“Havana Taxi,” one of several images of Cuba in 2014 that will be seen at the new Benicia Public Library exhibit “Two Islands/Two Artists.” (Photo by Elizabeth Bush)

The new art show at the Benicia Public Library is a showcase of the talents of two different artists from two different mediums who live under the same roof. It will also provide an artistic view of two different islands: Mare Island and Cuba.

“Two Islands/Two Artists” is a joint show by husband and wife Mark Mattioli and Elizabeth Bush. The Napa artists have different crafts— Bush is a photographer, while Mattioli works in drawing and painting—, but they have collaborated in the past, including a joint exhibit at Napa’s Jessel Gallery in 2014 and an exhibit titled “Mare Island Now” for the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum in 2013.

Mare Island has been a favorite subject for the artists, who have made several visits to the former naval shipyard since 2005 and done artistic interpretations of the facility. Mattioli will be showcasing some of his paintings of Mare Island at the event.

However, as the title implies, Mare Island will not be the only island to be featured on the gallery’s walls. Bush will be exhibiting photos from the couple’s visit to Cuba in 2014.

Not many Americans have gotten to visit the country, since President John F. Kennedy imposed travel restrictions to Cuba in 1963 just a few months after the Cuban Missile Crisis. However, the restrictions have been loosened in recent years, making the country more open for tourists. In 2014, Bush had learned about a travel professional from Marin County who was working to arrange a people-to-people itinerary to Cuba with an emphasis on art.

“When I learned that a couple professional photographers I know would be part of the trip as well, that cinched it for me,” Bush said.

Bush, Mattioli and five others got to visit Havana, as well as other localities like Finales and Trinidad, and were very impressed with what they saw.

“The experience of being in Cuba was mesmerizing for so many reasons: the spirited people, gorgeous landscapes and amazing architecture, both urban and rural,” Bush said. “I felt especially fortunate that our itinerary was so well arranged, that the band of travelers was small and congenial and that photography was a focal point.”

Bush also said that their tour guide, Alejandro, was very helpful.

“(He was) always willing to answer inquiries from the curious Americans about what life is like in Cuba,” she said.

Bush took lots of photographs in Cuba and will be exhibiting them alongside her husband’s Mare Island paintings and drawings. They chose the library because it seemed to fit the space.

“As artists, we are always on the lookout for venues to exhibit our work,” Bush said. “The gallery at the Benicia Library seemed sufficiently commodious for us to exhibit both subjects in the same space.”

“Two Islands/Two Artists” will be featured in the library’s Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Art Gallery beginning tomorrow, April 1, and running through Wednesday, May 3. An artist’s reception will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, April 2. A slideshow demonstration titled “Cuba Glimpses,” featuring a visual presentation of the Cuba trip, will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, April 9. Both events are free and open tot he public. The library is located at 150 East L St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays; and noon to 6 p.m., Fridays through Sundays. For more information, call the library at 746-4343.

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