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Over 40 local artists open their studios! sculpting tools. My aim is to create novel forms rather than to repeat those that other artists have developed. Although my art may refer in some ways to waste and recycling, it is not about those things. For me, art is not about something; it is something.” Vicki Dennis, an acrylic and collage artist, is one of the newer artists in the Arsenal. “Open Studios was one of the first things I learned about when I moved to Benicia in 2014. Open Studios gives me a chance to talk to people interested in art, to chat with them about my processes and techniques, color and themes in my work.” Dennis, retired from a long career as a writer and public relations consultant, is mainly self-taught. “I always considered myself to be a storyteller. These days, I use pigment, paper and water to tell stories instead of using words.” Jan Blythe has been living and working in the Bay Area as an artist and textile designer for the past fifteen years. Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, her current work includes painting, creating installations, sculpture and works on paper. “I collect stuff. My studio is bursting at the seams with things that I’ve gathered from flea markets, hardware stores and nature.” Blythe incorporates these things into works that are abstract or may reference nature or the human form. “The thread that runs through all my work is the process of experimentation, with a sense of play and curiosity.” Artist studios are located at 940 Tyler Street, 991 Tyler Street, and along Jackson Street from 991 to 1075, and are open from 10am to 5pm each day. Participating artists include abstract, figurative and landscape painters, printmakers, sculptors, photographers, stained glass and mixed media artists, fashion
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“It’s an inspiration for artists, and a fun and unusual place for visitors to explore as well.” designers, and more. Parking is plentiful. Additionally, Arts Benicia is participating through its two Arsenal locations. Ten Arts Benicia Printmakers are displaying their mono-prints, etchings, woodblocks, lino-cuts, and fine art prints at 991 Tyler Street, Suite #116. Printing demonstrations will be given on both Saturday and Sunday. Arts Benicia is also hosting the printmakers in a gallery exhibition at its main gallery location, the Commanding Officer’s Quarters, 1 Commandant’s Lane. A second exhibition at Arts Benicia, titled Tattoo You, features approximately 40 artworks selected by juror Kevin B. Chen related to the art of tattoo design and application. Benicia’s first downtown Art Walk of 2022 also coincides with the event on Saturday, June 11. From 1 to 5pm the participating First Street galleries will welcome locals and out-of-town visitors to view member artists’ works and feature demonstrations and special activities. For more information about artists and events, visit www. beniciaarsenalartists.com and artsbenicia.org B
Caps off to this year's Benicia High School graduates! The community could not be prouder of you. You did the dang thing and new adventures are about to begin! Graduation is the bridge to the next part of your life, and all of the things that got you to this point—hard work, drive and confidence—are going to carry you across to a future full of actualized aspirations. I'm sure this will be only the first of many proud, successful moments for you all, and we'll be cheering you on for everything that follows! Some of your fellow Benicians wanted to give you their best bits of advice to take with you on this exciting journey. "You never need to pretend like you know what you're doing, no onw knows what they're doing." "Travel as much as you can!" "Start investing in an IRA now! Putting a little away now means huge, huge payoff later." "Don't be afraid to ask for help." "If what you're studying doesn't bring you joy and satisfaction, don't be afraid to reconsider your course choices." B BeniciaMagazine.com • 13
