Listen to radio interview with "Bakersfield Mist" director Susan Kelejian and producer Aaliyah Mora-Khan on KZSB radio from Santa Barbara, talk about "Bakersfield Mist."
Pictured: Director Susan Kelejian left, and producer Aaliyah Mora-Khan on the right in the KZSB studios.
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Local Artists have brush with fame
Ojai Valley News, May 18, 2018
“Bakersfield Mist,” currently playing weekends through May 27 at the Ojai Art Center, has partnered with the artist community by featuring a different piece of art in the show each week. The play is about a suspected Jackson Pollock painting found in a thrift shop. The paintings have become the third character playing opposite Maude (Lee Ann Manley) and Lionel (Paul Sulzman).
To create this third character, director Susan Kelejian reached out to the arts community in the Ojai region with a competition for the best “Pollock.” A four-judge artist panel selected four winners and two honorable mentions. Each weekend, one of the winning paintings is used as the “Pollock” and after the show, the audience is invited to talk with the painting’s creator, leading to discussions into the truth of art, the value of art and an underlying theme of the play, the value of people.
“This has turned into a dynamic exchange,” says Kelejian, who moderates each evening. “First, people are so surprised by the play, its quick wit, rapid-fire dialogue, surprising laughs and more. But they are also affected by the themes of not only the value of a painting and who has the right to decide, but the value of a person just because they aren’t like you. I took on this play because it was about truth. Now joining the acting and visual arts elements of Ojai together, ‘Bakersfield Mist’ reflects a wider meaning to the community.”
Paintings by winners
Vonder Gray, from Ventura (May 4 through May 6) and Kenny Dahle, of Ojai, (May 11 through May 13) have already been featured in the play and are now on the theater walls. The remaining two winners are Gary Best, from Ventura, whose painting will be featured May 18 through May 20, and Clay White, from Ojai, whose painting is on tap for May 25 through May 27.
All of the artwork is on display in the theater through the end of the play and a silent auction is under way for each piece.
To create this third character, director Susan Kelejian reached out to the arts community in the Ojai region with a competition for the best “Pollock.” A four-judge artist panel selected four winners and two honorable mentions. Each weekend, one of the winning paintings is used as the “Pollock” and after the show, the audience is invited to talk with the painting’s creator, leading to discussions into the truth of art, the value of art and an underlying theme of the play, the value of people.
“This has turned into a dynamic exchange,” says Kelejian, who moderates each evening. “First, people are so surprised by the play, its quick wit, rapid-fire dialogue, surprising laughs and more. But they are also affected by the themes of not only the value of a painting and who has the right to decide, but the value of a person just because they aren’t like you. I took on this play because it was about truth. Now joining the acting and visual arts elements of Ojai together, ‘Bakersfield Mist’ reflects a wider meaning to the community.”
Paintings by winners
Vonder Gray, from Ventura (May 4 through May 6) and Kenny Dahle, of Ojai, (May 11 through May 13) have already been featured in the play and are now on the theater walls. The remaining two winners are Gary Best, from Ventura, whose painting will be featured May 18 through May 20, and Clay White, from Ojai, whose painting is on tap for May 25 through May 27.
All of the artwork is on display in the theater through the end of the play and a silent auction is under way for each piece.
‘Bakersfield Mist’ will pay tribute to John Slade
Ojai Valley News, May 4, 2018
“Bakersfield Mist,” the latest Ojai Art Center Theater (ACT) offering that opens May 4, was supposed to be directed by John Slade, the Ojai actor and retired teacher who was killed in a hit-and-run accident last year.
Slade was a pillar in the Ojai theater community for almost 20 years, always taking on adventuresome roles or directing assignments along with his work at Nordhoff High School.
“With so many in Ojai still feeling the loss of John, we spoke with his widow, Laurie Walters Slade, and asked if we could dedicate this production to John and raise funds for his memo- rial scholarship fund,” said
ACT artistic director Richard Camp. “We know how special that fund is to Laurie and to all of the students who shined under John’s guidance.”
“I am so incredibly touched by this tribute to John,” said Walters Slade. “He was a passionate direc- tor and loved co-creating with actors, both adults and students. I’m grateful that the extremely talented Susan Kelejian has taken the helm of ‘Bakersfield Mist,’ the play he had planned to direct, and equally grateful that the Art Center is supporting John’s memorial scholarship at Nordhoff High School where he taught, guided and inspired students for many years."
At each performance, attendees will be encouraged to leave a donation in a bowl by the poster about the John C. Slade Memorial Theatre Scholarship that will be in the lobby. During the week, people may drop off a check at the OAC office.
A portion of the play’s proceeds will be donated to the fund along with all collected donations.
