A couple poses with the free art they found last Friday. (Photo by Randy Bernard)

Last Friday was the internationally observed “Flood the Streets with Art Day,” and Benicians responded with happy enthusiasm. Those lucky enough to encounter the free art, set out by local artists in honor of the annual event, went away with finished works of art – for free.
“It went really, really well,” said Benicia artist Randy Bernard, who facilitated the event for the first time in Benicia this year. “I would set out a piece of art, then by the time I turned back around, people were grabbing it!”
Bernard said the participating artists and the people who received the free art were enthusiastic about the project and made suggestions for building a bigger event next time. Some even volunteered to help out. A teacher from Robert Semple Elementary School, where Bernard’s kids attended, suggested getting the schools involved.
Flood the Streets with Art Day intentionally coincides with Black Friday, created by Wisconsin artist Scott Wong as an alternative to the Black Friday shopping frenzy the day after Thanksgiving. Bernard is excited that Benicians received the event with such relish and looks forward to participating again next year.

Sharing is caring!