ARTS BENICIA’S Larnie Fox: 'When people come together for art they’re in their best form.'
Bethany A. Monk/Staff

❒ Arts Benicia’s 18th annual gala set for Sept. 24

By Bethany A. Monk
Assistant Editor

Residents are invited to dine in the presence of some of Benicia’s finest artists and their work during one of the premier city events on the art community calendar.

Arts Benicia’s 18th annual Benefit Art Auction & Gala is scheduled for next week, featuring 74 the work of artists, who donated, or partially donated, works of art for this year’s auction.

The evening, which includes dinner and wine, will take place Sept. 24 at the Ironhorse Showroom in Benicia, Larnie Fox, executive director of Arts Benicia, said Tuesday.

Benicia High students will serve a family-style dinner. And a silent art auction will precede the live art auction, Fox said.

The best part of the evening?

“Seeing the whole community come together,” Fox said. “When people come together for art they’re in their best form.”

Cuts in funding, he added, have definitely affected the nonprofit. “We’re hoping this is a success,” and helps replace some of those funds, he said.

SEVENTY-FOUR artists have donated artwork for Arts Benicia’s 18th annual Benefit Art Auction & Gala, Executive Director Larnie Fox said. The evening, which includes dinner and wine, will take place Sept. 24. Tickets are available at www.artsbenicia.org.
Bethany A. Monk/Staff

Fox said he hopes the auction doesn’t only raise money for Arts Benicia, but that many of those who attend also go home satisfied, happy owners of good art.

“We will have really good wines, and really good stuff,” he said.

One of the items that will be up for bid is the possibility to sponsor Arts Benicia’s upcoming Fund-A-Need project, which will aim to enhance the nonprofit’s art programs for children.

“Kids respond to art better than adults,” Fox said. “They have fresh eyes.”

The Ironhorse Showroom, Fox said, is the ideal setting for the event because “it has an urban feel. It’s perfect for what we want to do.” He said it has “a welcoming environment.”

Members of the public can preview the artwork up for auction from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Arts Benicia Gallery, located at 991 Tyler St., Suite 114. All the artwork will be moved next week to the Ironhorse Showroom for the auction.

If You Go
The Arts Benicia Benefit Art Auction will be held Friday, Sept. 24 at the Ironhorse Showroom, 990 Grant St., in Benicia. The event, which features dinner and both a silent and live auction, will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person, or $100 for couples. Complimentary valet parking will be provided. For information or tickets, call 747-0131 or visit www.artsbenicia.org.

Sharing is caring!