I registered for a 10 am workshop, but arrived shortly after the art center opened so I had time to…read moreleisurely view the works on display in the main gallery and in other smaller galleries. I am always impressed by the caliber of the work on display, regardless of whether it's the work of professionals or young children who have taken classes at the center or work from area schools in coordination with their art teachers. Workshop participants created a paper plate "succulent" to take home. Although the workshop required pre-registration, it was free. Many parents worked along side their young children,?while teenagers clustered together. The presenter's own sculptures reminded me of Dr Seuss drawings come to life. It was evident that a fun time was had by all.

Came here for the spring exhibitions opening reception and had a great time. Was a bit surprised…read morethat masking was still required indoors but they provided masks at the front. The exhibits were nicely organized and flowed well. The Richmond Art Center seems well-maintained overall and they did an excellent job with the opening reception, including the yummy food and drinks in the courtyard. I just wish they had more seating during events. While making my way around, I saw artwork from local students as well and the classrooms in the back which was cool. If you're an East Bay local, I highly recommend stopping by the Richmond Art Center at some point or checking out their class offerings.

This gallery is an excellent part of the East Bay art scene!…read moreWe just went to an opening. Interesting and evocative art and ceramics, beautifully presented. Friendly and informative staff. Very enjoyable!

Still a nice gallery. Recently I got a scenery painting. Worth stoping in. Very interesting…read moreexhibits.

Wonderful little gallery with original works by 12 Plein air artists. They have oil paintings,…read morewatercolor paintings, and pastel paintings. They make awesome gifts.

Thirteen local artists show in this 3000+ sf commercial space in Benicia. We are so lucky that we…read morelive in a place that talent explodes beyond words and at the end of the day, there is fresh art everyone. The Bencia Plein Air Gallery exhibits change and rotate with work from local artists. I came in out of the blue, interested in what I find remarkable works. The space is also wonderful for venues and gallery walks... except for Benicia, this is the one and only. If you like art or have a space that needs a little something, come here and support local talent. I can tell that so much here is of up most quality and originality. You will not be disappointed. The prices of art varies but like i said, surely there is something for everyone.

Daniel Hunter invited my Honey to his art opening. They are old colleges. I was thrilled. I've…read morenever been to Benicia. When we arrived I was surprised how quaint Benicia was and there huge art community. It turns out that we arrived for there 2nd Saturday Art Walk. I had no idea they still existed. I loved the environment and people. They were all so nice. Our first stop was Gallery 621. We lucked out at finding a parking spot a little over a block away. The place was packed. The gallery is a co-op gallery. Every member takes turns manning the gallery and they all pay in to show there art. They had a good collection of art work and a few statues. The galley was really buzzing. The few people I talked to either were artists or people who followed the artists. I talked to another couple and they drive in once a year to see Daniel's shows. He has quite a following. His work has evolved over the years. This show was wax and spray paint and many layers. Below you can see page 3. We are now proud owners of page 3. Honey is on the left and Daniel on the right. I love Daniel's shirt.

This lovely gem is right on the main street of Benicia. While my cousin and I were walking down the…read moreroad from Sailor Jacks. This gallery has a nice array of local and non-local art. This is a must is you are in the Benicia area. The owners are lovely and welcoming people that know their art and show the finest of local talent.WE were ready to walk in and they were hanging one of their Halloween displays outside and asked for our opinion. The next time you are in town..stop in and experience their art displays, who knows you may find a piece or two that you would love to buy and take home with you!!

Annette Schutz and James Bacchi have created a warm and welcoming atmosphere at ArtHaus. When you…read morestop by, you'll no doubt have an interesting conversation, admire the art and the beautiful space, and think to yourself that you couldn't possibly afford the gorgeous paintings , photographs and sculptures. Look at the price tags, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. You might just walk out with an original:-)

South of Market, unpretentious and friendly. Owners James and Annette are true art lovers showing…read morethe work of new and established artists. Check it out.

