denise's blog

Bay Area residents seeking a unique option to commemorate Memorial Day, should visit nearby Benicia, Monday, May 28, 10 to 11 a.m. A patriotic ceremony will be held at the oldest U.S. military cemetery on the West Coast, the Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery.

Benicia Historical Society volunteers have assembled an impressive lineup of speakers and performers for this year’s ceremony – an event that typically draws a crowd of over 300 people. This year’s keynote speaker will be LTC David Ceniti, Battalion Commander of the California National Guard 749th Combat Support Battalion (based in Benicia, having recently returned from a deployment in Iraq this past November), along with several other guest speakers and poets.

There will be a variety of patriotic music performed, including a traditional trumpet performance of “Taps” by talented Benicia High School students (and siblings) Chris and Christina O’Brien, California All-State Honor Band award winners. The California National Guard 749th Combat Support Battalion’s Color Guard will demonstrate the ceremonial posting and retiring of the colors. Dressed in Korean War-era uniforms, the Military History Preservation Society will deliver a dramatic 21-gun salute, and National Civil War Association members will be dressed in Civil War attire, for the ceremony.

About the Cemetery
The Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery is an intimate, peaceful cemetery. Established in 1849, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Benicia Arsenal/Benicia Barracks Historic District. The cemetery contains 211 graves dating from 1849 to 1958. The earliest recorded burial at the cemetery was First Lieutenant Charles E. Jarvis, who died June 8, 1849 at Sonoma, California. In 1958, Emelie G. Brammer, wife of Staff Sergeant Charles Brammer, was the last person buried in the cemetery. The graves include 123 U.S. military personnel, nine foreign military personnel who were German and Italian POWs, 61 civilians, 18 of unknown affiliation and three canines (who were pets of military personnel.) The cemetery also served as the burial ground for women and children who were dependents of soldiers stationed in Benicia.

How to get there

• From Highway 680, take Highway 780 and take the East Fifth Street exit. Turn left on East Fifth Street to Military East
• From Highway 80, take Highway 780 and take the East Fifth Street exit. Turn right on East Fifth Street to Military East
• Turn left on Military East to Hospital Road
• Turn left on Hospital Road to Buchanan Street
• Turn left on Buchanan Street and take the first right to the cemetery
• There will be directional signs posted and parking attendants to assist you

For more details, please contact the Benicia Historical Society at www.beniciahistoricalsociety.org, or call Wally Stephens at either (707) 745-8384 or (707) 853-2008.

Architecture, history and garden buffs will delight in Benicia Historical Society's 2012 Vintage Home & Garden Tour on Saturday, May 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This vintage home tour will showcase the beautiful interiors of seven homes, as well as two lovely blossoming gardens along the way.  

The tour will feature stately, vintage homes along West F Street, West G Street, West H Street, and East Third Street. Most stops along the tour are within easy walking distance of each other and are marked with signage and balloons.

You're welcome to choose a starting point from any of the participating homes; there isn't a specific order to follow. At your first stop, you'll receive a program describing the history of each home, as well as the gardens. The tours will be self guided, and helpful, knowledgeable docents will be on hand to answer questions about the homes' histories and architectural elements.  

On West F Street, you'll discover the Coelho House, 141 West F Street, built around 1870. The home is a classic Italianate - very popular during the Victorian era - and was the home of noted California pioneer and builder, L. Hastings. The tour also includes a stunning Queen Anne style Victorian from the 1900s, located on West G Street, among others.

During tour hours, attendees are invited to enjoy refreshments at the Fischer-Hanlon House garden, located at the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, 135 West G Street.

Tickets
Tour admission is $25 in advance or $30 the day of the tour. Tickets can be purchased at Bookshop Benicia, 856 Southampton Road; Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street; Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street; or the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, 601 First Street, #100.

Please note: No children are allowed on the tour. Also, no high heels, backpacks, baby carriers or strollers will be permitted inside the homes.

Proceeds will benefit the Benicia State Park Association's efforts to keep the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park open, as well as help fund the Benicia Historical Society's ongoing effort to restore the historic Von Pfister Adobe site.

For more information about the Vintage Home & Garden Tour, please visit the Benicia Historical Society's website at www.beniciahistoricalsociety.org, or call (707) 746-6689 or (707) 745-3551.

Once again, Benicia’s über-talented community artists are opening their studios to the public during Benicia Artists Open Studios weekend, May 5 and 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit Benicia for this unique event and see why it’s regarded as one of the Bay Area’s best art towns.

