Benicia’s newest art gallery burst on the scene recently in a renovated space on First Street. 621 Gallery is the brainchild of owner and artist Pam Dixon. In the past the space has been home to three hair salons, one of which had an informal art gallery in the large waiting area. The most recent salon owners had painted the walls a dark color, but now it is bright white and filled with light, a perfect backdrop for the fine art works on exhibit.
The gallery operates as a co-op, with the goal of having a total of twenty-two artists sharing the space. Currently, the gallery has 13 artists, including painters, printmakers and sculptors. Space may become an issue with twenty-two artists exhibiting their work, and ideas for how to accommodate everyone are being considered.
The co-op is certainly a boon for downtown, and brings Benicia’s gallery total to five: Arts Benicia Gallery in the Arsenal and the Faux Louvre, Studio 41, Plein Air Gallery and Lindsay Art Glass, all downtown. Several First Street merchants also display the works of local artists in their stores, including Java Point Cafe, Olson Realty and Rellik Tavern. The 621 Gallery is located at 621 First Street in downtown Benicia.
