Art Competition Deadline
DEADLINE TO ENTER CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION*
Saturday, May 18
Entries must be submitted to The Grace Museum before 5 pm
Children ages 2-11 are invited to enter an original artwork into our 2024 Children’s Art Competition.
*Competition guidelines and entry form available at http://thegracemuseum.org/event/cac-2024
Art Smarts: Choose Your Paints
Aimed at the homeschooling community in the Abilene area, if you have a tween or teen with an interest in the arts, join us for the next Art Smarts program at your Main Library. This art club will focus on participants learning information about artists, genres, and eras of art while then creating a version of what art we’re learning about. For this month, we’re letting you choose between watercolor paints and chalk to create some abstract art on 5x7 canvases. Plus, as always, we’ll talk about the artists that made this style of painting famous before you try it yourself. Get artsy with your library!
Courtyard Convos
Tuesdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28
11:30 am – 1 pm
BYO lunch
Spend your lunch break with us in the Grace Courtyard! Enjoy the outdoors by yourself, hang out with your co-workers, or come meet some new people. Museum admission is FREE during Courtyard Convos, so you can eat and still have time to look around the art and history galleries.
Randy Travis
The Randy Travis: More Life Tour features the legendary country singer and his co-star in The Price, James Dupré. The Country Music Hall of Fame member’s long-time touring band, consisting of Steve Hinson, David Johnson, Lance Dary, Bill Cook, Joe Van Dyke and Herb Shucher along with longtime tour manager Jeff Davis will rejoin “Hoss,” as they affectionately call Travis, on the road for the first time since right before his stroke in 2013. The show will consist of Dupré and the band performing all 16 of his iconic number ones including “On The Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.”
“We are incredibly excited to be back on the road and give Randy’s fans a chance to hear his music live again, and who better to sing his many hits than James Dupré?” said Mary and Randy Travis. Travis recently released Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith and Braving the Storms of Life which has outpaced projections and has been featured on TODAY, the 700 Club, People Magazine, Billboard and more. Always wanting to please his fans, the long-time Grand Ole Opry star also dropped two never-before-heard singles this summer, “One in a Row” and “Lead Me Home.”
For more information about the More Life Tour, the Forever and Ever, Amen memoir and everything Randy Travis, please visit www.RandyTravis.com
Shootout at Frontier Texas!
Frontier Texas will host its annual series of Saturday Shootouts during the months of March, May and June 2024. This historical drama is based on the true events of the Abilene Pine Street Shootout of 1884 that occurred on the northeast corner of North 1st and Pine Street.
Saturday Shootouts
You and your family can come and witness the dramatization of this historic event hosted by Frontier Texas based on the true event of the 1884 Pine Street Shootout. You will be immersed in the drama and excitement of what it might have been like to witness the shootout just a few years after Abilene was founded. During this time, Abilene had just started making progress toward a more law-abiding town to appeal to the many railroad travelers and in the process caused tension amongst the townspeople, lawmen, and leaders.
The shootout starts at “high noon” (12:00 pm) on the Parade Grounds (outdoor courtyard) and will last about 10 minutes. Afterward there will be an opportunity for you and your family to interact with the characters and hear a little bit about the history of the Pine Street Shootout! Be sure to arrive a little early so you don’t miss the first draw.
About Frontier Texas
Frontier Texas is an interactive museum experience, where history comes to life. The museum is located at 625 North First Street in downtown Abilene. Call (325)437-2800 or visit www.frontiertexas.com today for more information.
ONGOING EXHIBIT
Blood & Treasure on the Frontier
Open Daily: Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm
Courtyard Convos
Tuesdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28
11:30 am – 1 pm
BYO lunch
Spend your lunch break with us in the Grace Courtyard! Enjoy the outdoors by yourself, hang out with your co-workers, or come meet some new people. Museum admission is FREE during Courtyard Convos, so you can eat and still have time to look around the art and history galleries.
Best of Motown & More
The Best of Motown & More pays tribute to the many R&B and soul greats that defined modern American music.
With their eye-catching costumes and stunning choreography, they perform timeless hits from artists like The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Stylistics, The O’Jays, and many more, making their signature sound a household name.
If you’re a fan of Motown's great soul era, the sound that defined a generation, then The Best of Motown and More will have you rockin’ in your seats and dancin’ on your feet!
Shootout at Frontier Texas!
Frontier Texas will host its annual series of Saturday Shootouts during the months of March, May and June 2024. This historical drama is based on the true events of the Abilene Pine Street Shootout of 1884 that occurred on the northeast corner of North 1st and Pine Street.
Saturday Shootouts
You and your family can come and witness the dramatization of this historic event hosted by Frontier Texas based on the true event of the 1884 Pine Street Shootout. You will be immersed in the drama and excitement of what it might have been like to witness the shootout just a few years after Abilene was founded. During this time, Abilene had just started making progress toward a more law-abiding town to appeal to the many railroad travelers and in the process caused tension amongst the townspeople, lawmen, and leaders.
The shootout starts at “high noon” (12:00 pm) on the Parade Grounds (outdoor courtyard) and will last about 10 minutes. Afterward there will be an opportunity for you and your family to interact with the characters and hear a little bit about the history of the Pine Street Shootout! Be sure to arrive a little early so you don’t miss the first draw.
About Frontier Texas
Frontier Texas is an interactive museum experience, where history comes to life. The museum is located at 625 North First Street in downtown Abilene. Call (325)437-2800 or visit www.frontiertexas.com today for more information.
ONGOING EXHIBIT
Blood & Treasure on the Frontier
Open Daily: Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm
Courtyard Convos
11:30 am – 1 pm
BYO lunch
Spend your lunch break with us in the Grace Courtyard! Enjoy the outdoors by yourself, hang out with your co-workers, or come meet some new people. Museum admission is FREE during Courtyard Convos, so you can eat and still have time to look around the art and history galleries.
Drs. William & Linda Reaves: Guest Speakers
PUBLIC LECTURE: DRS. WILLIAM & LINDA REAVES
Thursday, June 6
FREE EVENT
5 pm – Art Galleries Open & Public Reception
6 pm – Guest Speakers, Drs. William & Linda Reaves: “The Artistic Legacy of Buck Schiwetz”
Curators, authors, and art collectors, the Reaves will discuss the life and career of early Texas artist, Buck Schiwetz, as well as the retrospective exhibition of his work on view at The Grace. A book signing will follow the presentation.
Art in the Park: Chalk Pops
The summer is here and it’s time for the South Branch Library to break out of the confines of our building and take our programs on the road through our popular Art in the Park series. Designed for youth of all ages, families are invited to join us at Red Bud Park, located at S. 32nd and Buffalo Gap and you’ll find us by the trees in the grassy area across from the playground. For our first session, we’ll supply all the materials to show youth how to make some Chalk Pops. This event will be hosted as long as the weather permits, please follow us on social media, or our website, to check on cancellations due to weather.
Ocean's Eleven
PARAMOUNT FILM SERIES:
OCEAN’S ELEVEN
June 7-8 at 7:30pm
June 8 at 2:00pm (Closed Captioned)
Danny Ocean and his ten accomplices plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously.
2001 | Crime/Thriller | 1 hour and 56 minutes | PG-13
TICKETS ARE $7 FOR ADULTS and $6 FOR STUDENTS, SENIORS (60+), MILITARY, and CHILDREN.
Vinyl Revue Live: Purple Rain
ONE EVOLUTION ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
VINYL REVUE LIVE: PURPLE RAIN
APRIL 14TH AT 7:00 PM
TICKETS ON SALE IN THE BUTTON BELOW!
