Celebrate Grinchy Claus and friends at Christmas in the Garden!

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NOV. 29, 2023 – Put on your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and head to the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden for some Grinchy good fun at this year’s Christmas in the Garden! The family friendly event is Friday, Dec. 1, and this year’s theme is inspired by Dr. Seuss books, which are a favorite in the Storybook Capital of America®.

Christmas in the Garden will feature the costume characters the Grinch, Lorax and Cat in the Hat, games and crafts and food inspired by the world of Dr. Seuss.

Families have two sessions to choose from – 5 to 6:30 p.m. or 6:30 to 8 p.m. The cost is $15 per family.

You can purchase tickets at www.abilenecac.org while spots are available. About 600 people are expected to attend this year.

You will enter the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden from the north side of the Abilene Convention Center. The garden’s storybook sculptures will be decorated with twinkling Christmas lights and new holiday decorations.

Children will have the opportunity to share their wishes with Santy Claus, get a balloon animal, have their face painted and be mystified by the tricks of magician Lonnie Chevrie.  The Grinch himself will read his favorite book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Seven and One Books will have a pop-up shop as well!

Christmas in the Garden is presented by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council and is one of several events during the Abilene Downtown Association’s annual City Sidewalks holiday celebration. For a full schedule of holiday events, go to www.abilenedowntown.com.

Sculptures will be lit for Illumination Celebration Finale

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NOV. 14, 2023 – The public is invited to take a self-guided tour around the newly lit contemporary sculptures on either side of the railroad tracks along North and South First Streets on Saturday night starting at 6:45 p.m. Leading the procession will be members of the West Texas Region Porsche Club of America.

Families are encouraged to stop by Sonic for a treat! A limited number of coupons donated by Sonic for this special night are available for a free corn dog or Mini Sonic Blast. Stop by the T&P Depot at 6:45 p.m. Saturday to pick one up.

The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council completed the lighting project with a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts matched by private donations. Lighting for the 18 sculptures was completed by Bunkley Electric, which has partnered with the ACAC on many downtown projects.

                The ACAC, which is a division of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, received an $81,000 cultural district enhancement grant from TCA to light the contemporary sculptures, including the beloved “Picturesque Texas Buffalo” with the enlarged buffalo photo and saddle on North 1st Street and the world famous “The Singing Ringing Tree” on South Treadaway.

“The lighting of the contemporary sculptures will provide a beautiful and memorable entryway to the Cultural District from the east and west and distinguish Abilene as a city that values the arts,” said Lynn Barnett, Chamber Vice President of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council. “Now these sculptures can be appreciated both day and night!”

                Since 2019, the Cultural Affairs Council has been fortunate to receive over $500,000 in Cultural District Enhancement grants from the Texas Commission on the Arts. These grants have been matched by more $700,000 from local donors.

               

 

               

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Groundbreaking Study Reveals Economic and Social Impact of $35.5 Million Nonprofit Arts and Culture Sector in Abilene

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Oct 13, 2023 —The Community Foundation with the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council today announced that Abilene’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $35.5 million in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts. That economic activity – nearly $13.4 million in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and an additional $22.2 million in event-related spending by their audiences supported 820 jobs and generated $8.8 million in local, state, and federal government revenue. Spending by arts and culture audiences generates valuable commerce to local merchants, a value-add that few other industries can compete with.

“This study drives home the economic impact of arts and culture in the Abilene community,” said Lynn Barnett, Chamber Vice President of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council. “It strengthens the tourism economy and boosts profits for restaurants, merchants, and other businesses. In addition, it brings in tax revenue to our city.”

Barnett said since Abilene participated in the last Arts and Economic Prosperity study in 2005, the amount of direct expenditures into the Abilene economy by arts organizations has nearly doubled. At the same time, the downtown cultural district has exploded with growth.

“We’re proud to support the work of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council. We understand the difficulty of quantifying their hard work and success, and this study will provide wonderful context to tell our local story,” said Katie Alford, President/CEO of Community Foundation of Abilene.

Nationally, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study reveals that America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry — one that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates $29.1 billion in government revenue.

“Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community longer. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents,” said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “When we invest in nonprofit arts and culture, we strengthen our economy and build more livable communities.”

Abilene was one of 373 communities across the country that participated in the study. The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council joined the study on behalf of the City of Abilene. In Abilene, 31 of the 42 eligible nonprofits identified by ACAC provided financial and attendance information for the study. In addition, ACAC collected 736 valid audience-intercept surveys between May 2022 to June 2023.

  •       Sense of Pride: For the first time, AEP6 expands beyond the economic and financial data to include social impact measurements of arts and culture’s effect on the well-being of communities and residents. Abilene’s study revealed that 88% of respondents felt the arts and culture activity they were attending was “inspiring a sense of pride” in their community, and 83% said the art venue was “an important pillar for me within my community.”

  •   Keeping Local Dollars in Abilene: A vibrant arts and culture community keeps local residents – and their discretionary dollars – in the community. When attendees were asked what they would have done if the event where they were surveyed had not been available, nearly 40% said they would have traveled elsewhere – taking their discretionary dollars with them.

By measuring arts and culture’s wide-ranging impact, public and private sector leaders can work together to secure funding and arts-friendly policies that shape more vibrant and equitable communities.

The full report, a map of the 373 study regions, and a two-page economic impact summary for each, can be found at AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org

2023 CALF Welcomes Largest Crowd Ever

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JUNE 10, 2023 – The Children’s Art + Literacy Festival registered 5,824 people for this weekend’s festival, which is the largest number of people in the festival’s 11 year-history. CALF experienced a 7% increase in registrations, welcoming people from 190 cities in 21 states and as well as Mexico!

