Benicia Plein Air Gallery Artists
Suzanne D'Arcy
Catherine Fasciato
Jessica de Jesus
Karen Leoni
Samantha McNally
Jean Purnell
Iris Sabre
Maria SantoStefano
Click on any name above to take
you directly to the artist's website!
Benicia Plein Air Gallery
307 First Street
Benicia, CA 94510
Benicia Plein Air Gallery presents a year-round exhibit of work by all of our gallery artists showcasing a colorful variety of media and styles.
Drop by to see what's new!
Catherine, MaryLou, Maria and Samantha have paintings in the Valley Art Gallery
1661 Botelho Drive, Walnut Creek
March 2026 to September 2026
Catherine Fasciato, MaryLou Correia, Maria SantoStefano & Samantha McNally
Member News
Samantha has illustrated a book called “Benicia’s Changing Tides” by Fiona M. Hughes.
We have autographed copies available in the gallery! Benicia’s Changing Tides is also available on Amazon.
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Samantha McNally
Plein air artists often bring their easels to the Lafayette Reservoir and paint this beautiful local treasure.
Michael Dadasovich often paints at the reservoir dam site, but he also packs his easel and materials up to the rim trail to gain a different view and perspective on the reservoir. He unequivocally proves that painting allows a person to see things differently as he captures his exceptional outlook on canvas.
Michael Dadasovich
All of us at Benicia Plein Air Gallery are honoring Jerrold Turner, Benicia artist, who passed away February 14. Jerry was the initial inspiration for our little group of plein air painters that worked in and around Benicia. He coined the name "DaGroup". He was a member of Gallery 621 in Benicia. We all have great memories and stories about his sense of humor and kind-hearted personality. We will miss him. Here are two of his paintings, he had a diverse style and a great talent.
Jerrold Turner
Catherine Fasciato
Catherine's painting, Sunset Sparkle, 16"×29", oil on linen panel, has been accepted into the 115th Annual California Art Club Gold Medal Exhibition at The Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University in Orange County, CA from June 13 - September 13, 2026.
During the month of May Benicia Plein Air Gallery proudly presents a collection of paintings by artist JoAnn McMahon.
Long time Benicia Plein Air Gallery member JoAnn McMahon is showing her beautiful paintings so please stop by and check out her distinct and luscious style and colorful landscapes.
Joann says: "Reconnecting to my background art is my passion. I see the work in exciting uncompromising lines, colors and shapes. I try to communicate that vision to the viewer in my work. Plein air painting is a grand adventure for all the senses".
The exhibit will be on display from May1 - May 31. JoAnn will be present in the gallery to greet old friends and make new ones on 3 consecutive Saturdays: May 9, May 16 and May 23 from 11am to 5pm
Jessica's painting, "Meadow View" was accepted into Yosemite Renaissance 41 and will be "on the road" for the next year in this traveling exhibition. The show is currently on exhibit at the Yosemite Gateway Art Center and will travel to other galleries in Central California. Learn more at yosemiterenaissance.org.
Karen's "Rocky Shoreline" has been accepted into Laguna Plein Air Association (LPAPA) exhibit
“For the Love of the Sea”. The reception is April 2 and the show will be from March 30 - May 16
LPAPA 414 N. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA.
Samantha, Maria, Karen and MaryLou will have paintings in Art of a Community 2026
June 6 – July 19, 2026
Arts Benicia 1 Commandant's Lane, Benicia
The exhibition will open with a reception on Saturday, June 6, 4 – 6 pm, as part of the Benicia Arts Festival.
Karen Leoni
Samantha McNally, Maria SantoStefano, Karen Leoni and MaryLou Correia
Jessica de Jesus
Maria and Jessica are showing new paintings in the latest front gallery installation at the Epperson Gallery, currently celebrating its 30th anniversary.
1400 Pomona Street, Crockett, CA 94525. Open 11-5, Friday- Sunday. (510) 787-2925
Maria SantoStefano and Jessica de Jesus
During the Benicia Plein Air paint out on June 6, the public is invited to participate in a “Paint Like Jerrold Turner“ event which pays homage to one of the founders of our gallery. A drawing will be held to award the finished painting to one of the participants.
Samantha will have a painting in the Epperson Gallery exhibit, "A Place I've Never Known", May 30th – June 28th
Reception: May 30th, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
1400 Pomona Street, Crockett, CA 94525. Open 11-5, Friday- Sunday. (510) 787-2925
Samantha McNally
Karen also has 3 paintings that have been accepted into the annual Maritime Art Exhibit: Surge at the Coos Art Museum. There will be a reception and Maritime Dinner Celebration on Sunday May 2 from 6-9PM and everyone is invited to attend. The show will be from May 2 through July 12.
235 Anderson Ave Coos Bay, OR