Growing up in the 70s & 80s, we listened to entire albums released by our favorite artists. It meant so much. Can you remember closing your bedroom door, turning on the stereo, and feeling like you had a secret that no one else knew? Those albums became the soundtrack to our lives.
Vinyl Revue Live takes you back to those incredible albums. Not only by performing them note for note and emulating their unique sounds, but also by performing the music with the passion the original artists put into those recordings, wrapping them in an exciting energetic live performance.
Over the past 8 years, the members of Vinyl Revue Live have performed across North America to sold out theatres and collectively have been touring for the last 20+ years. They only perform albums that every member of the band loves.
For 2024, we’re featuring Prince’s iconic Purple Rain album in its entirety to celebrate it’s 40th Anniversary. This is easily one of our favorite albums to perform and collectively we have performed it over 100 times Live!
We will also perform a set of Prince’s greatest hits!
From our lead vocalist to our guitarist and every other piece in our 10 piece live band, you’ll hear Prince performed in a way that will take you back to that first time you heard Purple Rain.
This is a live concert experience you don’t want to miss.
Shootout at Frontier Texas!
Frontier Texas will host its annual series of Saturday Shootouts during the months of March, May and June 2024. This historical drama is based on the true events of the Abilene Pine Street Shootout of 1884 that occurred on the northeast corner of North 1st and Pine Street.
Saturday Shootouts
You and your family can come and witness the dramatization of this historic event hosted by Frontier Texas based on the true event of the 1884 Pine Street Shootout. You will be immersed in the drama and excitement of what it might have been like to witness the shootout just a few years after Abilene was founded. During this time, Abilene had just started making progress toward a more law-abiding town to appeal to the many railroad travelers and in the process caused tension amongst the townspeople, lawmen, and leaders.
The shootout starts at “high noon” (12:00 pm) on the Parade Grounds (outdoor courtyard) and will last about 10 minutes. Afterward there will be an opportunity for you and your family to interact with the characters and hear a little bit about the history of the Pine Street Shootout! Be sure to arrive a little early so you don’t miss the first draw.
About Frontier Texas
Frontier Texas is an interactive museum experience, where history comes to life. The museum is located at 625 North First Street in downtown Abilene. Call (325)437-2800 or visit www.frontiertexas.com today for more information.
ONGOING EXHIBIT
Blood & Treasure on the Frontier
Open Daily: Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm
Opening Reception "Shape & Form"
A SOLO SHOW by Anthony Campos from Wichita Falls TX!
Traveling Guest Artist!
Music Play for Infants & Toddlers
Young children and their caregivers are invited to join your library as we host Music Play as a special summer activity on Monday, June 10 from 11:00AM-11:30AM at your South Branch Library. This special event will allow babies and toddlers to experience a wide variety of music to instill a musical vocabulary, sense of rhythm, harmony, and pitch. Taught by local musician and piano teacher Hannah Smith, this class is sure to engage your little ones through an introductory music curriculum. This program is designed for children ages six-weeks to four-years-old.
Crafty DIY: Seashell Sand Art
If you’re an adult who loves crafting and DIY projects, come to your Main Library and be a part of our Crafty DIY series on Wednesday, June 12 from 10:00AM-11:00AM. Designed for the adult audience, each session features a new craft to get hands-on with. We supply the materials, you just come out and be ready to have a little fun with staff and friends. At this session, we’ll be taking that vacation to the beach by showing you how to make some beach-inspired art using seashells and sand. Come be surprised as to what you can do with your own hands.
CALF at the NCCIL
· Children’s Art and Literacy Festival
o June 13: LeUyen Pham’s exhibit “LeUyen Came Along” Opens
3PM at the NCCIL
Free
o June 13: Sketch with LeUyen
7PM at the Paramount Theatre
Book Signings to follow
Free
o June 14: Book Signings with LeUyen
9AM-11AM at the NCCIL
*Line is subject to close early to accommodate 11am end time
o June 14: Pink Party Dinner with LeUyen
6PM at the NCCIL
Dinner and Artist Talk with LeUyen Pham
Tickets at nccil.org/calf
o June 15: Workshop with LeUyen
Session 1: 9-9:45AM
Session 2: 10-10:45AM
$20/child or FREE to NCCIL Members
Register at nccil.org/calf
12th Children's Art + Literacy Festi
Celebrate the picture book art of LeUyen Pham at the 12th Children’s Art + Literacy Festival!
June 13-16, 2024
Registration is open!
Beginning Photography
INSTRUCTOR: JENNIFER NICHOLS
AGES: Entering Grades 4th - 6th
$100 CCA Members | $125 Non—Members
*To receive member discount code, please call the Center (325) 677-8389. Membership will be verified. Not a member? Add one to your cart!
Campers will learn basic skills of digital photography using digital Kodak cameras owned by the Center. Campers will enjoy a downtown excursion, a photo safari at the Abilene Zoo, and editing in the McMurry University Photo Lab. Location of camp will vary during the week - those who have signed up will get the schedule two weeks prior to the ArtCamp date. *Fee includes all supplies, tote bag, and snacks.
APAC Musical Theatre Camp
Children enjoy song and dance during a fun time of singing, learning, memorizing, choreographing, preparing, & performing a small in studio showcase. In addition, campers learn respect, teamwork, discipline, vocal techniques, & characterization skills. Material is based on stories, & songs from musicals culminating into a showcase on the final day of camp. Attire is loose-fitting clothing & sneakers. No flip flops or sandals. Showcase at the end of the final day of camp. Exact time TBA. If campers would like to continue their camp day at APAC, they are welcome to register for the 12:30-2pm Hip Hop Camp and bring a sack lunch to eat in the APAC lobby between camps. Adult supervision provided. Phones and electronic devices are not allowed at camp and are gathered up and stored until the end of camp each day if they are brought.
Age: 5-7yrs
Cost: $150
Date: June 17-21
Day: Mon-Fri
Time: 10am-12pm
APAC Musical Theatre Camp
Storybook-Stage! Discovery, expression, characters, storytelling, and creativity brought to life. Students will take the story from page to stage in this fun-filled one-week theatre camp. Attire: comfortable clothing and sneakers. Showcase at the end of the final day of camp. Exact time TBA. If campers would like to continue their camp day at APAC, they are welcome to register for a 12:30-2pm afternoon camp for their age group and bring a sack lunch to eat in the APAC lobby between camps. Adult supervision provided. Phones and electronic devices are not allowed at camp and are gathered up and stored until the end of camp each day if they are brought.
Age: 8-18yrs
Cost: $150
Date: June 17-21
Day: Mon-Fri
Time: 10am-12pm
APAC Improv Camp
Fun, imaginative, out of the box thinking, and impromptu moments! Campers learn how to work with others as well as discover their ability to reach past themselves into a world of maneuvering and decision making. Stepping beyond their everyday thinking into spontaneity, humor, and creativity. Daily attire is comfortable clothing and sneakers. If campers would like to extend their camp day at APAC, they are welcome to register for the morning 10am-Noon Theatre Camp and bring a sack lunch to eat in the APAC lobby between camps. Adult supervision provided. Phones and electronic devices are not allowed at camp and are gathered and stored until the end of camp each day if they are brought.
