8th Season Of Benicia Art Walk Begins

From the City of Benicia: The 8th season of Benicia Art Walk kicks off on Saturday, June 8 and continues on the second Saturdays of July, September and October, 2-7 p.m. on First Street in downtown Benicia.

Benicia Art Walk is cosponsored by Visit Benicia, the City of Benicia’s tourism program, and Downtown Benicia Alliance.

Benicia City Manager Lorie Tinfow said, “We’ve seen Benicia Art Walk grow from six galleries in 2016 to eight galleries in 2017 and 2018. For the first time, 11 independent galleries are hosting Benicia Art Walk this season. Art has found a home on First Street.”

Benicia Art Walk galleries offer original art, live demonstrations, small sips and fun activities. It's always FREE and so is the parking. Look for the blue banners hanging in front of each gallery or pick up the 2019 Benicia Art Walk brochure and map to find the fun.

At each Benicia Art Walk, the Galleries of First Street are encouraging visitors to pick up the Art Passport at any of the galleries, then get it stamped at each gallery for a chance to win $200 towards a piece of art at one of the 11 galleries. Come for lunch, then stay for dinner and make a day of it. There are plenty of great shopping and dining options along the tree-lit blocks of First Street.

Here’s a list of participating galleries and what’s in store during the June 8 Benicia Art Walk:

• Gallerie Renee Marie at 1038 First Street. The Senegal Mask Series by artist Margot Hartford will be on display through June 30.
• Arata Art Gallery at 637 First Street. Join artists Judy Neal and Philip Veneable for a reception, 2 – 7 p.m., for their show that runs June 6 through July 14.
• Happy Life Pottery at 632 First Street. The artwork of Christina Miles will be featured, as well as new work by David Stellato. David will be doing a wheel demonstration from 5 to 7 p.m
• Lindsay Art Glass at 109 East F Street. Stop by their gallery for the large display of works in glass, metal, leather and more by American artists.
• Cavallo Gallery at 117 East F Street. Meet jewelry artist Linda Bodie at the reception, 1 – 4 p.m. The art of Erika Hoffe will also be on display through July 1.
• HQ Gallery at 333 First Street, Suite D. They are celebrating two years at their First Street location with their Anniversary Show and showcasing their newest member, Ebba Navas, who creates digital art using complex programs for control of depth, texture, color and medium, then printing on a variety of surfaces.
• Gallery 621 at 309 First Street.
• Benicia Plein Air Gallery at 307 First Street. Join artist Susan Johnson from 3 to 5 p.m. for a reception for her exhibition “Italian Ports”, on display through June 30, along with a new collection of plein air paintings by all 13 of the gallery's artists showcasing a colorful variety of media and styles.
• Estey Gallery at 216 First Street. Works by artists Elisa Marshall and Mimi Wirth will be on display.
• Once Upon a Canvas at 129 First Street in the Tannery. Sacramento’s premier picture framing factory and studio, The Frame Factory, is coming to Benicia for one day only, from 1 to 5 p.m. offering custom frames, mats, glass and more for your framing needs.
• The Little Art Shop at 129 First Street in the Tannery. Stop by for their Second Anniversary celebrations, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Husband and wife artist Kevin Denton (professional photographer) and Elizabeth Denton (sculptor) will be on hand, plus live demonstrations, giveaways, art, gifts, wine, chocolate and more.

More information on the art scene in Benicia is available online at VisitBenicia.org/arts