HSU Professor to Host Sculptor Workshop At Children’s Art Festival

Hardin-Simmons University Art Professor Steve Neves will be hosting a workshop at the Children’s Art and Literacy Festival, also known as CALF, in downtown Abilene on June 9. The one-hour workshop “Make Your Own Storybook Sculpture” will take place at the Center for Contemporary Arts first floor photo gallery. During this event, Neves will show the importance and fun of art and literacy through his artwork.

Known as the Storybook Sculptor, Neves has actively participated in CALF since 2014. During this time, he has completed a total of eight storybook sculptures that are displayed throughout Abilene. The first five pieces that were created celebrate characters from the books of the author and illustrator William Joyce. Two of Neves’ sculptures were dedicated to the characters from the works of David Shannon. He also sculpted the “Good Night Dinosaur” piece in 2016, honoring the works of Mark Teague.
Neves is currently working on five different art sets, containing 15 pieces total, which will be opened up to the public on June 8. One of these sculptures is the house of the Three Bears from the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

During this year’s festival, Neves will lead a workshop that will teach children to make a clay Wilbur the Pig in honor of the story Charlotte’s Web. The workshop is open to ages 8 and up; however due to the overwhelming popularity of Neves’ past workshops, the event was sold out within the first week of registration.

Sidney Levesque, Marketing Director for CALF, has seen the positive impacts that Neves and his artwork havehad on the Abilene Community, and she guarantees an educational and fun experience for all who attend the workshop.

“We believe Steve’s art is inspiring children to enjoy literature and to be creative. Several people who have attended his workshops in the past have even said it was the highlight of their trip,” Levesque said.