The festival started Thursday with Group Day followed by the Storybook Parade and unveiling of the newest Storybook Sculpture and will conclude Sunday with programming at the Abilene Zoo, where people can wear their CALF passes and enter for free. All the festival imagery and books celebrated the work of Caldecott Medal artist and author Brian Lies, whose original artwork went on display this week in the gallery of the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL). The museum hosted Brian and his family during the festival. Books signed by Brian are still available at the NCCIL gift shop and you can see his exhibition through September titled “Brian’s Magnificent Garden.”

People can see the new Storybook Sculpture in the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden, “Evan and His Dog,” inspired by the award-winning book by Mr. Lies titled “The Rough Patch.”  Abilene is home to the largest Storybook Sculpture collection of its kind in America and is one of the reasons – along with the CALF and the NCCIL – that Abilene is the official Storybook Capital of America©.

Next year’s CALF honoree and summer NCCIL artist will be award-winning artist/author LeUyen Pham. Mark your calendars for June 13-16, 2024.

“This year’s festival built around the beautiful artwork of Brian Lies was extremely popular with festival goers,” said Lynn Barnett, Abilene Chamber Vice President of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council. “Plans are already in place to start planning another great festival for next year.”

11th annual children’s book festival starts next week

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MAY 30, 2023 – The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council is preparing to welcome more than 5,000 people downtown for the 11th Children’s Art + Literacy Festival.

Festival registrants can start picking up their orders Thursday, June 1 at festival headquarters in the T&P Depot, 1101 N. 1st St.

The festival starts Thursday, June 8 with Group Day from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for nonprofit child-care groups. It opens to the public later that day with free events starting with the costume contest at 4 p.m. in the Elks Arts Center and the Storybook Parade at 5:30 p.m. The newest addition to the Storybook Sculpture Project will be unveiled at 6:15 p.m. followed by Evan’s Magnificent Garden Party. Then head to the Paramount Theatre for Sketch with Brian followed by a book signing.

This year’s CALF brings to life the books of award-winning illustrator Brian Lies, whose original artwork will go on display at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) on June 8.

The festival continues Friday and Saturday, June 9-10, in downtown with 17 venues participating in the celebration. Festival passes are required for Friday and Saturday events, which include dramatic reading of Brian’s most popular books and the best children’s entertainment from across Texas.

On Sunday, June 11, wear your CALF pass to the Abilene Zoo for free admission and enjoy additional dramatic book readings followed by Animal Encounters in the pavilion.

CALF brings more than 5,400 people from all over Texas and states across the country to the Storybook Capital of America©. More than 500 volunteers help make the festival possible, along with our generous sponsors.

Brian Lies (pronounced “lees”) has illustrated more than 30 books, including two best-selling bat books series and the Caldecott Honor-winning book, “The Rough Patch,” which also won the Crystal Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. His newest illustrated book is “Wombat Said Come In” written by Carmen Agra Deedy.

Registration for CALF will continue through June 11 online at www.abilenecalf.com and in person at the T&P Depot. Passes are $11 for children age 3-12 and $16 for ages 13 and up. Children 2 and under are free (no lanyard or pass provided).

CALF was started in 2012 by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, an affiliate of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce dedicated to promoting the arts and enriching lives in Abilene.

Downtown pedestrian tunnels to be lit March 8

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MARCH 6, 2023 - After three years of planning, navigating the approval process, and fundraising, the media is invited to witness the lighting of three pedestrian tunnels connecting the Abilene Cultural District to the SoDA district. The lighting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, and it will illuminate the 3D storybook mural of a soaring dragon in the tunnel behind the T&P Depot at 1101 N. 1st. as well as the pedestrian tunnels on the other end of Everman Park on Pine Street.

The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, in partnership with the City of Abilene, is responsible for lighting the tunnels, which are owned by Union Pacific Railroad. For one tunnel, the ACAC commissioned Abilene’s only 3D mural by international artist Kurt Wenner. The mural was designed in such a way that people can pose on the dragon’s back and appear to be riding it or pose on the castle tower and appear to be stepping off into the storybook city.

The lighting for the three tunnels was funded in part by private donations and by a cultural district grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. The grant also included funds for wayfinding maps downtown and security cameras for the tunnel areas that are monitored by the City of Abilene. The purpose of the new lighting and the dragon mural were to better connect the Abilene Cultural District north of the railroad tracks with the SoDA (South Downtown Abilene) district south of the railroad tracks and to use the arts as a tool for economic growth. The lighting will also enhance walkability and safety between the two districts.

“With the continued growth in both districts, this latest addition of lighting should increase visitor enjoyment of downtown and ease of accessibility,” said Lynn Barnett, who has helped promote the city’s standing as the official Storybook Capital of America® through many projects and events. The ACAC has invested $6 million in the downtown Storybook Capital theme.

Barnett said City Manager Robert Hanna was instrumental in making the tunnel lighting possible throughout the three-year process.

“With the transformation happening throughout downtown with the new hotel and other building projects, the city was happy to play a major role in seeing this project to completion,” Hanna said.

Other major players that helped make this possible are Tim Smith, downtown property owner and SoDA founder, and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce.

Tunnel locations: 1) T&P Depot, 1101 N. 1st 2) Everman Park on both sides of Pine St.

Festival brings books to life in Storybook Capital of America®

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Feb. 24, 2023 – Registration opened today for the festival that fans are calling “incredible,” “inspiring,” and “a summer highlight!”

Go batty at this summer’s Children’s Art + Literacy Festival (CALF) as the Storybook Capital of America® brings the books of award-winning illustrator Brian Lies to life! The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council turns downtown Abilene into a childhood adventure you won’t forget from Thursday, June 8 to Saturday, June 10 with extra programming at the Abilene Zoo on Sunday, June 11.

