By Vicki Dennis
Special to the Herald

Gallerie Renee Marie is a year old. The artist co-op marked the celebration of its first anniversary on May 14 with a party for artists and the public. Well-known local realtor Renee Marie Jordan is the heart and soul of the gallery. She also is one of 12 artists who share the space at 1038 First Street, home of Jordan’s Real Estate office.
The vision for a gallery had been in Jordan’s mind for several years as she hosted local artists for shorter exhibits.
“I always enjoyed inviting local artists to show their work and hosting receptions for them in the office,” she said. “Our local businesses in Benicia do a great job of supporting the arts and the artists with short-term exhibits. But, as a painter myself, I began to think about providing space for artists to showcase their work on a more permanent basis.”
Jordan spoke about her idea to friend and fellow artist Stephanie Gray who loved it and agreed to help. In late 2014, they began transforming the front of Jordan’s office, located in an historic home, into a full co-op gallery. Led by Jordan and with Gray serving as coordinator and director, Gallerie Renee Marie officially opened in May 2015. Today, the gallery is home to Bay Area artists of many disciplines including metal sculpting, jewelry making, painting, collage art and more. Art enthusiasts can visit the gallery each day during Jordan’s Real Estate business hours and on weekends when co-op artists share minding the gallery.
Among the artists involved are several familiar local names including Brian Giambastani, who with Mike Kendall, another gallery artist, created the Wind, Water, Land project on permanent display at Benicia Community Center; Les Overlock, Lorrimarie Jenkins, Gray and Jordan herself.
From the beginning, Jordan and Gray’s goal was to offer a space different from the other galleries in Benicia.
“For the most part, other local galleries focus on a particular medium such as en plein air or glass and do a wonderful job of that,” Gray said. “Our focus is broader with a common theme of works of the Contemporary Urban Art Movement. We’re a bit edgier, a bit more abstract.”
Both women agree that Gallerie Renee Marie fits right in with the other galleries and is a good addition to First Street.
“I’ve always found the artistic community in Benicia to be less about competing against each other than one of shared enthusiasm, cooperation and support,” Jordan said. “We all help promote each other’s shows throughout the year.”
The current featured artists are painter Anne Petty and photographer Robert Schweibert whose work will be on display until June 30. On July 9, the gallery will host a reception to celebrate featured artist Lorrimarie Jenkins whose work will be prominently displayed until August 7. The gallery rotates art every six weeks to two months, featuring one or two of artists each time, and hosts a reception to celebrate the featured artists’ new work.
“We are so pleased with how the gallery has taken shape during this first year,” Gray said. “Our artists have been energetic and enthusiastic, showing fabulous work, helping to get the word out and incorporating a real sense of camaraderie.”
Gray and Jordan both said they appreciate the support of the community, the city and the local media in making everyone aware that there is a new gallery in town.
“We have had hundreds of people come through the gallery this year and have told us how much they enjoy it,” Jordan said. “Sales are amazing, and the word is spreading. We are all looking forward to our second year.”
Gallerie Renee Marie is located at 1038 First St., Benicia and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. For more information call 707-480-5501, email galleriereneemarie@gmail.com or visit www.galleriereneemarie.com.

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