The Independent Gallery
A new art gallery dedicated to showcasing solo and small group exhibitions by local and regional artists. This dynamic space will highlight diverse artistic voices and foster community engagement through rotating contemporary art displays.
2250 First Street | Downtown Livermore
Hours: Friday and Saturday 6:00pm – 8:00pm
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Bill Owens
January 9 – February 28, 2026
Currently on display at the Independent Gallery is Bill Owens and “Suburbia.” In the fall of 1968 Bill began working as a photographer for the Livermore Independent newspaper. His daily routine took him into the homes of hundreds of families and into contact with the social life of three communities. “Suburbia” is the iconic book he wrote with the images from a slice of life in the 60’s.
In this work, paper becomes more than a surface — it becomes the medium itself. The artist transforms paper through hand cutting, deep embossing, and layers of ink, creating organic forms that shift with light and shadow. Color is not only seen but felt, as subtle tonal changes interact with the sculpted surface to create depth and movement.
Rooted in traditional printmaking practices, the artist’s process emphasizes touch, pressure, and the physical relationship between material and maker. At the same time, contemporary technologies are integrated throughout production, allowing historical techniques to expand into new possibilities. The result is work that feels both delicate and dimensional, where texture, form, and shadow are as essential as image, inviting viewers to slow down and look closely.
Leonardo Cuervo is a fantastic realism painter interested in exploring the human figure and bringing out its unsettling side. His work is infused with all things fantastical and esoteric, making us wander away from the reality of society to explore the unreal world in our imagination.