The festival brings more than 5,400 people from all over Texas and states across America. This book festival is unlike any other because we celebrate the illustrator! The picture book artist on exhibit each summer at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) in downtown Abilene is the inspiration for our festival.

Brian Lies has illustrated more than 30 books, including two best-selling bat books series and the Caldecott Honor-winning book, “The Rough Patch,” which also won the Crystal Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. His newest illustrated book is “Wombat Said Come In” written by Carmen Agra Deedy.

The festival will kick off Thursday, June 8 with Group Day for day cares and summer camps. Nearly 700 children will attend Group Day who might otherwise not be able to come to the festival thanks to our generous sponsors.

The festival opens to the public Thursday afternoon with a costume contest, Storybook Parade, and unveiling of our 28th Storybook Sculpture set based on the book “The Rough Patch.” Abilene is home to the largest Storybook Sculpture collection of its kind in America if not the world. Brian Lies will be joining the festivities in Abilene, which includes the opening of a summer exhibit of his original artwork at the NCCIL, the first museum in the nation to exclusively exhibit children’s picture book art. Thursday night, see the artist in action at the Paramount Theatre and draw along with him during the free “Sketch with Brian” event followed by a book signing.

A festival pass is required to attend Friday and Saturday events, which include dramatic readings of Brian’s most popular books at six venues with art activities and costume characters, a live production of “Little Bat in Night School,” ventriloquist Nancy Burks Worcester, Le Marionette Theater of Dallas, Kornpop the clown’s balloon show, train rides, Abilene Philharmonic Instrument Petting Zoo, May Farm Petting Zoo and more! Children collect CALF buttons for their festival lanyards as they complete each activity. Wear your CALF pass on Sunday, and you can enter the zoo for free and experience more CALF with book readings and animal encounters.

Register for CALF at www.abilenecalf.com and celebrate the art of childhood! Thursday events are free. Passes for Friday and Saturday are $8 for children 3-12 (2 and under are free) and $13 for ages 13 and up through May 15. After that date, passes are $11 for children and $16 for ages 13 and up.

The Texas Legislature declared Abilene the official Storybook Capital of Texas in 2015, and in 2018, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office approved Abilene to trademark and exclusively use the term “Storybook Capital of America®.”

CALF started in 2012 and is a program of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, an affiliate of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce dedicated to promoting the arts and enriching lives in Abilene. This year’s title sponsor is First National Bank, Albany/Breckenridge. For more information and full schedule of events, visit www.abilenecalf.com or call 325-677-1161.

Downtown pedestrian tunnels to be lit Jan. 26 (Postponed)

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JAN. 19, 2023 – After three years of planning, navigating the approval process, and fundraising, the media is invited to witness the lighting of two pedestrian tunnels connecting the Abilene Cultural District to the SoDA district. The lighting will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, and it will illuminate the 3D storybook mural of a soaring dragon in the tunnel behind the T&P Depot. 

The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, in partnership with the City of Abilene, is responsible for lighting the tunnels, which are owned by Union Pacific Railroad. For one tunnel, the ACAC commissioned Abilene’s only 3D mural by international artist Kurt Wenner. The mural was designed in such a way that people can pose on the dragon’s back and appear to be riding it or pose on the castle tower and appear to be stepping off into the storybook city.

The lighting for the two tunnels was funded in part by private donations and by a cultural district grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. The grant also included funds for wayfinding maps downtown and security cameras for the tunnel areas that are monitored by the City of Abilene. The purpose of the new lighting and the dragon mural were to better connect the Abilene Cultural District north of the railroad tracks with the SoDA (South Downtown Abilene) district south of the railroad tracks and to use the arts as a tool for economic growth. The lighting will also enhance walkability and safety between the two districts.

“With the continued growth in both districts, this latest addition of lighting should increase visitor enjoyment of downtown and ease of accessibility,” said Lynn Barnett, who has helped promote the city’s standing as the official Storybook Capital of America® through many projects and events. The ACAC has invested $6 million in the downtown Storybook Capital theme.

Barnett said City Manager Robert Hanna was instrumental in making the tunnel lighting possible throughout the three-year process.

“With the transformation happening throughout downtown with the new hotel and other building projects, the city was happy to play a major role in seeing this project to completion,” Hanna said.

Other major players that helped make this possible are Tim Smith, downtown property owner and SoDA founder, and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce.

Tunnel locations: 1) T&P Depot, 1101 N. 1st 2) Everman Park at Pine St. and North 1st

Abilene celebrates 42 years of outdoor sculpture

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SEPT. 16, 2022 – For more than four decades, the Abilene Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition has provided an opportunity for artists to present a new body of work or a new artistic direction.  Abilene’s exhibition is the longest running community initiated public art exhibition in Texas.

 

The biennial Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition is celebrating 42 years of bringing contemporary outdoor sculpture to Abilene made by award-winning artists. The exhibition is always juried, and the call for entries is done in a variety of ways with the focus being on Texas artists.

 

The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council’s Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition Committee organized the exhibition in partnership with the City of Abilene Community Services Department, McMurry, Hardin-Simmons and Abilene Christian universities, The Grace Museum and the Center for Contemporary Arts. This year’s sculptures and their artists are:

- “Red Running Dog” by Anthony Huff, an artist from Abilene

- “Talk of Camels and Needles” by Dewane Hughes, an artist from Tyler

- “The Day Gertrude Flew the Coop” by Glory Hartsfield, a Texas artist who has moved to the Midwest

- “Fallen” by Jeffie Brewer, an artist from Nacogdoches

The sculptures will be on exhibit along North 1st Street (between Beech and Grape streets) for two years.  To celebrate the creators of the outdoor sculptures, as well as artists opening their exhibits at other local galleries, receptions open to the public will take place at:

FRIDAY, Sept. 16

5 p.m. - Reception for Robbie Barber’s exhibition “Souls” at Shore Art Gallery in the Don Morris Center at Abilene Christian University.

