Livermore’s intrinsic connection to cowpoke, ranching, valley terrain and the American West is the creative thread weaving through paired art exhibitions at the Bankhead Theater and Livermore Public Library this spring into summer.
“Saddle, Brush, and Art: A Cowboy’s Poetic Canvas” opened this week at the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery and runs until my birthday inside the downtown theater. In conjunction, the library is hosting a month-long celebration of cowboy poetry and art throughout June.
“Putting together ‘Saddle, Brush, and Art’ felt important because it celebrates the heart of Livermore — deep western roots, love for the rodeo, and strong connection to cowboy traditions and Native traditions,” said Anne Giancola, visual arts and education manager for Livermore Valley Arts, which runs the Bankhead.
“This exhibit brings those stories to life through art, giving the community a chance to see itself reflected and honored in a creative and meaningful way,” Giancola told me.
“One of the things that truly brought this exhibition together is the passion each artist has for the subject matter — you can feel it in every piece,” she added. “A playful highlight is a painting of a gunslinger cowboy whose eyes seem to follow you around the gallery, adding a touch of Western flair and intrigue. We timed the exhibition to coincide with the rodeo and the energy of summer.”
I certainly felt the passion, pride and power as I perused the pieces in the press packet.
The creative and personal energy emanated from Jenna Hobbs’ “Post Shift Bliss” gouache work, Kathleen Hill’s “Potawatomi” oil painting, Linda Garbarino’s “Rodeo Girl” and “How the West Was Won” by Taylor Overbey. Visually stunning too.
Garbarino told me she was thrilled at the chance to showcase three pieces of her western-themed art — pointing to the colored-pencil drawing “Burl” as her favorite of the trio.
The subject is a real ranger at Yosemite well-known to visitors for driving a wagon near Wawona while decked out in western wear.
“Burl, also known as Buckshot, drove my children and grandchildren around the dusty roads and over the infamous covered bridge shouting and urging his team forward for more than 50 years,” she said. “He’s a favorite of our family, and always full of great stories about his rodeo and Yosemite adventures.”
“His early days in the rodeo circuit were spent with his father and brother thrilling audiences as Burl … was shot out of a cannon nightly,” Garbarino added. “He’s an amazing man and we hope to enjoy more adventures with him in the future.”
Tri-Valley artist Jen Huber said her 36-inch-by-24-inch oil painting “Brown Cow and Black Phoebes” in the display coming to the library was inspired from when her family relocated to this region.
“My first day in Livermore, 13 years ago, my young son complained he did not want to move here (Livermore); that it was a ‘cow town’. We tried to convince him otherwise, but lost,” Huber recalled.
“It was right before the annual rodeo and posters and fliers were everywhere about the cattle drive. Hence, the cow,” she told me. “As an artist, I wanted to capture how big and imposing they are, but their faces are so soft and sweet. I added Black Phoebes because they are always darting around when I walk or bike around the Tri-Valley area.”
Giancola also called out the Frederic Remington bronze sculpture on loan and giclées by Gary Bergren among the highlights in the Bankhead exhibition.
Giclée (“a process by which high-quality prints are produced using an ink-jet printer,” according to Merriam-Webster) wasn’t the only word associated with these exhibits that I had to look up.
The library showing will be ekphrastic — “a literary description of or commentary on a visual work of art,” per M-W.
“Poetry and art pairing,” as Giancola put it. That creative combination, spearheaded by city poet laureate Peggy Schimmelman, will be the centerpiece of the Library Gallery at 1188 S. Livermore Ave. from June 1-30. A special reception is set for June 18 from 5-6:30 p.m.
Billed an “adventurous … ruggedly authentic” exhibit, “Saddle, Brush, and Art” is open from now through July 27 at the Bankhead, 2400 First St., generally on Thursdays through Sundays 1-5 p.m. as well as times around ticketed shows at the downtown performing arts theater. The exhibition is closed this Saturday (May 10), next Sunday (May 18) and May 22, LVA noted.
“My hope is that the exhibit gives the viewer a sense of community,” said artist Thom See, who keeps a studio at LVA’s Bothwell Arts Center and helped install the new exhibition this week.
“Probably most visitors to the Bankhead did not grow up with horses and saddles, but we all enjoy sharing the collective myth of the Western era when communities were closer to nature and each other. Because Livermore still has ranches, wineries, and a rodeo, the town is closer to that past, which I think is one reason people love the town,” See added.
The public reception is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. May 31.
“Guests of all ages will enjoy a taste of Western heritage with a s’more-making station, hands-on bandana printing inspired by frontier traditions, a cozy faux campfire for gathering, and the sounds of cowboy music setting the scene,” LVA reps said. “Cowboy hats and boots are warmly encouraged to help everyone get into the spirit of the trail!”
Editor’s note: Jeremy Walsh is the editorial director for the Embarcadero Media Foundation’s East Bay Division. His “What a Week” column is a recurring feature in the Pleasanton Weekly, Livermore Vine and DanvilleSanRamon.com.