Benicia Art Walk Returns July 10!
Visit Benicia
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Benicia Art Walk returns to First Street this coming Saturday!
We Are Back!
Benicia Art Walk returns to celebrate its 10th year, promising locals and visitors a rejuvenating weekend outing exploring one of the Bay Area’s most active art scenes, viewing live demonstrations from local artists, enjoying live music in the air every Saturday, and even getting a chance to win a $200 arts gift card!
Free to Everyone
Escaping the heat this summer just got a whole lot cooler. The event is free to the public, and there’s always plenty of free street parking nearby.
With all the participating galleries within easy walking distance of each other (not to mention all the shopping and dining options) along Benicia’s historic First Street, Art Walk is accessible to people of all ages. If you’re not sure where to start, just look for the blue banners hanging in front of each gallery, or pick up the 2021 Benicia Art Walk brochure and map.
A Chance to Win $200 for Attending!
All attendees can participate in the Benicia Art Passport competition. Hosted by the the Galleries of First Street, an organization comprised of the eight First Street galleries, guests can stop by any of the galleries, pick up an Art Passport
and then get it stamped at each of the participating galleries for a chance to enter a $200 drawing to be redeemed at an any of the eight galleries.
A Whole Day of Fun
The Art Walk runs from 1pm-5pm, every second Saturday of June, July, September and October. We recommend arriving a bit early, giving yourself time to visit One House Bakery
to stock up on pastries and supplies for a scenic picnic
to-go. And, whether you want to cap off the evening with dinner with the kids at Sailor Jack’s
or Bella Sienna, or even settle down with a tasty cocktail, Benicia’s unique and one of a kind dining options are the perfect way to end your day while escaping the bay.
As you explore First Street, make sure to take in your surroundings: the city is rich with public art
and charming vintage architecture.
Moving from gallery to gallery, you’ll quickly find that the restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and breweries in Benicia fall under the “must-try” dining experience. And don’t forget to spoil yourself as you stroll past Benicia’s many boutique shopping
experiences.
Live Artist Demonstrations and Participating Galleries
333 First Street, Suite D
HQ Gallery will be giving away a collaborative painting created by several of its member artists, in a drawing to be held on July 10th during the Benicia Art Walk.
HQ gallery will also be hosting a brand new gallery-wide scavenger hunt. Find the small pieces in the artwork in their new gallery installation. Get them all correct and you earn a HQ Gallery special pen, and you will be entered into a monthly scavenger hunt drawing to receive a new petite piece of artwork from artist of the month, Barb Duvall. Duvall’s vivid digital, ink and acrylic paintings feature the unique relationship between ourselves, animals and nature.
Benicia's HQ Gallery opens with an exhibit entitled, “Celebrate Art” from July 1st through August 29th, showcasing paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics, digital, mixed media and needle art created by local member artists.
129 First Street, in the Tannery
Once Upon a Canvas will feature two great artwork demonstrations inside their studio from 1 – 4 p.m. Artist Beth Grimm will feature her iPhone artistry and artist Tina Hariu will share her oil portrait creation of the Golden State Warrior’s best shooter. The studio will offer a gift with purchase, refreshments and music by Marcy Orendorff.
637 First Street
Artist Jose Luis Varto is the featured artist for July. Meet this prolific master and view his work at Arata Gallery during the Benicia Art Walk. Since his arrival in Benicia six years ago, he has produced an incredible amount of paintings, sculptures and drawings that include some of his imaginative inventions. He is an incredible force of creativity. Visitors will see him sketching from life. Varto is a Bay Area artist showing his work in downtown Napa, Oakland and Benicia. In Benicia, his work is displayed in Bella Siena, IronHorse in the Benicia Arsenal, and of course, at Arata Gallery. Patrons will have the chance to win a piece of art by entering a free drawing just for visiting during Art Walk.
Guests will also be able to meet artist Philip Venable, who will be showcasing his latest work from 11am-5pm.
733 First Street
The paint-you-own ceramic studio and gallery offering quality handmade art for sale and local Benicia souvenirs.
129 First Street, in the Tannery
Visitors can stop by The Little Art Shop and meet Quilling Artist and professional French horn player, Kathy Canfield Shepard along with good friend and long-time horn colleague, Tony Cecere, for French horn duets from 2-4p.m.
307 First Street
At Benicia Plein Air Gallery, join Beth Winfield who will be doing a live demo from 3pm to 5pm. Beth is the Featured Artist for the month of July and her show “Call of the West” will be on display showcasing her journey into the great American Southwest.
