Our Mission
We inspire and enrich through art education, exhibitions, and community engagement.

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

Executive Director

AnnaLauren Packer

Children's Education Manager

Desiree Hardeman, M.ED

Education Program Manager

ACW staff

Izabel Perez

Administrative Assistant

Katherine Boulais

Communications Assistant, Baylor University

Savannah Wanebo

Social Media Intern,
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

Anonymous

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

Erin and Bob Davis

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

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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