FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Livermore Valley Arts
Contact:
Ruth Egherman (925) 583-2306
Anne Giancola (978) 852-6333
A Deeply Personal, Exciting New Exhibit, Currently on Display at Livermore Valley Arts
Livermore, CA – (March 31, 2025) – A stirring new exhibit, “Identity: Defining Identity Through Visual Expression,” is currently on display this spring at the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at the Bankhead Theater through May 4, 2025. As artists have long used their work as a means to express and define who they are, this riveting exhibit offers the world a glimpse into the artists’ unique perspectives, experiences, and passions, featuring artists sharing their vision, exploring identity and connection through visual storytelling. Free and open to the public, “Identity” invites visitors to experience works that capture the ways artists define themselves, their relationships, and their world. Covering everything from family identity and one’s place within that unit, to one’s identity to oneself, to one’s place in nature and the greater cosmos, this exciting exhibit lets artists from our community and beyond define what identity means to them, and run with that, leading to powerful, gripping, emotional works, all celebrating the beauty of one’s identity. Experience this fascinating exhibit in person at the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at the Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore Thursdays through Sundays, 1 pm—5 pm.
Another exciting part of “Identity,” Livermore Valley Arts is thrilled to have this exhibit spearheaded by Guest Curator Pablo Villicaña Lara. According to his statement, Mr. Villicaña Lara, strives for a palpable quality of light, clarity of color, and strong composition. He infuses each painting with a sense of spirituality that reflects a deep connection to Native and Mexican heritage. Holding a BFA from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA, and an MFA in Drawing from the College of the Arts in Oakland, CA, Villicaña Lara initially worked in oils, ceramics, pastels, and textiles. However, discovering the luminous quality of watercolor transformed his artistic path, leading to over 30 years of dedication to the medium. With 28 years of experience as an art instructor, Mr. Villicaña Lara has served as a guest
demonstrator for art societies and led watercolor workshops. Currently, he is an adjunct professor at Merritt College and Las Positas College in the San Francisco Bay Area, and LVA is excited to have this accomplished visual artist involved so heavily with this exhibit.
“It was truly amazing to witness all the different ways one sees themself and their place on earth, whether that be within their self, their family, their home, their city, or the universe,” said Marketing Manager Andrew Kracht. “Livermore Valley Arts staff had a special opportunity to get a curated, guided tour of the exhibit with Visual Arts and Education Manager Anne Giancola, and it was really a special event, to get to ‘peek behind the curtain’ and hear how so many different artists see themselves, and using so many different, exciting media and techniques to communicate those identities. This is definitely a do-not-miss exhibit going on right now at the [UNCLE Credit Union] Art Gallery!”
The UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery is in the lobby of the beautiful Bankhead Theater at 2400 First Street, Livermore. “Identity: Defining Identity Through Visual Expression” is free and open to enjoy by ticketed patrons during performances and by the general public, Thursdays through Sundays, 1 pm—5 pm, now through May 4, 2025, at the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery. The Art Reception for Identity will be on Saturday, April 19 from 1 pm—3 pm, featuring live music by area favorite Matt Finders plus another Guest Artist. Light refreshments will also be served at this free and open-to-the-public event. The public is invited to experience and relish in this powerful new exhibit, to explore what is identity to others, and ideally, to themselves.
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Livermore Valley Arts is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit offering wide-ranging programs that provide access to the arts for the Tri-Valley community and beyond. The Bankhead Theater and Bothwell Arts Center are home to eight resident performing arts companies and over 40 studio artists and cultural arts instructors. LivermoreArts.org
Exhibit: Identity: Defining Identity Through Visual Expression
Dates/Times: Thursdays—Sundays, 1 pm—5 pm, March 6—May 4, 2025
Opening Reception: 1 pm—3 pm, Saturday, April 19, 2025
Tickets: Free and open to the public; light refreshments provided at art reception Dates, times, and ticket prices for other events available at www.LivermoreArts.org