5:45 p.m. – Reception for Anna Mavromatis’ exhibition “Material Culture” at The Grace Museum.

SATURDAY, Sept. 17

All day – View the Russell Jacques sculpture “Variations on a Theme III” outside of Amy Graves Ryan Fine Arts Center at McMurry University

5:45 p.m.  – Reception for Felice Contreras exhibition “The Letter ‘T’ Stands For…” at the Ira M. Taylor Memorial Gallery at the Frost Center for Visual Arts at Hardin-Simmons University

6:15 p.m. – Reception for featured outdoor sculptors and group exhibition “Outliers” at the Center for Contemporary Arts featuring six artists:

·         Robbie Barber, Waco.

·         Jeffie Brewer, Nacogdoches

·         Andy Don Emmons, Waco

·         Anthony Huff, Abilene

·         Dewane Hughes, Tyler

·         Glory Hartsfield, who has moved to the Midwest.

Installation begins Tuesday for "Singing Ringing Tree"

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JULY 21, 2022 – A wind-powered sound sculpture donated to the City of Abilene is arriving Tuesday afternoon in its new, permanent home in downtown Abilene on Tuesday, July 26. “The Singing Ringing Tree” is expected to be fully reassembled by next Thursday and is anticipated to become a tourist draw for the city.                

The sculpture’s donor is covering the installation and moving costs.                

The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council contracted with JK Welding to dismantle the sculpture from its location on private property in Travis County and reassemble it in Abilene east of the Frontier Texas! museum in the grassy median where Treadaway Boulevard splits and flows into South 1st St. Visitors will be able to park at Frontier Texas! and walk down the sidewalk to Treadaway to hear it. King said you can hear it from 100-400 feet away and that wind speeds are a factor for it to make sound, something that should not be a problem in a windy city like Abilene.

“The Singing Ringing Tree” is made up of nearly 27 tons of cascading pipes. The sculpture will be positioned to just the right angle to maximize the wind blowing across the pipes to generate this music. The humming sound produced has been described as “melodious” and “choral,” covering a range of several octaves.                                                                                                                                                                 

“We are excited to welcome this internationally recognized sculpture to Abilene,” said Lynn Barnett, executive director of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council. “It will attract visitors to downtown and have a positive economic impact on the cultural district.” The sculpture was originally designed by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu as part of a project for the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network in England to create landmarks over the countryside. The sculpture was completed in 2006 and placed on a hill range overlooking the town of Burnley, whose population is about half the size of Abilene’s, and like Abilene, is considered windy. “The Singing Ringing Tree” there has become a tourist attraction and was named one of the Top 10 places for “sound art” in the world. In 2007, the sculpture won the Royal Institute of British Architects’ National Award for architectural excellence.

A second “Singing Ringing Tree” sculpture was created and located in Saudi Arabia.

A third version was commissioned by a Texas art collector and completed in 2017. JK Welding was contracted to create the sculpture, which King says is 22 feet tall and has 22 levels of pipes that are 11-12 inches tall each utilizing 6-inch pipe of various thicknesses. The pipe swirls around to form the shape of a wind-blown bent tree although some say it resembles a tornado. The sculpture is said to be inspired by a German fairy tale about a spoiled princess who demands the Singing Ringing Tree from a would-be suitor. The tree’s leaves ring with music for those with love in their hearts. The connection between the sculpture and the fairy tale makes the art piece a great fit for the Storybook Capital of America®, said Barnett.

JK Welding will be filming the dismantling and reassembling of the sculpture and will go live with video at various times over the course of the week starting Monday, July 25, on the welding company’s various social media platforms: -         

https://www.facebook.com/jkweldinghtx -         

https://www.instagram.com/jkwelding/ -        

  https://www.tiktok.com/@jkwelding  

In addition, Northern Tool + Equipment, a JK Welding sponsor, will be sending a film crew to Abilene to film the sculpture’s journey for a future TV commercial.  

“The Singing Ringing Tree” is one of five sculptures worth nearly a half million dollars that a Texas art collector is donating to the City of Abilene.

International tourist attraction “Singing Ringing Tree” arriving

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Private collector has donated sculpture to Abilene; 1 of only 3 in the world

JULY 12, 2022 – A wind-powered sound sculpture made up of nearly 27 tons of cascading pipes is arriving in its new, permanent home in downtown Abilene on July 26. “The Singing Ringing Tree” is expected to take three days to reassemble and is anticipated to become a tourist draw for the city.

                “It’s a masterpiece, and for Abilene, it’s going to draw a lot of visitors to the city,” said John King, owner of JK Welding in the Houston area.

                The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council contracted with JK Welding to dismantle the sculpture from its location on private property in Travis County and reassemble it in Abilene east of the Frontier Texas! museum in the grassy median where Treadaway Boulevard splits and flows into South 1st St. Visitors will be able to park at Frontier Texas! and walk down the sidewalk to Treadaway to hear it. King said you can hear it from 100-400 feet away and that wind speeds are a factor for it to make sound, something that should not be a problem in a windy city like Abilene.

The sculpture will be positioned to just the right angle to maximize the wind blowing across the pipes to generate this music. The humming sound produced has been described as “melodious” and “choral,” covering a range of several octaves.

The sculpture was originally designed by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu as part of a project for the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network in England to create landmarks over the countryside. The sculpture was completed in 2006 and placed on a hill range overlooking the town of Burnley, whose population is about half the size of Abilene’s, and like Abilene, is considered windy. “The Singing Ringing Tree” there has become a tourist attraction and was named one of the Top 10 places for “sound art” in the world. In 2007, the sculpture won the Royal Institute of British Architects’ National Award for architectural excellence.

