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Arts & Entertainment

Great Escapes: Tour Open Studios

This weekend is a great chance to view the work of local artists, have a glass of wine and take a break from the kids.

Get a babysitter, put on some comfortable shoes and head to the Arsenal art district this weekend. The semi-annual is a unique chance to view the work of resident artists in their studios and local venues.

Although hundreds of artists live and work in Benicia, most don't have their work exhibited in public venues. This weekend you can meet the artists and see their workspaces. In some cases, artists have a live/work studio. These private studios are not open to the public the rest of the year, but some participate in the smaller Open Studios event in December. 

With nearly 70 artists participating, it's best to map out your day. Start by viewing the preview show at the gallery. You can also get a studio map there, which is handy to mark which studios you most want to see.

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Although there is a concentration of studios in the Arsenal district, don't skip the artists in downtown locations. After taking in the art, you can stop at your favorite cafe for a nosh or beverage. It's also common for artists to serve refreshments and wine for guests.

Keep in mind that most of the artwork is for sale and artists do appreciate the support. Prices are often much lower than you'd find in a gallery. Some artists may not accept credit cards but may have PayPal. Checks and cash are welcome.

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