Jessica and Kelvin Beachum Open Second Exhibition with Selections from their Family Collection at Baylor University
Narratives as Reality: Constructing an Identity will be on display May 6-Nov. 5 at Baylor’s Martin Museum of Art
Jessica and Kelvin Beachum photographed with Fleeting Memories and Lasting Moments by artist Vaughn Spann. Courtesy of Phoenix Art Museum, Photo Credit: Airi Katsuta
Contact: Shelby Cefaratti-Bertin, Baylor University Media & Public Relations, 254-327-8012 - Follow us on Twitter: @BaylorUMedia
WACO, Texas (April 27, 2023) – Baylor University alumna Jessica Beachum, B.A. ’11, and her husband, NFL offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum, have spent the last decade building a compelling and powerful collection of artwork that explores our collective histories and their relevance throughout the journey of time. Themes of identity, the lived experience, power and process are prevalent throughout. Their careful curation has led to a stunning collection of international artists working in various media.
Narrative as Reality: Constructing an Identity featuring selections from the Jessica and Kelvin Beachum Family Collection will be on display May 6 through Nov. 5 at the Martin Museum of Art at Baylor University. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
With an emphasis on historical relevance, artist research and scholarship and capturing the times, the collection contributes to the art historical canon. It is their belief that art can inspire curiosity and allow people to discover history through storytelling and giving voice to their experiences.
“We want to look back on each piece and know it represents something we remember or something we never want to forget,” Jessica Beachum said. “The intergenerational component is what is most special.”
Kelvin and Jessica are passionate about supporting the arts, developing relationships with artists and inspiring introspection and conversation through each piece. By sharing their collection, they provide opportunities for viewers to engage with ideas and themes that spark meaningful dialogue.
For Narrative as Reality, exhibition curator Dr. Valerie Gillespie, chose 21 works by 19 artists that fit into overarching themes of Black identity, lived experiences, power and process.
“Curatorial practice has always been a delicate dance between worlds where art, history, education and community collide in the most beautiful ways,” Gillespie said.
The Martin Museum of Art spent the last year and a half planning for this monumental exhibition that holds great significance for Baylor University, the City of Waco and surrounding communities. By bringing their collection to the Martin, the Beachums have provided a unique opportunity to share their love of art with many visitors.
“This kind of exhibition allows the Baylor family, Waco and the Central Texas region to see a diverse group of artists through the scope of a curatorial approach,” said Allison Chew, director of the Martin Museum. “Our job at the Martin is to share these stories, give access to our community and create a space for compelling conversation around thoughtful themes and topics.”
ABOUT JESSICA AND KELVIN BEACHUM
Jessica Beachum is a Dallas native. She graduated from Baylor University in 2011 with a BA in Sociology and went on to earn a Master of Science (MS) in Science Healthcare Delivery from Arizona State University. Kelvin Beachum, a Mexia, Texas native, graduated from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 2010 with a BA in Economics and a minor in Sports Management. In 2012, he completed a Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) in Organizational Dynamics and delivered the commencement address for the Simmons School of Education and Human Development.
Kelvin and Jessica are both committed to helping young people, especially minority and disadvantaged youth, develop the habits and skills for success. They have a special focus on encouraging minority youth to engage in STEAM-centric disciplines and STEAM careers. They are passionate about addressing inequity in education with a specific emphasis on eliminating the digital divide.
As a family of strong faith, the Beachums are devoted to glorifying God in everything they do and use their time and influence to encourage others by advocating for education, faithful devotion and being of service to others. The Beachums reside in Arizona with their three children.
ABOUT MARTIN MUSEUM OF ART AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
The Martin Museum of Art (MMoA) is a dynamic resource that enriches appreciation for the visual arts while serving Baylor University, Waco and Central Texas communities and beyond. As a dedicated teaching museum within the Department of Art and Art History, the MMoA provides unique perspectives on art history and contemporary art and practice through innovative exhibitions, direct access to collections, vibrant public programming and captivating public tours, including related hands-on studio-art activities for school groups. As a primary resource for the visual arts, the MMoA is inclusive, reflective and transformative in its mission. It integrates the awareness, understanding and practice of artmaking into the fabric and culture of the students, faculty and staff of Baylor University and our communities abroad. For more information, visit the Martin Museum of Art website.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.