■ New Gallery 621 exhibit features ‘sampling’ of Arsenal artists

By Keri Luiz
Assistant Editor

When space became available at Gallery 621 for a featured exhibit this month, member Carol Dalton took the opportunity to curate a show featuring artists with Benicia ties — especially those living and working in the Arsenal.

“I’ve been dying to do a show like this for the gallery because there are so many good artists in town,” Dalton said. “This is just a sampling of the Arsenal artists, really.”

The name of the show, “From the Arsenal and Beyond,” is a recognition that one of the featured artists, Mira M. White, lives in Walnut Creek.

But the other six artists — Lee Altman, Linda Grebmeier, Mike Kendall, Joseph Mele, Mary Oros and Diane Williams — live, work or are otherwise associated in some way with the community that long ago put Benicia on the cultural map.

“Fortunately I know all the people. It’s been really easy to work with everyone,” Dalton said. She also knew everybody’s work, and what she wanted in the show.

Yet even though she knew the artists, she said, curating a show still has its challenges. For one thing, it’s Dalton’s first time curating a show.

“Making sure people know what the deadlines are, and making sure the work is delivered when you are ready to hang it,” she said of the responsibilities of a curator. “Promotion. All the things that go into a show.”

The artists, however, were the easy part, she said.

She asked for two or three pieces from each, and visited each artist’s studio to choose the pieces for the show.

“With Mike’s I knew exactly what I wanted. I knew that piece would be perfect for the show,” Dalton said, pointing at Kendall’s piece titled Hanging Tree.

“I knew I wanted this piece by Mary Oros,” Dalton said of Oros’ Inside Out. “It reminded me of a tree, and it’s heading into the holidays. I thought it would refer to the season.”

Dalton said what she likes about the work of many of the Arsenal artists is that “many of them are essentially involved in process. They really get involved in the materials and textures.

“They’re inspired by their surroundings — the rustic environment, the water reflecting. These people see the beauty in things that are old, or deteriorating. The Carquinez Strait is active with ships. It’s a very stimulating place to work.”

The artists in “From the Arsenal and Beyond” said they are excited about the show, which runs through Dec. 2.

“As galleries go, I really like this one and the artists I’m showing with make it all the better,” Kendall said in an email.

Lee Altman and Linda Grebmeier agreed the gallery is a good exhibition space, and complimented it for securing local support.

“Each place I have shown is unique. I love the idea of an artist’s cooperative and am pleased to work with such a talented group of artists,” Williams said.

Mele cited the positives in having a downtown space. “I believe downtown Benicia is working hard to develop its art scene with its different galleries and, also its shops along First Street,” he wrote in an email.

Oros agreed. “I think it’s important to showcase the high quality of our strong artists’ community in this great location on First Street. The exposure is not only important for the artists and the gallery, but for Benicia as well.”

If You Go
“From the Arsenal and Beyond” will be at Gallery 621 through Dec. 2. Gallery 621 is located at 621 First St., and is open Thursday-Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.