309 First Street
Gallery 621 will be featuring the works of Daniel Hunter. Hunter's show is titled “Pages from a Painted Book.” The paintings are made by alternating layers of enamel spray paint with layers of wax resist on wood panels, and show his interest in spatial relationships, abstract shapes, gridlines, and bright contrasting colors. Conceptually, each work in the exhibition represents a page from an imaginary painted book. A reception for the artist will be held from 4:00 to 6:00pm.
632 First Street
Happy Life Pottery will be having a hand-made jewelry extravaganza! The shop will be hosting a reception for Jewelry Artist Linda Bodie, who will be on site with a special selection of her gorgeous jewelry, exclusive to Saturday’s event. They will also have a special selection of new jewelry available from artist Brenda Soi of San Leandro, as well as a new shipment of jewelry from ReStrung: hand-made jewelry from recycled guitar strings!
A portion of all proceeds from ReStrung go to music programs in under-privileged areas.
🎄 Holiday Magic Awaits in Benicia! Just 35 minutes from SF: Discover waterfront concerts, unique local shopping, festive parades, wine walks, Victorian carolers, and visits with Santa. Make this season special in our historic bay town.
'Tis the Season in Beautiful Benicia! Looking for a magical holiday shopping experience? Skip the mall crowds and discover the charm of downtown Benicia. Our historic First Street transforms into a winter wonderland, where local merchants offer unique treasures you won't find anywhere else. From handcrafted art to gourmet delights, each purchase supports our vibrant community of small business owners. Take a break between shops to savor seasonal specials at our waterfront restaurants, or join us for festive community events that capture the true spirit of the season. As you stroll past twinkling lights and decorated storefronts, you'll discover why Benicia is the Bay Area's hidden gem for holiday shopping. Let's explore just a few fantastic spots for your 2024 holiday shopping adventure: 
Happy Holidays! Make Benicia your one-stop shop for holiday shopping this year! Discover quirky shops, one-of-a-kind gifts, and friendly merchants who make it easy to find the perfect something for your special someone . You'll also be supporting small, locally-owned businesses that directly benefit the community! While you're at it, unwind and enjoy a delicious meal at one Benicia's incredible restaurants . And, to really get yourself in the holiday spirit, plan your shopping visit around one of Benicia's many family-friendly (and free) Holiday Events ! We've put together some quick tips in the 2023 Benicia Holiday Shopping Guide:
HAUNTED HISTORY: BAY AREA GHOST HUNTING!
Bakery Creates Life-Size Halloween Bread Sculpture From the Hit Show, The Last of Us Mother/Daughter baking team in Benicia, CA create eye-popping bread sculptures every Halloween, inspired by popular film & television characters An incredible mother/daughter baking team in Benicia, California, who last year made international headlines with their " Pan Solo " bread sculpture, have done it again! This year’s masterpiece is the even more ambitious " The Last of Crust ," a life-size bread sculpture inspired by the hit show and video game The Last of Us , starring Pedro Pascal. The “clickers” from the show, hand-sculpted and baked by Hannalee Pervan and her mother Catherine in Benicia's One House Bakery , are covered in more than 1,000 individually-created "mushrooms." The exhibit took over 400 hours of labor to construct, more than twice as long as "Pan Solo." The creature's man-eating chompers were hand-sculpted and modeled after Catherine's own teeth.
Attention Art Lovers! Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Enjoy the final Benicia Art Walk of the year, with special exhibitions and live demonstrations at 8 galleries, all within easy walking distance of each other. Keep reading to find out what's happening at each gallery! When: October 14th, 12pm-4pm Where: First Street, Benicia Get directions Benicia Art Walk runs from 12pm-4pm , every second Saturday of June, July, September and October. We recommend arriving a bit early to give yourself time to make a whole day enjoying the city's many artisanal dining and boutique shopping options, as well. If you’re not sure where to start, just look for the blue banners hanging in front of each gallery, or view the 2023 Benicia Art Walk brochure and map HERE . Win a $200 Gift Card for the Arts If you get your Art Walk Passport stamped at each gallery, you can turn it in to one of the participating galleries for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate to be used at one of the 2023 Art Walk galleries! New for 2023: Art Walk Drink Specials Unlock Art Walk Drink Specials! Show your Art Walk pass at Mare Island Brewing Co. and Cullen's Tannery Pub to receive the exclusive offers below. Mare Island Brewing Co. : $1 off any glass of Mare Island Winefitters wine, or draft Mare Island Brewing Co. beer Cullen's Tannery Pub : A unique $5 special cocktail for each Art Walk this summer More Free Family Fun on October 14th! October 14th is Benicia's Family Fall-Tastic Saturday, with five events happening in one day ! In addition to Art Walk , see a dog costume contest at the Dog Festival , view the inside of a fire truck at the Fire Station's Open House or go Shopping at the Book Sale and Craft Fair . All events are free to the public, and there’s always plenty of free street parking nearby.
