9/11 To Be Remembered During Saturday Benicia Art Walk​

BENICIA, CA — The 10th season of the annual Benicia Art Walk continues 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, on First Street in downtown Benicia.

This year, Benicia Fire Department will mark the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, by honoring the 343 firefighters and all those who perished that day with a flag memorial on the lawn adjacent to the gazebo in City Park at First Street and Military West.

"It is important to note that September 11, 2021, marks the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the crash of Flight 93," City of Benicia Spokesperson Teri Davena said in a news release. "The loss of life from this tragedy was nearly 3,000 people from 93 nations, making Sept. 11, 2001, one of the most tragic days in United States history. Among those lost were firefighters from the New York Fire Department, law enforcement officers, and far too many civilians."

Visitors are encouraged to stop by the flag memorial to honor and reflect on the day. Benicia Fire Department personnel will be on hand from 7 a.m. until sunset. Benicia bagpiper, Lloyd Christiansen, will offer a tribute at 6 p.m.

During Saturday’s Benicia Art Walk, the Galleries of First Street, an organization of the eight First Street galleries, hosts the Benicia Art Passport competition. Stop by any of the galleries, pick up an Art Passport, then get it stamped at each of the participating galleries for a chance to be drawn to win the prize of $200 to be spent at any of the eight galleries.

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

Here’s a list of participating galleries and what’s in store during the Sept. 11 Benicia Art Walk:

The Little Art Shop, 129 First St. in the Tannery

In honor of 9/11, the gallery will celebrate the gift of life with music and joy, while honoring and remembering those who lost their lives tragically so many years ago. Featured artist Jessica
Robinson will be in the gallery from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. sharing her clay creations. Entertainer, singer and rock violinist Gary Krohn will perform from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Once Upon a Canvas, 129 First St. in the Tannery

The gallery will have a painting demo by Connie Millholand from 1 – 3:30 p.m. and will be streaming photos from the 9/11 tragedy.

Benicia Plein Air Gallery, 307 First Street

Mary Lou Correia is the gallery’s featured artist in September. Her exhibition “September, Colors of Joy,” will be on display September 7 – 30. The show features a collection of works painted
during the pandemic.

Gallery 621, 309 First Street

The gallery will not participate in the September Art Walk while they move to their new location. Join them for the October Benicia Art Walk at 920 First Street, Suite 203.

HQ Gallery, 333 First Street, Suite D.

The gallery offers a packed schedule of activities in September. Visitors will find original watercolor artworks by featured artist Samantha McNally. Participants in the gallery’s Scavenger Hunt will have an opportunity to win a prize painting donated by McNally.

A new art exhibit, "Autumn Days" is on display showcasing original paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics and more, created by 20 local member artists.

Live music will be performed by Marcy Orendorff on acoustic guitar and vocals, playing a mix of classic and contemporary folk. A fun specialty of Marcy’s is creating an original song-on-the-spot, upon request.

Happy Life Pottery, 632 First Street

Stop by to view the watercolor realism by Berkeley-based artist, Susan Cady McAllister, for this one day only. In addition, they’ll have a new, never-before-seen, special collection of gorgeous mermaid mugs by artist Amy Stellato and her husband David. These mugs are a collaboration of hand-made artistry and wheel-thrown functionality and are a rare offering from this very busy husband-wife team!

The gallery’s owners are collaborating with Arts Benicia to present the contemporary paper collage work by Virginia George, inspired by Mid-Century Modern artists including Henri Matisse, Slender Calder, and Jean Arp. Stop by for refreshments and art appreciation.

Arata Art Gallery, 637 First Street

The gallery is participating in a unique charity auction of original art. Ten local artists have modified a dozen different mannequins to be auctioned off with the proceeds going to various
charities. Arata Art Gallery (along with HQ Gallery and Estey Gallery at 216 First Street) will display the mannequins until the September 14 auction at the historic Jefferson Street mansion. The auction will be a vaccinated-only event from 5 – 7 p.m., offering free parking and free admission. Stop by the galleries for a preview.

Artcentric, 733 First Street

The paint-your-own ceramic studio and gallery offers quality handmade art for sale and local Benicia souvenirs.

The Benicia Art Walk is sponsored by the City of Benicia through its tourism program, Visit Benicia. Learn more about the city's art scene at VisitBenicia.org/arts.