There are a few certainties every September: the start of football season, Labor Day and Arts Benicia’s annual auction. Past auctions have celebrated the past including such themes as “The Great Gatsby,” the Wild West and the 1960s. The 25th annual Art Auction and Gala will continue the tradition by celebrating a different kind of past: Arts Benicia’s.

As the title implies, “Arts Benicia Celebrates! 30 Years of Creativity and Community” is a commemoration of Arts Benicia’s 30 years as a local nonprofit art organization that brings together artists from within the city’s borders and beyond.

“We thought that would be a good theme to run with,” Program Manager Mary Shaw said.

Arts Benicia has been celebrating its diamond anniversary all year, including at such events as Open Studios and various exhibitions. Additionally, Mayor Elizabeth Patterson read a proclamation at the Feb. 7 City Council meeting honoring Arts Benicia’s 30 years, founding artist Mike Kendall had an exhibit titled “Off the Wall” displayed in April and May, and member artist Vicki Dennis contributed a series of articles on Benicia’s early art days to the Herald. Arts Benicia also plans to have an exhibit in October titled “Bay Area Clay: A Legacy of Social Consciousness,” which will focus on art aimed at building the human spirit, including pieces by renowned late Benicia sculptor Robert Arneson. The exhibit will open on Oct. 14 and be curated by Lisa Reinertson.

The Art Auction and Gala will give people the opportunity to bid on artwork from the likes of Nikki Basch-Davis, Pam Dixon, Erika Hoffe, Peg Jackson, Marty Jonas, Mike Kendall, Diane Williams and more in live and silent auctions. They will also be able to bid on such items as a weekend getaway at Sea Ranch, a fly-fishing trip in Wyoming or a special portrait session with Dixon.

There will also be food and entertainment. First Street Cafe will return to provide appetizers and desserts, The Rellik Tavern will be serving its Tickled Pink Bellini, Arts Benicia will be providing craft beers and wines from such wineries as Saintsbury LLC in Napa, DJ AL3X will be returning to spin tunes, Michael van Auken will serve as emcee and possibly provide magic tricks, and Rodeo’s Featherstone Studios will provide a photo booth. As the event is a celebration of Arts Benicia’s history, it will be held at the gallery rather than the Clocktower as it has been in years past.

“We’re bringing it back home this year,” Shaw said.

The auction will be held from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 at 991 Tyler St. Tickets are available at the gallery, online at artsbenicia.org/arts-benicia-auction-gala/ or at Bookshop Benicia, located at 636 First St. An online preview of the auction featuring biddable items by the artists will be available at http://www.runmyauction.com/arts_benicia_preview_2017.php until the day of the event.

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