A commercial venue in Livermore scheduled to open in 2021 is offering a COVID-Safe Art Expo that began mid-December and runs through Jan. 14.

Thirty-eight local artists are displaying their works inside the storefront windows at Republic Square, a shopping center adjacent to the San Francisco Premium Outlets. All of the artwork is for sale, with artists' contact information included to arrange a purchase.

Anne Giancola, visual arts manager of Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, is curating the show and believes it helps fill a void left by the pandemic.

"The artists are excited to have the opportunity to bring to viewers the joy of art, which is sorely missing in these COVID times," Giancola said.

"The transformative power of art brings a sense of well-being and happiness to our lives whether we are the creators of art, hanging the art in our homes or offices, or viewing the art in an exhibit."

The Art Expo features works by artists who live locally or who specialize in showcasing the beauty of the Tri-Valley. Themes vary from landscapes to abstracts and three-dimensional fine handcrafts. The media include acrylic and oil fine art paintings, acrylic pour medium, glass works, ceramic pieces, sculpture and photography.

"Because of current restrictions for museums and art galleries, we wanted to create an interesting experience for the shopper to view local Tri-Valley artists in an outside setting that is both safe and fun, "said Michael R. Van Every, president of Republic Urban Properties West Coast.

Republic Square at Livermore has five restaurant buildings, two quick service retail buildings and one retail building.

"As we open our shops and businesses at Republic Square over the coming year, we invite the public to visit, shop, eat and enjoy a cultural experience," Every said.