Uncle CREDIT UNION ART GALLERY

Enriching Human Experience through the Arts

The UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at the Bankhead Theater is a contemporary and modern art gallery, utilizing the walls of the lobby of the Bankhead Theater. The gallery specializes in showcasing a diverse range of artists and the arts, curated exhibitions, and special projects of various art collectives from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Proceeds from the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery supports the art exhibit and visual arts programming at the Bankhead Theater and Bothwell Arts Center, part of the independent, non-profit Livermore Valley Arts.

KNOCK KNOCK:
The Art of Wit and Whimsy

October 23, 2025 — January 4, 2026

New Hours Thursdays & Fridays, 12 pm — 5 pm | Saturdays, 9 am — 1 pm*

FREE & OPEN to the Public

PLEASE NOTE: The Art Gallery is CLOSED Sundays through Wednesdays, as well as on Saturdays when matinee performances start at 2pm.

“Knock, Knock: The Art of Wit and Whimsy” will be on display this fall & winter at the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at the Bankhead Theater from October 23 through January 4, 2026*, inviting viewers to step into a world where humor & imagination take center stage. This lighthearted & joyful exhibition celebrates the playful side of creativity, showcasing artwork that elicits laughter, sparks delight, & nudges the imagination in unexpected directions. From visual puns & satirical commentary to reimagined board games & comic-inspired illustrations, each piece reveals how art can be both clever & carefree.

Featuring a vibrant mix of media—paintings, illustrations, sculptures, photography, & mixed-media works—the exhibit highlights artists who embrace levity without sacrificing meaning. Whether through whimsical characters, surreal juxtapositions, or nostalgic nods to childhood play, Knock, Knock delivers an experience full of visual jokes, sly wit, & quirky charm. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t always have to be serious to be significant; sometimes a good laugh is exactly what we need.

In a world often weighed down by gravity, Knock, Knock: The Art of Wit and Whimsy opens the door to joy, curiosity, & the sheer delight of seeing the world through a more playful lens. Experience this special exhibit in person at the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at the Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore, Thursdays & Fridays, 12 pm to 5 pm, and Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm.

Pajama Party with music by Michael McNevin on Saturday, Nov 22 at 10:30 am. Come to the Bankhead for the music at 10:30 in your pajamas and you will be entered in a raffle for free Bankhead Tickets. Michael McNevin is a singer, songwriter, troubadour and Etch-A-Sketch artist – join us for a fun mid-day concert of music and art. (pajamas not required!)

Free & Open to the Public

Coming to the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery

Knock Knock:
The Art of Wit and Whimsy

Oct 23 – Jan 4, 2026

Reception, October 25, 2025

An exhibit that celebrates the playful and inventive spirit of humor through art. Featuring a mix of unconventional mediums, the show invites visitors to experience creativity that tickles the funny bone and sparks nostalgia. From intricate Etch A Sketch masterpieces, whimsical LEGO displays, comic humor and art that showcases the boundless potential of humor as a universal language. This exhibit blurs the line between art and play, offering something for all ages to enjoy.

Modern Currents: Contemporary Asian Voices

Jan 8 – Mar 8, 2026

Reception, January 17, 2026

Art at the confluence of memory, tradition, and transformation in three dynamic cultures.

This exhibition brings together contemporary artists with Asian backgrounds whose works explore the layered intersections of heritage and modernity. Through painting, sculpture, and mixed media, these artists reflect on ancient traditions, personal and collective memory, and the rapidly shifting landscapes of their homelands. Modern Currents also opens space for dialogue with neighboring cultures across Asia—highlighting shared histories, spiritual motifs, and evolving identities in a globally connected world.

In the VIP Room: Black History quilts

Calif Watercolor Society

Mar 12 – May 10, 2026

Reception, April 11, 2026

From Sea to Shining Sea: 250 Years of Americana

May 14 – Jul 26, 2026

Reception, May 23, 2026

Ron Essex Wine Country Photography

July 30 – August 9, 2026

Event, August 1, 2026

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Aug 13 – Oct 11, 2026

Reception, August 22, 2026

A collaboration with City of Pleasanton

Violins of Hope
Michael Weiner Flight

Oct 13 – Nov 21, 2026

Concert, October 18th & 19th, 2026

Open 6 days except Monday

A portfolio of original art prints, limited edition 73 of 250, published in 1971 by the International Rescue Committee to raise funds for the organization’s mission to aid and rescue refugees. In 1964, Varian Fry, IRC’s founder, began to assemble a portfolio of works from artists whom he had helped bring to the United States during the Holocaust. The project, themed to reflect the plight of refugees, was completed in 1970, four years after Fry’s death. Each work represents the artist’s vision of the Greek warrior, Aeneas, as he flees the burning city of Troy, described by T.S. Eliot as: “the original displaced person, the fugitive from an obliterated society.” This complete set consists of 11 lithographs and 1 serigraph.