Over 50 studios – concentrated primarily within the Benicia Arsenal arts district – will be ready to greet you with open doors from 10 to 5 p.m., both days. Open Studios provides a rare chance to speak personally with artists about their work, view their creative work spaces, and of course, purchase a piece that speaks to you.

Begin your visit with a stop at Arts Benicia Gallery, 991 Tyler Street, #114. They’ll provide you with a map to the participating studios.

Preview exhibition and Mosaic Project
The Benicia Artists Open Studios preview exhibition begins this week at Arts Benicia, beginning April 19 and ending May 6. On display will be a variety of media, giving you a taste of what you might see during Open Studios weekend. The exhibit is open Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m., at 991 Tyler Street, #114.

For a second year in a row, the exhibit includes a stirring community outreach installation called the “Mosaic Project.” Arts Benicia gave out over 160 six by six-inch art panels (donated by Ruszel Woodworks) to artists, kids, and community members, of diverse artistic ability, and asked them to create any type of art upon them. The result is an exquisite grid of tiles – many of considerable value because of the caliber of professional artists who have participated – that covers an entire gallery wall.

The tiles (some worth more than $300) are being sold through a blind raffle to benefit Arts Benicia. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased at any time during the exhibition, while they last, for $25 each. The intrigue is the “blind” part of the raffle – and the element of surprise. The evening of May 6, near the close of Open Studios, the raffle will take place at 5 p.m. At this time, raffled tiles will be paired with their owners. and you’ll discover which gem you’ve won. The more raffle tickets purchased, the better your chance of winning a very valuable tile. To find out how to purchase a tile prior to the raffle, call Arts Benicia at (707) 747-0131.

Associated events

• “Art for Everyone...the Ah-Ha Moment” lecture, Saturday, April 21, 2 to 5 p.m.: Arts Benicia has partnered with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to present a series of lectures by Pam Dizon, Ronna Leon, Connie Millholland, Christine Mani and Ann Nourot. Each of the speakers, and Lee Wilder Snider, are donating artwork to be raffled in conjunction with the series. Proceeds benefit Arts Benicia and AAUW’s Tech Trek program, which provides a unique math and science summer experience for seventh-grade girls.
• Family Art Day, Sunday, April 22, 1 to 3 p.m.: It’s free! Bring your family for a fun afternoon of art projects, taught by friendly, Arts Benicia associates.

    
Plan an outing to Benicia for Open Studios weekend, and view a wide-range of media: paintings, sculptures, art glass, woodwork, photography, illustrations, jewelry designs and much more. For a list of participating artists, please visit www.artsbenicia.org.

For further information about Benicia Artists Open Studios and its related events, please call (707) 747-0131 or visit www.artsbenicia.org.

If you’re looking to spruce up your wardrobe this spring, visit Benicia to find innovative, fashion-forward shops that showcase the latest trends for spring and summer – hot off the runways of today. They also have several gently used clothing shops to find bargains on yesterday’s vogue.

Benicia’s downtown shops are conveniently located within walking distance of each other – making it easy on shoppers to pull together outfits by finding complimentary pieces and accessories from a variety of sources.

The boutiques
Piccolo, 216 First Street: Just in time for spring, Piccolo has the latest shoes in from London-based Poetic Licence. Popping with color, the frisky, smart collection packs fabulous style into every meticulous detail. Easter is around the corner, so if you’re seeking a sassy spring dress to match the shoes, check out Piccolo’s fine selection.

Be Chic Boutique, 309 First Street: Browsing for new, designer garb is made easy at Be Chic Boutique. With a continually rotating inventory that showcases new designers, it’s a shop for the contemporary man and woman seeking a highly polished look. Book an after-hours shopping party for your girlfriends and Be Chic will provide hors d’oeuvres and wine while you shop and mingle.

Miguelena, 555 First Street, Suite 102: Customers adore Miguelena’s modern, sophisticated décor and clothing. Their top-notch service has customers raving: Jennifer of Benicia, a Merchantcircle.com reviewer says, “The service is first rate. The staff really knows how to put a person together and you always get a truthful opinion.” Norma, another reviewer agreed, saying, “They give their customers special and sincere service. Their sales are great too.”

Christina S, 370 First Street: At this fashion-maven boutique, you’ll find the latest styles, straight from the streets of New York, Paris and beyond. They frequently have trunk shows to demonstrate seasonal lines by select designers. Christina’s well-trained staff can help you find that “something special” for any occasion.

