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

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.