A second “Singing Ringing Tree” sculpture was created and located in Saudi Arabia.

A third version was commissioned by a Texas art collector and completed in 2017. JK Welding was contracted to create the sculpture, which King says is 22 feet tall and has 22 levels of pipes that are 11-12 inches tall each utilizing 6-inch pipe of various thicknesses. The pipe swirls around to form the shape of a wind-blown bent tree although some say it resembles a tornado.

The sculpture is said to be inspired by a 1957 East German children’s film later shown on BBC television that was inspired by a German fairy tale about a spoiled princess who demands the Singing Ringing Tree from a would-be suitor. The tree’s leaves ring with music for those with love in their hearts. The connection between the sculpture and the fairy tale makes the art piece a great fit for the Storybook Capital of America®, said Lynn Barnett, executive director of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council.

JK Welding will be filming the dismantling and reassembling of the sculpture. Viewers can watch the process live or get updates starting July 25 on the welding company’s various social media platforms:

-          https://www.facebook.com/jkweldinghtx

-          https://www.instagram.com/jkwelding/

-          https://www.tiktok.com/@jkwelding

-          https://www.linkedin.com/company/jk-welding-llc/

In addition, Northern Tool + Equipment, a JK Welding sponsor, will be sending a film crew to Abilene to film the sculpture’s journey for a future TV commercial.

“The Singing Ringing Tree” is one of six sculptures worth nearly a half million dollars that a Texas art collector is donating to the City of Abilene. The other five sculptures will be arriving in the next few weeks. They are:

1)      “Davidians” – Mosaic tile Porky Pig pop art by Dianne Sonnenberg applied to granite carved by Stuart Simpson.

2)      “Rainbow Bear” – Abstract Texas limestone figure by artist Stuart Simpson.

3)      “Critter” – Abstract Texas limestone animal by artist Stuart Simpson.

4)      “Dancing Pony (Red)” – Abstract cast aluminum horse sculpture by artist Kevin Box.

5)      “Kinetic Spinner” – A 10-foot tall steel and glass moving sculpture by artist Jim LaPaso.

“The Singing Ringing Tree” (Photo courtesy of John King/JK Welding)

Location of “The Singing Ringing Tree” east of Frontier Texas! museum in downtown Abilene, Texas

Drilling begins for downtown Cultural District pillar project

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Texas Commission for the Arts, private donations funding $330,000 project

 MAY 23, 2022 – Drilling began Monday morning at four locations downtown that will soon be the home of 18-foot limestone pillars delineating the borders of the Abilene Cultural District. In addition to the pillars, an 8-foot, hand-carved stone relief of William Joyce’s Sanderson Mansnoozie with outstretched arms welcoming people and a Storybook Capital of America® sign will be added.

 A public celebration for the project will take place Oct. 22. More details on that event will be announced soon.

The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council received a cultural district grant in the amount of $129,654 from the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) for the “Be Out Guest” project. This is a matching grant, and fundraising is underway to complete the grant. The ACAC raised a portion of the funds for the $330,000 project during Abilene Gives through its 501c3 arm, the Abilene Arts Alliance.

The four limestone pillars are located at N. 5th and Orange streets, N. 1st and Hickory streets, Pine and N. 7th streets, and across the street from Frontier Texas! at N. 1st. Each pillar will have the words “Cultural District” spelled down the side, which will be lit at night.

Clint Rosenbaum, an Abilene engineer and ACAC board member, is supervising the project. He said after the holes are drilled for the base of the pillars, concrete will be poured later this week. Next, the mason will start building the pillars.

The goal of the “Be Out Guest” project is to create a sense of place and to increase downtown cultural tourism.

“The benefit of creating a sense of place is to reinforce a sense of ownership and pride in our beautiful downtown, which is experiencing a renaissance, and to provide a cultural destination for tourists,” said Lynn Barnett, executive director of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, which is an Abilene Chamber of Commerce affiliate. “Abilene was one of the first five cultural districts in the state along with Dallas and Houston, and we take a lot of pride in that designation.”

The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council has successfully applied for and matched other cultural district grants from the TCA that have helped build downtown into a tourism hotspot, including matching funds for the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden.

TXP Inc., an economic analysis and public policy consulting firm, prepared an Economic Impact Study of Cultural District Funding and confirmed that the TCA’s past investments in infrastructure has been critical to the success of the downtown Abilene Cultural District, which includes museums, performance venues, restaurants, retail and offices. The implementation of “Be Our Guest” will benefit all venues and businesses within the district and fuel the explosive economic and tourism growth, Barnett said.

Storybook Capital celebrates Cat in the Hat's 65th birthday

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MARCH 11, 2022 – You could not, would not, want to miss, a birthday celebration quite like this!

You are invited to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the classic children’s title, The Cat in The Hat on Saturday, March 12. As part of this celebration, Dr. Seuss Enterprises reached out to the Storybook Capital of America® as an entity that manages beloved landmarks to see if we could get as many statues as possible wearing the iconic red and white striped hat. The Storybook Capital of is decorating the nearly 26 sets of Storybook Sculptures in honor of their friend, Cat in the Hat. The decorations will be up Friday night and all day Saturday.

In addition, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) will offer a free Dr. Seuss inspired art activity from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Join us for the fun!

But that’s not all. Oh no. That is not all!

Dr. Seuss characters The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2 will participate in a ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building on Friday, March 11. The building will be lit up in red and white to represent the cat’s iconic striped hat.

 First published in 1957, The Cat in The Hat quickly became a cultural phenomenon with excitement and fun packed into its pages. Over the past 65 years, the book has been a staple for young readers - often the first book they read, making it one of the most recognizable and beloved titles to this day. To honor the inspirational Dr. Seuss story and its enduring power to help children fall in love with reading, the Empire State Building will be lit up in red and white to represent The Cat in the Hat’s iconic striped hat.

