| | National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature | Hits 7 | | | | |
| | | | Site Information | | | A non-profit organization located in the Grace Cultural Center. Provides recognition of the artistic achievements of illustrators and gallery exhibition of their works. The site includes examples from the permanent collection and current exhibits.
| The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) is a non-profit organization incorporated in February of 1997 in the state of Texas. We are located at the corner of North First & Cedar streets in a beautifully renovated circa 1920 building. Come see us or call 325-673-4586.
The NCCIL is a unique example of the power of a community committed to children and literacy. A 1995 feasibility study by arts researcher Nancy Pressley indicated a need for exhibitors of art from children's literature. In 1996, the NCCIL was established as a collaborative effort of the Junior League of Abilene, the Museums of Abilene, and a community, state and nationally based steering committee.
The NCCIL provides recognition of the artistic achievements of illustrators and gallery exhibitions of their works. Additionally, the NCCIL designs educational programming that relates to illustrations in children's literature in order to stimulate creativity, promote literacy and to increase appreciation for art.
Childhood's Great Adventure by Rick Jackson
At the corner of Cypress Street and North First, "Childhood's Great Adventure," a bronze statue by Rick Jackson, celebrates the story of three fictional Abilene children featured in the book Santa Calls, by William Joyce. Art Atchinson Aimesworth, his sister Esther, and his best friend Spaulding Littlefeets, welcome children to climb aboard the sculpture and sail off on imaginary adventures in their canoe, which rests on a large open book.
William Joyce says "Children's literature is the first literature and the first art that children are exposed to. It should be good. And when it is, it should be given respect."
(Dallas Morning News, December 1, 1996)
The NCCIL currently has exhibits touring to venues nationwide.
How the NCCIL Began
The NCCIL's "desk," created entirely of giant books. It serves as a favorite spot for visiting illustrators to sign books.
In December of 1993, former Abilene mayor Dr. Gary McCaleb was invited to a local elementary school library to read a book to children. The book he was given to read was Santa Calls, written and illustrated by William Joyce. The main characters in Santa Calls live in Abilene, Texas.
At first, Dr. McCaleb wondered if the book was "for real," or merely a computer-generated special edition. Later that day Dr. McCaleb called William Joyce at his home in Shreveport, Louisiana. This time it was Mr. Joyce's turn to be skeptical when told that the mayor of Abilene, Texas, was on the phone. The mayor asked Mr. Joyce to come to Abilene to speak at a Cultural Affairs Council luncheon and, when the two men met, they formed an immediate friendship. From that friendship came the idea of a place that would honor the artwork from children’s illustrated literature.
A feasibility study was undertaken, and in March of 1997, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature was born.
The Junior League of Abilene became the major sponsor for the NCCIL. A capital campaign to raise 2 million dollars was launched on May 11, 1999. The campaign was successful, and on September 14, 2000, the 9,700 square-foot NCCIL building was opened to the public.
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| | | Contact Information | | | National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature 102 Cedar Abilene, Texas 79601, Tel: (325) 673-4586 http://www.nccil.org/ E-mail National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature | | | | If you're the owner or webmaster of this site then please Claim this Link Once you claim this link and we approve it you will be the only one who can modify the listing in the future. |
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| | Date Added: Tue Sep 13 2005 | | Last Updated: Tue Sep 13 2005 | | | | |