Hollywood Calling

Nov 27 – Jan 17, 2027

Reception, January 9, 2027

Illusion

Jan 21 – Mar 27, 2027

Reception, February 20, 2027

Buying or Renting Art

Please contact us directly at [email protected] or visit the Bankhead Art Gallery for art that can be purchased or rented for your office, corporate building or business spaces.

YOUTH ALWAYS FREE!

Fandango!

SAT OCT 18 | 2PM
One of the most exciting groups on Chicago’s musical scene, Fandango! presents a spicy mix of Latin, Spanish, Sephardic, Balkan, and classical sounds. Founded by four multi-award-winning, globe-trotting virtuosi who hail from Spain, France, Bosnia, and Taiwan, they have played, separately and together, on the world’s most prestigious stages.

Get Tickets Now for a Semi-Staged
co-production with Broadway South Bay starring Nicole King as Anya

24th Annual
ArtWalk Livermore
THIS SATURDAY!

Annual ArtWalk
Saturday, October 11 | 11am – 5pm
Join us at ArtWalk – the Tri Valley’s premiere one day art festival. Over 200 artists display their works on sidewalks and plazas, in parks and galleries, surrounded by boutique shops, wine tasting rooms and restaurants in historic downtown Livermore.

Livermore Valley Arts offices are closed today,
Thursday, June 19th.

Join by Mail

Download and Complete the form and then mail to us at:
Bankhead Theater
2400 First Street
Livermore, CA 94550

Our Team

RESIDENT COMPANIES

Get to Know Our Resident Companies

Home to ten Resident Companies with over 270 combined years of artistic experience, the Bankhead Theater’s state-of-the-art facilities enable these organizations to grow artistically and institutionally, develop audiences and collaborate on key projects while maintaining their respective missions and identities.

Cantabella Children’s Chorus

Cantabella Children’s Chorus is a non-profit organization located in the Livermore Tri-Valley. CCC strives to foster and promote the appreciation of choral music in the community through performances at various local corporate and civic functions and churches but above all to have fun.

Del Valle Fine Arts

Del Valle Fine Arts has been presenting outstanding classical music concerts in Livermore for over 35 years. This highly-regarded series offers dazzling performances by acclaimed professional chamber music groups and soloists from throughout North America and beyond. A particular objective of DVFA is to introduce young persons to the appreciation of fine music. To that end, children are admitted free to its concerts, and full-time students above high school can procure tickets at a special reduced price.

Livermore-Amador Symphony

Livermore-Amador Symphony – The symphony offers four concerts a year, as well as a Pops fundraiser. Symphony Guild – If you enjoy LAS concerts, join like-minded people of the Symphony Guild and support this community orchestra! Guild members encourage interest in the symphony and sponsor fund-raising activities. The Livermore-Amador Symphony has received funding from: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, City of Livermore Commission for the Arts, City of Livermore Tourism and Special Event Fund, Livermore Cultural Arts Council, Clorox Company Technical Center-Pleasanton, Target and Livermore Rotary.

Livermore Valley Opera

Livermore Valley Opera combines the talents and expertise of professional music, stage and chorus directors, principal singers, musicians, and designers with the dedication and practical abilities of a volunteer board, adult chorus, stage crew, props master, stitchers, and set builders. Each fall and spring, LVO presents locally produced, fully staged operas with orchestra. Additionally, LVO presents special concerts, events and fundraisers in the winter and “Opera in the Vineyard” in the summer. LVO promotes local talent and attracts outstanding Bay Area singers, directors and conductors.

Pacific Chamber Orchestra

The Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO) is a 40 piece symphony orchestra composed of professional musicians from throughout the Bay Area. It was founded over 20 years ago by its talented conductor and musical director, Lawrence Kohl. The orchestra combines the precision of a small ensemble with surprising dynamic range and power. PCO is notable for innovative and insightful interpretations of music of all eras.

Rae Dorough Speaker Series

The Rae Dorough Speaker Series features leading thinkers in science, literature and the arts who discuss topical issues of particular interest to the Livermore community in the intimacy of the Bankhead Theater.

Sycamore Strings Academy / Bothwell Arts Center

The Sycamore Strings Academy (formerly Suzuki Strings Academy) carries on a tradition from 1984 of quality music education in the Tri-Valley area. The Academy includes certified Suzuki instruction on string instruments, licensed Kindermusik classes and a popular guitar program. Students perform across the region in year-round concert series.

Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre

Formerly Pleasanton Playhouse, Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre presents a variety of audience-pleasing musical theater. As a non-profit, volunteer regional arts organization, we continue our mission to provide affordable quality theatre, training and cultural experiences, with a focus on children and family participation.

