Benicia artists prepare for first city Art Walk

By Keri Luiz
Assistant Editor

The brochures have been circulating, the posters have been posted and the final preparations are being made. Benicia’s long-planned Art Walk is finally happening Saturday — and every second Saturday of the month through 2012.

The city prides itself on its art community, as well it should: More than 200 artists, including painters, sculptors, stained- and blown-glass artists, printmakers and bookbinders, textile and ceramic artists, jewelers and multimedia artists call Benicia home.

That was never enough to establish an Art Walk before. But now that there are three art galleries on First Street, many felt the timing was right to launch one.

With several active studios and establishments also playing host to rotating exhibits, organizers hope the Art Walk — which also includes sites off First Street, such as Arts Benicia — will draw visitors and residents alike to savor the ambience of the city — while enjoying its cuisine and shopping and, of course, buying some art.

Many see it as the start of something big.

“Pat Ryll invited me to participate in different things. Lee (Wilder Snider) and I started talking,” said Pam Dixon, who opened Gallery 621 on First Street in September. “This is what we needed if we were going to have a quality art gallery on First Street.

“I see Benicia as a valuable satellite gallery destination for serious collectors and art enthusiasts.”

Ryll, of Benicia Plein Air Gallery, said the Art Walk is the result of long talks with artists and downtown merchants.

Once the details were worked out, she said, 21 establishments had signed on, and six more joined later. All will announce their participation with “Art Walk” banners.

The Art Walk is an idea whose time has come, said Plein Air Gallery member Terry Hughes, who served on an Art Walk subcommittee of the Tourism Committee. “It seems like every community that has (an art walk), it’s a great venue,” he said.

“We want Benicia to be a destination for art lovers.”

Added Dixon: “We are this wonderfully fun, kinda ‘off-beat,’ historically significant place to visit. And a town with an Art Walk on the water, for goodness sakes!”

If You Go
The Benicia Art Walk will take place Saturday from 3-7 p.m. on First Street from Military West to the Tannery. Brochures with a map of Art Walk participants are located at Gallery 621, Benicia Plein Air Gallery, Arts Benicia and other participating locations. For more information, visit facebook.com/BeniciaArtWalk.

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