By Trish Dressen
Abilene will host the Children’s Art and Literacy Festival (C.A.L.F.) featuring the works of Dr. Seuss from June 14-17, 2012. The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) and The Center for Contemporary Arts will exhibit more than 200 of Dr. Seuss’ paintings, sketches and sculptures. The Art of Dr. Seuss – A Retrospective Exhibition organized by Chase Art Companies and curator, William W. Deyer, celebrates the art and life of Theodor Seuss Geisel.
During the festival, downtown Abilene will be transformed into the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss. Children will enjoy dramatic presentations from seven Dr. Seuss books throughout the weekend with art activities held after certain readings. They can meet the characters, see the movies and explore the art works while visiting the landmarks of Abilene. Six bronze sculptures of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved characters will be displayed throughout downtown. At the Abilene Zoo, visitors can board the Dr. Seuss inspired Safari Express Train to see animals, birds and reptiles.
The weekend is not just for children! Theodore Geisel began his career as a cartoonist and was a prolific artist whose works span 65 years. His early works include his art as a cartoonist for children’s books, drawings featured in Life magazine and book illustrations. On display will be original and reproduced memorabilia spanning Geisel’s editorial, advertising, military and book careers, along with estate authorized reproductions of his “Secret Art” collection.
Registration prior to June 1 is $10 for adults, $5 for children and after June 1, $12 for adults and $7 for children. Each registrant will receive a lanyard for access to Dr. Seuss exhibits, readings and art activities. Registrants also receive one-half price admission to Frontier Texas!, the Abilene Zoo and The Grace Museum. The festival begins at noon on Thursday, June 14 and concludes on Sunday, June 17 with the Father’s Day Picnic at the Abilene Zoo featuring Hop on Pop reading from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
C.A.L.F. is sponsored by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, an affiliate of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to promote, encourage and support the arts, and to enhance the image of Abilene as a center for the arts. Although the festival ends June 17, Dr. Seuss’ works will continue on display September 1, 2012. The annual festival will feature a new artist next year.
For an itinerary and information on all the activities for the C.A.L.F. featuring Dr. Seuss, visit http://www.abilenecac.org/calf or 325-677-1161. For information on Abilene’s attractions and hotel accommodations, please visit www.abilenevisitors.com, or call (800) 727-7704.
TM &© Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.