Pottery painting studio Artcentric first opened in 1998 and will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with a party on Sunday. (Photo by Nick Sestanovich)

Twenty years ago, audiences flocked to theaters for “Armageddon,” “Too Close” by Next topped music charts, Microsoft became the biggest company in the world and Artcentric opened its doors in Benicia.

Artcentric, First Street’s pottery painting and glass fusing studio will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Sunday. It began with Aline Karpoyan who says she opened the store with five bottles of paint and her two children in hand.

Karpoyan describes herself as a creative person. She always has been one. Opening Artcentric 20 years ago, Kaproyan created a place for her to construct new art, make friends and forge bonds within the Benicia community.

Artcentric owner Aline Karpoyan poses in front of the many items that have been created in her store. (File photo by Benjamin Miramontes)

According to Karpoyan, in 1998 contemporary studios were a new concept with customers having art materials ready for them and cleaning art tools not being a concern. Artcentric started with classes mostly for children, then the hobby side of the became so popular that she decided to devote her focus more on that side of the business.

People need an outlet to create, and Karpoyan thinks Artcentric provides that service for the Benicia community.

A few years ago, Artcentric added canvas paintings for children and adults. It’s all a part of Karpoyan’s plan to keep Artcentic growing. Around 2006, Artcentric added glass fusing, an art technique in which pieces of glass are fused together through high temperatures, to its offerings. Kararpoyan describes the process and product of glass fusing as beautiful and says it has remained popular in the store since its introduction.

“You always have to keep up with the trends,” she said.

When tourists come to Benicia and Artcentric, it’s not uncommon for them to take pictures with Karpoyan and the staff. Karpoyan says they do this because of the wonderful time they had while at Artcentric, and that makes the store feel special.

“It’s a happy business,” Karpoyan said. “People come to have fun.”

Artcentric will be celebrating its platinum anniversary Sunday, May 20 with a 20th birthday bash. Fees will be free all day, patrons will have the opportunity to make a glass pendant for $5 and there will be various deals, including free ornaments with any pottery purchase while supplies last, $20 off the signups for Summer Camp, $20 off a future Italian pottery painting class for two 20 percent off select large pottery items and more. There will also be raffles, a cake and further surprises. Artcentric is located at 733 First St. and the event will last from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call the store at 745-9553.

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