Waco Chisolm Trail Heritage
The Chisholm Trail - the very name conjures up
images of cowboys and longhorns. An important
part of Texas folklore and history, the Chisholm
trail is a big part of Waco's history,too. Through a generous million dollar donation
from local businessman Clifton Robinson and his wife, Betsy Robinson, the Waco Cultural Arts Fest is bringing that history to life. Thanks to their financial contribution, life sized sculptures of scenes from a Chisholm Cattle Drive will grace the banks of the Brazos River in Waco. Artist Robert Summer's sculptures promote art in public spaces as well as
celebrate our rich history.To learn more about the
"Branding the Brazos" click our packet below.
The Waco Cultural Arts Fest partners with the City of Waco's Brazos Nights to provide FREE arts activities to attendees of the four Brazos Nights concerts at Indian Spring Park. With donated art supplies and WCAF volunteers,WCAF provides fun and educational art activities for concert attendees. Next time you come to a performance,look out for our tent - or better yet, get in touch with our VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR and help out with the fun!
Autism in Action is another WCAF community partnership that encourages arts experiences in the community. Autism in Action focuses on helping individuals diagnosed with autism create original artwork for display and auction. The proceeds from the auctions go directly to local and national autism support groups. Puzzle pieces are available for purchase. Family, friends, and awareness supporters can paint these symbols of autism to show support for “Autism in Action.” The WCAF often provides volunteers and art supplies for this wonderful program.
The Talitha Koum Nurture Institute, housed in the old Boys & Girls Club on Clay Ave. at 13th st. The building was originally a World War II aircraft hangar at Connally Air Force Base. It was later moved to its current location at 1311 Clay Ave. In 2006, local students and volunteers with the Waco Cultural Arts Fest decided to give the children at Talitha Koum a more light-hearted atmosphere by commissioning murals around the facilities.
This latest Outreach Program by the WCAF is another example of our mission to bring hope and inspiration to the community through art. Volunteers gathered to paint a nursery rhyme mural designed by local artist, Sam Torres. As a boy, Sam spent many hours at the Boys and Girls Club. One of the wall murals is located in the front nursery area and depicts the Mother Goose nursery rhyme, "Hey Diddle Diddle." Torres drew a sketch of the mural and volunteers from the National Charity League painted the mural. Some of the volunteers and mothers-daughter groups spent five weekends painting the 92–by-16 foot country scene mural, once the gym. WCAF volunteers provided supervision of the groups and auxiliary support.
Now the children of Talitha Koum have a host of fun nursery rhyme characters to brighten-up their playtime period. Additionally, the student painters and other volunteers have gained a sense of accomplishment by expressing themselves through the artwork. More murals are in the works with the hope that the entire center will be a colorful haven for the children it serves.
