Upcoming Events

  • Ribbon Cutting

    Date: 02-28-25

    Time: 5:00-6:00PM

    For Black History Month, A Beautiful Message has partnered with the Centex African American Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Jockey Club Barbershop and the unveiling of a new mural.

  • Open Call

    Open Call Deadline: April 5, 2025 11:59PM CST

    Exhibit Dates: May 22, 2025 – June 28, 2025

    Art Center Waco and ABM invites emerging and established African American visual artists living in the State of Texas over the age of 18 to submit their original artworks for a juried exhibition.


Dear Waco Family,

I am excited to share the mission behind my program, A Beautiful Message. This initiative was born out of a deep passion for connecting young and emerging artists to meaningful, real-world experiences—allowing them to grow, learn, and truly discover their unique voices through the power of art. A Beautiful Message is more than just a program; it’s a movement that empowers individuals to share love, wisdom, and positivity, creating a ripple effect within our communities.

Through collaboration and community partnerships, we plan to equip artists with the tools, resources, and expertise they need to take the next step in their creative journey. We are committed to supporting them as they develop their craft, amplify their voices, and contribute to shaping a more connected and empathetic society.

As a Waco native, it is my honor to uplift the stories and experiences that define our city. I am incredibly grateful for the trust and support of every individual, business, and organization that has helped bring this vision to life. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Sincerely,

Vincent Thomas, Founder

Beyond the Art.

Community

Our art program connects the diverse communities of North, South, East, and West Waco, each with its own unique backgrounds and stories. By partnering with local non-profits like Grassroots Community Development, we create inclusive spaces where people come together to share, learn, and grow through art.


Creativity

Creativity is at the core of our program. We encourage individuals to explore their artistic potential through experimentation and innovation. With public art opportunities and local exhibits hosted at venues like Art Center Waco, we provide platforms for creative discovery while building confidence in every participant.


Culture

We’re committed to preserving Waco’s rich history through art. Our first mural, with the historic Jockey Club Barbershop—the city's first Black barbershop—kicks off a series of projects that aim to honor the city's cultural landmarks and tell the stories that shape Waco's identity.


FALL 2024

Meet the Artists