The popularity of bocce, the Italian ball sport, only continues to grow. With its roots in ancient Rome, the game is huge in Europe and also has sprouted leagues in North America as well, especially in California. This includes Benicia, where a bocce court was constructed in Civic Park in 2006 followed by an additional […]
BHS nabs 13 Arty nominees apiece for 2017-18 productions; BOTTG nets 5
The Performing Arts Network (PAN-Arts) announced its nominees for the 34th annual Arty Awards, which honor theatrical productions at all levels in the counties of Solano, Napa and– for the first time this year– Yolo, this morning. Once again, Benicia High School and Benicia Old Town Theatre Group are well-represented among the nominees. Benicia High […]
Arts Benicia goes ‘dark’ for curated exhibit
Although most would rather not think about it, the Halloween season is starting to creep in. Just look at all the Halloween decorations in stores, advertisements for pumpkin spice lattes and emergence of Halloween specialty stores— all in the middle of September. Arts Benica’s curated exhibition, “After Dark,” is not Halloween-themed, but it is still […]
New exhibit to light up Plein Air Gallery
Judy Feins is bringing light to the Benicia Plein Air Gallery. Specifically, the light is in her paintings which capture the luminous elements of nature. Feins has exhibited at the gallery before— local art aficionados might remember last year’s show “Luminous”—, but those who want to get a further understanding of the East Bay artist’s […]
Benicia gearing up for September Art Walk
Colorful balloons will highlight the eight galleries on First Street that are participating in the Benicia Art Walk this Saturday, Sept. 8. All eight galleries will be featuring new works by several artists and will be serving refreshments during their afternoon receptions. A map of all eight participating galleries is available at each location. They […]
Coming-of-age play to debut national run at Empress in September
Fairfield resident Lisa Smith-Bryant’s story “Clown in the Prayer Closet” has had quite an odyssey. It began as a book in 2013 and then was adapted by the author as an independent movie in 2015. Now the story is about to begin its run as a theatrical play when the production comes to Vallejo’s Empress […]
Les Overlock: Entering the world of Frida Kahlo in new Bedford Gallery exhibit
Art Review by Les Overlock Special to the Herald “The World of Frida” combines juried and invitational shows with a national photography exhibit at the Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek. Art and photographs celebrating the life, style and legacy of the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo runs through Sept. 16. I attended the opening a […]
VOENA enrolling new students in September
Being a member of the local children’s choir Voices of Eve ’N’ Angels (VOENA) is a journey in a lot of ways. It can be a musical journey for youth who want to refine their singing talents, and ti can be a physical journey as members travel the globe to perform. Those who wish to […]
Time to hit the books: New library exhibit focuses on physicality of books
Typically, the main room of the Benicia Public Library is where one will find books and the Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery is where one will find art. Mixed media artist Carol Dalton appears to have asked the question “Why not both?” and thus, the room is where visitors can find various book parts repurposed as […]
Gallerie Renee Marie artist calls on memories of grandfather in new exhibit
By Vicki Byrum Dennis Special to the Herald As an artist, Nancy Truax takes her inspiration from a variety of sources, but, for her current work, she is calling on the spirit of her grandfather and his gardening ways. Truax will be the featured artist for the upcoming show at Gallerie Renee Marie called “Welcome […]