Family Fall-Tastic: Five Events, One Day!
Attention Art Lovers! Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Enjoy and explore the Benicia Art Walk . Celebrate one of the Bay Area’s most active art communities, and enjoy entertainment & live demonstrations at 8 galleries in downtown Benicia. When: September 9th, 12pm-4pm Where: First Street, Benicia Get directions Benicia Art Walk runs from 12pm-4pm , every second Saturday of June, July, September and October. We recommend arriving a bit early, giving yourself time to make a whole day enjoying the city's many artisanal dining and boutique shopping options, as well! WIN! If you get your Art Walk Passport stamped at each gallery, you can turn it in to one of the participating galleries for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate to be used at one of the 2023 Art Walk galleries! New for 2023! Unlock Art Walk Drink Specials! Show your Art Walk pass at Mare Island Brewing Co. and Cullen's Tannery Pub to receive the exclusive offers below. Mare Island Brewing Co. : $1 off any glass of Mare Island Winefitters wine, or draft Mare Island Brewing Co. beer Cullen's Tannery Pub : A unique $5 special cocktail for each Art Walk this summer Free Summer Fun Escaping the heat this summer just got a whole lot cooler. The event is free to the public, and there’s always plenty of free street parking nearby. If you’re not sure where to start, just look for the blue banners hanging in front of each gallery, or view the 2023 Benicia Art Walk brochure and map HERE .
Attention Art Lovers! Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Enjoy the beautiful weather and explore the Benicia Art Walk . Celebrate one of the Bay Area’s most active art communities, and enjoy entertainment & live demonstrations at 8 galleries in downtown Benicia. When: July 8th, 12pm-4pm Where: First Street, Benicia Get directions Benicia Art Walk runs from 12pm-4pm , every second Saturday of June, July, September and October. We recommend arriving a bit early, giving yourself time to make a whole day enjoying the city's many artisanal dining and boutique shopping options, as well! WIN! If you get your Art Walk Passport stamped at each gallery, you can turn it in to one of the participating galleries for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate to be used at one of the 2023 Art Walk galleries! New for 2023! Unlock Art Walk Drink Specials! Show your Art Walk pass at Mare Island Brewing Co. and Cullen's Tannery Pub to receive the exclusive offers below. Mare Island Brewing Co. : $1 off any glass of Mare Island Winefitters wine, or draft Mare Island Brewing Co. beer Cullen's Tannery Pub : A unique $5 special cocktail for each Art Walk this summer Free Summer Fun Escaping the heat this summer just got a whole lot cooler. The event is free to the public, and there’s always plenty of free street parking nearby. If you’re not sure where to start, just look for the blue banners hanging in front of each gallery, or view the 2023 Benicia Art Walk brochure and map HERE . 
Attention Art Lovers! Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Benicia Art Walk marks the city's first major public event of the year. Celebrate one of the Bay Area’s most active art communities, and enjoy entertainment & live demonstrations at 8 galleries in downtown Benicia. When: June 10th, 12pm-4pm Where: First Street, Benicia Get directions Benicia Art Walk runs from 12pm-4pm , every second Saturday of June, July, September and October. We recommend arriving a bit early, giving yourself time to make a whole day enjoying the city's many artisanal dining and boutique shopping options, as well! New for 2023! Unlock Art Walk Drink Specials! Show your Art Walk pass at Mare Island Brewing Co. and Cullen's Tannery Pub to receive the exclusive offers below. Mare Island Brewing Co. : $1 off any glass of Mare Island Winefitters wine, or draft Mare Island Brewing Co. beer Cullen's Tannery Pub : A unique $5 special cocktail for each Art Walk this summer Free Summer Fun Escaping the heat this summer just got a whole lot cooler. The event is free to the public, and there’s always plenty of free street parking nearby. If you’re not sure where to start, just look for the blue banners hanging in front of each gallery, or view the 2023 Benicia Art Walk brochure and map HERE .
