'Bound For Books' Benches Debut In Danville

DANVILLE, CA — Starting Friday, anyone who wants to pop a squat in downtown Danville will be able to sit on a giant book.

The town is celebrating the launch of its Bound for Books Artful Book Bench Project, which asked local artists to decorate fiberglass benches in the shape of books, inspired by their favorite works of literature.

Starting Friday at 3 p.m., the public is invited to come to the Town Green for an opening celebration, which will feature a display of the books that inspired the benches, storytime, crafts, and artful bubble blowing from Sterling the Bubblesmith from 4:15 to 5 p.m.

From 5 to 7 p.m., the Village Theatre Art Gallery will host an opening reception for both the Bound for Books project and the “Art of the Story” juried art exhibit, which features works inspired by or created from books. The gallery exhibit is open through Aug. 11.

The book benches will be on display throughout downtown Danville until the week of Sept. 25, when they will go back to the Village Theatre and Art Gallery patio for a closing reception and auction. Auction proceeds will benefit future public art projects.

In the meantime, photos of the books will be included on the town website, along with the location of the bench, and information about the artist and sponsor.

Organizations, businesses and individuals are able to sponsor a bench for the exhibit for $1000 per bench. A sponsorship includes a custom placard on the bench base and acknowledgements in exhibit promotions in print and online.

For more information on the summer exhibits and activities, visit www.danville.ca.gov/boundforbooks or contact Visual Arts Coordinator Marija Nelson Bleier at mnelsonbleier@danville.ca.gov.