G.G.s Boutique, 1013 First Street: Alpaca wool from Peru is as soft as cashmere, and much lighter than sheep’s wool. GG’s Boutique specializes in hand-knit fashions for men, women and children made from this fine wool. The clothing makes fine gifts with an unusual story behind them, as well as nice pieces for your wardrobe.

Vintage, gently used, and consignment clothing shops
Not to be missed are Benicia’s impressive used clothing shops that sell yesterday’s fashions. They bring a worthy mix to Benicia’s downtown’s shopping experience; after you purchase a few new must-haves, mosey over to one of the charming used-clothing shops to score a matching blouse or jacket, fabulous accessories, or a barely used designer handbag at a fraction of the cost to buy new:

• Elisa’s Closet, 623 First Street (new and vintage)
• Bluebird Vintage, 800-C First Street
• Discover Yesterday, 364 First Street
• Rags to Riches, 946 Tyler Street

For a complete list of Benicia shops eager to help you pull together a spring wardrobe, see the apparel directory.

Benicia knows how to kick off spring! Benicia Main Street’s annual downtown spring Open House, Benicia in Bloom, is March 31, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 1, 12 to 4 p.m. It’s an occasion for downtown Benicia – one of the Bay Area’s best strolling towns – to parade the latest trends in clothing, gardening, and food by hosting demonstrations and specials within downtown’s charming businesses.

What’s happening
During two fun-filled days, Benicia’s waterfront downtown will bustle with family-friendly sights and activities. People of all ages will enjoy musicians along First Street, sidewalk chalk artists, and a self-guided garden and art tour.

There will be an abundance of in-store specials, demonstrations and giveaways throughout First Street merchants, such as pinwheels and bubbles for kids and seed pots and packages for adults at Blue Goose Antiques, 622 First Street. At Shiroco’s, 216 First Street, you can sample yummy Balsamic vinegar, olive oil and mustards and also receive a free flower bouquet with purchase. Details of other specials and free goodies can be found on the “Bloom Directory,” available at each participating merchant.

Kids can also get their faces painted, compliments of Little Bird, 611 First Street, and hippity-hop over to Art Centric, 733 First Street, for a visit with the Easter Bunny, either day.

Hat Decorating Contest
The zany Hat Decorating Contest is back again this year. Everyone is invited to decorate a lively, spring-themed hat, and enter to win in one of the following categories: garden, girlie, child (12 and under), family/group, and most outrageous. All contestants should make their first stop at Honeysuckle Rose, 620 First Street, either day, to fill out an entry form and pick up an entry badge. Visibly wear the badge all day, preferably both days, so the badge can easily be seen by “mystery judges” who are scouting around downtown for the best entries. Be sure to visit as many downtown merchants as possible both Saturday and Sunday, so that your hat can be seen and voted on by as many mystery judges as possible.

Also, if you enter the contest, have your photo taken at Bliss Salon & Spa, 117 East F Street, or at Honeysuckle Rose, for the contest. Winners will be announced and notified by April 4, 2012.

Garden and art tour
Pick up a “Bloom Directory” at any of the participating businesses (listed below) for a map of First Street and all things Benicia in Bloom, including: a self-guided tour map of public gardens to stroll by and through, and a map to merchants with local artwork on display.

Restaurants
There are several restaurants along First Street for an afternoon snack or lunch: First Street Café, 440 First Street; Java Point Café, 366 First Street; and Sailor Jacks, 123 First Street, are all participating in Benicia in Bloom. Also, Bela’s Market, at 632 First Street, is a great place to pick up a refreshing drink or snack.

Benicia Main Street is happy to answer any questions you have about Benicia in Bloom or the Hat Decorating Contest. Please call (707) 745-9791 for further details.

