“If Art had one flaw, it was that he was often mean to his sister Esther. But that was all before the amazing Christmas of 1908. Before the Great Adventure. Before the mysterious box arrived and changed young Art forever.” – Santa Calls, William Joyce
It can be said Joyce’s book, Santa Calls, arriving in Abilene in 1993, was the mysterious box that ended up changing Abilene forever. Dr. Gary McCaleb, Mayor of Abilene at the time, read this book to an elementary school class, all the while being inspired to envision a world in which the artwork of children’s picture books could be honored, and the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature was born. Who would have thought to dream of an institution in the heart of West Texas to celebrate art from children’s books? To treat this art with the respect and dignity it deserves? Those who dream in Abilene. 
And then they went to work building an organization to be proud of. For 25 years, that tradition continues. To date, it has organized close to 60 art exhibitions and reached almost a quarter of a million people in Abilene and nationwide with free programming. Free.
Every child and family continues access to fine art experiences at no charge.
The NCCIL has and will continue to hold steadfast to its mission: to exhibit, tour, collect, preserve and promote original art from the finest children’s literature. We cling to our vision of inspiring and empowering young people to read and be creative in the Abilene community…and beyond. We are proud to be the first glimpse into the world of fine art for many children and to provide world-class experiences to any and every child and adult, at no cost. Our work is valuable, it is important, and it is vital.
And it’s all possible because of generous NCCIL donors and members. Partnering with us means more than dollars. It means delivering books to local schools, putting art supplies in the hands of eager young artists, and giving children of all ages, of every race, creed, and gender an outlet for the ability to create, to dream big, and express themselves in ways only art allows. 
It’s an honor to be a part of the NCCIL story. All of the insanely talented artists we’ve had the opportunity to celebrate over the years bring the incredible gift of responsibility to organize exhibitions worthy of their work. I am grateful for the men and women who built this organization over the last two decades, and their hard work that has changed many lives.
To the visionaries, dreamers, and doers: thank you. 
The NCCIL staff and board of directors has been hard at work with Rob Westman creating a documentary highlighting the last 25 years of this incredible effort. Debuting in October, this documentary will culminate a year of celebrating the past and championing the future. More details will be released soon.
“Art held his sister tightly as whatever sadness and loneliness he had ever felt melted away, and the Man in the Moon himself seemed to bid them farewell. ‘The world is more full of wonders than I ever knew,’ he said in a whisper.” –Santa Calls, William Joyce
The NCCIL is a gift for the ages. This is our time with her. Here’s to the next 25 years of more great adventures.
Contributed By The National Center For Children’s Illustrated Literature
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