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Community Corner

Arts Benicia's Auction at the Clocktower This Weekend

The 19th Annual art event has a new venue, lower ticket price and a new flavor.

's is scheduled for Saturday. The gala has always been well attended so when it was hosted at the Arts Benicia Gallery in a party tent, the event was busting at the seams.

Last year's auction was hosted at The Iron Horse gallery with a sit-down dinner. This year, co-chairs Pat Hall and Cherry Moore have made the auction into a cocktail party at the Clock Tower with a lower ticket price of $35 ($60 for a pair). “We have recession-priced tickets,” said Larnie Fox, Arts Benicia's Executive Director. Organizers credit staff liaison Laura Buchan with wrangling the complexities of the event.

Nearly 80 artists are participating in the exhibition. The art includes paintings, drawings, photographs, fiber-art, sculpture, glass and jewelry. Bids on silent auction items begin at $20 so there is something in everybody's price range. “There is so much talent here,” said Andrew Allen, arsenal property owner.

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Some artwork has been donated by artists, including who's piece is expected to be a hot live auction item. “People should come if they care about the arts,” said Eanes. “It's the big arsenal bash, a great way to get reacquainted with the community.”

Proceeds from ' cheerful Sea Turtle painting will be split between the BHS Drama department and Voena, so the bidding for his painting will be heated.

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's red abstract painting is a bold change from her usual pallet. It's expected to inspire a bidding war during the live auction. “I am hoping for the best,” said Dalton who is participating for the 18th year.

Local businesses are generously supporting the fundraiser. is providing hors d'oeuvres, has donated funds and bartenders and is serving desserts. is providing all the computer networking for the event, including new auction software, versus accounting by hand.  Steve Gizzi will serve as the celebrity auctioneer with Craig Snyder as Master of Ceremonies.

“We have received such incredible support from the artists and our First street friends,” said Moore. “We hope people will attend and share in Benicia's wonderful community spirit."

Silent auction pieces can be bid on during the preview show at Arts Benicia's gallery until Thursday. The entire exhibition will be moved to the on Friday for the big event. Silent auction bidding will resume on Saturday at 6:30 when the auction begins.

Entertainment will include live jazz by the Dalt Williams Trio, a performance by the youth choir and a surprise from the BHS drama department.

As the major fundraiser for Arts Benicia, the proceeds will fund exhibitions and programs for the entire year and gives Benicians the opportunity to meet the local talent. “This is best chance of the year for the community to get together to support and celebrate the arts,” said Fox. Tickets are available on the . 

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