Mazza Museum of Children’s Book Illustrators
Aug 01, 2014 by Bonnie
On our way back to Michigan from the Creation Museum in Kentucky, we stopped at Mazza Museum in Findlay, Ohio. This unusual museum is on the campus of the University of Findlay, and is the first and largest teaching museum in the world specializing in collecting original works by the most distinguished and honored illustrators of children’s books. It began with four artworks in 1982, and has increased to over 8,000 pieces today.
We arrived at the museum about a half-hour before closing time, but the director, Benjamin Sapp, welcomed us warmly, and hearing that we were from Tennessee, offered to stay late and show us around. He told us many interesting stories about the artists, the works themselves, and the programs that the museum offers. He was so accommodating that we stayed until a half hour after closing, and even then, he gave us calendars, brochures, and even a piece of chocolate with the Mazza logo imprinted on it, for us to take along. We hope to be able to share this treasure with others and to visit again someday.
We were impressed by the superb quality of the work, and variety of media and art styles exhibited. Styles were everything from realistic to impressionistic, cartoon, and folk art. Some of the media were collage, paper-cut, paper-cut, cross-stitching, wood cut, potato print, of course paint! If you ever get the chance, do stop by and see this excellent little museum. Check it out on http://www.mazzamuseum.org.
