The upcoming Benicia Art Weekend marks the beginning of the city's new arts festival, allowing art lovers and amateurs alike to immerse themselves in the region's art throughout the city.
On May 4 and 5, visitors can get a glimpse inside the Historic Arsenal Art Studio and walk along First Street to browse the 11 participating galleries downtown. The art-filled weekend marks the first year the city moved away from the Benicia Art Walk and began collaborating with the annual Arsenal Open Studios.
“It's bigger than it's ever been,” said Susan Marcus Sachs, president of Benicia Arsenal Artists. “We have more artists from Arsenal than ever before.”
Not only have the number of participants increased, but the medium has become more unique and diverse. “This year we have an even wider variety of art on display: we have sculptors, potters, jewelry,” says Sachs, noting that her colleagues in the studio next door are making unique uses of linen and cement. He said with surprise.
Throughout the weekend, visitors will get a glimpse of the wide range of art and creative processes inside Arsenal's studios. For some artists, the studio resembles a gallery exhibit, while other spaces reveal an organic behind-the-scenes look at the art.
Attendees can also expect to create their own art with Sax as he leads a live collage demonstration in the afternoon. Sachs draws on her love of texture and color to prepare materials she uses and showcases herself.
Sachs, who once collected all kinds of paper he came across during a trip to Japan, turned them into a series of collages that he plans to display in his studio.
Lately, I've been enjoying working with wood panels and dyeing tissue paper. “It's very beautiful and this layer becomes translucent,” Sachs said. “I've been really into it lately.”
Adding to the city's festive atmosphere are street musicians performing on the iconic Capitol Lawn, Tannery Plaza, and St. Paul Square. Lively music creates a fitting backdrop for visitors to explore the artwork.
“Benicia Art Weekend is a celebration of the incredible talent and creativity within our community,” said NY2CA Gallery Owner and Art Weekend Coordinator Vicki Marchand in a press release. “We invite you to join us for this vibrant celebration as we immerse ourselves in the diverse artistic expressions that make Benicia a Bay Area cultural gem.”
It is free and open to the public on weekends, and there is ample free street parking in the Arsenal Historic District and downtown area.
For more information about Benicia Art Weekend and participating galleries, visit www.visitbenicia.org/benicia-art-weekend.