TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

"Phoenix Arising," the title of Norma Neil's solo show of watercolors opening Friday at the Art Center, has a special meaning for the artist.

It is a celebration of her journey in overcoming two major incidents in her life that occurred five years ago: First was the death of her husband of 48 years, followed a short time later by an accident that caused her right hand and arm to be paralyzed for seven months.

"I had to deal with becoming a widow -- I had never lived alone before," she said. "And I had to learn to use my left hand for everything I did."

Her right hand was useless as far as painting was concerned. And for Neil, who has a credential for teaching art, life without art would be no life at all.

Undaunted, she tried to paint with her left hand and was surprised to find it worked. Eventually her injury healed, aided by many weeks of therapy, and she regained the use of her right hand.

Now, at age 72, she's happy to be ambidextrous.

"Today, I never know which hand will want to hold the brush," says Neil, a prolific artist who often completes two paintings in one day.

Her Art Center exhibit includes 17 original pieces in a wide range of subject matter. One of the more unusual ones is her interpretation of a prehistoric painting on the walls of the Lascaux Cave in France, which she visited in September.

"It is awe-inspiring to see things that were painted 15 to 20,000 years ago," she said. "I didn't try to copy it -- the hardest thing was learning how to draw like a caveman."

Neil's exhibit will be on display through Feb. 25. The Art Center's regular hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays.

Black history in Tehachapi

In observance of Black History Month, CrossRoads Gallery in Tehachapi is featuring the work of Carole Joyce, who lives in the mountain community.

"I always look forward to Black History Month," Joyce said. "It's when we honor the ones who came before us and the struggles that they went through. It's a time when we celebrate the history and many accomplishments of black America."

Joyce, 66, moved to the area about three years ago after living in Fontana, the San Fernando Valley and Bakersfield.

She was an artist-in-residence for the Arts Council of Kern from 2001-2005 and now teaches students privately.

A figurative artist and sculptor, she specializes in portraits. Her original painting of Michael Jackson, done in pastels, will be in the exhibit.

"I really wanted to make a portrait of him because I admired him," Joyce said. "He was so talented and dedicated to his craft, and it really helped me work through the grief of his sudden passing."

Not all of her subjects are as well-known as the late singer, however.

"My favorite subjects show African-American women in all their charm and grace," she said. "I paint from my heart and I want the viewer to connect with the energy of love and joy that went into the work."

CrossRoads is a cooperative gallery that involves a number of different artists. Mel White is the coordinator.

Also being shown during February is the work of three other artists, including Alejandra Whittier, a jewelry designer, specializing in one-of-a-kind designs; Vicki Braslow, an oil painter whose work is inspired by her love of nature; and Ardean Rudolph, a watercolorist noted for her attention to detail.

All of the artwork will be on display through Feb. 28 at the gallery, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Puppetry at the Gaslight

Whether you're a kid or an adult, there's nothing like laughter to lighten your day. And I find Omnipresent Puppet Theater's comical version of "Little Red Riding Hood" one of the best ways to do just that.

Professional puppeteer Don Kruszka will present two shows on Saturday at the Gaslight Melodrama Theater, one in the morning, the other in the afternoon.

And each show last only 40 minutes.

While the performance may be based on the familiar fairy tale, the characters' antics are far from traditional.

For example, the Big Bad Wolf sings like Elvis Presley and the woodcutter becomes friendly with a swarm of killer bees. If you can't catch a show this weekend, performances continue at Gaslight on Feb. 11 and Feb. 18.

Quintet at Juliana's

A concert on Sunday afternoon features a quintet playing bluegrass and folk music in a visual setting at Juliana's Art Studio & Gallery.

Houston Jones, a group based in the San Francisco area. It features Glenn Houston on lead guitar; Travis Jones, lead vocalist and acoustic guitar; Peter Tucker, percussion; Chris Kee, stand-up bass, cello and guitar; and Henry Salvia, keyboards and accordion.

Gallery owner Juliana Bernier Dooley said work by six artists is currently on display: Oleksiy Kovalenko, Chella Brehmer, Phyllis Oliver, Lateef "Kay Kay" Kotum, Christine Anderson and Bill Ryan.

Mid-week organ concert

Marcia Krause will be the featured organist at the noontime concert on Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church.

Her program will include "I Am an American," a 16-minute multimedia production created by Robert Tall, who designed and installed the church's organ. Meg Wise will join Krause in a piano and organ duet of "A Mighty Fortress is our God."

Those who attend may bring a lunch to be eaten in Westminster Hall, which adjoins the sanctuary, starting 45 minutes before the concert.

Mural competition

Jesus Fidel, curator of The Empty Space gallery, is accepting entries for a mural competition. He asks that submissions reflect the theater's mission, "Setting Theater free."

Entries will be accepted from individuals as well as from artists who join in a team effort. The artist, or team, must be able to reproduce the mural on a 5 ½-by-15-foot wall in three days or less.

Deadline for submissions is Feb. 11. For complete guidelines, write to Fidel via email at jfidel@rocketmail.com or call the theater at 327-PLAY.