Gallery features work by local artists

Rylee Seavers | Broadcast Reporter

A pop-up gallery in downtown Waco is featuring 52 works of art inspired by Waco and created by local artists.

“These artists had all produced work that was descriptive of Waco in some way,” said Fiona Bond, executive director of Creative Waco. “It captures something about the essence, the spirit, the culture that is Waco.”

About 200 works of art were submitted for the gallery and the 52 featured pieces were selected by two internationally-known judges, Bond said.

Bond said Waco is not normally associated with creativity, so the gallery was an opportunity to showcase the large number of exceptional artwork being produced by the local community and allow local artists to be recognized for their work in their hometown.

“Waco is a place that wants to be known for excellence and innovation. We felt that, as we were applying for Waco to be a new cultural district at state level, that Waco already punches above its weight in terms of quality and actually , the quantity of what’s being produced here,” Bond said.

The gallery has seven artists in residence, a retail shop, a juice bar, live performances and events almost every night.

The Waco52 gallery will be open on Austin Avenue in downtown Waco until September 2.