Tehachapi has made a name for itself because of the numerous murals that adorn virtually many of its walls. At every turn, a new and fascinating piece of artwork reveals itself. Many murals depict a significant historical event or a famous citizen, now passed.
There are too many murals in Tehachapi to give a detailed account of each in this piece, so we’ll focus on some of the favorites. Consider this a teaser. You’ll have to come down and visit yourself to enjoy all the art this town has to offer.
People of the Mountains Mural
The Kawaiisu Tribe was the first native people to settle in this part of the state. The mural “People of the Mountains” by artist Colleen Mitchell-Veyna is a must-see. It portrays a Kawaiisu village as it would have looked before contact with the European settlers. Elders, families, and craftspeople are depicted going about their everyday lives as they would have many years ago.
Historic Tehachapi Loop Mural
A mural entitled “The Historic Tehachapi Loop” was completed in 2002 and is another favorite with visitors. The work was collaborative between New Zealand artist Marc Spykerbosch and John Pugh. The piece is a sweeping, panoramic view of “The Loop” valley. The artists spent many days hiking through the area to feel the place to depict it in their murals better.
The result is a beautiful work with an exciting and unexpected element. The artists chose to include what appears to be a crack in the building wall on which the mural has been painted. This is a reminder of a destructive earthquake that tore through Tehachapi in 1952. Like much of California, Tehachapi is no stranger to earthquakes.
Street Dance Mural
“Street Dance,” completed in 2004, contains no ominous elements. In 1915, the first electric street lights were installed in the town, and a great dance was held in the streets to celebrate the achievement. The faces of the dancers are representations of famous Tehachapi residents from the present and the past. Respected mural artist Phil Slagter created the piece.
Airmail Mural
Test pilot and local Tehachapi artist Mark Pestana are responsible for designing and painting the unique “Airmail” mural finished in 2007. The piece was commissioned to mark a new stamp issued in 1938 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first airmail delivery in America.
The mural is two works in one. On the left, we see a Tehachapi pilot standing next to his plane in 1938. The right-hand side of the mural shows an airmail letter as it would have looked in that same year. Especially interesting is that the artist chose to paint the portrait of the pilot and his plane in black and white; However, the airmail letter on the right has been rendered in bright colors.
The murals are one thing that draws visitors to the town. Many historic buildings have been preserved in their original state. Most can be enjoyed during a half-day walk around town—the Errea House Museum at 311 S. Green St. in Tehachapi, California. The house is the only surviving building from the settlement of Tehichipa. The Tehachapi Museum can be found at 310 S. Green Street inside the old Kern County Library building.
Tehachapi Depot Museum
Tehachapi Depot Museum houses a collection of train artifacts and information on the train history of the region. Chances are you will see a freight speeding by on its way to or from the world-famous Tehachapi loop. Admission to the Tehachapi Depot Museum is free. 101 W Tehachapi Blvd, Tehachapi, California. Website.
Souza Family Vineyard
If wine is more your thing, you will not leave disappointed. Neighboring Cummings Valley is home to The Souza Family Vineyard. While the family had ranched in the valley since 1990, in 2003, they mixed things up a bit and started making wine. Their “Primivito Zinfandel” has become something of a local legend. 26689 Cummings Valley Rd, Tehachapi, California.
Getting To Tehachapi
Tehachapi can be found in the high desert mountains between Las Angeles and Bakersfield. The town is located along Highway 58, about a 45-minute drive from Bakersfield or two hours from Los Angeles.
The Tehachapi Loop mural is no more. The building was renovated and the mural was not saved. Plus, there are two other Vineyards and tasting rooms in Tehachapi now and Souza is now “Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Company”.
Is there anyway for you to correct end of story? Tehachapi is on Hwy 58, not 50
Thanks for pointing out the typo. Fixed now.
I understood businesses closed earlier for COVID, not sure how that helped but it was the thing. Since restrictions have been lifted though, it seems like most businesses in Tehachapi went back to pre-COVID hours which is (whatever they feel like). Taco Bells lights turn off 2-3 hours early… Use to use “daylight savings” as an excuse but that was 1.5 years ago. Jack n the Box, Save Smart, Dell Taco (are they even open??? if so the highway 58 sign that says 24 hours needs to be removed. I’d be upset if I was traveling to come into Tehachapi just for all these businesses that say open are actually closed.
Thanks for the info.