Benicia's Art Scene

Benicia’s Art Scene Delights the Eye and Feeds the Soul

If art is food for the soul, then Benicia dishes up a hearty, soul-satisfying cornucopia of artistic talent. This waterfront city’s art district is a truly creative and rare nucleus where studio artists and craftspeople come together to produce a diverse and world-class body of work. Benicia is known for its spectrum of award-winning artists and internationally recognized glass art studios. From paintings to hand-screened wallpaper, Benicia’s art scene has something for everyone.

Many of Benicia’s artists live and work at the Arsenal, www.beniciaarsenal.org, a former military base that has morphed into a bustling, mixed-use business complex. More than 100 diverse art studios are centered at this unique hub. The overall atmosphere and location of the Arsenal produces the perfect inspirational backdrop for the talented artists who occupy spaces there.

Galleries, studios and shops sprinkled throughout downtown Benicia carry local and international treasures. You just might find that perfect gift or piece of art to round out your collection. Galleries such as Studio 41, 700 First Street; the Benicia Plein Art Gallery, 307 First Street; Gallery 621, 621 First Street; the Bill Parsons Gallery, 131 First Street; and Marnie Buchanan Studio, 117 East D Street, have a wide range of locally produced artwork. Go to www.visitbenicia.org for a complete shopping directory.

Glass Art that Defies Description
Glass art has become synonymous with Benicia. The old-world practice of hand-blowing glass is a thrill to watch. This unusual and fast-paced process can often be observed at the glass art studios during various times of day or by appointment. Each studio has its own unique and electrifying style. They are:

Nourot Glass Studio has been creating glass since 1974. Michael Nourot and Ann Corcoran have been commissioned by a Pope, presidents and major corporations to create original, one-of-a-kind pieces. A television documentary “Alchemy in Light,” was independently filmed about Nourot Glass Studio’s methods of glass blowing, airing worldwide on The National Geographic Channel. Nourot Glass is currently best known for exclusive, large-scale works. Go to www.nourot.com for more information.
Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street, is owned and operated by David Lindsay, who opened the studio in 1998. David and his business manager and wife, Ann, create and sell stunning pieces of glass art. They produce a constellation of paperweights, perfume bottles, vases, bowls and light fixtures. For more information, go to www.lindsayartglass.com.
Smyers Glass, 675 East H Street, has as its artistic mastermind, Stephen Smyers. For more than 35 years, Smyers’ stemware has graced tables worldwide with simple elegance. Each piece is meticulously blown and hand finished. Smyers’ award-winning glass is included in the permanent collection at the Corning Museum of Glass and numerous private collections. For more information, go to www.smyersglass.com.

Support for the Arts
For more than 20 years, the non-profit organization Arts Benicia has served as the hub of Benicia’s large arts community, nurturing inspiration in artists and the community at large with diverse exhibitions, classes and adjunct activities. Arts Benicia’s gallery showcases rotating exhibits where various artists display and sell their work. Interested in taking up an art form? Arts Benicia boasts a 1,500 square-foot classroom that offers year-round courses ranging from four to eight weeks or many short workshops, such as painting, drawing and printmaking. For more information about Arts Benicia programs and events, go to www.artsbenicia.org.

Public Art
Strategically placed art brings life to a city. Benicia uses art to highlight key points within the city from public buildings to the marina area. The Benicia Public Library and the City Council Chambers both contain art galleries that give patrons and visitors the opportunity to view rotating exhibits of local artists’ work. Some of the public art to view while strolling downtown Benicia includes:

Guillermo Wagner Granizo’s colorful tiles: Starting at J Street, these tiles are inlaid into the sidewalks, illustrating his story of Benicia
Linda Fleming’s metal sculpture of Dona Benicia’s mantilla over General Vallejo’s chair called “Envelops the General’s Chair,” near the corner of First and B streets
Robert Arneson’s sculpture “The Benicia Bench” on the East Fifth Street side of the marina

Events to Enrich and Sustain
Benicia is home to events throughout the year designed to enhance the local art culture and enrich the public’s appreciation for the arts. Here is a sampling of events that are available for enthusiasts:

Festival of Arts in the Park: This June festival hosted by Benicia Community Arts celebrates the creative process in a very family-friendly event.
Fine Arts and Craft Fair: Mull over fine arts, pottery, jewelry, photography and a myriad of other arts and crafts showcased at this street fair held in September.
Artists’ Open House: Meander through each studio in May and December each year when the Arsenal studios open their doors so onlookers can view and purchase unique works of art.
Art’s Benicia’s Annual Art Auction and Gala: Purchase fine art, drink great wine and eat savory food while attending this October gala event where enthusiasts raise funds for this non-profit organization.
Benicia Fine Art and Jazz Festival: Grab your hat and come hungry to eat gourmet food, drink wine and microbrews, peruse a juried fine art marketplace, partake in children’s activities and dance to live music each July.
Farmer’s Market: Stroll through this seasonal market and encounter various arts and crafts among the fresh produce and gourmet fare. The Farmers Market happens every Thursday, from the last week of April through the end of October.

Plan your next day trip to the vibrant city of Benicia. Shop, take in the local art scene and by all means, bring a friend.

To find out more about the city of Benicia, and to get a complete list of events, studios, galleries and shops, please visit: www.visitbenicia.org. For special deals and insider tips,Benicia welcomes Facebook members to become a fan at www.facebook.com/visitbenicia.

For information about taking an Arts Benicia course, or for details on events and exhibits, please go to www.artsbenicia.org or call (707) 747-0131.

For details regarding the Arsenal studio listings and events, please see www.beniciaarsenal.org.

Journalists are asked to contact Jack Wolf of Wolf Communications at jack[at]prwolf.com or (707) 575-4415.