Art at the Arc: Celebrating Creativity, Inclusion, and Disability in the Arts in Waco, Texas
- Jillian Ohriner
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The Arc of McLennan County partners with Cultural Arts of Waco and Cultivate 7twelve to showcase the powerful work of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — and you're invited.
Where Art Meets Advocacy in Waco
At The Arc of McLennan County, we believe in three things: the power to Advocate. Relate. Create. This summer, we're putting that mission on full display — literally — with Art at the Arc, a landmark community art experience that celebrates the creativity, voice, and talent of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) right here in Waco. Whether you're a longtime supporter of The Arc, a lover of local art, or simply someone who believes every person deserves to be seen and celebrated, this is an event you won't want to miss.
What Is Art at the Arc?
Art at the Arc is a community-wide art initiative and exhibition that brings together participants from The Arc of McLennan County's programs alongside two of Waco's most vibrant creative organizations: Cultural Arts of Waco and Cultivate Waco.
Together, our participants have been creating original works of art, paintings, mixed media, and more, guided and inspired by these community partners. The result? A stunning collection of masterpieces that deserve to be seen by the entire Waco community.
Mark Your Calendar: Two Must-See Events
🎨 Art at the Arc Exhibition
Friday, June 27 | 10 AM – 4:30 PM
The Arc of McLennan County 4901 Lakewood Dr. Waco, TX 76707
Join us for an all-day, come-and-go art exhibit featuring original artwork created by our participants. Drop in anytime between 10 AM and 4 PM to view the work, connect with the artists, and experience the joy that happens when people are given the space to create.
Free and open to the community.
🖼️ Disability in the Arts Exhibit at Art Center Waco
July 18 | 10 AM- 2 PM
Art Center Waco 701 S. 8th St. Waco, TX 76701
The celebration continues at Art Center Waco with the Disability in the Arts Exhibit, a broader community showcase featuring artwork created by local artists with disabilities from across Waco and McLennan County.
This exhibit is presented in partnership with:
Together, these organizations are shining a light on disability representation in the arts and creating space for artists who are too often overlooked in traditional gallery settings.
Why This Matters: Disability, Art, and Inclusion in Our Community
Art is one of the most powerful forms of self-expression and self-advocacy available to us. For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, having the opportunity to create and to have that creation valued, displayed, and celebrated — is transformative.
When we say our mission is to help participants Advocate. Relate. Create., art is not a metaphor. It's a literal vehicle for all three:
Advocate — Art gives voice to experiences that words sometimes can't capture.
Relate — Creating alongside others, and sharing your work with a community, builds connection.
Create — The act of making something is an affirmation of personhood, ability, and identity.
Events like Art at the Arc and the Disability in the Arts Exhibit are part of a larger movement to ensure that disability inclusion isn't just a policy talking point — it's woven into the cultural fabric of Waco.
About Our Partners
Cultural Arts of Waco is dedicated to enriching the Waco community through the arts. Their work with our participants has brought professional artistic guidance, encouragement, and community connection to our program.
Cultivate Waco is one of Waco's most dynamic creative spaces, serving as a hub for local artists, events, and cultural programming. Their partnership reflects a shared belief that art belongs to everyone.
Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing brings an academic and community-focused lens to disability advocacy, inclusion, and quality of life research.
Waco Committee for People with Disabilities has long been a voice for policy, accessibility, and rights for people with disabilities in McLennan County.
Art Center Waco provides a respected, established gallery platform that lends visibility and legitimacy to every artist whose work it displays.
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