The Bakersfield Art Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1944, and is dedicated to meeting the needs of local artists and art lovers.  The BAA's Gallery of Art at the East Hills Mall will be closing to the public on March 14th and moving to its new ART CENTER in the downtown Arts District at 1817 Eye Street.  The new Center will continue to showcase the original art of local Kern County artists, professional and non-professional.  The BAA supports scholarships for both adults and children at the Kern County Fair each year.  It will also provide venues at the Center and in local businesses to feature the art of its members, including juried and featured artists' shows in the Center.  The BAA Art Center also provides an Art Supply Center, classes, workshops, monthly programs with demonstrations, critiques; and also supports shows in the community, arts in business, a newsletter, and a plein air painters' group.  Can be contacted at 1817 Eye Street or at P.O. Box 386, Bakersfield, CA 93302, telephone 661-869-2320. The website is http://www.bakersfieldartassociation.org/.  The BAA offers members the opportunity to interact, to learn and to share the excitement of art and the creative process with other artists (including professional and non-professional).