Open Studios

More than 60 Benicia Artists will Open Studios to Public on May 3rd and 4th, 2014.  

Each year the artist and artisan community in Benicia welcomes visitors to experience an Open Studios event on the first weekend of May. This year, Benicia Open Studios 2014 will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd and 4th from 10 am to 5 pm. This is a unique opportunity to meet the artists and join them in their studios and work spaces to see new and exciting works of art. More than 60 studios will be open to the public for those two days. Visitors are afforded a rare opportunity to talk personally with the artists whose work they admire and to see their favorite—or soon to be favorite—artists at work. 

In concert with Benicia Open Studios 2014 the Arts Benicia Gallery will present an Open Studios Preview exhibit that will be on view from April 17 through May 4. The Open Studios Preview exhibit is a great opportunity for attendees to get a first look and efficiently plan their studio visits.  Open Studios maps are free and available at Arts Benicia, Benicia Main Street and Benicia Plein Air Gallery.

Also in conjunction with Open Studios, the Mosaic Project is back for 2014! People of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in the creation of the Mosaic Project at Arts Benicia. During our Open Studios exhibition, we will install a huge "mosaic" consisting of the 6 x 6 inch panels. These panels are created by emerging and established artists alike, children, teens, adults, seniors, anyone who wants to participate! Each mosaic panel will be sold for $20. All proceeds benefit Arts Benicia. Mosaic Panels for 2014 have been generously donated by Ruszel Woodworks. 

How to Get Started on the Open Studios Tour:  

1. Opening Reception – April 19, 7:00-9:00 pm. View the Preview Exhibition at the Arts Benicia Gallery and come to the opening reception. The exhibition at Arts Benicia includes work by each participating artist.

2. Open Studios Weekend – May 3 & 4 – Get a Map. Go to the Arts Benicia Gallery, 991 Tyler St. #114 to pick up a free Open Studios map! Maps will also be available at Benicia Main Street and at the Benicia Plein Air Gallery. Each participating studio artist will have their studio address listed on the map.

3. Plan your Day! Visit studios throughout the arsenal and downtown, watch printmaking and plein air painting in process at Art Benicia’s Classroom Studio and outdoors  in the arsenal and around Benicia during select times throughout the duration of the event, quench your thirst at our concession stands, and witness glass blowing at Benicia’s highly regarded glass studios on East H and First Streets. Many studios are within walking distance of Arts Benicia. Parking and admission are free.