Livermore, CA -- Livermore Valley Arts is pleased to announce the charitable contribution in the amount of $100,000 from partner UNCLE Credit Union to help with long-term support of the visual art exhibits in the Bankhead Theater Art Gallery. As part of the contribution, UNCLE Credit Union will have naming rights for all gallery spaces, which includes the downstairs lobby, the ramps leading to the theater, and the founders room at the Bankhead Theater. This announcement is but another level of UNCLE Credit Union's commitment to the arts in the Tri-Valley, having proudly been the Bankhead Theater's season sponsor since 2018, including staying on as such during the 15-month pandemic closure - yet another demonstration of the financial institution’s dedication to the arts, as they could not enjoy any benefits during the closure yet generously continued the partnership. The gallery will be named the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery, and the organization will maintain that privilege for five full fiscal years beginning on July 1 of this year and ending on June 30, 2027.

UNCLE Credit Union, currently celebrating its 65th Anniversary, has its roots in the University of California Radiation Laboratory at Livermore, later to become the research and development institute known as Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Four physicists employed by the Lab pooled their funds to form Radiation Laboratory Livermore Credit Union – offering financial services to the entire Lab community. As the cooperative grew in size and financial strength, it broadened its charter and expanded its offerings to include an evolving array of competitive products and services. In 1988, it was renamed UNCLE Credit Union, a shortened form of University of California Livermore Employees Credit Union. Today, UNCLE Credit Union offers the benefits of credit union membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, or Stanislaus counties, providing a wide range of financial solutions including checking and savings accounts, consumer and auto loans, mortgage products, credit cards, business banking, and a full spectrum of investment and financial planning services available under their Wealth Management Division. An ongoing investment in infrastructure, technology, and talent also contribute to an enhanced banking experience with a focus on convenience, personalized service, and financial education. In addition to five financial centers and 24/7 online and mobile banking services, UNCLE provides members with access to 5,000+ shared branches and nearly 30,000 ATMs via the CO-OP Shared Branching Network. Over the past 65 years, UNCLE Credit Union has grown to more than $600 million in assets, 31,000 members, and continue to evolve as they strive to provide a seamless experience for their members with an array of innovative, high-value products, ease of convenience, and exceptional service. This exciting announcement is a true sign of the strength of UNCLE Credit Union and its dedication to the community it serves. "Supporting Livermore arts and cultural programing helps us to continue to build up our surrounding communities, and this investment in the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery is but another step in championing our local community," said Harold Roundtree, UNCLE Credit Union President & CEO. "Deepening our partnerships with Livermore Valley Arts in this way ensures the current and future enrichment of our city and surrounding areas, from everything from stimulating business and economic growth, to giving our next generations programming and opportunities to learn and grow."

Additionally, this enhanced partnership is also a sign of the thriving arts community at Livermore Valley Arts. Executive Director Chris Carter also weighed in on this exciting occasion: "This partnership further puts Livermore Valley Arts closer to our goal of providing the best possible experience for the community. As we head into our newly announced 15th Anniversary Season at the Bankhead, we are extraordinarily grateful to have UNCLE supporting our visual arts presentations and exhibitions. The quality and value of all the arts experiences in Downtown Livermore, be they performing or visual, public events or classes, will continue to grow thanks to thoughtful organizations like UNCLE Credit Union." As Chair of LVA’s Board of Directors Denise Watkins said, "After the challenging last two years, Livermore Valley Arts is back on the right track for the highest quality arts here in the Tri-Valley, and this deepened partnership and investment from UNCLE Credit Union will only further ensure the highest quality exhibitions and artists coming through our community."

Since the pandemic, the Bankhead has hosted numerous sold-out performances and seen an all-time high for donations, which includes an estate gift valued at $670,000, and $475,000 raised at 2021’sannual fundraising Gala, Brilliance at the Bankhead starring Vanessa Williams. Membership is also at an all-time high, which has helped fund minor infrastructure changes such as upgrading computers and software, fully financing the Bankhead’s new sound system, and allowing the upgrade to the Bankhead’s filtration system. The organization looks forward to the timing of the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery naming taking place right before its largest fundraising event of the year, 2022’s Brilliance at the Bankhead Gala starring Grammy, Emmy, and Academy Award-winner Randy Newman on September 10, 2022.

Livermore Valley Arts offers wide-ranging programs that provide access to the arts for the Tri-Valley community and beyond. Located in the heart of downtown Livermore, the Bankhead Theater welcomes artists from diverse musical genres, as well as theater, dance, comedy, and other entertainment to suit all ages. The Bothwell Arts Center at 2466 Eighth Street is an arts incubator, offering affordable studio, classroom, rehearsal, performance, and event space. Together the Bankhead and Bothwell are home to eight resident performing arts companies and over 40 studio artists and cultural arts instructors. For more information visit www.livermorearts.org.

Livermore Valley Arts
2022-2023 UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery Exhibit Schedule

June 2 - July 31, 2022
The Artists Among Us: Native People Today
Exhibit of artwork from Native artists. Reception: Saturday, June 4, 1-4 pm featuring Pow Wow Dancers, Storytellers, and Tipi Makers.

August 4 - October 2, 2022
Ferment: A Fermented and Distilled Themed Juried Art Exhibit
Celebrating the beauty of vines, hops, and fermented drinks. Reception: Saturday, Aug 6 reception 1-3:30 featuring tastings from area wineries and brewers.

October 4 - December 4, 2022
Picturing Surrealism
An exhibit around the depth and expanse of Surrealism, featuring works by Alexander Calder and Joan Miro.

December 8, 2022 - January 8, 2023
Of the Wall and Under the Tree Small artworks for purchase for you to take "off the wall’ and put under the tree.

January 12 - January 27, 2023
Beauty and Terror
This 18 piece series by Robin Bernstein, is an example of how people will behave under set conditions. Many of these particular pieces refer to lesser-known Holocaust crimes as well as redemptive stories and heroic acts of resistance.

January 30 - February 13, 2023
Violins of Hope
Powerful, internationally-recognized exhibit of violins, violas and cellos collected from World War II that were owned and played by Jews before and during the war. Exhibit and concert in collaboration with the East Bay Holocaust Education Center and the Livermore-Amador Symphony.

February 14 - April 23, 2023
Bay Area Figurative Exhibit
A retrospective of the Bay Area Figurative movement and its influence today.

April 25 - July 9, 2023
It’s Only Rock n’Roll (But I Like It)
An exhibit showcasing the art of rock n’ roll, featuring guitars, album covers, photography and more