Once again, Arts Benicia and the Benicia-Vallejo American Association of University Women will be joining forces to conduct a panel discussing the topic of art.

This is the eighth year the organization has put on a Creative Women’s Symposium. Past topics have focused on the importance of art in a community and the moments when artists receive that strike of inspiration. This year’s program, titled “Spheres of Influence,” will feature four female artists from different disciplines discussing what influenced them as artists and what their art has influenced.

Among those sitting on this panel are Sarah Barsness, the head of the photography department at Solano Community College. Her photography work has been exhibited throughout the U.S. and even in Mexico, Greece and Japan. She also taught photography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Representing the world of poetry is Vallejo Poet Laureate Genea Brice. Brice’s work has been published in several literary publications and she also worked as a classroom teacher and remains active in local poetry groups.

Coming from the world of performing arts is Maria Stats, the founder of On the Fringe Visual and Performing Arts in Suisun City, where she also is the lead teacher for the organization’s youth programs. She is a graduate of the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts and has taught art and drama in Solano County for more than a decade.

Finally, Vallejo visual artist Pearl Jones Tranter will be part of the panel. Tranter is a multimedia student at Berkeley City College and worked as a photography facility manager at the San Francisco Art Institute and academic administrator for UC Berkeley’s engineering college. Her photographic work– often specializing in the West– has been displayed throughout California, including a current Arts Benicia-sponsored exhibit at the Council Chambers.

The panel will be moderated by local plein air painter Susan Street.

The event will be held Saturday, March 11 at Arts Benicia, located at 991 Tyler St., Suite 114. A viewing reception of the artists’ work will begin at 1 p.m., accompanied by the music of Jazz Guerrilla. The panel will begin at 2 p.m. For more information, call Arts Benicia at 747-0131 or email info@artsbenicia.org.

Sharing is caring!