ABILENE, Texas — The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council hosted its annual Celebrate the Arts in Abilene luncheon Wednesday.

During the event, there were costumed characters and major announcements regarding new improvements to the Abilene Cultural District.

This event combines the HeARTS for the ARTS Members Luncheon and the 2024 Abilene Art Awards which honor the year’s outstanding individuals and businesses.

Recipients of HeARTS for ARTS grants were also recognized. These grants are awarded for local arts programs serving children and special populations. The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council said it invested $174,880 in these grants for the community.

The costumed characters and themed table decorations were inspired by Matt Phelan, winner of the 2025 Children’s Art + Literacy Festival. Their original works will be on display at the National Center for Illustrated Children’s Literature next summer during CALF.

The 2024 Abilene Art Award winners include:

• Meredith Brannon – Abilene Ballet Theater
• John Moxley – Abilene Community Group
• Cam Geronzin – Abilene Community Theater
• Erika Parker – Abilene Education Foundation
• Dr. Dee Romines – Abilene Opera Association
• Kayla Copher Young – Abilene Performing Arts Company
• Joe Biles – Abilene Philharmonic Association
• Carrie Blaschke – Abilene Preservation League
• Mary Berry – Abilene Writers Guild
• Carol Haynes – Abilene Zoological Society
• Betty Ann Blackburn – Celebration Singers
• Freddy Gonzales – Contemporary Art Center
• Jeff Nelson – Children’s Art and Literacy Festival