Valley Concert Chorale

The Valley Concert Chorale is a chorus of about 40 singers, many of whom live in the Tri-Valley area, including Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Danville. VCC’s director is John Bush and featured pianist is Daniel Glover. If you would like to sing with VCC, why not arrange for an audition? You can audition at any time, and then join the chorus at the beginning of the next quarter.

Valley Dance Theatre

Valley Dance Theatre is a non-profit organization committed to providing exceptional dance instruction and productions to the Tri-Valley Area. Their focus is in classical ballet and modern dance. Each year they present a full-length Nutcracker with a live orchestra, and a Spring show with varying themes.

accessibility at the bankhead

Accessibility

TICKETS
Wheelchair accessible seats cannot be purchased online. You must call our Ticket Office in advance at 925.373.6800 for seating and to ensure your needs are thoroughly met.

DROP OFF/PICK-UP
There is a drop-off/pick-up area located on Railroad Avenue, on the right side of the street, before you reach the stoplight to enter the parking garage.

PARKING
Handicapped-reserved spaces are located on the lower level of the Livermore Valley Center parking garage.

SEATING
An elevator is located on the West end of the main lobby.

LISTENING DEVICES
Assistive listening devices are available free of charge from the House Manager’s Office in the lobby. Please let us know when purchasing your ticket of your special needs.

RESTROOMS
Fully accessible restrooms are located in the main lobby and in the upper lobby.

Support the Arts

Inscribed Pavers

Dedicate one of the decorative paver blocks that frame and define the entry from the Livermore Valley Plaza to the Bankhead Theater. Each size allows you to personalize your dedication and/or message. Once you’ve placed your order we’ll contact you to help you choose the exact message for the paver you’d like to donate.

LOGO & BRICK ART
Permanently commemorate a company or brand, feature your family crest or create your own custom design while supporting the arts with an engraved logo or artistic brick. The image will be etched in black on a sand-colored paver (6×12 or 12×12) or light gray granite tile (24×24). They are visible to thousands of people each year attending a variety of events and performances on the Livermore Valley Plaza and in the Bankhead Theater.

24″ x 24″ – Madden Family Courtyard – $1,500
12″ x 12″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $1,000
Logo Art Brick – Livermore Valley Plaza $500
6″ x 12″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $375
6″ x 9″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $150

PERSONALIZED SEATS
Seat donations will be recognized by a commemorative medallion on your chosen chair in the Bankhead Theater as well as on the Donor Wall in the Lobby.

Grand Tier Seats $5,000
Central Tier Seats $2,500
Upper Tier Seats $1,000

Please note: donating a personalized seat does not guarantee the right to sit in that seat for a given performance.

Leave a Legacy

With a legacy gift to Livermore Valley Arts, you can be sure your charitable intentions will be realized while achieving the most favorable income tax benefits available. We are happy to meet with you to talk about your intentions and situation. However, we strongly recommend you consult with your estate planning professional or tax advisor to fulfill your goals for your financial portfolio and tax needs.

Making a legacy gift to the Center also qualifies you to join the Legacy Society, a group of philanthropic and pioneering members who share a strong bond with LVPAC and a desire to ensure a meaningful, lasting home for the arts in Livermore Valley.

If you have already included LVA in your plans (or if you intend to), please let us know. Contact Chris Carter, Executive Director, at [email protected] or call (925) 583-2311.

We accept a range of planned giving options:

In Your Will
The simplest way to leave a planned gift is to make a bequest including specific language in your will or living trust naming LVA as the recipient. The following is an example of suggested language to include in your will/trust:

“I give and bequeath to the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, a California non-profit corporation, located at 2400 First Street, Livermore, CA 94550, the sum of $____, or ______% of my estate, to be used for the accomplishment of its general purpose (or for a specific purpose as indicated).”

Charitable Gift Annuities
A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is the easiest way to create dependable income for life and help the Center. Please note that LVA does not administer CGAs but can recommend an administrator.

Charitable Trusts
A Charitable Remainder Trust or Charitable Lead Trust allows you to receive an estate or gift tax deduction and create a source of income for you or your loved ones while supporting the Center. Please note that LVA does not administer these trusts but can recommend an administrator.

Real Estate/Appreciated Assets
A variety of assets can be donated such as real estate, appreciated securities, and tangible personal property such as art or jewelry. Donating appreciated assets can help offset income and capital gains taxes. If you are contemplating gifting an investment property or a vacation home, a gift of real estate offers an excellent option for tax-wise giving. You can also include the Center as a beneficiary of real estate or appreciated assets in your will. Please be aware that as part of our gift acceptance policy, all gifts of real estate, appreciated assets and tangible personal property are examined on a case-by-case basis.

Retirement Plan Donations or Life Insurance Policies
You can name Livermore Valley Arts as the beneficiary of your IRA, 401k or 403b retirement plan or life insurance policy. This is a simple, effective way to support the arts while reducing or eliminating significant, often unanticipated tax penalties.