THE GRID PROJECT

Call for Young Artists

The Grid Project invites 72 young artists, ages 6–18, to help create a collaborative mural for the Cameron Park Zoo Education Center. Participants will design and paint their own canvas inspired by South America and their critters, coming together to form one large-scale community artwork.

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Support the Project

Individuals, businesses, and organizations can support our young artists by volunteering, donating materials or resources, making a financial contribution, or becoming a sponsor.
Your support helps us provide an accessible, creative experience for young artists while building a collaborative Zoo mural.

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New Growth:

A Juneteenth Celebration

June 14, 2025

701 S. 8th Street, Waco, TX
2:00 to 5:00 pm

A free, community-centered Juneteenth event celebrating Black art, hair, identity, and liberation. Featuring a gallery of 13 Texas artists, a film screening, live panel discussion, performances, local Black-owned vendors, raffle prizes, and more!

RELIVE THE MOMENT

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 a program; it’s a movement that empowers individuals to spread love, wisdom, and positivity by creatively impacting the Waco communities.

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

As a Waco native, it is my honor to uplift local artists and moments that define our amazing 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 businesses and non-profits, we are able to 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.