Age: 12-18yrs
Cost: $150
Date: June 17-21
Day: Mon-Fri
Time: 12:30-2pm
APAC Preschool Camp
Children learn to dance (ballet emphasis) through music and movement during this interactive camp. Themed especially for young children, campers also enjoy snacks and crafts as an added element. Campers learn a short routine to perform in a special showcase on the final day and princess/prince costumes for the final day of camp and showcase are encouraged. Daily attire is loose-fitting clothing & girls may also wear a leotard, tights, & ballet slippers. Showcase at the end of the final day of camp. Exact time TBA.
Age: 3-4yrs (potty trained)
Cost: $150
Date: June 17-21
Day: Mon-Fri
Time: 12:30-2pm
APAC Hip Hop Camp
This camp may be theme-based or cuts of popular songs. Each day dancers enjoy freestyle dance disciplines & rhythmic lines while learning to isolate body movements at a bit more challenging level than the K-5th grade hip hop camp. Campers learn a short routine to perform in a special showcase on the final day of camp. Attire is loose-fitting clothing and sneakers. No flip flops or sandals. Showcase at the end of the final day of camp. Exact time TBA. If campers would like to enjoy a longer day of camp at APAC, they can register for the 10am-12pm Musical Theatre Camp and bring a sack lunch to eat before continuing on to the 12:30-2pm Hip Hop Camp. Adult supervision provided. Phones and electronic devices are not allowed at camp and are gathered up and stored until the end of camp each day if they are brought.
Age: 5-11yrs
Cost: $150
Date: June 17-21
Day: Mon-Fri
Time: 12:30-2pm
3D Building Bonanza
INSTRUCTOR: Emilio Tolentino + Guest Artist David Reynaud
AGES: Entering Grades 1st - 3rd
$100 CCA Members | $125 Non—Members
*To receive member discount code, please call the Center (325) 677-8389. Membership will be verified. Not a member? Add one to your cart!
Campers will learn the joy of creating with 3/D. Students will have a variety of projects that deal with building. Students will leave camp with a good understanding of sculpture and 3/D.
*Fee includes all supplies, tote bag, and snacks.
Tuesdays at 2
June 18: Tuesdays at 2
2PM in the NCCIL Gallery
FREE Story time and art exploration
In Partnership with the Abilene Public Library
Mystery Art Series to Tweens & Teens
If you’re a tween or teen, between the ages of 8-17, and you love art, be a part of the summer Mystery Art Series at your Main Library. Each session will feature different projects to dive into and using a variety of materials, and this session will be hosted on Friday, July 26 from 3:30PM-4:30PM. And since the art sessions will be a mystery, we certainly can’t tell you what you’ll be doing. So come out and join us for some art fun. All materials will be provided, all you need to bring with you is your creativity.
Family Fun Saturday
June 22: Family Fun Saturday
10AM-1PM
FREE Fine Art Project for families
Shootout at Frontier Texas!
Frontier Texas will host its annual series of Saturday Shootouts during the months of March, May and June 2024. This historical drama is based on the true events of the Abilene Pine Street Shootout of 1884 that occurred on the northeast corner of North 1st and Pine Street.
Saturday Shootouts
You and your family can come and witness the dramatization of this historic event hosted by Frontier Texas based on the true event of the 1884 Pine Street Shootout. You will be immersed in the drama and excitement of what it might have been like to witness the shootout just a few years after Abilene was founded. During this time, Abilene had just started making progress toward a more law-abiding town to appeal to the many railroad travelers and in the process caused tension amongst the townspeople, lawmen, and leaders.
The shootout starts at “high noon” (12:00 pm) on the Parade Grounds (outdoor courtyard) and will last about 10 minutes. Afterward there will be an opportunity for you and your family to interact with the characters and hear a little bit about the history of the Pine Street Shootout! Be sure to arrive a little early so you don’t miss the first draw.
About Frontier Texas
Frontier Texas is an interactive museum experience, where history comes to life. The museum is located at 625 North First Street in downtown Abilene. Call (325)437-2800 or visit www.frontiertexas.com today for more information.
ONGOING EXHIBIT
Blood & Treasure on the Frontier
Open Daily: Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm
NCCIL Fine Art Camp
June 24-28: NCCIL Fine Art Camp
9AM-12PM daily at the NCCIL
Visual art projects coupled with culinary art, performing art, language art, and more!
Registration open at nccil.org beginning March 11th
Painting Secrets
INSTRUCTOR: April Rifenburgh
AGES: Entering Grades 1st - 3rd
$100 CCA Members | $125 Non—Members
*To receive member discount code, please call the Center (325) 677-8389. Membership will be verified. Not a member? Add one to your cart!
Painting tips and tricks will be covered in this fun class. Campers will work with different kinds of paint and will learn about color and different artists. Students will learn about the different styles of painting and will go home with their own masterpieces.
*Fee includes all supplies, a tote bag, and snacks.
Manga Camp
INSTRUCTOR: Bethany Connell
AGES: Entering Grades 5th - 8th
$100 CCA Members | $125 Non—Members
*To receive member discount code, please call the Center (325) 677-8389. Membership will be verified. Not a member? Add one to your cart!
Welcome to the world of illustration, drawing, and anime. Join Mrs. Connell on an introduction to the world of comics. Students will study artists from around the world including Studio Ghibli, Christopher Hart, Yamamuro, and more. Students will learn from various animators' styles to create their own unique style! Students’ goal will be to leave at the end of the week with their own comic book.
*Fee includes all supplies, a tote bag, and snacks.
Be an Illustrator Class
Are you interested in being an illustrator? If so, come out to our program that’s dedicated to being an artist as we’ll feature books about illustration, instructional material, and a chance to practice your illustration skills at this event. Come with your creativity and have fun with library staff. This is a free session that will be hosted at the South Branch Library, located in the Mall of Abilene, running from 4:00PM-5:00PM and designed for youth.
STEAM Lab: Watercolor Art
Learning is fun and we’ll be highlighting this such thing at your library in our summer STEAM Lab series for youth. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math and they’re hands-on programming that allows youth to build critical thinking and reasoning skills in one of these subject areas. Our first session will run on Monday, June 24 from 4:30PM-5:15PM and designed for youth ages 8 and older at your Main Library. At this session, it’s all about the arts as we’ll explore and experiment with watercolors to create a colorful image. We’ll also throw in some science fun by using salt, lemons, and crayons to see how you can create different effects to your art and why. All materials will be supplied, just come ready to be a part of the STEAM fun!
Tuesdays at 2
June 18: Tuesdays at 2
2PM in the NCCIL Gallery
FREE Story time and art exploration
In Partnership with the Abilene Public Library
APAC Tahitian and Hula Dance Workshop
No prior experience required! Come enjoy a relaxing, comfortable, and encouraging environment learning techniques, movements and Polynesian culture through dance.
Age: Ladies of all ages
Cost: $50 per person ($75 family pair)
Date: June 25-27
Day: Tues-Thurs
Time: 5:30-7:30 pm
Mystery Art Series to Tweens & Teens
If you’re a tween or teen, between the ages of 8-17, and you love art, be a part of the summer Mystery Art Series at your Main Library. Each session will feature different projects to dive into and using a variety of materials, and this session will be hosted on Friday, July 26 from 3:30PM-4:30PM. And since the art sessions will be a mystery, we certainly can’t tell you what you’ll be doing. So come out and join us for some art fun. All materials will be provided, all you need to bring with you is your creativity.
Legally Blonde: The Musical
PARAMOUNT PRODUCTIONS' 2024 SUMMER MUSICAL
LEGALLY BLONDE
June 28th-30th & July 5th-6th
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!
Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
Family Fun Saturday
June 22: Family Fun Saturday
10AM-1PM
FREE Fine Art Project for families
Shootout at Frontier Texas!
Frontier Texas will host its annual series of Saturday Shootouts during the months of March, May and June 2024. This historical drama is based on the true events of the Abilene Pine Street Shootout of 1884 that occurred on the northeast corner of North 1st and Pine Street.
Saturday Shootouts
You and your family can come and witness the dramatization of this historic event hosted by Frontier Texas based on the true event of the 1884 Pine Street Shootout. You will be immersed in the drama and excitement of what it might have been like to witness the shootout just a few years after Abilene was founded. During this time, Abilene had just started making progress toward a more law-abiding town to appeal to the many railroad travelers and in the process caused tension amongst the townspeople, lawmen, and leaders.
The shootout starts at “high noon” (12:00 pm) on the Parade Grounds (outdoor courtyard) and will last about 10 minutes. Afterward there will be an opportunity for you and your family to interact with the characters and hear a little bit about the history of the Pine Street Shootout! Be sure to arrive a little early so you don’t miss the first draw.
About Frontier Texas
Frontier Texas is an interactive museum experience, where history comes to life. The museum is located at 625 North First Street in downtown Abilene. Call (325)437-2800 or visit www.frontiertexas.com today for more information.
ONGOING EXHIBIT
Blood & Treasure on the Frontier
Open Daily: Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm
APAC Summer Production Camp
Musical Theatre Production Camp
Join us for three weeks as we produce a full theatrical production. The first two weeks include casting, rehearsing, staging & choreographing the musical at APAC. Week three at the Paramount is the final staging & dress rehearsal. No prior experience or auditions are required to participate. We love a large cast size for our production camp so there is room for a large number of campers. But don’t wait! The camp will close to registration June 20th. All campers that register for camp are cast in the production. Bring a sack lunch & water bottle daily. Camp attire: no flip flops, no short shorts, appropriate clothing for movement and choreography.
2024
SUMMER DETAILS:
Ages: 8-18yrs (completed 3rd-12th grade)
Cost: $400 *15% sibling discount
(early bird 10% discount per person if registered and paid in January)
Camp Dates: July 1-20 (July 20 is not a camp day it is the final matinee performance)
Camp Days/Times: Mon-Fri 9am-3pm NO CAMP ON JULY 4th & 5th
Camp culminates with two performances at the Paramount Theatre.
Friday, July 19 @ 7pm and Saturday, July 20 @ 2:30pm.
(Friday performance follows the 9am-3pm camp day, there is no camp during the day on Saturday, July 20 prior to the matinee) Admission is charged. This is one of our biggest fundraising events!
SUMMER S.T.E.A.M.: Outer Space
SUMMER STEAM: Outer Space
Tuesday, July 2
1 pm – 5 pm
FREE EVENT
Stop by The Grace Museum for some fun S.T.E.A.M. activities related to space and astronomy.
Tuesdays at 2
· July 2: Tuesdays at 2
2PM in the NCCIL Gallery
FREE Story time and art exploration
In Partnership with the Abilene Public Library
Mystery Art Series to Tweens & Teens
If you’re a tween or teen, between the ages of 8-17, and you love art, be a part of the summer Mystery Art Series at your Main Library. Each session will feature different projects to dive into and using a variety of materials, and this session will be hosted on Friday, July 26 from 3:30PM-4:30PM. And since the art sessions will be a mystery, we certainly can’t tell you what you’ll be doing. So come out and join us for some art fun. All materials will be provided, all you need to bring with you is your creativity.
Legally Blonde: The Musical
PARAMOUNT PRODUCTIONS' 2024 SUMMER MUSICAL
LEGALLY BLONDE
June 28th-30th & July 5th-6th
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!
Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
Theatre Camp
INSTRUCTOR: Victoria Spangler
AGES: Entering Grades 4th - 6th
$100 CCA Members | $125 Non-Members
*To receive member discount code, please call the Center (325) 677-8389. Membership will be verified. Not a member? Add one to your cart!
The Center for Contemporary Arts will provide campers with the experience of designing a performance piece. Using music, literature and visual art, Dr. Victoria Spangler will help campers create original material from the smallest seed of an idea. Campers will also build costume pieces and props and select music and sound for their pieces. Campers will perform their program to an audience on their last day of camp.
*Fee includes all supplies, tote bag, and snacks.
World Traveler
World Traveler
July 8 – 12 | 9 AM – 12 PM
$125 Non-Members | $100 Grace Members
Entering 1st – 6th Grade
Students will explore and create artwork inspired by art from around the world. Each day students will get to “travel” to a new location to explore rich history and cultures. Projects will include stories and traditions from each location. Art projects will include drawing, painting, sculpting, and assemblage.
Precision Portfolio Camp
INSTRUCTOR: Emilio Tolentino
AGES: Entering Grades 9th - 12th
$100 CCA Members | $125 Non-Members
*To receive member discount code, please call the Center (325) 677-8389. Membership will be verified. Not a member? Add one to your cart!
The Center for Contemporary Arts will provide campers with the experience of understanding and creating an art portfolio. Students will learn how to write an art statement and create a sample of works from one big idea. Skills learned will help students create advanced placement portfolios.
*Fee includes all supplies, tote bag, and snacks.
Tuesdays at 2
2PM in the NCCIL Gallery
FREE Story time and art exploration
In Partnership with the Abilene Public Library
ARTIST RECEPTION: BILL WRIGHT
Thursday, July 11
FREE EVENT
5 pm – Art Galleries Open & Public Reception
6 pm – Featured artist, Bill Wright, will speak about his current photography exhibition, Bill Wright’s Texas: Luminous Landscapes.
Art in the Park: Foam Dough
Join your South Branch Library for our next Art in the Park event where we break out of the confines of our building and take our programs on the road through our popular Art in the Park series. Designed for youth of all ages, families are invited to join us at Red Bud Park, located at S. 32nd and Buffalo Gap and you’ll find us by the trees in the grassy area across from the playground. For the next session, hosted on Friday, July 12 from 10:00AM-11:00AM, we’ll supply all the materials to show youth how to make some Foam Dough. This event will be hosted as long as the weather permits, please follow us on social media, or our website, to check on cancellations due to weather.
Mystery Art Series to Tweens & Teens
If you’re a tween or teen, between the ages of 8-17, and you love art, be a part of the summer Mystery Art Series at your Main Library. Each session will feature different projects to dive into and using a variety of materials and this session will run on Friday, July 12 from 3:30PM-4:30PM. And since the art sessions will be a mystery, we certainly can’t tell you what you’ll be doing. So come out and join us for some art fun. All materials will be provided, all you need to bring with you is your creativity.
The Three Amigos
PARAMOUNT FILM SERIES:
THREE AMIGOS!
July 12-13 at 7:30pm
July 13 at 2:00pm (Closed Captioned)
Three actors accept an invitation to a Mexican village to perform their onscreen bandit fighter roles, unaware that it is the real thing.
1986 | Comedy/Western | 1 hour and 44 minutes | PG
TICKETS ARE $7 FOR ADULTS and $6 FOR STUDENTS, SENIORS (60+), MILITARY, and CHILDREN.
Art Exploration Camp
INSTRUCTOR: Abbie Brentham Sandoval
AGES: Entering Grades 1st-3rd
$100 CCA Members | $125 Non-Members
*To receive member discount code, please call the Center (325) 677-8389. Membership will be verified. Not a member? Add one to your cart!
