Local, regional and nationally known artists can be found in interesting places all around Benicia. Here’s a primer to get you started, incorporating artist shows and galleries to browse while you are out and about.
GALLERIES
Arts Benicia Presents
Find local artist works at venues around town including:
Olson Realty
Mike & Gayle’s Restaurant
The Rellik Tavern
Benicia Public Library
Studio 41: A premier gallery of American art & craft. This beautiful showroom is in a historic building built in 1900, across from the State Capitol. Celebrating its 20th year, Studio 41 was voted Top Gallery of American Craft for ten years by 20,000 artisans. Representing over 500 American Artisans, you can find art, art glass, jewelry, gourmet foods including specialty chocolates, and unique handmade gifts. This is a very popular place to register wedding gifts or wish lists. 700 First Street, 707.745.0254, www.studio41.com.
Benicia Frame Studio and Gallery: Craftsmanship and attention to detail have earned Benicia Frame a reputation for quality picture framing among residents, businesses, and Benicia’s large art community. With a diminishing number of qualified craftsmen to be found, this shop increasingly draws customers from neighboring communities. 638 First Street, 707.745.4014, www.beniciaframe.com.
Plein Air Gallery: Fifteen local Artists show their outdoor paintings of Bay Area scenes centering on Benicia and Carquinez Straits and expanding throughout Northern California. 307 First Street, www.beniciapleinair.com.
Arts Benicia Gallery: The current exhibition is entitled Structure and Light, and features photographs by Hedi B. Desuyo and monotype prints by Linda Grebmeier. This exhibit of artwork was created as a response to the passing of a piece of local history, the Yuba Manufacturing Complex in the lower Benicia Arsenal. For classes, events and exhibits, visit the gallery at 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114, 707.747.0131, www.artsbenicia.org.
Lindsay Glass Blowing Studio and Gallery: Handblown Art Glass by artist David Lindsay, who uses this ancient art form to create work inspired by the sea and nature with movement and flow in their many shapes and designs. The gallery represents more than 25 American Craft Artists while showcasing Lindsay’s work. Lindsay is one of three well-known glass blowers in Benicia. 109 East F Street, 707.748.1336, www.lindsayartglass.com. Call ahead for glass-blowing demonstration times. Smyers Art Glass, www. smyersglass.com, and Nourot Studio, www.nourot.com, are also located in Benicia.
