Art Center Waco Youth Art Programs

Art Center Waco Youth Art Programs include activities such as Spring Break Camp 2026, Family Day at Lunar New Year, the Artist Studio Collective, and the “If These Walls Could Talk” program. Participants engage with curated art exhibitions, artist talks, panel discussions, interactive arts education programs, artist-led events, community outreach initiatives, and collaborative group activities.

• Schedule: Tue — Fri general hours 11am to 5pm; Sat 10am to 2pm; closed Sun — Mon; classes resume Jan 2, 2025

Since 1973, Art Center Waco has been described as a catalyst for creativity and cultural enrichment and a cornerstone of Waco’s cultural landscape. The organization presents seven diverse exhibitions each year that include both emerging local talents and nationally recognized artists, and these exhibitions are free and open to the public during regular gallery hours thanks to supporter funding. Art Center Waco Youth Art Programs operate within an organization whose mission statement is “We inspire and enrich through art education, exhibitions, and community engagement,” and whose vision is to inspire lifelong engagement with art. The stated core values guiding the work are Diversity, Enrichment, Stewardship, and Accessibility, and the organization states that it offers affordable art education programs accessible to everyone. Art Center Waco is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and describes a commitment to equitable access to arts education for McLennan County residents, support for artists from historically underserved communities, celebration of human difference in collections, exhibitions, and programs, addressing disparities in access to arts education and promotion, and displaying and exhibiting diverse visual art styles and subjects.

The leadership team includes Interim Executive Director Duane Sartor, Education Program Manager Desiree Hardeman, M.Ed, and Gallery Coordinator bella Perez, B.A. The staff roles specifically named for education and galleries are Education Program Manager (Desiree Hardeman, M.Ed) and Gallery Coordinator (bella Perez, B.A). Art Center Waco members receive special summer camp and rental pricing, invitations to special events, and discounts on select arts programs. The organization describes its community involvement as serving locals, schools, youth groups, and partner organizations through engaging programs, online content, outreach experiences, artist-led events, community outreach initiatives, and collaborative group activities.

Last updated February 4, 2026.