"Beautiful" Broadway in Abilene show canceled

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NOV. 19, 2021 - As Broadway tours return to the road, the theatrical unions* and the industry trade association, The Broadway League have determined a specific set of Covid protocols that each venue is required to meet in order to protect the health and safety of union touring companies. Unfortunately, the Abilene Convention Center was unable to meet the union and industry’s requirements regarding testing due to state and local regulations, forcing the union tour of Beautiful to cancel the Abilene engagement set to play November 30, 2021. 
 
We are all disappointed in this cancellation and apologize for any inconvenience.

Refunds will start immediately from the point of purchase and should be completed within the next 30 days. If you have any questions please call the Celebrity Attractions box office at 800-869-1451, Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm

Dragon-themed community celebration takes flight

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OCT 23 - Thousands of people are expected to attend the “Walk This Way: From Castles to Clouds” community celebration orchestrated by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council with the support of donors and the City of Abilene on Saturday, Oct. 23.

The day celebrates the unveiling of a 3D storybook mural by international artist Kurt Wenner in the railroad pedestrian underpass behind the T&P Depot connecting the Abilene Cultural District with the SoDA District, as well as new lighting for the tunnel, security cameras, wayfinding maps around downtown, and a new kinetic sculpture at the Abilene Convention Center called “In Cloud Light IV” by Anthony Howe. The total investment in downtown Abilene for this project thanks to state grants, corporate gifts, private donations and city tax increment reinvestment zone funds totals an impressive $420,000.

Lynn Barnett said the investment in the Abilene Cultural District will serve as a tool for economic growth and sustainability.

“This will enhance the unique character of our community,” said Barnett, who has helped promote the city’s standing as the official Storybook Capital of America® through many projects and events. The Castles to Clouds project brings the total amount of money the ACAC has invested in the downtown Storybook Capital theme to $6 million.

The Oct. 23 celebration begins Saturday morning with a private “Royal Breakfast” for people who donated to the storybook mural, “Flight of the Dragon,” which features a green dragon flying over a castle. The Texas Star Trading Co. will host a book signing for Penny Parker Klostermann and her book, “There Was An Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight” at 11:30 a.m.

At 5 p.m., enjoy free student music performances in Everman Park followed by a procession filled with costumed characters down Cypress Street at 7 p.m. for the lighting and dedication of “In Cloud Light IV.” Then bring a blanket and snacks to watch the animated movie “How To Train Your Dragon” in the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden. 

For only $5 a family, walk through the Dragon Experience in the Depot, participate in art activities and see the new 3D storybook mural between 5 and 7 p.m. There will be food trucks and lots of fun! Children are encouraged to dress up. Registration is at www.abilenecac.org.

New cultural enhancements to be announced at Celebrate the Arts in Abilene

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OCT. 4, 2021 – The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council will host the annual Celebrate the Arts in Abilene luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10 in the 201 Mesquite Event Center downtown. The event was originally scheduled for Oct. 6, but was postponed.

Tickets to the luncheon are still available at $30 each or $240 for a table of eight. The luncheon has sold out in the past, with more than 300 people expected to attend. Included in the festivities will be costumed characters and major announcements about further enhancements to the Abilene Cultural District, which encompasses downtown Abilene.

This event combines the annual HeARTS for the ARTS membership luncheon and the 2021 Abilene Art Awards. The awards honor outstanding volunteers for local arts groups. In addition, the ACAC will present the Outstanding Individual of the Year Award to Justin Crowe for his contributions to the arts. The Outstanding Organization of the Year Award will go to The Excelsior Foundation, which has provided support for numerous Abilene nonprofits.

HeARTS for the ARTS grant recipients will be recognized. Grants are given for local arts programming for children and special populations. This year, the ACAC is investing $151,650 in HeARTS and Community & Visitor Development Grants that enrich our community.

Costumed characters and table decorations will reflect the 2022 Children’s Art & Literacy Festival honoree Sophie Blackall, who won the 2016 Caldecott Medal for “Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear.” Her original art will be on display at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature next summer.

DOWNTOWN KINETIC SCULPTURE ARRIVES

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AUG. 18, 2021 - The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council installed a signature kinetic sculpture at the Abilene Convention Center this morning that is based on one that once played an important role in the Summer Olympic Games.

The sculpture, titled “In Cloud Light IV,” was created by Anthony Howe based on the one he made that carried the Olympic flame in Rio de Janeiro during the 2016 Games. The stainless-steel sculpture has 26 arms that move with the wind. It stands 19.5 feet tall and weighs 830 pounds. A concrete pad for the sculpture was poured on the south side of the Abilene Convention Center in the grassy area near the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden.

The sculpture cost $200,000 and was funded through three sources – a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts; the City of Abilene TIRZ funds (tax increment reinvestment zone); and from the Moss, Adamson, Spalding Charities, a private Abilene foundation. Special thanks to Rosenbaum Engineering, PLLC, and the City of Abilene Parks Division for their help with the project.

The goal of the sculpture is to enhance the Abilene Cultural District and it is located on the south lawn of the convention center. The sculpture is part of a larger project called “Walk This Way” that includes wayfinding maps, new pedestrian tunnel lighting under the N. 1st railroad tracks and a 3D mural by international artist Kurt Wenner titled “Flight of the Dragon.” These projects, along with the lighting of “In Cloud Light IV,” will be officially unveiled to the public during a community downtown celebration on Saturday, Oct. 23.

Lynn Barnett, Abilene Cultural Affairs Council executive director, said these projects should boost growth downtown.

“Public art and lighting provide a visual mechanism that reinforce social connectivity, serve as a tool for economic growth and sustainability, and enhance the unique character of our community,” she said.