Participating businesses

• 621 Gallery
• ABC Music
• A. Lago Salon
• A Jewel in the Sky
• All About Beauty
• Angel Hear 4 You
• Arian Nail Spa
• Artcentric
• Barbara Patrick Skin
• Be Chic Boutique
• Bela’s Market
• Benicia Antique Mall
• Benicia Bay Company
• Benicia Bead
• Benicia Floral & Gifts
• Benicia Main Street
• Benicia Plein Air Gallery
• Bliss Salon & Spa
• Blue Goose Antiques
• Bluebird Vintage
• Camellia Tea Room
• Charlie’s Attic
• Christina S.
• Color Motion
• Cooper’s Dollhouse
• Courtyard Customs
• Courtyard Salon & Spa
• Discover Yesterday
• Elisa’s Closet
• Elizabeth’s Hair Design
• Estey Real Estate
• Fiber Frolics
• First Impressions
• First Street Café
• Floors on First
• From the Core
• Hamann Real Estate
• Honeysuckle Rose
• Java Point Café
• Kinder’s Meats & Deli
• Lindsay Art Glass
• Little Bird
• Mernie Buchanan Studio & Gallery
• Miguelena
• NationWize Solar
• Piccolo
• Piel Medical Aesthetics & Joanie Schwartz Skincare
• Plein Air Gallery
• Posh Bed & Bath
• P.S. Hair Studio
• Pupz & Purrz
• Roberto’s Fine Jewelry
• Romancing the Home
• Rosanna’s European Delights
• Sailor Jack’s
• Shirocos
• Spoonful of Sugar
• Studio 41
• Szechwan House
• The Chill – Wine & Beer Bar
• The Loft – Wedding & Events
• The Rellik Tavern
• Two Days Jewelry
• Wheels in Motion

In an effort to inspire burgeoning young artists, Arts Benicia called upon local children and teens to create one-of-a-kind works of art to be showcased in the organization’s latest exhibit – The Next Generation. Beginning March 8 and running through April 1, this inspirational exhibit gives visitors a chance to view the results of this youthful burst of creativity.  

What’s truly unique about this exhibit is that all works on display are made entirely by youth of varying ages, from kindergarten through grade 12. Arts Benicia has collaborated with local schools and programs to connect with children and stimulate their creative spirits. What’s emerged from this collaboration is a rainbow of diverse, genuine art, from the limitless minds of the talented kids who took part. The exhibit provides a fantastic avenue for display of their art in a public format.

The participating schools are: Mary Farmar Elementary, Joe Henderson Elementary, Robert Semple Elementary, Matthew Turner Elementary and St. Dominic Catholic School. Also, Benicia Middle School, Benicia High School and Liberty High School will be represented. In addition to hosting works from each school, Arts Benicia also reached out to home-school groups and afterschool programs to participate.

The exhibit is open Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend the Opening Reception at Arts Benicia on Sunday, March 11, 3 to 5 p.m., to see the incredible talents of these youngsters.

Parents are invited to attend an informative guest lecture associated with the exhibit, “A Parent’s Role in their Child’s Art Education,” by respected Benicia painter Lee Wilder Snider. The lecture is Thursday, March 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Families wanting to bring the value of art into the lives of their children are invited to attend Family Art Day on Sunday, March 18, 1 to 3 p.m. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon together. You’ll be able to participate in an engaging free art lesson given by an Arts Benicia staff member.

Arts Benicia is located at 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114. For more information about The Next Generation exhibit, or future exhibits and art classes, please call (707) 747-0131.

The city of Benicia is rich with history, likely the reason why The American Civil War Association chose downtown’s Benicia Capitol State Historic Park as a location to host their upcoming Living History Event, Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Forty participants dressed in Union attire will demonstrate what living in a Civil War military camp was actually like. They’ll also reenact maneuver drills, and stage a black-powder firearm demonstration. It’s a rare opportunity for the entire family to learn interesting bits of history together – in a fun and interactive way.

While you’re there, make sure and tour the capitol building and grounds, 115 West G Street. Most people don’t know that Benicia was the site of California's third seat of government and served as the state capitol for 13 months during 1853 and 1854. The statuesque building was constructed in just three months from bricks and architectural materials salvaged from abandoned ships in San Francisco Bay.  

The Benicia Capitol State Historic Park is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults, and $2 for youth ages 6-17 years; ages 5 years and under are free.

Another historic spot to see while touring the city is the Benicia Historical Museum at the Camel Barns, 2060 Camel Road. Just prior to the Civil War, Benicia made an unusual contribution to U.S. military history in the 1850s and 1860s. During that time the Army experimented with the use of camels as pack animals. However, because of the outbreak of the Civil War, the project was shelved. The museum showcases a variety of interesting exhibits recounting the history of both the city of Benicia and the U.S. Army Arsenal located in Benicia. Museum hours are 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. For information, please call (707) 745-5435.

You can find out more about Benicia’s rich history by going to www.visitbenicia.org/history.

