By Nick Sestanovich

Benicia is a community that is well-known for its art, and Benicia Unified School District’s art programs have been honored by the state. However, many feel that more work can be done to take art education in Benicia to the next level, and that was the catalyst for the formation of the Benicia Arts Now Community (BANC), which had its launch event Friday at Benicia Middle School.

BANC is a coalition of stakeholders in Benicia who share the goal of advocating for art education for every child in Benicia. Some of these goals were presented at a launch breakfast at BMS, with food catered by Sprankle’s Deli and attendance by several notable figures in Benicia. The event was also a showcase for the artistic talents of Benicia’s youth. Artwork and centerpieces created by students at all school levels lined the room, and BMS students got to demonstrate their acting skills. Seventh-grader Miah Chao and sixth-grader Liam McGee performed theatrical monologues, and seventh-graders Katie Wade and Natalia Trumm acted out a skit titled “The New Kid.”

Source: Breakfast celebrates launch of art education advocacy organization