Abilene City Council to weigh in on Winnie the Pooh & Giving Tree sculptures

The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council is seeking city council approval to accept donated sculptures based on Winnie the Pooh and The Giving Tree.

If approved, the Winnie the Pooh sculpture series would be placed in the Clear Fork Bank Storybook Garden outside the Abilene Convention Center and unveiled during the 2026 Children’s Art and Literacy Festival.

The Giving Tree sculpture, inspired by Shel Silverstein’s beloved 1964 book, would also be installed in the Clear Fork Bank Storybook Garden, though its unveiling date has not yet been determined.

The Visual Arts Jury approved both sculptures at its February 24, 2025 board meeting. No fiscal impact is expected, and the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council will present the proposal to the city council on Thursday, March 13.