Benicia, CA — Nearly 100 guests gathered at NY2CA Gallery on Saturday, August 16, for the opening of Arts of Fire, a statewide juried exhibition highlighting the artistry of contemporary glass and clay. The event featured live music, a vibrant community turnout, and the highly anticipated ACGA Awards for Arts of Fire.
The evening’s courtyard music was performed by Stan Houston (guitar & vocals), Karl Hartman (bass), Ian White (guitar), John Douglas (sax, clarinet, flute), and Silvestri Martinez (percussion), whose rich and soulful performance filled the NY2CA Courtyard with energy and warmth.
The ACGA Awards Ceremony honored artists across the great state of California whose works exemplify innovation, craftsmanship, and creative vision in glass and clay.
Award Recipients
GLASS
- First Place: De la Vie a la Morte — Bruce Pizzichillo
- Second Place: Manzanita Amphora — Hannah & Alana Nicholson van Altena
- Third Place: Chorus — Karen Urbanek
- Honorable Mention: Marital Bedroom — Julie Kumar
CLAY
- First Place: Moments In Time — Claudia Tarantino
- Second Place: Visitation — Clayton Thiel
- Third Place: Farewell To Spring — Vicki Gunter
- Honorable Mention: Undercurrent — Amanda Klimik
Special Awards
The exhibition continues at NY2CA Gallery through September 21, 2025, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the wide spectrum of glass and clay as contemporary art forms, from traditional craftsmanship to bold conceptual works.
NY2CA is also inviting the community to get involved through its People’s Choice Award. Visitors can cast a vote for their favorite piece in the gallery now through August 31, 2025. Every vote counts, and the winning artist will be announced in early September.
“Seeing the community come together to celebrate this level of artistry was inspiring,” said Gallery Owner and Director Vickie Marchand. “The Arts of Fire exhibition demonstrates the incredible talent and innovation within our glass and clay community.”
The exhibition is free and open to the public at NY2CA Gallery, 617 First Street, Benicia, CA. For more information, visit www.ny2cagallery.com.