Collection curated by its artist members Interesting and…read morevaried pieces, well priced.

This is a great little art gallery. The artists displaying their works are some of my favorites! I…read morehave bought both gifts and art for my own home here. The attending artists are welcoming and friendly. In my opinion, that one-star-review by E P that Yelp has deigned to allow to stand should be removed. It is not a review of the gallery nor the art, rather it is a personal attack of a person of whom I have never heard who does not own or run the gallery. It is shameful to down a legitimate business with a review like that. It is destructive and mean, and it is a reflection on the writer more than the gallery. Yelp should remove it, and I recommend disregarding the E P review entirely.

Now, I have to let you know that I worked at NIAD back in the day and met my husband there. He…read morestill works there and my leaving and time there was brutal! But, boy have times changed! I love coming here for the art, the comraderie of the staff and the clients are full of love, hugs and joy! I have bought art there, I have bought jewelry there, and we went to NYC to be present with one of their artists who had a piece in the Whitney Bienniel! I was hired to be the personal secretary to Dr. Katz who founded Creative Growth in Oakland, Creativity Explored in San Francisco, and Creativity Unlimited in San Jose (I believe they closed a while back). I was at the first conference of Art and Disabilities held at the center with representatives from the four centers and others. Some came as far away as Canada and Minnesota. At that time, Creative Growth was the star of the group and we all aspired to have their success. Well, NIAD has found it. The idea for the center started after the mental health facilities in CA were closed by Ronald Reagan. But before the closure, Florence, his wife and artist, would drive up with art supplies so that the people could create art. A lot of the clients were relocted to the bay area and he opened the center for them to create art. Eli was passionate about the clients and felt that they had a right to create and he created a center where that's possible. I'm sure that he is beaming over everything that NIAD has become - an inclusive, welcoming place where artists get a chance for creative expression and can earn money from what they make. Good job for keeping it up guys!

I came to NIAD in November 2023 believing I had finally found my place…read more I am an artist and a small business owner. I have spent over 10 years trying to build my own creative business, and within my first month at NIAD I sold a hand-knitted piece I had made there. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I belonged somewhere. I could make art, sell my work, and be myself. For about a year, everything felt right. That changed in November 2024 when a new client joined the program. Almost immediately I sensed something was off about this person. My gut told me he was going to be trouble, even though I couldn't name exactly why yet. Over the following months a pattern emerged: he would instigate conflict, encourage others to exclude me, and single me out -- sometimes right in front of staff. At a fundraiser event I watched him high-five every single person in the room and deliberately skip me. I began to question my own reality. Was I imagining it? Was something wrong with me? The first serious incident happened around March 2025. A staff member named Amber was already emotionally distressed due to the recent death of a former artist at the program. I made an offhand joke -- the kind I make regularly, it's just part of my personality -- and it landed badly given her grief. The situation escalated. The client I had been having problems with was sitting right beside her and actively fanned the flames, instigating the conflict. Amber told me she hated me and that I was a bad person. I was humiliated and I responded with words I regret. I take responsibility for my part. But when it was over, I felt blamed for the entire incident. I was out of the program for several days. What troubled me most was not the conflict itself -- it was the complete failure of leadership to address what had been happening. Director Ember Avalos and program head never meaningfully intervened in the months of ongoing exclusion and instigation I experienced. There was no acknowledgment that another client had been deliberately targeting me. No real support. When I raised my concerns formally, complaints were filed with multiple agencies including RCEB, DSS Community Care Licensing, and Disability Rights California. Every investigation came back with no violations found. I have childhood trauma and a history of feeling like I don't belong. A program specifically serving people with disabilities should understand that sustained social exclusion -- left unaddressed by staff and leadership -- causes real harm. I tried to make it work for over a year. I left worse off than when I arrived. This place is not only unsafe, but it caused a lot of trauma and failed to protect artists. There is bullying, emotional abuse, and financial abuse going on in this facility. I would not recommend.