Join Art Educator, Abbie Brentham Sandoval, for a week of exploration in art! Students will explore many materials and art processes throughout the week. Students will draw, paint, and make prints as they learn about the hows and whys of being an artist. This camp will be fun and colorful and perfect for a student wanting to try many things.
*Fee includes all supplies, tote bag, and snacks.
Tuesdays at 2
2PM in the NCCIL Gallery
FREE Story time and art exploration
In Partnership with the Abilene Public Library
GRACE STUDIO: Shibori Dyeing*
Thursday, July 18
6 pm – 8 pm
$30 ($25 for Grace Members)
Shibori is a traditional Japanese dyeing technique similar to tie-dye. Attendees will create beautiful indigo designs on dish towels. Grace Studio classes are for lifelong learners and lifelong artists – no experience necessary!
*Adult class – Register online at thegracemuseum.org/events
Cookie Decorating for Kids
Kids of all ages are invited to decorate a cake-shaped cookie at the South Branch Library during our Summer Reading Challenge on Sunday, July 21 from 1:30-2:30PM. Pastry chef Tasha Teel, owner of the Cakery in Lubbock, TX, will be showing us how to decorate your cookie based on the book “A Piece of Cake” by LeUyen Pham…who happened to be this year’s Children’s Art + Literacy Festival honoree. And bonus, you can eat your creation once you’re done. This will be a come & and go drop in event with all materials and instructions provided. Come have a tasty time creating something cool at your library!
Art Academy
Art Academy
July 22 – 26 | 1 – 4 PM
$125 Non-Members | $100 Grace Members
Entering 7th – 12th Grade
Art Academy is a camp designed with teens in mind. Students will use a variety of media such as charcoal, pastels, paint, and clay. Each day campers will have the opportunity to express themselves while they create hands-on art in a positive and encouraging environment.
Dance Intensive
APAC’s Dance Intensive
July 22-25 and July 29-31
Ages 12-18
This intensive is a fast paced workout for serious dancers who want to strengthen their technique and build endurance over the summer. Each two hour session focuses on an intensive exploration into specific styles of dance including Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Tahitian, Hula and Tap. Attire is modest dance clothing and appropriate footwear for each style of dance. Appropriate hair style is a bun or ponytail.
Age: 12-18yrs
Cost: $150
Date: July 22-25 & 29-31
Day: Mon-Thurs & Mon-Wed
Time: 6-8pm
Tuesdays at 2
2PM in the NCCIL Gallery
FREE Story time and art exploration
In Partnership with the Abilene Public Library
My First Art Camp: Session A
INSTRUCTOR: Brittany Bennett
AGES: Entering Kindergarten
$70 Non-Members | $45 CCA Members
*To receive member discount code, please call the Center (325) 677-8389. Membership will be verified. Not a member? Add one to your cart!
This camp is JUST for kids entering Kindergarten this school year! Campers will work with artist Casey Chavez to learn about art and try many materials. This camp is two days only and there are two sessions. Each session will feature different activities so campers can choose to take one or both!
*Fee includes all supplies and snacks.
Terrific Tots: Mess Free Paint Mixing
If you’re attending Toddler Time at your Main Library at 11:00AM, stick around afterwards for Terrific Tots that will start at 11:30AM. This is a program that will offer seasonal fun activities for toddlers to engage in. At this session, we’ll be having fun with colors! Join us we mix colors and fingerpaint completely mess free as the paint will be in baggies and off of our clothes and hands. Don’t miss out on the summer fun to be had.
Mystery Art Series to Tweens & Teens
If you’re a tween or teen, between the ages of 8-17, and you love art, be a part of the summer Mystery Art Series at your Main Library. Each session will feature different projects to dive into and using a variety of materials, and this session will be hosted on Friday, July 26 from 3:30PM-4:30PM. And since the art sessions will be a mystery, we certainly can’t tell you what you’ll be doing. So come out and join us for some art fun. All materials will be provided, all you need to bring with you is your creativity.
Gene Watson
JMT MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
GENE WATSON
JULY 27TH AT 7:00 PM
This masterful country stylist from Houston, Texas has been thrilling audiences for more than 50 years. At an age when most people are contemplating retirement, Gene Watson is still making some of the greatest records of his life, receiving such accolades as Album of the Year and even Album of the Decade from journalists around the world. Watson earned the title of 2010 Country Music Legend of the Year, from Citadel Media’s Real Country Radio Network nationwide fan vote.
Watson is one of the rare singers who still sings in the same key as he did 30 years ago and his audiences respond with standing ovations night after night when he nails the octave jumping last note on his most requested song, the now country classic “Farewell Party.” As Rodney Crowell so aptly stated, “Just when I think Country Music is a lost art form, something by Gene Watson catches my ear and I can breathe again.”
Considered one of the finest pure-country singers of his generation Watson offers up one of the best traditional country shows in the business. His stunning voice captivates audiences and keeps his fans coming back again and again.
Dallas Wayne is a singer, songwriter, radio DJ, voiceover artist, actor, and music producer. He considers himself lucky to make a living doing things he loves. Some might say it has more to do with talent than luck.
Finding Nemo
ABILENE TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION & BELTWAY PARK CHURCH PRESENT
FINDING NEMO
JULY 28TH AT 2:00 PM
PARAMOUNT ABILENE SUMMER FAMILY FILM SERIES. A clown fish named Marlin lives in the Great Barrier Reef and loses his son, Nemo, after he ventures into the open sea, despite his father's constant warnings about many of the ocean's dangers. Nemo is abducted by a boat and netted up and sent to a dentist's office in Sydney. While Marlin ventures off to try to retrieve Nemo, Marlin meets a fish named Dory, a blue tang suffering from short-term memory loss. The companions travel a great distance, encountering various dangerous sea creatures such as sharks, anglerfish and jellyfish, in order to rescue Nemo from the dentist's office, which is situated by Sydney Harbour. While the two are searching the ocean far and wide, Nemo and the other sea animals in the dentist's fish tank plot a way to return to the sea to live their lives free again.
My First Art Camp: Session B
INSTRUCTOR: Brittany Bennett
AGES: Entering Kindergarten
$70 Non-Members | $45 CCA Members
*To receive member discount code, please call the Center (325) 677-8389. Membership will be verified. Not a member? Add one to your cart!
This camp is JUST for kids entering Kindergarten this school year! Campers will work with artist Casey Chavez to learn about art and try many materials. This camp is two days only and there are two sessions. Each session will feature different activities so campers can choose to take one or both!
*Fee includes all supplies and snacks.
KinderCamp A
KinderCamp A
July 29 – 30 | 9 AM – 12 PM
$70 Non-Members | $45 Grace Members
Entering Kindergarten
KinderCamp is a two-day camp that will help spark the creativity and individual expression in your budding artists. Students will learn the basics of art while creating a few projects to take home.
Tuesdays at 2
2PM in the NCCIL Gallery
FREE Story time and art exploration
In Partnership with the Abilene Public Library
KinderCamp B
KinderCamp B
July 31 – August 1 | 9 AM – 12 PM
$70 Non-Members | $45 Grace Members
Entering Kindergarten
KinderCamp is a two-day camp that will help spark the creativity and individual expression in your budding artists. Students will learn the basics of art while creating a few projects to take home.
Family Fun Studio Night
· August 1: Family Fun Studio Night
6PM-8PM
$10/person, FREE to NCCIL Members
Register at nccil.org
The Jungle Book
ABILENE TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION & BELTWAY PARK CHURCH PRESENT:
SUMMER FAMILY FILM SERIES
THE JUNGLE BOOK
2:00 PM
As part of the FAMILY FILM SERIES, we are pleased to present a special screening of THE JUNGLE BOOK, the classic Disney movie for all ages!
