The almost-annual Celebrate the Arts luncheon offered a bit of new and the familiar at high noon Wednesday.

First, there actually was an event. Last year's luncheon did not happen due to the pandemic. Getting together and, according to Abilene Cultural Affairs Council member Kaye Price-Hawkins, "seeing so many smiling faces" was cause to celebrate.

"Let's clap for each other," she said.

In its return, the event was back downtown but for the first time at 201 Mesquite Event Center.

Finally, storybook characters again stole the show.

Dancing to the disco-era hit "We Are Family" — but unsuccessful at getting emcee Theron Holladay to boogie, too — Winnie the bear, Doris the boar, Lighthouse (yes, a walking lighthouse, far from the ocean) and a crow were a highlight to the awards program that showcased the arts in Abilene.

All are characters in books illustrated and written by Australia's Sophie Blackall. She will be the first woman to be featured at the Children's Art & Literacy Festival, which includes an exhibition of the honoree's work at the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature.

The next CALF is June 9-11.

The appearance of a dancing crow was perfect in that Justin Crowe was honored with the individual Outstanding Art Award. He has served as Cultural Affairs board president and a board member since 2014, painted steel for Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden and accurately aimed his supersoaker during singer Joe McDermott's performances at the CALF.

Crowe applauded artists and art supporters for their adaptability during "a weird two years." Sometimes, he said, plans had to turn 180 degrees to work.

"Kudos to those in the room who could do that," he said.

Unlike Mr. Crowe, costumed crow did not wear a bowtie.

The organization award went to the Excelsior Foundation, which in seven years has made a great impact on local arts organizations.

"It's truly an honor," said Leah Doty, the foundation's executive director. Excelsior moved to Abilene from Midland.

"It's truly a blessing to be here," she said. 

Doty drew laughs when describing her foundation as "sneaking in as an art organization." 

Additionally, 18 organizations presented their volunteer honorees. Each was introduced.

The event also serves to boost membership in HeARTS for the Arts, which over the years has pumped $650,000 into the local arts scene.

The luncheon also serves as a sort of preview of the coming CALF, which in 2022 will celebrate 10 years. 

Already, sculptor Steve Neves is working on the next outdoor work to be included among 37 in the Storybook Capital of Texas. The most recent works are a 3D storybook mural titled "Flight of the Dragon" — it's in the tunnel under the railroad track just south of the T&P Depot — and a kinetic sculpture titled "In Cloud Light IV" at the storybook garden at the Abilene Convention Center six blocks to the north.

Neves also is working on a limestone sculpture of Sandman from the imagination of William Joyce. Soon, it will signal the entrance to the downtown arts and SoDA districts.

To work on the two-ton piece of stone, Neves said he will need an angle grinder, hammers and chisels. No worries. He is adept are carving with a chainsaw, too.

CALF chairperson Glenda Young said her family lived in Abilene from 2006-09, before there was a summer downtown event.

Upon their return, they found the CALF is "something we just do in Abilene."

Adding to the 10th anniversary plans will be a Children's Performing Arts Series performance of "Ivy and Bean" on the Friday and Saturday nights of the event.

Also, there will be readings from each of the 10 featured author-illustrators to celebrate a decade of storybook fun.

So, expect Winnie and other Blackall characters to make personal appearances around town the next seven months.

Have your boogie shoes ready, Theron Holladay.

Greg Jaklewicz is editor of the Abilene Reporter-News and general columnist. If you appreciate locally driven news, you can support local journalists with a digital subscription to ReporterNews.com. 

Here are the 2021 Abilene Art Award winners:

Tim Adcock, Abilene Community Band

Dr. Jami Adams, Abilene Community Theatre

Amy McAdams, Abilene Education Foundation

Naomi Wood, Abilene Performing Arts Company

Todd Wilson, Abilene Philharmonic Association

Pat Nelson, Abilene Star Chorus

Kay Talley, Abilene Writers Guild

Dr. Christopher McNair, Abilene Zoological Society

Michael Derrick, Center for Contemporary Arts

Sharon Kelley, Debbie Langford & Nancy Wilkinson, Children’s Art & Literacy Festival

Jill Bertsch, Children’s Performing Arts Series

Tim & Pam Smith, Chorus Abilene

Dr. Tim Lillick, Friends of the Abilene Public Library

Carol Walt, The Grace Museum

Belinda Southall, Junior League of Abilene

Erica Hall, National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature

Dr. Kim Hardin, Young Audiences of Abilene

Outstanding Individual of the Year: Justin Crowe

Outstanding Organization of the Year: The Excelsior Foundation