Museum on Main - Blog

A Legacy of Public Service: An Interview with Kathy Narum

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 21:48:19 GMT

By Leona Jew
This post originally appeared at the blog Dear People, Love People

Imagination Expressed 2025: A Celebration of Art, Talent, and Community!

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 23:35:58 GMT

photo by Pallavi Vish

The At of Appreciation: A Captivating Moment at the Museum

Pallavi Vish

Guest blogger

A Moment of Artistic Reflection

The Museum on Main in Pleasanton came alive with the vibrant energy of “Imagination Expressed 2025,” the 18th annual exhibition presented in collaboration with the Pleasanton Art League. This much-anticipated event brought together artists from Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, Sunol, and neighboring communities to showcase their latest creative works. Spanning a variety of mediums, styles, and themes, the exhibition reflects the extraordinary talent and diversity of our local art community.
From the moment visitors entered the gallery, they were immersed in a world of imagination and expression. Every piece—whether a stunning landscape painting, a detailed sculpture, or a thought-provoking mixed-media work—offered a glimpse into the unique vision of the artist. The range of techniques and themes on display underscored the richness of our regional art scene and the dedication of its creators.

Moments of Masterpiece

Best in Show: Linda Garbarino, Lady from Beaune

Merit Award: Jessica de Jesus, Fire Break

"Art has the power to transform, to illuminate, to educate, inspire, and motivate."
– Harvey Fierstein

photo by Pallavi Vish

Art Lovers Unite

The Awards Ceremony: A Moment of Recognition

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the professional judging and award distribution ceremony, a moment of celebration for both the artists and the art community at large. A panel of esteemed judges, including experienced curators, art educators, and professional artists, carefully evaluated the works on display. Their discerning eyes ensured that the awards were not only a recognition of artistic skill but also of innovation and emotional impact.

As the winners were announced, applause filled the room, accompanied by smiles and heartfelt congratulations. The awards ceremony was a testament to the dedication, hard work, and creative brilliance of these artists -Linda Garbarino, Karen Barry, Srikanta Umakantha, Jill Vellinger, Shweta Agrawal, Jessie de Jesus, Ron Rigge, Patricia Bourdakis, Lewis Liu. It was inspiring to witness the joy and gratitude shared by the awardees, many of whom expressed their appreciation for the collaborative spirit that defines this annual event.

Photo by Pallavi Vish

Left to Right: Karen Barry, Jill Vellinger, Shweta Agrawal, Srikanta Umakantha, Jessie de Jesus, Ron Rigge, Linda Garbarino, Patricia Bourdakis, Lewis Liu

A Community Brought Together by Art

Imagination Expressed 2025 is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of the thriving art community in the Tri-Valley region. The event serves as a bridge, uniting artists, art enthusiasts, and the general public in their shared love for creativity. Beyond showcasing individual talent, it fosters collaboration, encourages dialogue, and strengthens the bonds within the artistic community.

The Museum on Main’s role in facilitating this event cannot be overstated. Their commitment to providing a space for artists to exhibit their work and connect with the public underscores the importance of supporting local art initiatives. The event is a testament to what can be achieved when passion, creativity, and community come together.

Snapshots of Splendor

Jeff Mason, Half Dome Reflection

Patricia Bourdakis, Swan

A Must-See Exhibition

For those who have yet to visit, Imagination Expressed 2025 runs until March 15, offering ample opportunity to experience the magic of this exhibition. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a casual admirer, or someone seeking inspiration, this event is a must-see. It’s a celebration of creativity and community that reminds us of the transformative power of art.
This year’s exhibition reaffirms the importance of fostering local talent and providing platforms for artistic expression. It’s not just an event; it’s a movement—one that continues to uplift, inspire, and connect people through the universal language of art. None of this would be possible without the dedication of the PAL volunteers, including Barbara Blissert, Jill Vellinger, Marion Huff, Lorraine Wells, Ron Rigge, George Garbarino, Brian Bourg, John DeVilliers, Lisa Rigge, John Trimmingham, Zelda K and her husband N, Jean Batchelor, Linda Garbarino, Joann Douk, Nora TeStruth, Leslie Hoffmeyer, Reena Babu, and Lisa Gentile, all led by Chairperson Christine Bourg. Their hard work and passion helped bring this show to life.