If you go…
The Benicia State Capitol Historic Park is conveniently located in the heart of scenic downtown. You’ll find plenty of dining options within walking distance along First Street to grab lunch. It’s also a nice location to stroll and shop, as Benicia’s downtown merchants are an eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, spas and more. Views of the Carquinez Strait can also be enjoyed from many vantage points along First Street.

Valentine’s Day is the chance to sweep that special someone off their feet. Why not plan something different and take your sweetheart to Benicia to absorb the local art scene, or to have dinner and drinks followed by a cozy waterfront stroll? Benicia’s many charming attractions will make your loved one swoon.

Dinner out is a classic gesture to show love and appreciation for your sweetheart. A cozy place to take your date is Sailor Jacks, 123 First Street. They’re having a Valentine’s Day dinner with an enticing menu. There will be a prix fixe menu starting with an “amuse bouche,” or tiny bite, then moving on to a first course with choices like a salad of wild mushrooms on a bed of baby mixed greens with goat cheese crouton and sherry vinaigrette. Afterward, they’ll cleanse your palate with an intermezzo before bringing out the main course of your choice. The dinner wraps up with a fine dessert of raspberry panna cotta, Grand Marnier chocolate mousse and a white chocolate sauce. The special meal is $55 per person, and includes live music.

Benicia has several other dining options with international flair, and fun bars for a cocktail before dinner. Take a peek at the restaurant directory to choose a place serving your Valentine’s favorite cuisine. Impress your date with your forethought – call ahead for a reservation. You wouldn’t want to be turned away on the big night out.

Flowers never fail to make a lady’s heart skip a beat. Benicia Floral and Gift, 838 First Street, is a great place to order a bouquet – especially when it’s a surprise delivery at home or work (Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday this year). You can’t go wrong with roses; however. If you need to shop for value, a gorgeous mixed bouquet could do the trick without strapping your budget.

Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, is the local source for See’s Candies for Cupid’s big day. Also, Benicia Bay Company, a quaint gift shop located at 714 First Street, has a gourmet candy counter where you can hand-pick an assortment of your mate’s favorite chocolates and candy – think truffles or buttery caramels.

If you are looking for a more intimate gift, Be Chic Boutique has a beautiful selection of feminine lingerie.

What about strolling through the art galleries and picking out something together that will remind you both of a romantic day spent in Benicia? Try Benicia Plein Air Gallery, 307 First Street for one-of-a-kind paintings; or pick up an amazing piece of hand-blown glass at one of Benicia’s renowned art glass studios: Nourot Glass Studio, 675 East H Street, Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street, or Smyers Glass, 675 East H Street.

A Valentine’s Day gesture doesn’t have to be grandiose to impress someone who loves you. Benicia has several charming shops where you can find a simple, thoughtful gift. From picking up a meaningful card at Steve’s Hallmark, 844 Southhampton Road, to bringing home the sweetest confections from Rosanna’s European Delights, 305 First Street, there’s something for every taste in Benicia.

While you’re here, take a tender, waterfront stroll. Hold hands, reconnect and enjoy the moment in this beautiful city. Make sure to steal a kiss, too.

It may be winter, but cold weather never chills Benicia’s sense of fun. In February, a great round-up of wintertime events make Benicia worth the short drive from most cities in the Bay Area. Once you’re here, you’ll find plenty of restaurants for a satisfying meal, gorgeous views of the Carquinez Strait and the Benicia waterfront, and an array of shops and art galleries to stroll through.

A look at what’s on the calendar in February:

Ghost Walk, first and third Friday of each month at 8 p.m.: Thrill seekers looking for spooky tales can experience firsthand Benicia’s paranormal history during these spine-chilling adventures. Paranormal investigators Donna Raymond and Devin Sisk lead the walks that meander downtown, starting at the Historic Railroad Depot, 90 First Street. Tickets cost $25 each. Children under 10 are not permitted. For information, or to reserve a spot, call Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791.

Family Art Day at Arts Benicia, Sunday, February 5, 1-3 p.m.: Arts Benicia is a great place to learn about art and unleash your creativity. And a good way to start learning and unleashing is to attend Family Art Day, a free event that provides hands-on activities for children and adults. This family-friendly afternoon is a great way to connect with your kids and let your imagination take flight!

