City of Lake Charles, Louisiana

For Immediate Release:    January 26, 2011

For Further Information Contact:   Denise Fasske, City of Lake Charles

Fairy Tales at 1911 City Hall

The City of Lake Charles will host two 2 interactive events to enhance Fairy Tale Art: Illustrations from Children's Books on exhibit through March 26 at the Historic 1911 City Hall Arts and Cultural Center. Both events are free and all ages are welcome.  

Dress the kids as their favorite fairy tale character for an Enchanted Afternoon on Saturday, February 5 from 12:30-2pm. The fun includes storybook readings, snacks, and a scavenger hunt through Fairy Tale Art.

On Wednesday, February 9, a special Gallery Talk about the collaboration between author, Tommie Townsley and illustrator, Anne Dentler will begin at 6 p.m. Award winning Tommie Townsley, is well known for her Cajun tales that continue to inspire children everywhere about Louisiana and its unique culture. Each story also contains a valuable lesson they can use in their everyday lives. In her first book, Adolpheaux The Adventurous Dolphin, the devastation of two major hurricanes left Louisiana residents homeless and confused, yet determined. The re-birth of Southwest Louisiana and the determination of the people have inspired Townsley to write children's books about the region she appreciates and loves. She has written and published five picture books, Adolpheaux The Adventurous Dolphin, Clyde The Cajun Calf, Amos The Artistic Alligator, Dixie The Ole Dawg, and Sabine's First Family Reunion. The books will be for sale on this evening and the author and illustrator will be on hand for signing. You can visit Townsley online at http://www.kidscajuntales.com/.

The watercolor illustrations in Townsley's books are exquisitely painted by local artist, Anne Dentler.  Dentler grew up at the tableside of her graphic artist father, listening to the radio and "seeing" their stories in her head.  Her many awards testify to her ability to create pictures from words.  Dentler has illustrated a total of fourteen books for several well-known area authors, and has authored and illustrated her own text, "Portraiture in Plain Language."

Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted.  For more information, please call 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.

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