In this classic Walt Disney animation based on Rudyard Kipling's book, Mowgli, an abandoned child raised by wolves, has his peaceful existence threatened by the return of the man-eating tiger Shere Khan (George Sanders). Facing certain death, Mowgli must overcome his reluctance to leave his wolf family and return to the "man village." But he is not alone on his quest: Aided by Bagheera the panther, and later by the carefree bear Balloo (Phil Harris), he braves the jungle's many perils.
1967 | Adventure/Family | 1 hour and 18 minutes | Rated PG
ALL SEATS FOR THIS SPECIAL FAMILY FILM SERIES ARE $2
Posted in Film Series, Family Film Series
SUMMER STEAM: Dinosaurs
SUMMER STEAM: Dinosaurs
Tuesday, August 6
1 pm – 5 pm
FREE EVENT
Stop by The Grace Museum for some fun S.T.E.A.M. activities related to dinosaurs and biology.
GRACE STUDIO: Abstract Flower Acrylic Pour*
Thursday, August 8
6 pm – 8 pm
$30 ($25 for Grace Members)
Participants in this class will get to experience the fun of an acrylic pour! This freeform painting technique uses tilting as the method for moving paint around your canvas rather than applying it with a brush. There’s NO way to mess up (bonus!) and each person’s painting will be completely unique. This is a great class for those who may be intimidated by traditional technical painting – or for pro-painters just looking to mix it up.
*Adult class – Register online at thegracemuseum.org/events
Jurassic Park
PARAMOUNT FILM SERIES:
JURASSIC PARK
August 9-10 at 7:30pm
August 10 at 2:00pm (Closed Captioned)
A pragmatic paleontologist touring an almost complete theme park on an island in Central America is tasked with protecting a couple of kids after a power failure causes the park's cloned dinosaurs to run loose.
1993 | Action/Adventure | 2 hours and 7 minutes | PG-13
TICKETS ARE $7 FOR ADULTS and $6 FOR STUDENTS, SENIORS (60+), MILITARY, and CHILDREN.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
ABILENE TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION & BELTWAY PARK CHURCH PRESENT:
SUMMER FAMILY FILM SERIES
E.T.
2:00 PM
As part of the FAMILY FILM SERIES, we are pleased to present a special screening of the classic film E.T.
After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas). Bringing the extraterrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., as the alien is dubbed, to his brother and his little sister, Gertie (Drew Barrymore), and the children decide to keep its existence a secret. Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien.
1982 | Family/Sci-Fi | 2 hours | Rated PG
ALL SEATS FOR THIS SPECIAL FAMILY FILM SERIES ARE $2
MOSES SNOW AS ELVIS
FRONT ROW EVENTS PRESENTS
MOSES SNOW AS ELVIS
THE KING OF ROCK N' ROLL
AUGUST 24TH AT 7:30 PM
TICKETS ON SALE IN THE BUTTON BELOW!
Don't miss one of the best tribute shows in America, Moses Snow as Elvis, Elvis Presley Enterprise's 3rd best tribute artist in the world! Moses Snow will be performing live at the Historic Paramount Theatre in Abilene, TX, one night only! Hosted by David Allen and featuring Shake Rattle & Roll and the Edge Of Reality Band, the show takes Elvis fans back in time. It's a night full of music and nostalgia. Get your tickets before it's too late. This show has had sell-out crowds all over America!
GRACE STUDIO: Oil Pastel Texas Landscape*
Thursday, August 29
6 pm – 8 pm
$30 ($25 for Grace Members)
Create a step-by-step landscape with oil pastels, inspired by works by Frank Reaugh on view in our current exhibition, For Love of the Land: Painting the Texas Landscape. Grace Studio classes are for lifelong learners and lifelong artists – no experience necessary!
*Adult class – Register online at thegracemuseum.org/events
Railroad Festival
Chugga-chugga … choo-choo! Abilene’s Railroad Festival is roaring back after a decades long hiatus!
Founded in 1881 by the railroad, Abilene has strong ties to the railroad companies that have operated here, and the railroad tracks that have literally shaped our city, dividing the town between the North Side and the South Side.
The festival includes tours of the historic T&P railroad buildings along N. 1st Street, exhibits in downtown museums, food trucks, Abilene Model Railroaders exhibit, special guests and more! Bring the family to the Abilene Cultural District for an entertaining and illuminating good time.
Napoleon Dynamite
PARAMOUNT FILM SERIES:
NAPOLEON DYNAMITE
September 13-14 at 7:30pm
September 14 at 2:00pm (Closed Captioned)
A listless and alienated teenager decides to help his new friend win the class presidency in their small western high school, while he must deal with his bizarre family life back home.
2004 | Comedy | 1 hours and 36 minutes | PG
TICKETS ARE $7 FOR ADULTS and $6 FOR STUDENTS, SENIORS (60+), MILITARY, and CHILDREN.
Abilene Creative Arts Club
The Abilene Creative Arts Club meets the second Saturday of each month from
1:30-3:30 p.m. at 1117 Walnut Studios & Gallery, 1117 Walnut St., Abilene, Texas.
Come and enjoy a speaker and learn about an art subject that may be of interest.
Persons with any level of art experience are welcome. The Abilene Creative Arts Club
does not meet in December, June, July and August.
44 Years of Outdoor SculpTour
Every other year in September, the landscape along the North 1st railroad tracks changes with the addition of new contemporary art.
The biennial Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition is celebrating 44 years of bringing contemporary outdoor sculpture to Abilene made by award-winning Texas artists. The exhibition is the longest-running community organized exhibition in Texas.
The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council’s Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition Committee organized the exhibition in partnership with the City of Abilene Community Services Department, McMurry, Hardin-Simmons and Abilene Christian universities, The Grace Museum and the Center for Contemporary Arts.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
PARAMOUNT FILM SERIES:
BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID
October 11-12 at 7:30pm
October 12 at 2:00pm (Closed Captioned)
In 1890s Wyoming, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid lead a band of outlaws. When a train robbery goes wrong, they find themselves on the run with a posse hard on their heels.
1969 | Drama | 1 hour and 50 minutes | PG
TICKETS ARE $7 FOR ADULTS and $6 FOR STUDENTS, SENIORS (60+), MILITARY, and CHILDREN.
Boo at the Zoo
Join us for an immersive fall festival experience including interactive activities, fall treats, animal encounters, and more! Your favorite little ghosts and goblins will be able to gather goodies at Vendor Trick-or-Treat stations spread throughout the zoo and show off their costume at the dance party.
Abilene Creative Arts Club
The Abilene Creative Arts Club meets the second Saturday of each month from
1:30-3:30 p.m. at 1117 Walnut Studios & Gallery, 1117 Walnut St., Abilene, Texas.
Come and enjoy a speaker and learn about an art subject that may be of interest.
Persons with any level of art experience are welcome. The Abilene Creative Arts Club
does not meet in December, June, July and August.
Boo at the Zoo
Join us for an immersive fall festival experience including interactive activities, fall treats, animal encounters, and more! Your favorite little ghosts and goblins will be able to gather goodies at Vendor Trick-or-Treat stations spread throughout the zoo and show off their costume at the dance party.
Boo at the Zoo
Join us for an immersive fall festival experience including interactive activities, fall treats, animal encounters, and more! Your favorite little ghosts and goblins will be able to gather goodies at Vendor Trick-or-Treat stations spread throughout the zoo and show off their costume at the dance party.
