Jeff Nelson describes the Children’s Art + Literacy Festival as a “non-stop smile-fest.” “I challenge you to come to CALF and not find a world of smiles that will make the corners of your mouth turn upward,” he said. “Like me, you’ll be back!” The 2022 festival was Nelson’s first experience as a volunteer. He took on the role of parade assistant to Melody Kern, the … [Read more...]
Children’s Art & Literacy Festival Back on Track
Postponing last year’s Children’s Art & Literacy Festival was one of the hardest decisions the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council has had to make, said Lynn Barnett, the council’s executive director. She said it was the right thing to do given that most major events across the state and U.S. were canceled due to safety concerns with the pandemic. “We missed seeing all the … [Read more...]
Abilene Arts Groups Reach Out To Special Groups Around Abilene
Contributed by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council Camp started out rough for one little boy. He was recently adopted and feeling dejected that his biological mother had left him. He seemed bound and determined not to let his disposition be shifted by Camp Courage, a Hendrick Hospice Care camp for children who have experience loss of a loved one. But over time, the boy … [Read more...]
CALF Writes the Book on Fun
Event inspires children to love reading and the arts By Sidney Schumann Levesque The official Storybook Capital of Texas will celebrate international artist Oliver Jeffers at the seventh annual Children’s Art & Literacy Festival (CALF), June 7-9 in historic downtown Abilene. “Abilene learned ‘How to Catch a Star’ when the NCCIL invited Jeffers to be this … [Read more...]
Enjoying CALF 2016
Everyone had a blast. I think we can all say that CALF 2016 can go down in the books as a success. I went to the opening party on Thursday and I was blown away by the impressive events the Children’s Art & Literacy Festival team members are capable of executing. Parades, Glow Dance Parties, Bubblemen, characters, magicians, Artwalk… and that was only Thursday! I took … [Read more...]