“One of the things that has really struck me,” said Aaliyah Mora-Khan, the play’s producer, “is that almost everyone I have spoken to about it has mentioned that John Slade was the original director for this play. Having moved to Ojai last December, I didn’t know who he was but whenI started conversations with people who knew John, I realized just how important the idea of truth was to him, and how he would have relished working through his play with the actors, deeply challenging notions of what makes art into art and looking for the humor in the various conflicts between these two characters. I realized John Slade was a man who brought communities together through his actions. That felt important to remember and thus the inspiration for recognizing this play as being, in part, a tribute to him was born.”
Playwright Stephen Sachs will be in attendance for the May 4 opening-night performance and reception that will follow.
Playwright will attend opening night
Ojai Valley News, April 27, 2018
Award-winning playwright Stephen Sachs will attend the opening performance of his play, “Bakersfield Mist,” May 4 at the Ojai Art Center Theater.
Following the 90-minute, one-act production, he will take part in a Q&A on stage and will join audience and cast members for a champagne reception in the Art Center Gallery afterwards.
“My little two-character play,” said Sachs, “has enjoyed success around the world. Starting with a seven-month sold-out run in L.A. and a three-month run on London’s West End (starring Kathleen Turner), it is now being produced in regional theaters across the U.S., translated into foreign languages and produced worldwide. I am particularly delighted to have it return to my own backyard at the Ojai Art Center Theater. Audiences are guaranteed a good time.”
“I am very proud and pleased to welcome playwright Stephen Sachs to our opening night show and celebration,” said Richard Camp, OACT artistic director. “When I needed a play that would very much involve our own art community, I grabbed this one.”
“Bakersfield Mist” is about a “hard-drinking broad” — Maude, portrayed by Lee Ann Manley — who buys a painting for $3 as a joke, because she thinks it’s so ugly. Someone suggests it could be a real Jackson Pollock. When snooty art appraiser Lionel, portrayed by Paul Sulzman, is dispatched to her trailer to authenticate the painting, the two face off in an argument over what’s real and what’s not.
Tickets for the opening night show, Q&A with Sachs and champagne reception are $35 all-inclusive for opening night. Performances are schedule for Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through May 27.
Following the 90-minute, one-act production, he will take part in a Q&A on stage and will join audience and cast members for a champagne reception in the Art Center Gallery afterwards.
“My little two-character play,” said Sachs, “has enjoyed success around the world. Starting with a seven-month sold-out run in L.A. and a three-month run on London’s West End (starring Kathleen Turner), it is now being produced in regional theaters across the U.S., translated into foreign languages and produced worldwide. I am particularly delighted to have it return to my own backyard at the Ojai Art Center Theater. Audiences are guaranteed a good time.”
“I am very proud and pleased to welcome playwright Stephen Sachs to our opening night show and celebration,” said Richard Camp, OACT artistic director. “When I needed a play that would very much involve our own art community, I grabbed this one.”
“Bakersfield Mist” is about a “hard-drinking broad” — Maude, portrayed by Lee Ann Manley — who buys a painting for $3 as a joke, because she thinks it’s so ugly. Someone suggests it could be a real Jackson Pollock. When snooty art appraiser Lionel, portrayed by Paul Sulzman, is dispatched to her trailer to authenticate the painting, the two face off in an argument over what’s real and what’s not.
Tickets for the opening night show, Q&A with Sachs and champagne reception are $35 all-inclusive for opening night. Performances are schedule for Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through May 27.
Local painters’ work to be featured in ‘Bakersfield Mist’
For the upcoming production of “Bakersfield Mist,” the Ojai Art Center Theater will be turned into a gallery. Selected works from local artists in the community will be featured during the play’s four-weekend run.
Other entries, including those from local students, will join the arrangements in the theater “gallery.” The idea is to give play attendees the feeling that they are walking into an art gallery when they come to see the play.
“Working together and involving different media and genres in the arts helps strengthen community, which is what I feel we need in Ojai especially after what we have gone through in December and January,” explained the play’s director, Susan Kelejian. “By being inclusive, we hope to welcome another audience in addition to the existing Ojai theatergoers.”
“Bakersfield Mist” is about a “hard-drinking broad,” Maude, portrayed by Lee Ann Manley, who buys a painting for $3 as a joke, because she thinks it’s so ugly. Someone suggests it could be a real Jackson Pollock. When snooty art appraiser Lionel, portrayed by Paul Sulzman, is dispatched to her trailer to authenticate the painting, the sparks and Jack Daniels start flying, as the two face-off in an argument over what’s real and what’s not. The bottom line: is it a missing Pollock worth $100,000,000 or a fake?
“Bakersfield Mist” is a 90-minute, two-character play. “Well, three characters if you count the Jackson Pollock painting,” added Kelejian.
Artistic director Richard Camp agreed. “The Pollock is the focal point of the play. Is it a real Pollock?” asked Camp. “Maybe it doesn’t matter. Maude believes it is and goes to great lengths to convince Lionel that it is. Who wins the battle is the crux of this serio-comic play that’ll not only make you laugh out loud, but will make you think, as well.”
