“Benicia Art Walk 2021” Every Second Saturday (June-Oct)

The 10th season of Benicia Art Walk kicks off on Saturday, June 12 and continues the second Saturdays of July, September and October 1 – 5 p.m. on First Street in downtown Benicia. After an abbreviated season last year due to the pandemic, we look forward to a full season of Benicia Art Walk this year. The eight galleries on First Street welcome visitors in celebration of a decade of great art and fun activities at the galleries in downtown Benicia.

The Galleries of First Street, a loose organization of galleries, is hosting Benicia Art Passport competition during Art Walk. Stop by any of the eight galleries, pick up an Art Passport, then get it stamped at each gallery for a chance to be drawn to win the prize of $200 to be spent an any of the participating galleries.

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

Here’s a list of participating galleries and what’s in store during the June 12 Benicia Art Walk:

The Little Art Shop at 129 First Street in the Tannery. The Little Art Shop will awaken your senses with the creative works of over 30 talented local artists. During Art Walk, they will have a big sale on many of their handcrafted gifts and art. They are also hosting Mary Danko Williams, a talented and innovative fused-glass artist. Her creative flair and meticulous techniques shine through each piece that she creates, from wall art and functional pieces to garden art and jewelry.

Once Upon a Canvas at 129 First Street in the Tannery. Artist Tina Hariu will conduct a portrait demonstration at 2 p.m. or stop by any time to view several painting by the students of Charles White and watch teachers conducting classes.

Benicia Plein Air Gallery at 307 First Street. Artist Iris Sabre’s exhibition New Beginnings will be on display.

Gallery 621 at 309 First Street.

HQ Gallery at 333 First Street, Suite D. Gallery artists are in the process of creating a collaboration painting to be given as a prize on the Art Walk on the second Saturday in July. The painting, 24”x30” acrylic on canvas, is being created by artists Samantha McNally, Susan Street, Pat Calabro, Bruce Pope, Craig Moline, Annette Batchelor, Barb Duvall, Michal Lehmen, and Ok Kyong Hanrahan. Stop by to see the work in progress and fill out a free entry for the July 10 drawing.

Happy Life Pottery at 632 First Street. New work is on display showcasing a variety of mediums. In addition to the ceramic art of owners David and Amy Stellato, they are excited to have the visually stunning, mixed-media work by Bay Area artist Travis White. Additionally, they are introducing a series of photographic works by local artist, Nicholas Gallardo, in which a gorgeously rich and wide perspective of Benicia as a whole is given through many tiny “moments” fit together. They are collaborating with Arts Benicia in presenting contemporary pastel and acrylic work of artist Ellen Gust.

Arata Art Gallery at 637 First Street. The gallery will premiere a stunning new collection by owner Geraldine Arata at an Artists’ Reception during Art Walk. Be among the first to view her new showstopping collection of bejeweled and sculpted oil paintings; truly groundbreaking mixed media art from this noted artist. The gallery will also present new works by artist Greg Creason of New Orleans. His dramatic resined and inlaid blown glass portraits are in high demand and widely collected. Arata and Creason’s work are a visual delight and must be seen to be appreciated! Guest artist Cindy Whitechurch will be in front of the gallery displaying her glass art.

Artcentric, 733 First Street. The paint-you-own ceramic studio and gallery is hosting a sidewalk sale of canvas paintings. You might catch a painting demo, too. They offer quality handmade art for sale and local Benicia souvenirs.

Benicia Art Walk is a great opportunity to come for lunch, then stay for dinner and make a day of it. There are plenty of great shopping and dining options along the tree-lit blocks of historic First Street.
More information on the art scene in Benicia is available online at VisitBenicia.org/arts.