A heartfelt congratulations to all the artists, award winners, and organizers who made this event possible. Your work and dedication have created something truly extraordinary, and we can’t wait to see how Imagination Expressed continues to evolve in the years to come.

Pallavi is an artist, designer, and creative visionary with a passion for blending art, design, and community. With a deep commitment to making meaningful connections through creativity, Pallavi uses design to inspire, empower, and foster collaboration. As a dedicated supporter of the arts, Pallavi continually seeks to elevate the voices of diverse creators and strengthen community ties through innovative, people-centered solutions. Her husband Srikanta Umakantha won an Honorable Mention in Imagination Expressed 2025 for his painting The Horse.

Game Quiz Answers

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 19:43:55 GMT

Here, a little later than we had intended, are the answers to the game picture quiz in our last post. So as not to spoil, the key is behind this link.

And Now, a Little Game...

Sun, 16 Oct 2016 21:52:28 GMT

In anticipation of our upcoming exhibit It's Your Move: The Games We Play, we've prepared a puzzle for you. This is the background image for the exhibit's publicity; twenty-five games and game systems are represented in this photograph. How many of them can you recognize? (Click on the image for a higher-resolution version.)

Study Questions for the '70s

Sun, 29 Nov 2015 18:33:46 GMT

Your answers will be assessed by our panel of expert judges.

Does love really mean never having to say you’re sorry? Support your argument with examples from your own experience.
You are a contractor whose client wants to buy a stairway to heaven. What line items should appear in your initial estimate?
If three is company too, what are four and five? Illustrate with examples and, if relevant, diagrams.
Discuss the relative advantages of Saturday night versus Friday night for fighting.
How much bigger a boat should Captain Quint get? What other features should it have?
If I’m OK and you’re OK, which one of us is the most OK? Support your argument with examples.
Macramé or latchhook? Give reasons for your choice.
Do you (you!) feel like I do? Why or why not?
Discuss the chemical composition of DY-NO-MITE! What safety precautions should be taken when preparing and handling it?
When you just can’t boogie no more, what do you do next? Why?

That ‘70s Exhibit will run through January 10, 2016 at Museum on Main.

Death By Jump Rope

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 05:40:50 GMT

The "Main Street Gang," in front of the Farmers Hotel, ca. 1900 (left to right): Jack Dobell, Rose Thiessen, Lillian Thiessen, Myrtle Thiessen, John Thiessen, Howard Dobell, Bill Thiessen, Craven Barnhouse, Gus Schneider. None of these children died as a result of jump-rope related overexertion.
Museum on Main collection

“COMMON HOUSEHOLD ITEM CAN KILL YOU,” that mainstay of the local news broadcast, has been around for a lot longer than you might think:

Pleasanton Times, 26 May 1898

DANGER LURKS IN ROPE JUMPING

The Sport Almost Causes the Death of Theresa Bernal

SKIPPED FOR NEARLY 100 TIMES

Prof. Donohue Has Repeatedly Warned the Children of the Danger

Theresa, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Bernal, is seriously ill at her home as a result of jumping rope at the school house last Friday noon. For a time her life was despaired of, but medical skill has triumphed and she is now considered past the danger point.

Jumping rope has been the prevailing game at the school house among the young ladies, and many of them became unusually expert in the pastime. Miss Theresa was one of the leaders. She had frequently skipped over the rope for more than 100 times without stopping. Friday, she undertook to break her record. She had reached 60 jumps when a feeling of faintness came over her and she had to desist. Later she complained of a pain in the region of her heart and lungs.

It was not severe enough to keep her from her studies that afternoon. [But] when she reached her home [she became] rapidly worse and was taken with severe hemorrhages of the lungs. Medical aid was summoned and the little sufferer given relief. The physician states that the trouble was brought on by overexertion, and that the rope jumping was alone responsible.

