The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) is thrilled to welcome award-winning illustrator LeUyen Pham to Abilene for the 2024 Children’s Art and Literacy Festival (CALF), hosted by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council.

Pham, is originally from Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh City), she moved to Southern California after the Vietnam War. She then discovered her passion for illustration while studying at the University of California Los Angeles and later worked at DreamWorks Animation. Pham is renowned for her work on the Princess in Black series, the Vampirina Ballerina series (now a Disney Plus show), Bear Came Along, and Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn.

The festival will run from June 13th through the 16th, with Pham’s art exhibition opening on June 13 at 3:00 PM at the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL). Last year’s introduction of CALF Artist Workshops continues with Pham’s sessions, which have already sold out. However, fans can still get signed books during the Sketch with LeUyen event on June 13th at 7:00 PM at the Paramount Theatre and on June 14th from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the NCCIL.

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A highlight of the festival is the Pink Party Dinner with LeUyen Pham on June 14th at 6:00 PM. Enjoy an evening of drinks, dinner, and conversation with Pham while supporting the NCCIL’s mission to bring art and literacy to the West Texas community.

So, grab the kids put on some cool clothing, and let's have fun in downtown Abilene during the 2024 Children's Arts and Literacy Festival. Join us in celebrating LeUyen Pham and the joy of children’s literature at CALF 2024.

For tickets, visit nccil.org, email molly@nccil.org, or call 325.673.4586 as well as for more information.

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