CALF's 12th annual gala salutes art, families and creativity

The 12h annual Children's Art and Literacy Festival concluded over the weekend after the participation of hundreds of children, adults and more than one costumed storybook character.

Illustrator and author LeUyen Pham expressed joy and excitement as the statue based upon her story, "Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn," was unveiled Thursday before a crowd of at least 200 people, the majority of them families.

Many in the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden waved signs of support for the statue, the artist and the CALF.

They contrasted with the handful of people at the back of the crowd silently protesting the installation, believing the story behind it somehow promotes an alternate lifestyle of which they disagree.

Not even The Grinch — who also happened to be in attendance — seemed to pay the group much mind though a few parents were overheard grumbling about the demonstrators as they passed.

Earlier, Pham watched and applauded the young participants of the traditional costume contest — all of their creations based upon characters found in her books. The action then moved to a parade down Pine St. and then, after the statue unveiling, Pham hosted a drawing workshop at the Paramount Theatre.

Finally, the artist signed copies of her books for her fans, drawing a portrait of each child inside the cover of her book after they handed it to her. For those buying for children not present, she happily created her drawing from provided photographs.

On Friday and Saturday, children rounded out the festival with dramatic readings of Pham's books, puppet, balloon, and comedy shows, a petting zoo and lots more.

More: The People's Plaza Balloon Battle makes a splash for families

More: Abilene State Park celebrates 90 years of outdoor fun, education

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: LeUyen Pham and her work celebrated at weekend's CALF 2024