HOCUS POCUS
PARAMOUNT FILM SERIES:
HOCUS POCUS
October 30-31 at 7:30pm
A teenage boy named Max and his little sister move to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17th century.
1993 | Comedy/Family | 1 hour and 36 minutes | PG
TICKETS ARE $7 FOR ADULTS and $6 FOR STUDENTS, SENIORS (60+), MILITARY, and CHILDREN.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
PARAMOUNT FILM SERIES:
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK
November 8-9 at 7:30pm
November 9 at 2:00pm (Closed Captioned)
In 1936, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can obtain its awesome powers.
1981 | Action/Adventure | 1 hour and 55 minutes | PG
TICKETS ARE $7 FOR ADULTS and $6 FOR STUDENTS, SENIORS (60+), MILITARY, and CHILDREN.
Abilene Creative Arts Club
The Abilene Creative Arts Club meets the second Saturday of each month from
1:30-3:30 p.m. at 1117 Walnut Studios & Gallery, 1117 Walnut St., Abilene, Texas.
Come and enjoy a speaker and learn about an art subject that may be of interest.
Persons with any level of art experience are welcome. The Abilene Creative Arts Club
does not meet in December, June, July and August.
Zoo Christmas Celebration
Meet Santa and his reindeer, visit Arctic Lights, make a toy at Santa's Toy Workshop, journey to Beltway's Walk to Bethlehem, decorate a cookie at Mrs. Claus's Texas Bakery and be immersed in over 500,000 lights! When the night gets chilly, make s'mores around the fire or warm your mittens with hot cocoa or a hot toddy. Experience the magic of the season like never before!
13th Children's Art + Literacy Festival
Celebrate the picture book art of Dan Santat, author and illustrator known for his children's book “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend,” which won the 2015 Caldecott Medal for distinguished illustration. He also wrote “The Guild of Geniuses” and created the Disney Channel animated series “The Replacements.”
This year’s festival is June 12-15, 2025
Registration opens in February
Celebration Singers concert
Event Title: "AROUND THE YEAR WITH THE CELEBRATION SINGERS"
Celebration Singers, the Big Country's premier show choir of talented vocalists and musicians, will perform a free public concert in Abilene's historic Paramount Theater at 7 pm. It will be a memorable performance of classic year-around seasonal songs all music lovers will enjoy.
Courtyard Convos
Tuesdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28
11:30 am – 1 pm
BYO lunch
Spend your lunch break with us in the Grace Courtyard! Enjoy the outdoors by yourself, hang out with your co-workers, or come meet some new people. Museum admission is FREE during Courtyard Convos, so you can eat and still have time to look around the art and history galleries.
Homeschool Art Day
9 am, 11:30 am, and 2 pm classes
$5 (FREE for Big Country Home Educators Members)
Homeschool Art Day is a dedicated day of art education with unique projects exclusively for homeschoolers and their families.
*Student&FamilyClasses –Registrationandmoreinfoatthegracemuseum.org/events
Abilene Creative Arts Club
The Abilene Creative Arts Club meets the second Saturday of each month from
1:30-3:30 p.m. at 1117 Walnut Studios & Gallery, 1117 Walnut St., Abilene, Texas.
Come and enjoy a speaker and learn about an art subject that may be of interest.
Persons with any level of art experience are welcome. The Abilene Creative Arts Club
does not meet in December, June, July and August.
Shootout at Frontier Texas!
Frontier Texas will host its annual series of Saturday Shootouts during the months of March, May and June 2024. This historical drama is based on the true events of the Abilene Pine Street Shootout of 1884 that occurred on the northeast corner of North 1st and Pine Street.
Saturday Shootouts
You and your family can come and witness the dramatization of this historic event hosted by Frontier Texas based on the true event of the 1884 Pine Street Shootout. You will be immersed in the drama and excitement of what it might have been like to witness the shootout just a few years after Abilene was founded. During this time, Abilene had just started making progress toward a more law-abiding town to appeal to the many railroad travelers and in the process caused tension amongst the townspeople, lawmen, and leaders.
The shootout starts at “high noon” (12:00 pm) on the Parade Grounds (outdoor courtyard) and will last about 10 minutes. Afterward there will be an opportunity for you and your family to interact with the characters and hear a little bit about the history of the Pine Street Shootout! Be sure to arrive a little early so you don’t miss the first draw.
About Frontier Texas
Frontier Texas is an interactive museum experience, where history comes to life. The museum is located at 625 North First Street in downtown Abilene. Call (325)437-2800 or visit www.frontiertexas.com today for more information.
ONGOING EXHIBIT
Blood & Treasure on the Frontier
Open Daily: Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm
Launch Party!
Join us at the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden 10 am-12 pm Saturday, May 11 for the Launch Party of Abilene’s first augmented reality game app - the Abilene Storybook Experience! We’ll have free doughnuts, a Genius Squad helping users learn the game, costume characters and special celebrity guest Elsie Stark from the Kids Baking Championship TV show! Elsie will be giving away her delicious baked treats to the first 13 families to download the app!
Download the free app from Google Play Apps or the Apple App Store. Follow the map through the Abilene Cultural District to search for and “collect” Abilene’s beloved storybook sculptures and storybook benches. Embark on your very own Storybook Quest by collecting virtual sculptures, benches and buttons that will bring the characters from your favorite storybooks to life! The characters in the app move and you can take your photo with them.
The app is a project of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council.
The app is made possible by a Cultural District Enhancement grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and by generous donors!
Tombstone
PARAMOUNT FILM SERIES:
TOMBSTONE
May 10-11 at 7:30pm
May 11 at 2:00pm (Closed Captioned)
A successful lawman's plans to retire anonymously in Tombstone, Arizona are disrupted by the kind of outlaws he was famous for eliminating.
1993 | Drama | 2 hours and 10 minutes | R
TICKETS ARE $7 FOR ADULTS and $6 FOR STUDENTS, SENIORS (60+), MILITARY, and CHILDREN.
ArtWalk at the NCCIL
May 9: ArtWalk/AISD Art Show
5:30-8PM
Abilene Independent School District Art Show
Jay Moore: Abilene 101
Jay Moore’s annual Abilene history presentation takes a look at some things every Abilenian should know about our hometown! Free event
Jody Klotz Exhibit Reception
Jody Klotz is pleased to present “Alice Baber: Colors of the Rainbow.” This is the gallery’s first solo exhibition of the paintings of Alice Baber (1928-1982). The exhibition at Jody Klotz Fine Art features oil paintings and works on paper dating from 1960 to 1981 offering an expansive view of her stylistic evolution and exciting use of color and form. The show highlights the range of Baber’s abstract images, which earned her a place in the permanent collections of dozens of museums, both in the United States and abroad. In New York City alone, Baber’s paintings are in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Courtyard Convos
Tuesdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28
11:30 am – 1 pm
BYO lunch
Spend your lunch break with us in the Grace Courtyard! Enjoy the outdoors by yourself, hang out with your co-workers, or come meet some new people. Museum admission is FREE during Courtyard Convos, so you can eat and still have time to look around the art and history galleries.
Abilene Gives
The Abilene Storybook Experience App is a smartphone app that provides a fun, interactive way to experience Abilene’s Cultural District in augmented reality. The app will guide users on a walking tour of downtown Abilene to search for and “collect” Abilene’s beloved storybook sculptures and storybook benches.