Howe was born in Salt Lake City and attended The Taft School in Connecticut. He later enrolled in Cornell University and the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. He later moved to New York City and turned from painting to creating kinetic, wind-driven sculptures. He now lives on Orcas Island, Washington. His unique sculptures are on display all over the world, from Saudi Arabia to Turkey and Russia. And now – Abilene, Texas!

2021 Summer Camps

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There’s lots of fun camps in Abilene this summer for kiddos! Check out our comprehensive list.

ACU Leadership Camps

https://www.acucamps.com/camps/

 

 

Abilene Performing Arts Company Summer Camps 2021

All APAC Camps are first come, first serve and will be closed to new enrollment once the camp has reached student capacity. Pre-registration is required. Camp descriptions and detailed information is posted on APAC’s website: www.APACstars.com.

To visit with someone about APAC’s summer camps call the APAC office at 325.437.2486 or email info@apacstars.com.

 

 

Kindermusik Camp

Age: Newborn - 3 ½ Years (Accompanied by Parent)

Where: APAC - Kindermusik Studio

Fee: $100 (includes materials)

Time: TBA

 

Preschool Dance Camp

Age: 3 - 6 Years (Must be potty trained)

Fee: $100

Camp #1

Time: 1-2:30 p.m.

When: Monday, May 31 - Friday, June 4

Studio Showcase: Friday, June 4 at 2:20 p.m.

Camp #2

Time: 1-2:30 p.m.

When: Monday, June 21 - Friday, June 25

Studio Showcase: Friday, June 25 at 2:20 p.m.

 

Intro Music Theatre Camp

Age: Completed Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

Time: 1-4 p.m.

When: Monday, June 14 - Friday, June 18

Fee: $200

Studio Showcase: Friday, June 18 at 3:30 p.m.

Intro Hip Hop Camp

Age: Completed Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m.

When: Monday, May 31 - Friday, June 4

Fee: $75

Studio Showcase: Friday, June 4 at 3:20 p.m.

Hip Hop 1 Camp

Age: Completed 3rd through 5th grade

Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m.

When: Monday, May 31 - Friday, June 4

Fee: $75

Studio Showcase: Friday, June 4 at 3:20 p.m.

Intro Theatre Camp

Age: Completed Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

Time: 9-10 a.m.

When: Monday, May 31 - Friday, June 4

Fee: $75

Studio Showcase: Friday, June 4 at 9:45 a.m.

Theatre 1 Camp: Playwriting

Age: Completed 3rd – 5th Grade

Time: 10-11 a.m.

When: Monday, May 31-Friday, June 4

Theatre 2/3 Camp: Acting and Directing

Fee: $75

Studio Showcase: 10:45 a.m. June 4

 

Theatre 2/3 Camp: Acting and Directing

Age: Completed 6th-12th Grade

Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

When: Monday-Friday, May 31-June 4

Fee: $100

Studio Showcase: June 4  

 

Dance Intensive Camp

Age: Completed 6th-12 Grades

Time: 6-8 p.m.

When: Every Monday & Wednesday, Jul 5 - 28

Fee: $175

Music Theatre Production Camp: Into the Woods Jr.

Age: Completed 3rd - 12th Grade (ages 8-18)

Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Bring a sack lunch and water daily)

When: Monday, Jun 28 - Friday, July 9 at APAC 

Monday, July 12 - Friday, July 16 at the Paramount Theatre

Performances: 7 p.m. Friday, July 16 and 2 p.m. Saturday, July 17 at the Paramount

Fee: $400 / first child, 15% discount for additional siblings

 

Abilene Youth Sports Authority

www.abileneysa.org

 

 

Abilene Zoo Camps – FULL

 

Beltway Summer Club

https://beltway.org

Session 1 (June 7- July 2): $260

Session 2 (July 6-July 30): $260

Session 3 (Aug. 2-13): $185

 

Boys & Girls Club

https://www.abilenebgc.com/

 

Center for Contemporary Arts

Theatre ArtCamp

June 14-18

In-person only

Taught by Dr. Victoria Spangler

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Cost: $125

 

Found Object ArtCamp

June 21-25

In-person or virtual

Taught by Cliff Wilke

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Cost: $125 in-person; $75 virtual

 

Photo ArtCamp

June 28-July 2

In-person only

Taught by Jennifer Nichols

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Cost: $125

 

Creative Painting Art Camp

July 5-9

In-person or virtual

Taught by Manny De Los Santos

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Cost: $125 in-person; $75 virtual

 

 

 

 

City of Abilene

https://abilenetx.gov/

 

The Grace Academy – Summer camps at The Grace Museum

Culinary Camp - Senior

Age: Entering 7th-12th Grade

Time: 1-4 p.m.

When: June 30-July 2

Fee: $160 non-member/$140 member

The Grace will once again partner with Amanda Spell in a hands-on, practical cooking experience geared for upper elementary campers. Students will dig right in as they prepare meals that will delight their families! Fee includes supplies, apron, T-shirt and snacks. Camp takes place at Highland Church of Christ.

 

Culinary Camp – Junior - FULL

Age: Entering 3rd-5th Grade

Time: 1-4 p.m.

When: June 14-17

Fee: $160 non-member/$140 member

The Grace will once again partner with Amanda Spell in a hands-on, practical cooking experience geared for upper elementary campers. Students will dig right in as they prepare meals that will delight their families! Fee includes supplies, apron, T-shirt and snacks. Camp takes place at Highland Church of Christ.

 

World Traveler Camp

Age: Entering 3rd-5th Grade

Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

When: June 21-25

Fee: $105 non-member/$85 member

Students will explore and create art inspired from art around the world. Each day students will get to "travel" to a new location to explore rich history and cultures. Projects will include stories and traditions from each location. Art projects will include drawing, painting, sculpting, and assemblage.

