Art Center Waco is presenting "In Her Element," an exhibition spotlighting five Austin-based female artists: Valerie Fowler, Tara Eales, Georgie Miller, Amy Twomey, and Philana Oliphant. The show, curated by Andrea La Valleur-Purvis in partnership with the nonprofit Women & Their Work, opens with a reception on Thursday at 6 p.m. and runs through October 31. The artists explore personal narratives through experimental materials, bold concepts, and vivid visuals, with works ranging from Fowler's oil paintings on environmental and feminine themes to Miller's collages based on her muses' last meals.
This exhibition matters because it directly addresses the persistent underrepresentation of women in the art world, giving a platform to female voices that often lack visibility. By partnering with Women & Their Work—a nonprofit dedicated to advancing women in the arts—Art Center Waco is actively working to boost equal representation. The artists' comments underscore the need for such focused showcases, and the show demonstrates that smaller cities like Waco can foster vibrant, supportive art communities that rival larger metropolitan areas.