Embark on your very own Storybook Quest by collecting virtual sculptures, benches and buttons that will bring the characters from your favorite storybooks to life!
With your help, we can provide the Abilene Storybook Experience App, at no cost to the public, and create an experience we want to make available to EVERYONE! Please consider donating to the Abilene Arts Alliance now or between 8am-8pm on May 7, 2024.
Early giving begins April 29!
Total Eclipse of the Chart
From New York based award winning performer, producer, director and arranger Scott Coulter, this show features a full range of chart topping artists to help you relive your 80s fantasy! Join the Abilene Philharmonic as the close the 2023-24 concert season with their third and final pops, "Total Eclipse of the Chart.” This is a concert you do not want to miss!
Ticket prices for this concert vary on seat location with a range of $25-$60 and student tickets are as low as $9.
**Children 5 and under are not allowed in the concert hall**
Swenson House Derby Day
Bring your biggest derby hat and sharpest clothing ensemble to be declared the "Best Dressed" of the Swenson House Derby.
Have a mint julep and a game of horseshoes under the beautiful shade trees on the Swenson grounds.
The Kentucky Derby will be broadcast during the event. Come early to "place your bets" to win prizes.
Enjoy delicious food and drinks. For the May 4th Star Wars fans there will be a category in the costume competition so be creative
Shootout at Frontier Texas!
Frontier Texas will host its annual series of Saturday Shootouts during the months of March, May and June 2024. This historical drama is based on the true events of the Abilene Pine Street Shootout of 1884 that occurred on the northeast corner of North 1st and Pine Street.
Saturday Shootouts
You and your family can come and witness the dramatization of this historic event hosted by Frontier Texas based on the true event of the 1884 Pine Street Shootout. You will be immersed in the drama and excitement of what it might have been like to witness the shootout just a few years after Abilene was founded. During this time, Abilene had just started making progress toward a more law-abiding town to appeal to the many railroad travelers and in the process caused tension amongst the townspeople, lawmen, and leaders.
The shootout starts at “high noon” (12:00 pm) on the Parade Grounds (outdoor courtyard) and will last about 10 minutes. Afterward there will be an opportunity for you and your family to interact with the characters and hear a little bit about the history of the Pine Street Shootout! Be sure to arrive a little early so you don’t miss the first draw.
About Frontier Texas
Frontier Texas is an interactive museum experience, where history comes to life. The museum is located at 625 North First Street in downtown Abilene. Call (325)437-2800 or visit www.frontiertexas.com today for more information.
ONGOING EXHIBIT
Blood & Treasure on the Frontier
Open Daily: Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm
Family Fun Saturday (May the Fourth be With You)
May 4: Family Fun Saturday (May the Fourth be with You)
10AM-1PM
FREE Fine Art Project for families
DirectFest Spring ’24
DirectFest Spring ’24, May 3-4
Van Ellis Theatre
7:30 p.m. each evening
The Spring Directing I class will to produce and direct a series of 15-minute shows.
Appropriate for all ages.
ART EXHIBITION RECEPTION
FREE EVENT
5 pm – Art Galleries Open & Public Reception
6 pm – Guest Speaker, Michael Grauer: “Texas Our Texas: The Silent Song of the Lone Star Landscape”
GRACE STUDIO: PLEIN AIR
$30 ($25 for Museum Members)
Join us downtown for an outdoor painting class – no experience necessary! Grace Studio classes are for lifelong learners and lifelong artists. Bring a friend or come make a new one.
*Adult Class – Register online at thegracemuseum.org/events
Family Paint Night
May 2: Family Fun Paint Night- StarWars
6PM-8PM
$10/person, FREE to NCCIL Members
Register at nccil.org
Tot Spot
Class times: 9:30 am, 11 am
$7 (FREE for Museum Members)
Tot Spot is a monthly creative experience designed for preschoolers (ages 3-5) and their families. Enjoy a mini gallery tour each month, a guided art project, and access to Spark following class.
*Children’s Class – Registration preferred (walk-ins welcome if space allows) thegracemuseum.org/events
Choral Jazz Concert at Jody Klotz Fine Art
Jody Klotz Fine Art hosts the Abilene Chamber Singers for a concert of choral jazz. The ensemble of 16 vocalists, under the direction of Joshua Wright, will perform a program of standards as well as new compositions surrounded by the artwork in the gallery. The performance accompanies the upcoming exhibition at JKFA entitled Alice Baber | All the Colors of the Rainbow. Join the Chamber Singers in this beautiful and intimate space and experience the multi-sensory immersion in art and music. The concert is free and open to the public.
Dirty Drawers
Free, all materials provided, no experience required.
● Join us every Monday at the Center for Contemporary Arts for Dirty Drawers: our weekly figure drawing sessions, going 40+ years strong! All materials are provided and no experience is required. Donations are appreciated. Instructor: Sergio Hernandez.
Free, all materials provided, no experience required.
World Ballet Series: Swan Lake
World Ballet Series: Swan Lake
Performed with a LIVE Orchestra
Experience the legendary!
Swan Lake, the ballet of all ballets, will be performed one night only as part of the World Ballet Series. See the iconic Dance of the Little Swans, count the 32 fouettés performed by Odile, and immerse yourself in magical Tchaikovsky's music.
The production will feature richly detailed, hand-painted sets as well as over 150 radiant costumes that bring fresh representation to this timeless classic.
*Performed with a live orchestra.
World Ballet Series is a unique project that attracts many international artists and is composed of renowned professional dancers representing over ten countries who are united by a passion for entertaining audiences and enriching classical ballet traditions through brilliant, critically-acclaimed new productions of timeless ballet classics.
Audience: 5+
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20-minute intermission)
Beauty and the Beast
PANTO COMPANY USA & PARAMOUNT ABILENE PRESENT
BEAUTY & THE BEAST
APRIL 28TH AT 2:00 PM
TICKETS ON SALE IN THE BUTTON BELOW!
An old castle, an enchanted forest and a true story of love...It could only be Beauty and the Beast! The Panto Company USA brings the beloved musical to life with Dame Dotty Potty, Loopy Louie, Gaston, Belle and the Beast. As Belle is held captive in the castle, families will love finding out if she falls in love with the Beast before the spell finally consumes him. Will the Beast’s selfishness cost him the world he once knew and the hand of the beauty that has captured his heart?
The Panto Company is a producer of family entertainment in the United Kingdom, and for the last twelve years, they have been producing touring musical theater shows in the United States. Beauty and the Beast is a new production for 2024. They use replicas of the elaborate sets and costumes used in the U.K.
Pantomime is a type of musical comedy designed for family. It was first developed in England and includes songs, gags, slapstick comedy and dancing. The humor is family-friendly and the story is based on a well-known fairy tale or fable that the audience will recognize. It’s interactive, so get ready to sing along and shout out. Be prepared for lots of laughter, stunning costumes, music and plenty of magic. It’s a delight for the entire family.
Family Fun Saturday with HSU
FREE Fine Art Project for families
Special HSU Family project
Meet the Mascot and Cheerleaders
Disney's High School Musical On Stage
Disney’s High School Musical On Stage
spring musical
April 18, 20, 26 & 27, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
April 21 | 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
(April 26 Talkback)
$25 (No dinner)
$20 (Ages 10 and under)
$60 (Includes dinner on April 20 & 27only*)
Fulks Theatre
*Dinner is at 6:15 p.m. in Hester Lobby.
Recommended for ages 8 and older
Directed by Joey Banks
Musical direction by Dr. Chris Hollingsworth