The production — with its attendant art pieces — opens May 4 at the Ojai Art Center Theater. For tickets visit http:// www.OjaiACT.org or call 640-8797
For the upcoming production of “Bakersfield Mist,” the Ojai Art Center Theater will be turned into a gallery. Selected works from local artists in the community will be featured during the play’s four-weekend run.
Other entries, including those from local students, will join the arrangements in the theater “gallery.” The idea is to give play attendees the feeling that they are walking into an art gallery when they come to see the play.
“Working together and involving different media and genres in the arts helps strengthen community, which is what I feel we need in Ojai especially after what we have gone through in December and January,” explained the play’s director, Susan Kelejian. “By being inclusive, we hope to welcome another audience in addition to the existing Ojai theatergoers.”
“Bakersfield Mist” is about a “hard-drinking broad,” Maude, portrayed by Lee Ann Manley, who buys a painting for $3 as a joke, because she thinks it’s so ugly. Someone suggests it could be a real Jackson Pollock. When snooty art appraiser Lionel, portrayed by Paul Sulzman, is dispatched to her trailer to authenticate the painting, the sparks and Jack Daniels start flying, as the two face-off in an argument over what’s real and what’s not. The bottom line: is it a missing Pollock worth $100,000,000 or a fake?
“Bakersfield Mist” is a 90-minute, two-character play. “Well, three characters if you count the Jackson Pollock painting,” added Kelejian.
Artistic director Richard Camp agreed. “The Pollock is the focal point of the play. Is it a real Pollock?” asked Camp. “Maybe it doesn’t matter. Maude believes it is and goes to great lengths to convince Lionel that it is. Who wins the battle is the crux of this serio-comic play that’ll not only make you laugh out loud, but will make you think, as well.”
The production — with its attendant art pieces — opens May 4 at the Ojai Art Center Theater. For tickets visit http:// www.OjaiACT.org or call 640-8797
Bakersfield Mist Art Challenge Rules
ENTRIES CLOSE April 18, 2018
In the style of the late artist Jackson Pollock, please create a piece that best displays his style, energy, color, and kinesthetic technique.
ADULT COMPETITION
Specifications must be: on canvas, dimensions should be 4.5 x 6 feet or thereabouts. Please get as close to the style, paints, and textures that Pollock used, and incorporate movement that was indicative of his technique. This is not meant to be a replication of any existing art piece, such as Lavender Mist, but feel free to create a “lost Pollock.”
To be considered for entry: please email Susan Kelejian at skelejian@sbcglobal.net with the subject “Art Challenge.” Include all pertinent contact information and an attachment of a photo of the work.
STUDENT COMPETITION
(open to students AGES 7-17 in the Ojai Valley )
To create a painting which captures the feel of a Jackson Pollock of any period.
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
$150 cash prize, $25 gift certificate at Ojai Creates
SECOND PLACE WINNER
$75 cash prize, $25 gift certificate at Ojai Creates
THIRD PLACE WINNER
$25 cash prize
SPECIAL PRIZE: $100 cash prize and stage appearance (must be in the dimensions of the adult category to be considered)
To be given to the best portrayal of a Jackson Pollock which demonstrates the feelings of the Thomas Fire.
Blind Judging by local art professionals.
Please see for more info at Ojai Art Center Website, Bakersfield Mist/Jackson Pollock Facebook Event or contact Susan at skelejian@sbcglobal.net.
Download Students flier
Download Adult flier
ENTRIES CLOSE April 18, 2018
In the style of the late artist Jackson Pollock, please create a piece that best displays his style, energy, color, and kinesthetic technique.
ADULT COMPETITION
Specifications must be: on canvas, dimensions should be 4.5 x 6 feet or thereabouts. Please get as close to the style, paints, and textures that Pollock used, and incorporate movement that was indicative of his technique. This is not meant to be a replication of any existing art piece, such as Lavender Mist, but feel free to create a “lost Pollock.”
To be considered for entry: please email Susan Kelejian at skelejian@sbcglobal.net with the subject “Art Challenge.” Include all pertinent contact information and an attachment of a photo of the work.
STUDENT COMPETITION
(open to students AGES 7-17 in the Ojai Valley )
To create a painting which captures the feel of a Jackson Pollock of any period.
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
$150 cash prize, $25 gift certificate at Ojai Creates
SECOND PLACE WINNER
$75 cash prize, $25 gift certificate at Ojai Creates
THIRD PLACE WINNER
$25 cash prize
SPECIAL PRIZE: $100 cash prize and stage appearance (must be in the dimensions of the adult category to be considered)
To be given to the best portrayal of a Jackson Pollock which demonstrates the feelings of the Thomas Fire.
Blind Judging by local art professionals.
Please see for more info at Ojai Art Center Website, Bakersfield Mist/Jackson Pollock Facebook Event or contact Susan at skelejian@sbcglobal.net.
Download Students flier
Download Adult flier