Our Mission
Art Center Waco (ACW) has been a cornerstone of Waco’s cultural landscape since 1973. Located in the vibrant Silo District, we are dedicated to making visual art accessible to everyone in our community.
Each year, ACW presents seven diverse exhibitions that showcase a wide range of artistic expressions, from local talents to nationally recognized artists. Our dynamic programming includes curated art exhibitions, engaging artist talks, thought-provoking panel discussions, and interactive arts education programs that enrich Waco’s artistic and cultural fabric.
At our core, we believe art should be accessible to all. Through artist-led events, community outreach initiatives, and collaborative group activities, we work to break down barriers and unite our community through the transformative power of art. Our independent space serves as a catalyst for creativity, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections among diverse audiences.
Our Vision
Our vision is to inspire lifelong engagement with art.
Our Staff
Meghan Bias, MA
AnnaLauren Packer
Desiree Hardeman, M.ED
ACW staff
Izabel Perez
Katherine Boulais
Savannah Wanebo
Baylor University
Board of Directors
Morgan Eyring, BFA, | Chair
Jane Hass Damron, PhD | Vice-Chair
Pete Groetzinger, MBA | Treasurer
Anne Olson, MSW | Secretary, Membership Chair
Andrea La Valleur-Purvis, BFA | Exhibits Chair
Eric Linares
Bryant Stanton
Chesley Smith, Jr., MFA
Risher Smith Gilbert, JD, Retired | Legacy Society Chair
What sets us Apart
Innovative Curation
We showcase thought-provoking exhibitions featuring both emerging local talents and nationally recognized artists. These diverse showcases spark important conversations relevant to our world today.
Lifelong Learning
Our engaging programs, online content, and outreach experiences cater to locals, schools, youth groups, and partner organizations.
Champion for Artists
We ardently support and encourage the creative endeavors of visual artists locally, nationally, and internationally.
Community-Focused
Our doors are open to all, from young contemporaries, families with small children to seasoned enthusiasts of the arts.
Our core values guide every aspect of our work.
Diversity
We are dedicated to being a space where everyone is welcome and everyone feels seen, and inspired.
Enrichment
We strive to offer a diverse range of exhibitions and art programs to activate and educate visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Stewardship
As a trusted arts institution, we believe in preserving our permanent collection for future generations.
Accessibility
We offer affordable art education programs accessible to everyone.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
We recognize the transformative power of arts and culture in illustrating our societal values. Art Center Waco is dedicated to:
- Providing equitable access to arts education for McLennan County residents
- Supporting artists from historically underserved communities
- Celebrating all aspects of human difference in our collections, exhibitions, and programs
- Addressing disparities in access to arts education and promotion
- Displaying and exhibiting diverse visual art styles and subjects
Legacy Society
Alethea Bateman
Betty Bauer
Alyce Beard
Nancy Clark
Valerie Fallas
Sue Getterman
Risher Smith Gilbert
Karen Keith
Beth Mayfield
Jill Michaels, DDS
Lisa Monroe
Alice Ogden
Kay Olson
Betsy Robinson
Donna Sams
Alice Star
Distinguished Donors
$100,000 or more
Alyce and Steve Beard
Margaret and S. Spencer Brown
Shelly and Monte Hulse
Betsy and Clifton Robinson
Meadows Foundation
Fentress Foundation
The Flora Cameron Foundation
$20,000 or more
Erin and Bob Davis
Holt Getterman
Risher and Bob Gilbert
Kay and Lyndon Olson
Sallie and Bob Wright
Laura “Mickey” and Cullen Smith
Elizabeth and Stuart Smith
Triliji Group
Waco Realtors Association
$5,000 or more
Ralph Curton
Susie Farley
Ellen and Ray Deaver
Bill Franklin
Michele and Pete Groetzinger
Roane Lacy
Nancy McGovern
Alliance Bank of Central Texas
The McClane Brown Family Foundation
Distinguished Members 2023-2024
Jane Allen
Rene and Randal Boldt
Curtis Brown, JD
Spencer Brown, Jr
S.M. and Martha Bunn
Cheryl Butler
Donald Cox
Edana and Phillip Croyle
Tommy Carlisle
Curtis Cannon
Jane and Caleb Damron
Stephanie Davis
Tommey Davis
Mary and W.T. DeWalt
Sarah and Richard Downs
Mary Ann Dris
Bonnie and Winfred Emmons
Morgan Eyring
Holt Getterman
Risher and Bob Gilbert
Roland Goertz
Michele and Pete Groetzinger
Brenda Griffey
Gay Grunfeld
Carla Haynes-Clowe
Lisa Hull
Andrea La Valleur-Purvis
Glenda Miller and Jerry Maesovas
Jan and Lance Magid
Vicky and Ed Mazanec
Phyllis and Michael Mitchael
Nancy and J. Paul Pederson
Joseph R. Riley
Anne and Nelson Rue
Caroline Russell
Duane Sartor
Eryn Shaffer
Lisa and Rick Sheldon
Elizabeth and Stuart Smith
Brook Taylor
Todd Unger
Jeremy Vickers
Charles Wallis
Karen and R. Cameron Witt
Laura Williams
Waco Calligraphy Guild
Grants
2023-2024
Creative Waco
Cooper Foundation
HEB Tournament of Champions
Texans Commissions on the Arts
Waco Foundation
In Kind Gifts over $10,000
RBDR Architects
Mazanec Constructions
Nickell Metalsmiths
Stanton Studios
Vivid Creative
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