Bakersfield Art Association's founding members. Iva is also a fourth generation Kern County resident.

She earned a bachelors degree in art from Cal State Bakersfield, having also studied at Bakersfield College and the Art Center School of Design in Los Angeles. She studied ceramics with Vic Bracke of Central California and at the Mendocino Art Center. For 25 years, Fendrick taught in the Kern High School District, much of the time teaching ceramics.

Artistic expression has always been part of her life, from drawing quick sketches to creating water features for that quiet garden spot. Fendrick feels that the "artist eye" is always at work. "When I see the soft shadows on the rolling hill sides, I long to capture that mood on paper for others to enjoy."

She also feels that everyone has a need to reflect upon what gives visual pleasure. Many of her creations are in the hands of private collectors and can also be seen at the BAA's Art Center, 1607 19th St. in Bakersfield.

Over the years, Fendrick has contributed to young students' artistic endeavors, beginning with classes in her home, workshops at the Lori Brock Museum and teaching in the Kern High School District. Fendrick subscribes to the well-known quote,"Science makes life possible, art makes life liveable."