American abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher said, “Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his pictures.” As the new year dawns, the membership roster at the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly has never been more diverse in terms of artistic vision, mediums, backgrounds, ages and styles of expression. The result is a gallery brimming with endless variety.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of ACGOW. In recognition of this milestone, the monthly show themes for the coming year will pay homage to community and the beauty of the area.

ACGOW’s January show, “Culture, Community, Connections,” will feature the work of pop artist Jillian Lauren who will be joined in the exhibit by most of the gallery’s other 50 members in a wide variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional mediums including painting, drawing, woodworking, glass, pottery, jewelry, fabric and more, much of it inspired by local scenes.

Lauren creates striking acrylic portraits firmly in the tradition of pop artists before her. Her Warhol-esque portraits are produced using a combination of acrylic paint, pearlized mediums and a layering technique to create a dazzling 3D effect.

A kick-off meet-the-artists reception will be held Friday, Jan. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the ACGOW Gallery, 14 Railroad Ave., Westerly.

Masks will be required.