Benicia Art Walk Returns This Saturday

BENICIA, CA — The 10th season of Benicia Art Walk kicks off from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. this Saturday on First Street in downtown Benicia and continues the second Saturday of the month in July, September and October.

Benicia Art Walk is sponsored by the City of Benicia through Visit Benicia, the city’s tourism program.

"We’re excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary season of Benicia Art Walk," said Teri Davena, economic development specialist for the City of Benicia. "After an abbreviated season due to the pandemic last year, we look forward to a full season of Benicia Art Walk this year. The eight galleries on First Street welcome visitors in celebration of a decade of great art and fun activities at the galleries in downtown Benicia."

The Galleries of First Street — a loose organization of galleries — is hosting the Benicia Art Passport competition during the Art Walk. Stop by any of the eight galleries, pick up an Art Passport, then get it stamped at each gallery for a chance to be drawn to win the prize of $200 to be spent at any of the participating galleries.

Benicia Art Walk is always free and so is the parking. Look for the blue banners hanging in front of each gallery or pick up the 2021 Benicia Art Walk brochure and map to find the fun.

Here's a list of participating galleries and some information about what's in store for the June 12 Benicia Art Walk:

The Little Art Shop, 129 First Street in the Tannery: See the creative works of over 30 local artists, many of whom will host big sales during Art Walk. Featured artists include Mary Danko Williams, a talented and innovative fused glass artist whose creative flair and meticulous techniques shine through each piece that she creates, from wall art and functional pieces to garden art and jewelry.

Once Upon a Canvas, 129 First Street in the Tannery: Artist Tina Hariu will host a portrait demonstration at 2 p.m. June 12. Stop by any time to view several paintings by the students of Charles White and watch teachers conducting classes.

Benicia Plein Air Gallery, 307 First Street: Artist Iris Sabre’s exhibition New Beginnings will be on display for the Art Walk.

Gallery 621, 309 First Street.

HQ Gallery, 333 First Street, Suite D: Gallery artists are in the process of creating a collaboration painting to be given as a prize on the Art Walk on the second Saturday in July. The painting, 24”x30” acrylic on canvas, is being created by artists Samantha McNally, Susan Street, Pat Calabro, Bruce Pope, Craig Moline, Annette Batchelor, Barb Duvall, Michal Lehmen, and Ok Kyong Hanrahan. Stop by to see the work in progress and fill out a free entry for the July 10 drawing.

Happy Life Pottery, 632 First Street: New work is on display showcasing a variety of mediums. In addition to the ceramic art of owners David and Amy Stellato, they are excited to have the visually stunning, mixed-media work by Bay Area artist Travis White. Additionally, they are introducing a series of photographic works by local artist, Nicholas Gallardo, in which a gorgeously rich and wide perspective of Benicia as a whole is given through many tiny “moments” fit together. They are collaborating with Arts Benicia in presenting contemporary pastel and acrylic work of artist Ellen Gust.

Arata Art Gallery, 637 First Street: The gallery will premiere a stunning new collection by owner Geraldine Arata at an Artists’ Reception during Art Walk. Be among the first to view her new showstopping collection of bejeweled and sculpted oil paintings; truly groundbreaking mixed media art from this noted artist. The gallery will also present new works by artist Greg Creason of New Orleans. His dramatic resined and inlaid blown glass portraits are in high demand and widely collected. Arata and Creason’s work are a visual delight and must be seen to be appreciated! Guest artist Cindy Whitechurch will be in front of the gallery displaying her glass art.

Artcentric, 733 First Street: The paint-your-own ceramic studio and gallery is hosting a sidewalk sale of canvas paintings. You might catch a painting demo, too. Artcentric offers quality handmade art for sale and local Benicia souvenirs.

"Benicia Art Walk is a great opportunity to come for lunch, then stay for dinner and make a day of it," Davena said. "There are plenty of great shopping and dining options along the tree-lit blocks of historic First Street."

For more information on the art scene in Benicia, go to VisitBenicia.org/arts.