Arts Benicia is set to reprise its popular Benicia Open Studios on May 4 and 5, showcasing the vibrant community of local artists with studio spaces throughout Benicia’s Historic Arsenal District and downtown Benicia.
During Open Studios weekend, dozens of artists will open their doors and invite the public in to view and discuss their work and see demonstrations. Arts Benicia produces this event every year to support the many artists in Benicia and give patrons the opportunity to purchase art directly from them, and the artists welcome the opportunity to give visitors a glimpse into their creative worlds.
With past events attended by more than 2,000 visitors, Benicia Open Studios is Arts Benicia’s most popular annual event. Nearly 100 participants registered last year, and with galleries typically representing several artists, the organizers estimate between 150 and 200 regional artists actually participated.
Admission is free and open to the public, and visitors can ride a SolTrans Shuttle free of charge between Benicia’s Arsenal District, where a number of artist studios are clustered, and the downtown First Street area, where glass-blowing studios, galleries, and other art venues are located. The 20-minute shuttle allows visitors to park in one location and get a ride to the other.
Michael Van Auken, mvaphoto.com Mark Van Norman, Open Studios, 2017 |
Arts Benicia publishes a full-color Benicia Open Studios Catalog with artwork images from participating artists and galleries, a list of studio locations, and maps showing studio locations and the SolTrans Shuttle route. During Open Studios weekend, visitors can pick up a copy of the catalog at Arts Benicia, located at 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114, in the Benicia Arsenal. Hours are 12-5pm Wednesday through Sunday.
Benicia Open Studios takes place Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, 11am-5pm. A Preview Exhibition at Arts Benicia runs from Wednesday, April 27, through Sunday, May 5, and features selected work from the participating artists and galleries. The Preview Exhibition gives attendees the opportunity to get a sense of the participating artists' work and pick up a catalog, and then they can plan where to go during the weekend.
Arts Benicia is a community-based non-profit organization in its third decade, offering educational programs, workshops, and exhibits. For more information, visit artsbenicia.org or call 707.747.0131.