Speaking of the case Professor Donohue, principal of the school, said:

"We know that rope jumping is a very dangerous pastime, but acting on the theory that forbidden fruit is always the sweetest, we have not prohibited it at the school, knowing that if we did the children would probably jump to excess at home. We have repeatedly warned them of the danger and now we will use Miss Bernal's case as an object lesson to emphasize the importance of the warning.

"It is not so very long ago that a little girl at Irvington had a similar experience, only she was less fortunate. Her heart was affected and death ensued."

Straight news or satire? You be the judge.

April 18th, 2014

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 19:01:24 GMT

“Same Halls, Different Centuries”

Amador Valley High School. Probably one of the oldest and most cherished parts of historic Pleasanton. As we look back over the years, it is quite obvious that the school has changed in many, MANY ways. From looking through the 1964 yearbook of Amador, it was quite shocking for me how different things had actually been, but I did manage to find some similarities.

For example, as shown in this picture above, this is the same hallway in front of the main office that is still there today. This is the corridor that I use to get to my biology class every day! It really astonishes me of how 50 years ago, students just like me were walking through the very same halls, trying to find their biology classes. It’s just another way to show that we are the hometown originals.

Of course, not everything was the same. Let’s look at the cheerleaders. Currently, in the 2013-2014 Varsity cheerleading squad, there are at least 15-20 girls. On the Junior Varsity there are at least 14-18 girls. Now, these numbers are not exact but they are very close. In the 1963-1964 school year (photos below), there were five varsity cheerleaders, one of whom was male. There were three Junior Varsity cheerleaders. Also, there was an additional team called the Pom Pon Girls which consisted of 5 girls, all of whom cheered with pom-pons.

Now that’s what you call a change over 50 years.

-Sruti, Jr. Volunteer
Student Blogger

The Pleasanton Star Unmasks a Fire Hazard, 1885

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 01:17:22 GMT

Hop wagons at the Pleasanton S.P. Station, ca. 1880.
Museum on Main collection.

In the mid-1880s, California had a significant population of itinerant farm laborers drawn from the population of recent immigrants (Chinese and European), from unemployed urban laborers, and from farmers who had lost their lands to bankruptcy and drought. As the railroad hub of an agricultural community, Pleasanton saw its share of transients come through town--and not everyone trusted them, certainly not the editors of the Pleasanton Star:

A SOCIAL CRISIS
There is no doubt but that we are on the verge of a crisis, that will require the united efforts of our citizens, and law to keep within bounds. Within ten days the warehouses at Niles and Milpitas have been burned down by tramps. About the same time an organized attempt was made to fire San Jose. We have four warehouses in Pleasanton either of which is liable to be fired any night. We have no protection of any kind. All four could be set on fire at the same time. Thousands of dollars worth of property is thus at the mercy of the fire fiends. That there is an organized band of those fellows there is no doubt. If caught the red tape of the law will never punish them; or will be so slow about it that the crime will be forgotten ere the wretches are brought to justice. Under such circumstances we believe if these human vampires were caught at their devilish work, Judge Lynch should speedily dispose of them. Hanging is too good for such wretches. [6/6/1885]

In the San Jose incident mentioned, the Pacific Rural Press of June 13 noted that

The wretched incendiary captured at San Jose has confessed the kindling of the then in that vicinity upon which we commented last week. He states that his motive was just that which we surmised would actuate such deeds, and that is an outcast's discontent, wrought to desperation by the communistic oratory of a demagogue.

It is not clear whether the arsonist in the San Jose case was ever linked to an organized band of anarchists threatening the property-holders of the Santa Clara and Amador-Livermore Valley. Readers with further information are invited to reveal their findings in the comments.

Scholarship Frolics, 1954

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 22:08:59 GMT

Pleasanton teachers in a drag can-can sketch, 1958 Scholarship Frolics.