Love Poetry Contest, Sunday, February 12, 2-4 p.m., at the Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road: Verses of romantic poetry are read aloud, to pull on your heart strings. Bring your sweetheart to the Benicia Historical Museum for the annual Love Poetry Contest results – a free event.  While there, nibble on sweet treats and refreshments, while the romantic story of Concepción Argüello and Nikolai Rezanov, that inspired the Benicia Love Poetry Contest, is told. To find out more about the event, please call (707) 745-5435.

Tip: Before the event, take a moment to read the poems that were submitted, available online at http://benicia.patch.com/columns/love-poem-contest-2012.

Great Bowls of Chili Challenge: Saturday, February 18, 12-4 p.m. at the Historic Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street: Heartburn heaven is only a few weeks away at this new, small-town, chili challenge  Rockabilly and country sounds from a live band will set the tone for sampling different renditions of this down-home dish.

If you’d like to enter the contest, there are still a few openings. Entry fee is $35 per team or individual. The competition is limited to 30 teams – so enter early. Download a registration form online from Benicia Main Street at www.beniciamainstreet.org/media/2012-chili-competition-app.pdf.

Judges will look for the best chili in the following categories: Greatest Bowl, Greatest Vegetarian and Most Creative Challenger, based on taste, appearance, aroma, consistency and creativity. The top winner of each category will win $100 in Downtown Dollars and a trophy. There will also be a People’s Choice award that attendees can vote on.

Presale tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under, and can be bought at Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, or online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/220148. The day of the event, tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children 10 and under. Admission to the event includes savory chili tastings from all contestants. For more information about the Great Bowls of Chili Challenge, please contact Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791.

Gal-A-Palooza Women's Expo, Saturday, February 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Want to experience what could be the Bay Area’s best ladies’ day out? Grab your friends and get to the Gal-A-Palooza Women’s Expo, presented by Benicia Main Street. Over 40 participating businesses and non-profits will welcome you to shop, learn, relax and unwind at this day-long expo. Learn about the latest trends in hair, clothes, and makeup, gets tips on fitness and parenting, and collect lots of samples and goodies to take home. While here, take advantage of special events happening inside Fourth Street boutiques – just for Gal-A-Palooza. For details about participating merchants, please call Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791.

The Black Irish Band in concert, Saturday, February 18 at 8 p.m., Benicia Historical Museum’s Stone Hall, 2024 Camel Road: Bay Area favorite The Black Irish Band will perform their mix of Irish, Scottish, Italian and American folk music with an array of original songs and traditional western ballads. The band’s musical style “captures the spirit of the immigrants of this land; the men and women who tamed the Wild West.” Tickets for the concert are $20 each, available on the Benicia Historical Museum’s website.

For an ongoing list of what’s happening in Benicia, be sure to visit the events calendar for the latest information.

Artists working in a wide range of media will showcase their creations from January 19 through February 19 under one roof at Arts Benicia’s gallery, during the Art of a Community exhibition. This annual open group celebration of the vibrant and diverse art scene in Benicia highlights the works of over 150 members of the organization – artists from Benicia and all over the Bay Area.

According to Larnie Fox, director of Arts Benicia, the Art of a Community exhibition is one of their biggest exhibitions of the year. Most of their members have pieces in the show. He says it’s an excellent way to discover the pulse of the art activity in Benicia, from artists just coming on to the scene, to very accomplished professional artists.

2012 marks the 18th year Art of a Community has been presented by Arts Benicia. It represents the pulsating art community that Benicia has become a beacon for. For over 25 years, Arts Benicia has helped nurture the arts community into a thriving place for  artists to express themselves and present their work.

An opening reception
The opening reception for Art of a Community happens Saturday, January 21, 7-9 p.m. This fun, popular event is free and open to the public. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be served along with finger foods. Program Coordinator Laura Buchan has found that it’s one of the most exciting Arts Benicia events of the year, saying “It's a time for the whole community, artists and art lovers alike, to come together and celebrate.” If that sounds like a good time, stop by to meet the talented art community and support their efforts the evening of January 21 and enjoy the reception. Almost all of the participating artists will be on hand.

Family Art Day
Family Art Day will be Sunday, February 5, 1-3 p.m., a free event open to the public and members. There will be hands-on activities for children and adults, too. This family-friendly afternoon is a great way to connect with your kids, your community and to discover the possibilities of art.

If you go…
Arts Benicia is located at 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114, and is open 12-5 p.m. Thursday – Sunday (unless otherwise noted). If you would like further details about this event, or general information about Arts Benicia, art classes or future exhibits, please call (707) 747-0131.