The new art exhibit dubbed “Knock, Knock: The Art of Wit and Whimsy” spotlights light-hearted and humorous creations at the Bankhead Theater’s UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery until Jan. 3, 2026. Seen here is Julie Cuy’s “Circling Back I,” currently on display at the exhibit. (Image courtesy of LVA) 
“Houndstooth Troll” by Lisa Glickman is among the exhibited artwork. (Image courtesy of LVA) 
“Malted Falcon” by Deborah K. Rich is among the exhibited artwork. (Image courtesy of LVA) 
“Paying Position” by Diana Krevsky is among the exhibited artwork. (Image courtesy of LVA)
Livermore Valley Arts recently launched its winter art exhibit with an eye toward the playful side of expression.
Open to the public as well as ticketed patrons during performances at the Bankhead Theater, “Knock, Knock: The Art of Wit and Whimsy” is a reminder that art does not need to be serious to be significant, LVA officials said in a statement.
The exhibit features about 65 pieces of levity including visual puns, reimagined board games, satire and comic-inspired illustrations, according to LVA officials. The pieces vary in media type such as painting, sculpture, photography, illustration and mixed-media.
Given present-day stressors, a light-hearted exhibit is in order, LVA visual arts and education manager Anne Giancola said.
“In these fraught times, people are worried about economics and what’s happening in politics and what’s happening with their job. There’s a government shutdown. There’s all these heavy things that are happening right now and the holidays are around the corner,” Giancola said. “(Art) can transport you out of your everyday life and into something that is bigger, and it’s important to recognize the power of art in changing your frame of mind.”
Giancola first envisioned the exhibit upon hearing staff suggestions to display LEGO art, she said. Upon expanding the LEGO concept to playfulness in general, “Knock, Knock: The Art of Wit and Whimsy” was born.
The show gives artists a unique opportunity to showcase their light-hearted work, Giancola explained.
“Some of the artists don’t always have the chance to submit to something whimsical and witty. That’s just not a typical art exhibit — they usually have these big, heavy-duty titles,” Giancola said.
Included in the exhibit are Julie Cuy’s “Circling Back I” and “Circling Back II”, each depicting a large donut — one chocolate sprinkle treat and one vanilla.
“The paintings are really about focusing on simple pleasures and a bit of nostalgia,” Cuy said. “There’s something joyful about taking an ordinary treat like a donut and giving it quiet importance on a relatively large scale canvas.”
“I don’t usually paint with the kind of color I was able to use with these paintings, so that was a fun departure,” Cuy added.
Another participating artist, Jean Batchelder of Livermore accidentally found the subjects of “’Right Back Atcha” while passing a fire hydrant in town.
“One morning, I happened to spy a cute little dog lifting his leg … you get the picture,” Batchelder said.
“When the ‘Knock, Knock’ art exhibit was announced, it occurred to me that a fire hydrant spraying water back at an offending dog might be fun to paint,” she added. “I hope viewers will giggle when they see this.”
“Knock, Knock: The Art of Wit and Whimsy” will be on display at the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at the Bankhead Theater through Jan. 3. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, except when matinee performances begin at 2 p.m.
Following Livermore Downtown Inc.’s “Earlier Than the Bird” shopping event Nov. 22, LVA is set to host a “pajama party” in the Bankhead lobby. Set to perform at the event is songwriter and troubadour Michael McNevin, also known for his work as an Etch A Sketch artist.
The free, public gathering is scheduled to run from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and attendees wearing PJs will be entered into a drawing to win tickets to Bankhead Presents.
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