 

All About Art Camp

Age: Entering 1st-6th Grade

Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

When: June 28-July 2

Fee: $105 non-member/$85 member

Students will enjoy a wide variety of projects that will inspire creativity. There will be painting, sculpting, and more! This is a great camp for all types of young artists to discover what they like best. Students will be divided into two classes of 20 students by grade. Fee includes all supplies, T-shirt and snacks.

 

Culinary Camp Junior – Baking

Age: Entering 3rd-4th Grade

Time: 1-4 p.m.

When: June 28-July 1

Fee: $160 non-member/$140 member

Instructed by Amanda Spell, campers will learn basic baking skills! Fee includes all supplies, apron, T-shirt and snacks. Group limited to 20 participants. Camp takes place at Highland Church of Christ.

 

Science Camp

Age: Entering 3rd-6th Grade

Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

When: July 6-9

Fee: $120 non-member/$100 member

Students will dive into science with innovative hand-on experiments that will blend science and creativity. Students will use scientific tools, charts, and measurements in a class that blends fun and learning. Fee includes all supplies, T-shirt and snacks.

 

Pen and Paper Camp

Age: Entering 1st-6th Grade

Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

When: July 12-16

Fee: $105 non-member/$85 member

Do you like to draw and doodle? If so, you will love this camp! Campers will experience several different art media while improving their drawing skills and learning techniques to take their drawings to a new level. Campers will be divided into two classes of 20 students by grade. Fee includes all supplies, T-shirt and snacks.

 

Engineering Camp

Age: Entering 3rd-6th Grade

Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

When: July 19-22

Fee: $120 non-member/$100 member

 

Sculpt It! Camp

Age: Entering 1st-6th Grade

Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

When: July 26-July 30

Fee: $105 non-member/$85 member

Campers will enjoy all things 3D! There will be sculpting with clay, paper, and more! Students will also explore 2D as they work through the steps of creating sculptures. This camp is wonderful for those who like to build and create things with their hands. Campers will be divided into two classes by grade. Fee includes all art supplies, T-shirt and snacks.

 

Paint Palooza Camp

Age: Entering 1st-6th Grade

Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

When: Aug. 2-6

Fee: $105 non-member/$85 member

Are you partial to painting? If so, this camp is for you! Campers will learn how to mix paint colors and how to paint skillfully using various wet mediums. Students will be divided into two classes of 20 students by grade. Fee includes all supplies, T-shirt and snacks.

 

KinderCamp A

Age: Entering Kindergarten

Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

When: Aug. 9-10

Fee: $70 non-member/$50 member

KinderCamp is a two-day camp that will help spark the creativity and individual expression in your budding artists. Students will learn the basics of art while creating a few projects to take home. Fee includes all art supplies, T-shirt and snacks.

 

KinderCamp B

Age: Entering Kindergarten

Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

When: Aug. 11-12

Fee: $70 non-member/$50 member

KinderCamp is a two-day camp that will help spark the creativity and individual expression in your budding artists. Students will learn the basics of art while creating a few projects to take home. Fee includes all art supplies, T-shirt and snacks.

 

National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature

NCCIL CAMPS:

June 14-18 (1st-3rd grades) 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

June 21-25 (3rd-6th grades) 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

 

RILEY & JOY CAMPS:

Spring Break Camp March 10 (kinder-6th grade) 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Mother’s Day Camp May 8 (kinder-6th grade) 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Father’s Day Camp June 19th (kinder-6th grade) 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

 

Session 1:

June 28-July 2 (1st-4th grade) 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Session 2: 

June 28-July 2 (4th-8th grade) 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Session 3:

July 19-23 (1st-4th grade) 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Session 4: 

July 19-23 (4th-6th grade) 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Session 5: 

July 26-30 (kinder-3rd grade) 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

 

West Texas Fair:

All grade levels July 29 & 29 (1 p.m.-4 p.m.) Create some West Texas inspired art that students can enter into the art competition in the fall at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo.

 

Think: GT Camp

July 12-16

Taught by Dr. Mary Christopher, former Threshold camp director. Documentation required for identification for the gifted and talented program in a local school. Testing for identification is available for $80. Send contact information to cgl.gtcamp@gmail.com to set up an appointment.

Location: Austin Elementary

Students completing K-5th in May 2021: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. Cost is $120.

Students completing 6th-9th grades in May 2021: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (all day). Cost is $200.

Limited scholarships available based on economic need.

Facebook page: ThinkGTCamp

Website: christophergiftedleadership.com

 

YMCA of Abilene

https://www.abileneymca.org/

H-E-B gift will be funding special children’s events

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DEC. 7, 2020 - The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council announced at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7 that H-E-B generously presented a check for $10,000 to the Abilene Arts Alliance. The money will be used for a storybook event in late spring as well as an event in late summer that will highlight the dramatic lighting of two downtown underpasses to connect the Abilene Cultural District with SoDA.

The new lighting, as well as signage and security cameras, will greatly impact safety and enhance the synergy between the two downtown areas and serve as a tool for economic growth and enhance the unique character of our community.

The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council is an affiliate of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce that works to expand the city’s reputation as a center for the arts and as the official Storybook Capital of America. The council currently offers a variety of children’s programming for residents and visitors, such as the annual Children’s Art & Literacy Festival, Storybook Saturdays and Christmas in the Garden.

H-E-B grocery is a long-time supporter of ACAC art programming for the community as well as a sustainer of many other community events. H-E-B has stores in more than 300 communities, including the Abilene location on S. 14th St.

For questions, please contact Sidney Levesque, ACAC marketing director, at sidney@abilenecac.or or by cell at 325-735-5340 or by office phone at 325-677-1161.