About Us

Our Mission

At NY2CA Gallery, we believe in the transformative power of art to inspire, connect, and enrich. Our mission is to foster meaningful exchanges between artists and audiences through exhibitions, workshops, and community events. By offering a platform for diverse voices and styles, we aim to celebrate creativity while contributing to the cultural vibrancy of Benicia and beyond.

What We Offer

Rotating Exhibitions:

• Dynamic shows refreshed every six to seven weeks, highlighting new talent and perspectives.

Diverse Artistic Styles:

• A variety of mediums, including 2D and 3D art, fiber arts, jewelry, mixed media, and more.

Community Engagement:

• Events, artist talks, and workshops designed to connect artists and audiences.

Support for Artists:

• Opportunities to exhibit and gain recognition, promoting both emerging and established talents.

Our Story

Our Beginnings
NY2CA Gallery bridges two creative worlds: the vibrant pulse of New York and the free-spirited innovation of California. Founded by partners and artists Vickie Marchand and Terry “Twigg” Twigg, the gallery is the culmination of their artistic and personal journeys—a testament to their shared love of creativity and community.

Honoring Twigg’s Legacy
Twigg, a passionate artist and abstract painter, passed unexpectedly on March 18, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, vibrant energy, and dedication to the arts. His bold use of color, hidden organic imagery, and meditative approach to painting continue to inspire the gallery’s mission. “A lot of these strange creatures that I come up with have to do with memories of the past, positive and negative,” he once explained, reflecting his lifelong passion for exploring the depths of emotion and memory through art.

Born in Iowa and raised in Palo Alto, Twigg’s creative journey took him across the globe. After studying fine arts and education at Northwest Missouri State University, he managed exhibitions at the Museum of Natural History in New York City and spent four years in Italy honing his artisan skills. His artistic path spanned painting, jewelry-making, and crafting, with influences from impressionists like J.M.W. Turner, whom he called “the father of expressionism.”

Vickie’s Creative Path
Vickie, originally from Skaneateles, New York, has always been a creator at heart, passionate about art, sewing, and teaching. After earning degrees in art, psychology, and education, she pursued a career as a teacher, seamlessly integrating creative activities into her lessons. Her love of fiber arts led her to spin her own yarns and create award-winning garments, earning recognition at the New York State Fair’s Arts & Crafts Division.

From Coast to Coast
The couple’s paths crossed in 2011, sparking a long-distance relationship that balanced their lives between New York and California. Their shared dream of creating an art gallery took root after they purchased a home in Oakland in 2014. By 2019, they had discovered Benicia, a vibrant community that offered the perfect backdrop for their creative vision. Twigg spotted the property at 617 First Street and immediately saw its potential: “Here’s my studio, and maybe we’ll do a gallery in the front.”

The Gallery Comes to Life
After a year of renovations—including a new façade, flooring, and lighting—NY2CA Gallery opened its doors in April 2023. The inaugural exhibition, featuring Oakland-based ceramic artist Vicki Gunther and Twigg’s abstract paintings, set the tone for the gallery’s mission: to provide individual artists or duos with a platform to showcase cohesive bodies of work. The gallery’s approach, pairing 2D art on the walls with 3D art on pedestals, ensures a thoughtfully curated experience.

Carrying the Torch Forward
Today, Vickie carries the torch forward, honoring Twigg’s memory and their shared dream. Her love for the work has only deepened as she continues to foster the creative community they both cherished. NY2CA Gallery remains a space where New York Energy Meets California Creativity, offering exhibitions across diverse mediums—including painting, sculpture, fiber arts, jewelry, and mixed media—while creating meaningful connections between artists and audiences.

Join Us

Embark on a creative journey with us at NY2CA Gallery, where New York Energy Meets California Creativity.Whether you’re an artist ready to share your vision or a visitor seeking fresh inspiration, we warmly welcome you to be part of our dynamic community. Vickie, along with the gallery team, invites you to discover art that resonates, connect with passionate creatives, and take home a piece of the magic to make it your own.

Stay Connected

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date on our latest exhibitions, artist talks, and community events. Let’s keep the creativity flowing!