From 1953 until at least 1963, the Amador Valley Teachers' Association sponsored an annual variety show to benefit its scholarship fund, which each year was awarded to an Amador graduate studying to become a teacher. These Scholarship Frolics consisted mostly of sketch comedy and musical numbers performed by local fraternal and charitable organizations--as well as students and faculty from the Valley's schools.

Sketch from the 1954 Scholarship Frolics. Ken Scullin at left.

Pleasanton Times, March 11, 1954
Scholarship Frolic Show Slated Mar. 25

Selection of positions in the program for the annual Scholarship Frolic to be presented at the Amador Valley High School Auditorium March 25 will be made at a meeting of the committee and representatives of each participating organization to be held at Amador High tonight.

The Scholarship Frolic is presented annually by the Amador Valley Teachers Association for the purpose of raising funds to be given an Amador High graduate who is to take teacher's course in a college of their choice. Last year's scholarship was awarded to Barbara York, who is now attending Whitman College at Walla Walla, Washington.

The organization presenting the winning skit will be awarded the "Scholly Cup," which they will keep until next show. If an organization wins the cup three successive years it may keep the cup permanently. The cup was won last year by the Druids Circle.

Among the organizations taking part in the program are Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, What's My Line; Druids Circle, This is Your Life; Rebekahs, I've Got a Secret; Native Sons, Perry Como Show; Lions, Drama in Mudville. The Sunol Community Club is also entering a skit.

Responding to the Flu, 1920

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:40:57 GMT

The Del Perugia family protects themselves against flu, 1918

In the winter of 1919-20, the Spanish Flu epidemic that had begun in January 1918 was still rampaging around the globe; by the end of 1920 it would kill as many as 50 million people worldwide. Although Pleasanton was still a farming town with a population of fewer than 500 residing within the town limits (1100 if one counts unincorporated parts of the township), it was still vulnerable to the outbreak--in part because of the town's position on a railway line.

The end of January brought a fresh outbreak, and Pleasanton's government and citizens responded with the best tools at their disposal. A safe and effective flu vaccine would not be developed until the 1940s, so the primary response was to minimize contact, keeping people out of enclosed public spaces such as schools and theaters.

Pleasanton Times, 31 Jan. 1920

SCHOOLS CLOSED BECAUSE OF FLU
NEARLY 150 WERE ABSENT WHEN ROLL WAS CALLED MONDAY MORNING

CHILDREN URGED TO STAY HOME
YOUNG DAUGHTER OF MR. AND MRS. A.B. SILVA DIES FROM PNEUMONIA

That influenza is more prevalent in this community than it has been since the beginning of the present epidemic is the assertion of Dr. J. Hal Cope, who stated yesterday that a number of new cases had developed since last week.
When the local grammar school convened last Monday morning for its week's work, 145 pupils were noted as absent. It is surmised that most of the pupils were kept home by parents who feared that the youngsters might be exposed to the disease by contact with other children. A consultation between the principal of the school and the board of trustees resulted in the dismissal of the classes for an indefinite period. The children were warned to go home and remain off the streets and other public places until all danger of contagion was over.

Charles Chicazola, proprietor of the Lincoln Theater, voluntarily closed the doors of his playhouse this week, declaring that he was a believer in the "Safety First" plan, and would not be instrumental in spreading the epidemic by permitting people to gather in his theater.

Whether or not the situation is deemed serious enough to warrant the closing of churches and other public gatherings remains to be seen. The Board of Town Trustees will meet Monday night, and it is probable that some action will be taken at that time on the report of the town's health officer.

First Death Occurred Yesterday

The first death within the limits of the town of Pleasanton occurred yesterday morning, when Loretta Silva, young daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Silva, passed away at the home of her parents on Second street.

Death was due to pneumonia, which came as an aftermath of influenza.

Deceased was 11 years old on the 29th day of last December and was a pupil in the Fifth Grade of the Pleasanton grammar school. She was an exceptionally bright child and was a favorite with all who knew her. She leaves behind her mother and father, a younger brother, Lloyd.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 o'clock this (Saturday) morning at St. Augustine's Catholic church, interment at St. Augustine's cemetery.