The Art League of Germantown will celebrate three decades of art-making in the upcoming exhibit, "Our Town – Germantown.”

In celebration of its 30^th anniversary, ALOG coordinated a Germantown-themed exhibit in BlackRock’s main gallery. The show, which opens today, features 17 artists whose works celebrate local landmarks, neighborhoods and backyards through painting, photography, drawing and mixed-media.

What began as an informal meeting of 13 artists has grown into a nonprofit with 85 members, according to ALOG Founder Lynne Oakes, who moved to Germantown in 1982 and founded the arts league shortly afterward. 

The league has taken up residence in at least two other Germantown venues  — a homeowner's association building and the Upcounty Regional Services Center — before landing at BlackRock, where they’ve shared an enduring partnership. 

“We felt that because our purposes — to bring this community as many cultural offerings as possible — aligned so well, we were going to strengthen that purpose for both organizations," Oakes said.

League members install rotating group exhibits in the gallery and volunteer at public art receptions at BlackRock each month. Traditionally, the arts league holds monthly meetings and two of its own annual fine art and craft shows in the spring and fall at the Germantown arts venue. 

"If we need volunteers or need to get the word out, ALOG is only one phone call away," said BlackRock Gallery Manager Kimberly Marshall. 

Marshall was the one who came up with the exhibit’s theme. Germantown scenes include depictions of historic Waters House, Seneca Creek at Black Rock Mill, and former Cafe Mileto. 

"We're part of history, and we have town pride — pride that we can bring the arts to Germantown," Marshall said.

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If you go …

WHAT: The Art League of Germantown presents, "Our Town – Germantown"
WHERE: BlackRock Center for the Arts, main gallery
WHEN: The exhibit is on view through Saturday, Aug. 25.

• Public reception: 6 to 8 p.m.  Wed., Aug. 22
• Outdoor art exhibit: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25

MORE: Learn more about the Arts League of Germantown at ALOG.org.