On Thursday, Feb. 18, the western boutique store, OutWest Marketing in Old Town Newhall held its sixth art show in conjunction with Farmer’s Market. Main Street which was once a dilapidated area with little foot traffic has not only been revitalized through the reconstruction, but also through the arts.

There is a quaint, old-west feeling to Main Street. Farmer’s Market, merchandisers’ booths stretching over multiple blocks as the sound of the train goes by while a singing cowboy is standing in front of OutWest Marketing.

The cowboy with the guitar is local western singer John Bergstrom. A soloist, Bergstrom has been performing for more than eight years. He is part of a community that not only has a great western history, but still embraces its past roots. “In this particular community the tradition of the West is part and parcel of the community,” said Bergstrom. “There is a lot of western history here and a strong movie connection.”

Bergstrom’s music has been played on the radio in Germany, Sweden, and France. Bergstrom explains the differing element of Western music from country music is that western focuses more on the outdoors.

Originally started as a Western theme store, OutWest has become “a cultural center for the arts” according to owner, Bobbi Jean Bell. “There’s an unbelievable amount of talent in this community,” says Bell “We want this location to be the perfect location for a date night, family night, and girl’s night out. We want to embrace musicians, dancers, artists, photographers and all the other art forms.”

The arts movement is growing significantly in the community. Main Street is just one example of an area of Santa Clarita that has embraced the arts.

Many shoppers were checking out the merchandising booths, OutWest was packed with customers and lovers of the arts.

An art lover’s eyes will catch numerous elements of the arts in this store. Local photographer Frank Lozano displayed his fine works. His exhibit was filled with western images, local scenes, and simple images to beautiful landscapes, and photos from his travels from Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Haiti.

Lozano volunteers for Three Angels Children Relief, an organization in Haiti whose purpose is threefold: It’s an orphanage, medical clinic and school. In 2006, Lozano visited Haiti as part of a missionary trip and helped put a documentary together for Three Angels Children Relief. Since then, Lazano revisited Haiti in 2007 and 2008.

“It’s heartbreaking to see the places I’ve been to that have toppled because of the construction” says Lozano. He recalls with vivid memory of seeing “Fruits and vegetables sold in gutters” and also remembers “A young man taking a tin cup to get water out of a hole in the street.”

Although Lozano recalls many images of rampant poverty, he also remembers some positive images. “People are not in their homes, they’re not playing a PSP. They’re outside talking to their neighbors and waving hello.”

The activity in OutWest does not stop here. Laila Asgari, a local glass artist was featured. Beautiful fused glass pieces of western images. Originally an oil painter, Asgari explains that “I always wanted to work with stain glass because it’s a unique art form.” Asgari is a tall, cowgirl who was raised riding horses from age 5 and watching westerns as a child. This strong western influence comes to life in her art.

Purveyors of the old western goods were also present. Biskit Hatch-a leather artist showcased this old art form. Leather frames, belts, wallets, gun holsters and other pieces for sale.

The arts are growing in the community and Main Street represents only a fraction of the arts movement which is growing significantly through its local talent and support.

Starting in March, the art walk (hosted by OutWest Marketing) will be held on the first Thursday of each month at 5pm on Main Street (formerly San Fernando Road), Old Town Newhall.

OutWest Marketing is located on: 24265 Main Street, Old Town Newhall. For more information, one may call: (661) 255-7087.

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