Bakersfield College held a friendly art competition on Aug. 30: Paint ‘N Sip, co-sponsored by the Dining Commons. This was one of five events for Welcome Week 2, a collection of events to celebrate the beginning of the new semester for all incoming and returning students. Participants were asked to paint their interpretation of their Renegade Spirit.

The event began at 5 p.m. and continued until 7 p.m., during which participants competed in an art contest. Upon entering, participants are offered a canvas and color palettes.

Daisy Rodridguez, second place winner confessed, “I thought it was going to be a bit of peaceful painting. I didn’t realize it’s going to be a competition, but it’s fun.” Monica Guerra, fifth place winner, confirms, “It was a nice change of pace to every day.”

“I kind of actually thought it was Renegade Excellence, but you know, same thing, right?” said Robyn Franco, first place winner. She continues to say, “I thought about the goals and what it does for its students, and honestly just giving its students a steppingstone to achieve higher education.”  On top of the goodie bag, Franco will receive a free month entry for the dining commons.

Welcome Week 2 had more to offer! From Aug. 28 to Aug. 30, Welcoming Tents were hitched by the Renegades Crossroads, Outdoor Theatre, Corner of Humanities and Business, Welcome Center Loop, and the Industrial Tech.  Resources were offered for those who missed it the first week.

“Poppin’ Off with BCSGA”, our first BCSGA Town Hall meeting for the semester, was another Welcome Week 2 event on Aug.28 along with the semester’s first farmers market and the grand reopening of the Basic Needs Center on Aug. 29. Welcome Week 2 came to a close with the Student Involvement Center and Blood Drive on Aug. 31.

Of the 28 who participated, the top 5 winners will have their art displayed in the dining commons for the rest of the Fall 2023 semester.