ABOUT US
BlackRock Center for the Arts, the leading venue for the performing and visual arts in Upper Montgomery County, MD, provides the community with the highest level of quality performances, free gallery exhibitions, and arts education classes in a welcoming and intimate setting close to home.
Reaching more than 40,000 people per year, BlackRock presents performances featuring top regional, national, and international touring talent from the worlds of jazz, blues, Celtic, folk, world, and bluegrass, as well as a contemporary theater for audiences of all ages.
Envisioned and established through a grassroots effort, BlackRock has been operating in a beautiful building completed in 2002. We’ve come a long way since then, and the best is yet to come! Thank you for your interest in learning more about who we are and what we do—we hope you will visit us for a performance, in a class, or at a gallery exhibit soon.
BLACKROCK'S
PURPOSE
BlackRock envisions an accessible and inclusive community anchor for creative expression,
cultural exchange, and belonging, where artistic growth thrives.
BlackRock:
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Celebrates the diversity of Upper Montgomery County, Germantown, and the surrounding areas through arts and culture,
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Nurtures and builds artistic, cultural, and educational experiences,
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Elevates historically excluded people and art, and
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Dismantles systemic barriers.
BLACKROCK'S
VALUES
Trust
We are committed to building trust and holding ourselves accountable to the community and to
each other.
Equity
BlackRock strives to make art accessible and welcoming to populations systemically oppressed
in our community. We believe that the ability to participate in and express oneself through art is
a right for everyone.
Curiosity
We are committed to embracing inquiry as we learn and live the creative process.
Community
Elevating the soul through community, intention, and inclusivity can impact each individual,
improving our society and our world.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jennifer Russel
Board Chair
Steve Barber
Vice Chair
Carolina Clavijo
Treasurer
Frank Trezza
Secretary
Lakshmi Babu
Marilyn Balcombe
Rebecca Castillo
Jeanne Ellinport
Heather Madison
William Roberts, Esq.
Lawrence Paska
Onnie "J.R." Watson
Jerry Therrien
Dale Tibbitts
Greg Wims
Sandy Wright
Katie Hecklinger
(Ex-Officio)
Chief Executive Officer