A competitive local art program is going beyond the confines of the classroom to teach students how to make it in the art world.
Movie goers are wildly entertained with the latest 3D films.
And, then there are the classics.
Animators and artists alike are making big careers from box office hits, including Bakersfield's own, Steven Gordon.
Gordon, a Bakersfield High School graduate, is now a Dreamworks animator. "I started drawing in high school and then in study hall. When I was drawing I said 'hey this is what I love, this is what I want to do, I'm going to make that scary step and make art a career'," he explained.
The stereotypical "starving" artist makes a career in art seem scary. But, Gordon's credits include movies like 'Kung Fu Panda' and 'Puss and Boots.'
He's back in Bakersfield talking to students about bridging the gap between a hobby and a successful art career.
"A lot of the students have a strong interest and they have actually changed their direction and were thinking about art, but now are serious about art," said David Gordon, Art Works program.
"I want to go to Cal Arts to study concept to be a concept artist with Disney, that's the ultimate goal," said Frontier High senior Mosiah Rasmussen.
Steven Gordon is teaching students basic animation, an art form that captures the students' interest and imagination.
"I've really always preferred the 2D animation, but I realized more how much they have to do for the 3D," said Centennial High senior Shelby Ice.
The program is free to students, but requires a competitive application process.
In the end, students showcase their artwork at the museum. In a time when school budgets are shrinking and art programs are cut down, Art Works gives students the tools to sculpt their future.
