Benicia boasts one of the most active and influential art communities in the Bay Area. Hundreds of artists live and work in studios throughout the city, creating world-class objets d'art.
Why do so many artists find inspiration here?
“A desire to become a full-time studio artist, in a community of other studio artists, is why I chose Benicia. I had spent the first 20 years of my creative life working in isolation in another community before coming here. The 1991 Benicia artist community was a rag-tag lot, but it spoiled me for any other form of existence. My artist friends, family and neighbors make my spirit soar. This is the center of my universe.”
– Artist Mike Kendall
Benicia's resident artists share their talents via an eclectic mix of media and styles, including glass art, prints, sculpture, ceramics, photographs, paintings and even hand-screened wallpaper. The city is particularly known for its art glass studios, where you can often see nationally acclaimed glass artists at work.
Almost 100 artists have opted to locate their studios in an enclave known as The Arsenal, a former military reservation that now exudes a bohemian feel, given the depth and quality of creative expression that goes on there.
Helping give the artistic community a focus and collective voice is Arts Benicia, a nonprofit art center located in The Arsenal. Arts Benicia maintains a world-class gallery, offers excellent classes and art experiences for all ages, sponsors exhibitions in locations throughout Benicia, and coordinates many events, including artists' Open Studios every May.
The Benicia Arts and Culture Commission serves to ensure that arts and culture are integral to our community's quality of life, economic vitality, and central identity. They cooperate with council and public and private organizations to create and promote art and cultural programs and activities within Benicia.
Benicia also enjoys a vibrant performing arts community, with twice-yearly, professional-quality productions by the highly regarded Benicia Old Town Theatre Group and frequent performances by locally and regionally known musicians at venues such as the First Street Café and The Rellik Tavern. Every year, Benicia Main Street hosts the Benicia Fine Art & Jazz Festival on the waterfront.
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Benicia Art Walk presents the opportunity to experience art in Benicia, and enjoy local cuisine, shops, and entertainment. Look for the blue Art Walk flags or use the brochure to take in all the great art of First Street. Art Walk takes place on the 2nd Saturday of the month.
A Mini Film Festival to raise funds to support the Benicia Films Festival-April 2014. Many of the films and shorts were produced and directed by Benicia High School students. Showtimes are every 2 hours beginning at 1:00 p.m. The last show is at 7:00 p.m. Seating is limited to thirty people per performance. Tickets are $10.00-Adults, $5.00-Students, Children 5 years old and under free. Tickets may be purchases at the Benicia Public Library, Bookshop Benicia, and Benicia Main Street. Food & beverages will be availalbe for purchase.
Benicia Art Walk presents the opportunity to experience art in Benicia, and enjoy local cuisine, shops, and entertainment. Look for the blue Art Walk flags or use the brochure to take in all the great art of First Street. Art Walk takes place on the 2nd Saturday of the month.
