By Keri Luiz
Assistant Editor

The newest Arts Benicia exhibition was receiving its finishing touches Wednesday as Mary Shaw, exhibition coordinator, and her husband, Andy, applied a series of 7-square-inch art tiles to a wall of the nonprofit’s Arsenal gallery with efficiency and care.

The Mosaic Project, now in its third year, is on display beginning Thursday.

Like last year, the tiles are arranged from light to dark, and from warm to cool colors. “It seems to be pretty effective from far away,” Mary Shaw said.

This year’s Mosaic consists of roughly 130 tiles, arranged 12 rows across and 11 down. Many of the pieces were created by well-known artists, and some by artists who are not so well known.

What’s most important, Shaw pointed out, is that the small works are getting more experimental — and more exciting.

While some are traditional paintings, others delve into mixed media, mosaic, photography, and sculpture.

“I think artists are doing even more exploratory stuff, they’re using it as a way of trying out new things that’s a little out of the box — getting more adventurous,” agreed Larnie Fox, Arts Benicia director.

In March, Arts Benicia put out a call for artists to again contribute their talents to convert one of the wood “tiles,” supplied by Ruszel Woodworks, into a work of art using the medium of their choice.

As in previous years, the tiles will be available for $25 each, but will be awarded by raffle. Tickets for purchase should be available next week, Fox said. “It’s pretty exciting and fun, not knowing which piece you’re going to get,” he said. “There’s pretty high quality art across the board, so you will get something really interesting.”

The mosaic pieces aren’t the only works on display these days at Arts Benicia. Artworks gracing the walls and stands around the gallery represent many of the artists who will open their studios to the public May 4-5 for the annual Open Studios event.

“Many of the artists who are involved in the Open Studios have art here at the gallery as representation of what you can see at their studios,” Shaw said. “It’s done to entice (visitors) in, or to purchase other work.”

Maps will be available at Arts Benicia and other locations around town to find the studios that art enthusiasts want to visit.

“You come to Arts Benicia first, look at the map, and decide which studios you want to visit,” Fox said. “There’s a concentration of really good artists here in the Arsenal and the 940 (Taylor) building, but you’ll find some interesting stuff scattered here and there.”

“It’s like the entire town becomes a gallery. This is the best time of year to invite your friends to town. A perfect way to show off your community.”

If You Go
The Mosaic Project and group exhibit opens Thursday at Arts Benicia. Family Art Day is Sunday. Open Studios will take place May 4-5. Arts Benicia is
located at 991 Tyler St., #114 For more information visit www.artsbenicia.org.